10 family-friendly choices to make this summer

Whether you’re looking for attractions the whole family can enjoy or furniture to fill the new nursery, we’ve got the brands that will help you put your family first.

Buy your dream holiday home

Tired of other hotel guests spoiling your relaxing holiday? Perhaps it’s time to invest in a holiday property of your own. Darwin Escapes has made holiday home ownership easier for all, with its range of flexible finance and accommodation options. Whether you’re looking for a two-bed static caravan or the perfect lodge to kick back in, the company will help you find the right home for you. Darwin Escapes owns 26 holiday resorts throughout the UK – from Cornwall and Devon all the way up to Scotland – of which nine include holiday homes available for ownership, with prices starting from as little as £24,995.

And to make things easier, you can now take advantage of a three-year site fee freeze as part of Darwin Escapes’ brand-new offer, with no site fees to pay until February 2024 at resorts in England, or November 2024 at locations in North Wales (offer ends February 2024). Contact the team now on 0800 717 707.

Find out more at Darwinescapes.co.uk

Regain your confidence with healthier-looking hair

When you find that your hair isn’t what it once was, it’s best to deal with the issue by addressing it head on. Take back control by giving your locks the care they need with Watermans – a kiss of life for hair. Its products are packed with natural ingredients that help fight against hair frustrations and come with a 10-year proven track record.

They’re also 100 per cent cosmetic and don’t contain any medicinal ingredients, making them great for different hair types and races. Watermans has been recognised with the prestigious Queen’s Award, a symbol of trust and quality that customers can rely on. Try Watermans today and get 30 per cent off your first purchase using code “wat30off” (valid until 31 August 2023).

Find out more at Watermanshair.com

Keep track of your pooch

If you’re a dog owner, you’re likely to have experienced the fear of not being able to locate your pet when they’ve roamed out of sight. Rest assured, the Pawfit GPS pet tracker has been designed to give you and your family peace of mind. The advanced waterproof tracker provides live location updates every five seconds through the Pawfit app.

The tracker also features a remote voice recall and an LED light so you can spot your furry friend even on your midnight walks. As well as the GPS functionality, the device can help to monitor your pet’s activity levels – simply click on the app and set your pup some fitness goals. Be confident in the safety of your pets and purchase your own tracker now.

Shop at Pawfit.com

Decorate with eco-friendly baby furniture

Mokee has long prided itself on producing eco-friendly and sustainable baby furniture and accessories. Using wood sourced solely from European forests, the company specifically curates its collection of nursery furniture, cots and accessories to comfort your child without impacting the environment.

Whether you’re on the hunt for an easy-to-clean highchair or an intricately carved wardrobe, Mokee will have the right piece to add to your child’s safe haven. Make your first purchase and treat yourself to a 10 per cent discount on all cots and beds using the code “EXTRA10”.

Visit Mokee.eu now

Delve into history

With its stunning stained-glass windows, masterful architecture, and beautiful grounds, it’s no surprise that Canterbury Cathedral is one of the UK’s most-visited historic sites. The 1,400-year-old cathedral offers fascinating insight into the nation’s story, and what’s more, kids can now visit the cathedral for free when accompanied by a paying adult.

Whether you’re hunting dragons and gargoyles, or looking to admire the carved tombs, there’s something for the whole family to enjoy. Stroll through the Crypt exhibition and get close to the unique artefacts on display, including the armour of the infamous Black Prince. Plus, if you take a trip back through time now, all kids go free (offer applies to maximum of two children per adult and ends 31 December 2023).

Book your visit at Canterbury-cathedral.org 

Get a taste of the slow life in this Portuguese village

Aldeia da Pedralva, located in the Vila Do Bispo municipality of Portugal, is the result of the restoration of a typical Algarve village. The area boasts 26 comfortable country houses, each carefully restored in line with the original architecture. Sample typical cuisine at Pedralva’s restaurant and enjoy the plethora of activities on offer, including mountain bike trails and surfing some of the best waves and beaches in the country.

Nestled between the sea and the countryside, the village is also within close proximity to the Rota Vicentina, a nature trail still virtually untouched by human hands. Slow the pace and enjoy a meaningful and fulfilling holiday that reconnects you and your family with nature.

Find out moare at Aldeiadapedralva.com

Reconnect with nature at this farmhouse stay

Managed by Amazing Evolution, this traditional Alentejo farmhouse in the Porto Covo region is just 600 metres from Ilha do Pessegueiro beach. Enjoy the charm of the outdoor life through the company of donkeys, llamas and alpacas. The space is also dog-friendly, and pets can enjoy rolling outdoor spaces.

Designed with families and children in mind, activities on offer include direct contact with the animals, bike tours, padel courts, hiking, horse and carriage rides and surf lessons. Activities for children include a wooden playground, mini climbing wall and a trampoline. Guests can choose to stay in a number of spacious accommodation options, each with a terrace and a total or partial sea view.

Browse now at Montedabemposta.pt

Combine a seashore experience with the comforts of the city

Boasting a cool and relaxed atmosphere, the You and the Sea oceanside accommodation boasts 35 apartments, from studios to four-bedroom options. This seaside community is located in the World Surfing Reserve of Ericeira, which has long attracted surfing professionals and amateurs alike. Suited to couples, family or friends, the aparthotel boasts a spa, wellness and fitness centre, two swimming pools and multiple restaurants.

La Barraque is an outdoor area with a bar home to views of the Atlantic, and Restaurant Jangada offers authentic and sustainable flavours. With sustainability a focus factor, the aparthotel’s textile waste is transformed into shirts signed by Portuguese artists.

Find out more at Youandthesea.pt

Pick a recycling company and trade your old device

Those looking to get some cash for their old tech can easily do so with comparison site Compare and Recycle, which helps consumers to recycle their used phones, tablets, smartwatches and other devices. The comparison site prevents more than 28 tonnes of mobile phones from becoming e-waste every year and helps hundreds of thousands of people receive on average £218 per device traded.

There’s no need to take a trip to the recycling centre or navigate through the often-confusing rules of recycling. Consumers can compare prices from more than 30 UK-based recycling companies to trade devices online and offset both the environmental and financial cost of a new gadget. Recycling through Compare and Recycle is a quick and convenient way to get paid for an old phone or tablet and do your bit for the environment.

Find out more at Compareandrecycle.co.uk

Create your dream outdoor space

Make the most of the changeable British weather with a tasteful and contemporary outdoor solution from Fleming Verandas. Designed for year-round usage, every veranda is unique – whether it’s a bespoke, made-to-measure option, or a fixed-size structure. They are highly customisable, with an array of colours and design options to complement your garden. Choose from glass and polycarbonate walls, glass sliding doors and louvred roof systems, all designed to help increase your overall living space, come rain or shine.

More convenient and efficient than a conservatory or extension, verandas and glass rooms can be fitted within days, instead of weeks, and can help raise the value of a home while helping cut household bills in the long term. If you’re interested in discussing your dream outdoor living space, call 01902 212331.

Vsit Flemingverandas.com for more

This content is brought to you by Living360, a digital lifestyle destination keeping you up to date with health and fitness, food and drink, homes and gardens, beauty, travel, finance trends and more.