Family-friendly holiday cottages

1 and 2 Compton Farm are a pair of 19th-century cottages a short walk from Compton Bay. As well as being a favourite with fossil hunters, Compton beach is ideal for swimming. The wildflower-rich downland nearby offers lots of opportunity to tick off 50 things activity No. 38 bring up a butterfly. Both cottages sleep 4.

Watch the waves lap the shore when you stay in this three-bedroom seaside cottage. Enjoy an escape with all-encompassing views or somewhere that’s surrounded by fun family-friendly activities. Try some surfing, have a go at horse riding or visit to the iconic Giant’s Causeway. Sleeps 6.

Stay in a traditional stone farmhouse above Camels Cove. This idyllic retreat has plenty of space for family fun, from a comfortable sitting room with a fire to a large garden, barbeque and table for alfresco dining. Head off to Carne or Pendower for more seaside adventures. Sleeps 6.

Stackpole Cottage is in one corner of an attractive courtyard complex close to the sea at Stackpole Quay. As well as being a top spot for stargazing and 50 things activities at the beach, young nature explorers can head to Stackpole’s Bosherton Lakes to discover what’s in a pond or hunt for bugs. Sleeps 5.

Darfar is one of a pair of holiday cottages on the bank of the River Manifold in the Peak District National Park. The surrounding countryside is great for bug hunting and birdwatching and there’s a hard-surface cycle trail right on your doorstep. Visit Hinkley Wood in nearby Ilam Park to create wild art or build a den. Sleeps 4.

With a fascinating history, this late 18th-century whitewashed cottage is located close to Peppercombe Beach – one of the best surfing spots in the country. For a family break that’s a little gentler, discover the cobbled village of Clovelly or the lively port of Bideford. Sleeps 3.

Spacious and welcoming with a large garden, Holeslack Farmhouse is great for larger family groups. The farmhouse sits on the medieval Sizergh Castle estate offering lots of activities for budding adventurers right on your doorstep. Play hide-and-seek amongst the towering trees in Sizergh's gardens, build a den in the wooded knoll or search for hidden geocashes across the estate. Sleeps 8.

This stylish family-friendly holiday home is packed with character from its past. Surrounded by rolling countryside, you won’t need to head far for fun nature adventures. Explore the history and culture of York, Harrogate or the nearby Fountains Abbey where you have free entry. Sleeps 4.

Impress the family in this grand manor house with historic significance and original features like 15ft-high windows and one of England’s largest fireplaces. Keep everyone entertained by visiting the Jurassic Coastline, exploring the surrounding ‘Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ or in the family games room. Sleeps 10.