The best holiday homes with half-term availability
Dragonfly Manor, Chiltern Hills
With and idyllic lakeside setting and state-of-the-art luxury, Dragonfly Manor is a country dream home for sprawling families and big groups.
Home comforts: nine bedrooms, seven bathrooms, sleeps up to 16
Tucked away beside a private lake, the house has oodles of countryside charm. The Aga, open fireplace and barbecue cabin in the woods create maximum autumnal cosiness, while the hot tub or hi-tech home cinema room offer the perfect hideaway on rainy days.
Exploring
The area of outstanding beauty around the Chiltern Hills may be only an hour from London, but it feels worlds away with rolling hills, wild woodland and cutesy market towns with an abundance of pubs to explore.
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Read more ...Pink Acid, Kent
Created and curated by an interior designer, this vibrant holiday home is an ideal match for the town so trendy it's dubbed 'Shoreditch on Sea'.
Home comforts: two bedrooms, two bathrooms, sleeps four
Say goodbye to bland greige and embrace acid-bright maximalism. A favourite for photoshoot bookings, this home offers more than just a boost for your Instagram grid. The private balcony is ideal for brisk sundowners and the pink bathtub will make you feel like a Juno Calypso artwork.
Exploring
There's a reason Margate has attracted an exodus of bright young things and creatives from London. Tracey Emin's hometown leans into its arty heritage, which centres around the Turner Contemporary gallery and spills out into the streets with neons and graffiti. The food and drink scene is well above your standard seaside town, with a plethora of small plates and craft ales. And of course there's Dreamland, the anarchic theme park featuring Britian's oldest rollercoaster.
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Read more ...Somerleyton Meadows, Suffolk
Elegant Georgian architecture and cosy contemporary touches make Somerleyton Meadows the perfect base for exploring the Norfolk Broads and Suffolk coast.
Home comforts: four bedrooms, four bathrooms, sleeps eight
High ceilings, spacious rooms, a large dining table and open fireplace are ideal for big families or group trips. Luxurious additions such as a pool table, clawfoot bath and rain shower mean rainy days inside will feel special, while the fire pit provides a focal point for hot toddies on crisp evenings in the garden.
Exploring
Overlooking the picturesque Waveney Valley, the house is surrounded by meadows, farms and cycle routes for rural exploring. It's a 15-minute walk to the pretty cottages and inviting pubs of the village of Somerleyton and a short drive to river boat hire in St Olaves or the striking coastal walks around Gorleston and Great Yarmouth.
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Read more ...By Starlight, Devon
With a private wood-fired hot-tub and the dramatic backdrop of Dartmoor National Park this cosy hideaway is perfect for romance or small families.
Home comforts: one bedroom, one bathroom, sleeps two
Squashy sofas, rustic flagstones, a private hot tub and a shared swimming pool and sauna make this the perfect spot for recharging after a day hiking the dramatic South Devon countryside.
Exploring
Step out of the house into Dartmoor National Park, where you'll find endless moors and even a few wild ponies grazing. Go cycling, horseback riding, or just enjoy the tranquility with a book.
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Read more ...Calathea, Kent
Immaculate interiors and a state-of-the-art kitchen make this Georgian townhouse perfect for stylish foodies looking for a change of scene.
Home comforts: four bedrooms, two bathrooms, sleeps up to six
This artfully renovated Georgian townhouse feels like stepping into the pages of Elle Deco. The airy spaces and expertly curated kitchen elevate cooking and dining into a holiday experience – whether you're catering for the kids or preparing a feast with friends.
Exploring
A quick train ride or drive from London, Ramsgate is an easy minibreak offering a mix of foodie riches and coastal beauty. This house is conveniently situated a short walk from Ramsgate train station and the coast.
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