UK

Bank Holiday Bliss in the Heart of England - Herefordshire for £183 pp with Canine Cottages

Treat the family… and your four-legged friend… to a long weekend of walks and lazy summer evenings gathered around the BBQ, staying at Buzzards Call (sleeps four, plus one dog), a stylish wooden lodge with lovely interiors and panoramic countryside views. Set within the grounds of a smallholding, privacy is guaranteed. Roam the meadows, explore the network of well waymarked footpaths on your doorstep or venture out to the nearby market town of Leominster, the beautiful cathedral city of Hereford and Ludlow, with its medieval castle, just across the Shropshire border. Arriving Friday 28 August, a three-night stay costs £183 pp (£733 total). £20 supplement for the dog. Call Canine Cottages on 01237 459821 (www.caninecottages.co.uk).

Luxury picnics, coastal walks & hot tub bliss – from £262.50 pp with Seaham Hall, County Durham

Seaham Hall’s grounds set the scene perfectly for a tranquil weekend away – enjoy al fresco nibbles and drinks on its outdoor sun loungers, indulge in a luxury picnic of North East bites and bubbles in the 37 acres of landscaped gardens, or opt for a refreshing walk along the rugged coast – just a five-minute stroll from the hotel. Back at Seaham Hall, sink into an open-air hot tub at the spa before your soothing massage. A one-night stay costs from £262.50 pp (two sharing a Junior Suite - £525 total), including a three-course dinner for two, a 60-minute massage each and spa access. Picnic extra. Call Seaham Hall on 0191 516 1400 (www.seaham-hall.co.uk).

Have a Bank Holiday ball in Harrogate – North Yorkshire for £180 pp with holidaycottages.co.uk

For a Bank Holiday break that blends easy access to the countryside with all the conveniences of a town, look no further than The Mezzanine (sleeps four), an outstanding split-level apartment in central Harrogate. It’s close to The Stray, a pretty 200-acre parkland that links the curative springs and spas for which Harrogate is known, and ideal for exploring the Yorkshire Dales National Park or visiting nearby York and Leeds. Assuming you can tear yourself away from the property of course, which boasts airy living space, two king-size bedrooms and a delightful courtyard patio. Arriving Friday 28 August, a three-night stay costs £180 pp (£721 total). Call holidaycottages.co.uk on 01237 459888 (www.holidaycottages.co.uk).

Switch off in Suffolk – two nights from £153 pp with Pride of Britain Hotels

Made up of three Tudor houses and an ancient Wool Hall, the Swan at Lavenham Hotel and Spa is located in the heart of medieval Lavenham. Relax in Weavers’ House Spa’s outdoor vitality pool – 30-minute time slots are pre-bookable – enjoy a 90-minute spa treatment (priced from £100) and dine on fresh seasonal produce in the atmospheric Gallery restaurant. A two-night flexible B&B rate over the Bank Holiday weekend is priced from £305 total/£153 pp (two sharing) including use of the spa facilities and full Suffolk breakfast. Free cancellation within 48 hours of arrival. Contact Pride of Britain Hotels (0800 089 3929; www.prideofbritainhotels.com).

EUROPE

Late summer in the City of Lights – Paris from £586 pp, save £118 pp, with Kirker

With its elegant tree-lined boulevards, pretty parks and chic pavement cafés, where better to head for a restorative Bank Holiday break than Paris? A short, socially distanced hop by Eurostar brings the French capital and all its al fresco delights to your doorstep… take a stroll by the Seine, sample divine cuisine and enjoy museum visits without the usual crowds. Arriving Friday 28 August, the price is from £586 pp (two sharing) - saving £118 pp - including Eurostar, return hotel transfers, accommodation with breakfast at the three-star Le Sénat, Seine river cruise, two-day Museum Pass, Métro tickets, Kirker Guide Notes and Concierge Service. Call AITO* member Kirker on 020 7593 2283, www.kirkerholidays.com.

A beautifully rustic countryside escape – Eastern Sicily from £1,099 pp with Sunvil

Commenda di San Calogero is a charming country home set in 110 acres of verdant, lavish gardens. Lined with orange and olive groves, the estate features a Hammam spa and a large saltwater swimming pool, with views of Mount Etna and gently undulating hills and valleys. Located in north Syracuse, the accommodation is next to a small village and is a perfect base to explore the sites of southeast Sicily, including the many archaeological ruins. Other nearby activities include kayaking, trekking, mountain biking and rafting. Departing 28 August, a four-night B&B stay costs from £1,099pp (two sharing), including flights (London) and car hire. Call AITO* member Sunvil on 020 8758 4722 (www.sunvil.co.uk).

*AITO is The Specialist Travel Association: more than 120 specialist travel companies providing an unrivalled collection of holiday ideas that cover every corner of the world. Consumers booking with AITO can be assured of high-quality holidays and excellent personal service. Visit www.aito.com for further information.