East of england

York is a fine place to visit at this time of year, with medieval streets such as The Shambles and the towering York Minster lending it a romantic Christmassy atmosphere. Nearby adults-only York Carav

Bucklesham Hall, Bucklesham, Ipswich, Suffolk. A renovated, 15th-century hall set in formal gardens with spring-fed lakes, including one with a Japanese-style bridge and an island. It has beamed ceili

Christine Faughlin sings the praises of a converted chapel on the 30,000-acre Bolton Abbey estate in the Yorkshire Dales

Dray House, Dyrham, near Bath, Gloucestershire. A detached family home next to the historic grounds of Dyrham Park. It has a terrace with pizza oven, an electric-car charging point, and a wooded area

Whisby Nature Park is an area managed by Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, rich with wildlife, including birds such as sand martins, chiffchaffs, grey wagtails, and nightingales. Among the varied landscape

Smytham Holiday Park is a relaxing affair, but with plenty on site to entertain, too. There’s an outdoor pool, a games room, play area, a family-friendly bar, a shop, a dog wash, and a dog exercise pa