THE FACTS ABOUT A UK ACTIVITY HOLIDAY

Activity centres are usually based in the most scenic areas of the country and can be a great option for families who want to learn new skills such as sailing, mountaineering, abseiling and kayaking. Accommodation can be fairly basic, with shared bathrooms; but you'll spend most of your time out of doors anyway, so you don't need luxury. Over the summer half term, Plas Menai National Watersports Centre near Caernarfon in Gwynedd (01248 670964; www.plasmenai.co.uk) runs a five-day 'Family Fun' course (including sailing, canoeing, windsurfing, power boating and indoor climbing) and a family sailing course (learning to skipper Dart 16 catamarans and seven-metre Hunter 707 keelboats) at £1,400 for two adults and two children under 16 years. Courses start on 31 May. Clyne Farm Activity Centre near Swansea (01792 403333; www.clynefarm.com) charges from £410 per week for a cottage sleeping four during this half term, with activities extra - for example a 'gorge' day (a walking trip with plunges through waterfalls and pools) costs about £32 per person. Properly supervised centres complying with safety guidelines are listed by The British Activity Holiday Association (01932 252994; www.baha.org.uk); alternatively you can contact individual sports governing bodies. The Scottish and Welsh tourist-information websites www.visitscotland.com (click on 'Active Scotland') and www.visitwales.com (click on 'Adventure Wales') are good sources of information on active holidays in their regions. BONUS POINTS Best for families with older children who want an energetic, action-packed holiday without paying over the odds.