The five best destinations for a family holiday in March
By March, you’ve made it through the darkest months in Britain, and spring is on its way. This is the time to sneak in a final ski trip, fast-track your exposure to light by heading long-haul in search of winter sun, or take advantage of a long Easter break from school - the holiday is relatively early this year, on April 1 - to soak up some culture at home or around Europe, as a family.
1. Canarian sun
The easiest way to a sunny spot is a flight to the Canaries. There are underground lava tubes to explore, pyramids to peruse, ancient forests to discover, giant lizards to spot, and That’s all before you even consider the beaches and(virtually) guaranteed sun. Choose the best island for your family using our guid e. Tenerife and Lanzarote have the most child-focused hotels-Princesa Yaiza on the latter is a perennial favourite, thanks to its all-singing and dancing kids’ club and spa.Tots to Travel offers villas geared up for babies and toddlers on either island. For older children, consider packages from operators like Cachet Travel , Classic Collection, Prestige Holidays , Thomas Cook and TUI.
2. Markets and seaside fun at Essaouira
For British families after an adventure and some relaxation, skip the high-energy Marrakesh for the calmer shores of Essaouira. Pinned to the country’s Atlantic coast 110 miles west of Marrakesh, here is all the food and market frenzy you may expect of any Moroccan city – but also long beaches which are oases for surfers and windsurfers. Look for packages from Kuoni or Smith & Family.
3. Double-destination Florida
Reliable sun is in the very slogan of “The Sunshine State” - but don’t be fooled into thinking this is a child-only destination. Linger for a few days in the Orlando theme parks - even if you don’t like princesses or talking mice, Disney’s rollercoasters are second to none - but then head either to the Kennedy Space Station, to nurture the would-be astronaut, or to Miami, for some excellent food, beaches, and art. See our guide to Florida for families here , and look for fly-drive packages from operators including British Airways, TUI and Virgin Holidays .
4. Caribbean break
This is an excellent time of year for a trip to the Caribbean; the longer Easter holiday will allow you to recover from jetlag and have plenty of time to relax on the beach. The region took a hard blow last autumn when two category five hurricanes passed through, but while there was devastation, more than 70 per cent of the Caribbean remains open for - and in need of - business. For real seclusion, head to the beautiful island of Nevis, either to the
Four Seasons resort , with its golf and watersports, or to the more low-key but very pretty Nisbet Plantation . Both are waterside (unusual on Nevis). For keenly priced trips, search Thomas Cook for destinations including Antigua.
5. European capitals
Even if it’s just a weekend, as flowers sprout across Europe, there is no better time to learn together. With playgrounds and glorious parks in every neighbourhood, London has plenty to entertain young visitors. Its vast range of museums and sporting venues make it a winner for teens, too. For ideas on what to do, see our guides to London's best activities for kids ,
London’s best parks for families, best children’s activities £5 or less , and the best days out from London . See here for London’s best hotels for families. Or try Copenhagen, where fairy tales take a dark and fascinating turn. From the sad mermaid in the harbour to the magical Round Tower, with its
equestrian staircase, there is plenty of food for thought. Tivoli , Copenhagen's amusement park, open since the days of Hans Christian Andersen, features a handful of adrenaline rides, but also flower gardens, funfair booths, a lake, good dining venues and a romantic air in the evenings. Best hotels in Copenhagen.
Unmissable, also, for children of all ages, is Rome. This capital of ancient history, fantastic cuisine, and stunning beauty will please even the grum
