familyfriendly

HUGE headliners. Gorgeous Suffolk countryside. Woodland spas. Entire fairgrounds, theatre and comedy tents. Oh, and fluffy pink sheep.

If you’re looking for the UK’s best family festival, you’ve found it at Latitude.

I visited the festival this year to celebrate its 20th birthday, and as a first-timer, it truly surprised me.

This year I sang my heart out to sets from Tom Odell and Lewis Capaldi, but over the years, the festival has hosted artists like The 1975, Liam Gallagher and Florence + The Machine.

Pair those headline sets with DJ sets from Dermot O’Leary and Gok Wan, and you’ve got yourself a pretty interesting line-up across the festival’s six music stages.

The thing that struck me the most about this festival was just how family-friendly it is.

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At the very front of the main stage, you’ve got dedicated superfans stood against the barrier.

Zoom to the outer edges of the crowd, and you’ve got multi-generational families sat on camping chairs and picnic blankets, with pully trolleys packed with snacks, toys and games.

And when I say this is an all ages festival, I mean ALL ages.

I saw pairs of grandparents slow-dancing together as well as tiny toddlers grooving on the grass.

Those who wanted to stay out late or head to over 18’s zones could do just that, whilst those who want to peel off early to put the kids to bed can easily do so, too.

It was refreshing to find a festival where you can enjoy huge headline acts such as Lewis Capaldi and David Byrne, and not get caught up in the pushing, shoving and moshing that comes with other UK festivals.

Although – if you are wanting that vibe – head to the Trailer Park late at night, where alternative and up-and-coming acts like Grooveline put on incredible, high-energy sets.

This is also the area of the woods that’s best for exploring, where you’ll find everything from a redneck oracle offering life advice, to a rat-themed caravan hosting a rat-themed rave.

I won’t lie, this exploration was done during the early hours of the morning and I was starting to question my own eyes. But I can assure you that the Trailer Park, in all of its randomness, is real.

There’s even a secret, apres-ski themed stage that plays dance music and blasts fake snow over the crowd – accessible only by crawling through an unsuspecting ski shed.

Forgetting the chaos of the nighttime escapades, this festival experience can also be as relaxed as you want it to be.

Maybe it’s the chilled Suffolk countryside that puts everyone at ease, but this festival has an incredibly relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

There’s even free punting trips along the river, where you’ll cruise by a floating stage that puts on experimental art performances and classical music from a live orchestra.

And if you really want to unwind, there’s an entire wellness area dedicated to just that.

Slip through sparkling streamers into the zen zone and find food trucks serving nourishing smoothies, massage tents, saunas and daytime yoga sessions.

My favourite part of this zone was the “peace tree”, draped in flowers and colourful hangings, with soft cushions scattered across the grass beneath it.

It’s the ideal spot for a quick moment of meditation (or, let’s be honest, to retreat to when you’ve had one too many drinks).

Here, you can simply lie back on the earth, rest your head on a cushion, and breathe – and don’t worry, no one will judge if your quick lie-down turns into a full afternoon snooze.

To the left of the zen zone you’ll find the comedy tent, where you can catch a stand-up show from both budding talent and big names.

I managed to catch a set from the hilarious Sue Perkins, which started with all things Bake Off and ended on embarrassing, behind-the-scenes moments from her Netflix travel show.

Just a few minutes’ walk from the comedy tent will take you to the massive dedicated kids area, which is packed with free workshops, theatre shows and more from 10am – 6pm daily.

The baby and toddler tent offers a sheltered soft play plus areas to feed, change and even bathe the little ones.

For older kids, there’s a fairground with a giant helter skelter, plus a kids theatre tent with song and dance workshops, arts and crafts activities and pop-up Punch and Judy shows.

Over in the forest, you’ll find bushcraft skills, pop-up museums and interactive space and science stations. All in all, it’s pretty impossible for kids to get bored here.

When it comes to camping, there’s plenty of options.

There’s general weekend camping, plus dedicated family camping zones, ideal if you have children aged 16 and under in your group.

The family camping zone has its own ‘Enchanted Garden’ area with extra activities, plus it’s only a short walk from here into the main arena, which is ideal for those with little legs.

I stayed in the Pink Moon glamping area, which is well worth it if you’re looking to treat yourself.

Here there’s plenty of sparklingly-clean loos and showers, plus lounge zones with sofas and a dedicated pamper tent, complete with mirrors, hairdryers and straighteners that are yours to use.

As for food and drink, you’re pretty spoilt for choice here.

Stonebaked pizzas, macaroni cheese bowls, loaded jacket potatoes, coconut curries, duck wraps, fluffy Biscoff pancakes…my mouth is watering just thinking back to the meals I had.

Expect food festival prices, but my top recommendations would be to grab a salted maple iced latte from Pantha Coffee (£5), and indulge in home comforts with a full-on roast dinner from Roasthost (£18).

You can even just grab a side of roasties with gravy and cauli-cheese for a cheeky snack (£10).

Or head to The Local Larder by the kids zone to pack your own picnic, where you can put together a lunch of scotch eggs, sausage rolls, cheese twists, salads, pastries and more.

Ultimately, Latitude Festival can be whatever you make it.

Want a wholesome family camping weekend where the kids have a fairground and woodland workshops on their doorstep? Sorted.

Or days of drinking at waterfront wine bars, going punting, catching a few DJ and comedy sets thne ending the night by dancing to drum and bass? That’s easily done, too.

All of this in a fantastical woodland setting dotted with pink sheep, hidden forest raves and floating river stages – I’d say that’s a recipe for a pretty magical weekend.

Latitude 2027 Early Bird tickets go on sale on August 13 at 10am.

Day tickets start from £110 for adults and £18 for children.

General weekend camping tickets start at £308 for adults and £28 for kids, which covers four nights of camping plus entry to all free performances, workshops and activities.

Pink Moon camping starts from £285 per adult for the weekend, excluding a festival entry ticket.

See latitudefestival.com.

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PARTY animals will quickly tell you there are two fiercely different sides to Ibiza.

Visitors to the holiday hotspot either descend for wild nights of debauchery at the hardcore super­clubs or they are doing sunrise yoga and sipping green juices at high-priced wellness retreats.

Then there are people like me, who fancy the idea of dabbling in a little bit of both — and want to bring the kids along, too.

Luckily, all that is possible thanks to the arrival of the achingly cool hotel, Bless Ibiza The Site, which opened in June.

One of two Bless hotels on the beautiful Balearic island, the sprawling 5* resort is in the action-packed region of Playa D’en Bossa.

Less than a ten-minute hop from the airport, it is within easy reach of the traditional restaurants of the Old Town and some of the island’s famous nightclubs.

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The best thing about it, though, is not its location. It’s that, unless you want to dance the night away, you do not need to leave the hotel.

The vibe is pure Ibiza: glamorous without trying too hard, stylish without taking itself too seriously, and well-equipped for sun-soaked days — and, of course, those famous late-night adventures.

And then there’s the delicious food, which is just the cherry on the ultra-decadent cake.

With six excellent restaurants on site, effortlessly chic cocktail bars, and views that made my phone camera work overtime, this resort really had predicted my every whim.

Children are well catered for, too, from the chocolate fountain — which sent them nuts at the breakfast buffet — to a fun-packed kids’ club where the activities extend well beyond the normal sporting fodder to quirky things like pasta making and pottery.

An army of professional nannies are also on hand to offer late-night babysitting in case Mum and Dad want to stay out past bedtime.

And, of course, there’s ample opportunity to do that.

Less than a 20-minute drive away is UNVRS — the largest club in the world, which only opened last year with a big promotion from superstar actor Will Smith.

There’s also the luxurious beach club Playa Soleil less than a ten- minute walk along the shore, which stays open until 3am most days and 4am on Saturdays.

But why splash extra cash when the hotel has its very own buzzing Palm Club?

Plush loungers are surrounded by tropical greenery, free for guests to use, or you can shell out for Balinese day beds or a private cabana, and cool off in the pool, which boasts a swim-up bar.

If you have had one too many margaritas the day before, the antidote is the resort’s spa where the treatments are accompanied by a relaxing water circuit.

While typical partygoers may not prioritise a good night’s kip, I do.

And let me tell you, each of the ultra-comfy 466 rooms will ensure you sleep soundly.

All are spacious and elegantly decorated — and some are even spread over two floors with private plunge pools.

The highlight of this plush resort, however, is undoubtedly the food.

Ibiza is not short of excellent ­dining options. It is home to three restaurants that have one Michelin star, as well as traditional fincas, serving up properly authentic grub in a ­rustic setting.

But you will find some of the best grub on the island right here at Bless Ibiza The Site.

My favourite (although it was a tough call) was Coya — a hip seafront Peruvian restaurant, which is an offshoot of the swanky celeb hangout in London.

Every table has a sea view from its perch on the sand and the mellow beats from the nearby DJ give the place a buzz.

Vibrant and fresh dishes include guacamole (which is whipped up tableside) and delicate seabass ceviche, washed down with a sangria that was dangerously delicious.

Our leisurely lunch here stretched into the early evening, and even though Bless is slap-bang between two of the island’s most iconic nightclubs, Ushuaia and Hi, I was far more tempted to stay put and watch the sun set from the hotel’s chic rooftop bar.

Cloud 9 has a collaboration with one of the world’s 50 best bars, Handshake Speakeasy, and it doesn’t do things by halves.

Despite mean competition, this spot has clawed its way right to the top of visitors’ wish lists thanks to an enviable drinks menu featuring classics with a twist.

Try the clarified piña colada, made with aged brandy, pineapple, coconut and micro-coriander, which has a clear and thin consistency — nothing like the thick and heavy traditional version you might expect.

If you are more of a daytime drinker, there’s also the gorgeous Lobito de Mar, where pitchers of champagne sangria are paired with traditional Spanish seafood dishes and delivered straight to your sun-lounger.

Or dine at Tatel, a more formal spot, or Leña — an elegant steakhouse that will draw you in with rich, buttery smells wafting from the wood-fired oven.

If money really is no object, head for Sublimotion by Paco Roncero.

This place is more of a performance than a meal, with room for just one table seating up to 12 guests — it definitely is one of the hottest tickets in town.

After visiting, I was so fit to burst that even the booms from the notorious nightclubs couldn’t drag me out of my food coma.

Perhaps a sunrise yoga session instead?

This really is the best of both worlds.

TWO women have been to every single lido across the UK – so it’s fair to say they know the best outdoor pools to cool down in this summer.

Authors Emma Pusill and Janet Wilkinson met through their shared loved of lidos, and between them, have visited them all over the years.

The pair put together The Lido Guide which was first published in 2019 and is a practical guide to all the 130 outdoor pools in the country.

So whether you’re looking for family-friendly pools, ones with beach views or huge cafés, Emma reveals some of the loveliest lidos where you should swim this summer.

Family-friendly lidos

“Three spring to mind for family-friendly lidos. Firstly, I would say Haltwhistle.

“It’s in Northumberland and it has amazing twisty slides as well as a larger and smaller pool – so it’s lots of fun for kids.

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“There’s a really good splash pad at Greenbank Pool in Somerset.

“I also like Droitwich Spa Lido in Worcester for families – it’s got a splash pad, and at one end it has a sloping entry, so it’s more of a beach-style pool.

“My daughter’s favourite, which she loved as a child, is The Strand Lido in Gillingham, Kent.

“It’s like the Mediterranean with a huge lazy river around the outside and a little elephant slide in the toddler pool.”

Tidal pools

“Tidal pools are all so pretty and there’s a lovely cluster of them in Scotland; Pittenweem, Cellardyke and St Monans which all look out to the Firth of Forth.

“You can have a lovely weekend visiting all of those.

“I am very fond of Bude Sea Pool too which is lovely, then there’s Shoalstone which really cute and it’s just reopened.

“It feels like a more conventional pool even though it’s washed over by the sea, it’s free to use too, so it makes for an inexpensive day out.”

Free lidos

“Most tidal pools are completely free to use – but a best example of a free lido that isn’t tidal is Mount Wise in Plymouth.

“Everyone usually thinks about Tinside Lido in Plymouth which is very beautiful.

“Mount Wise is only a mile from there with three swimming pools on-site, a toddler walk-through area and it’s absolutely brilliant.

“There’s another little pool in Cumbria called Hunsonby which isn’t free, but is managed on an honesty box where you can pop your money in.”

Hidden gems

“I would say the Cumbria cluster, as none of those are very well known.

“There’s Shap, Greystoke and Lazonby but at the top of the list I’d say is Askham.

“They’re all close together too, so you could go for a weekend and see them all, they’re tucked away in villages rather than towns.

“Clyst Hydon in Exeter I’d also include as a hidden gem. It’s completely hidden away up a little leafy track and if Enid Blyton wrote ‘Five Go Swimming‘ I’m sure it would have been set there.”

Lidos with extras

“Sea Lanes Canary Wharf is great for having lots of things on-site, they’ve got two big saunas, catering, and funky pods to sit in if the weather is a bit bleak.

“Hathersage has an underground café which is really nice – I say underground, it’s underneath the covered terrace opposite the bandstand.

“So you have to go up a little set of stairs to get to the pool.

“Saltdean Lido in Brighton is one of most beautiful streamline modern building that has a lovely restaurant on-site and a library – that’s a great extra.

“Then, I went to Guernsey recently and La Vallette tidal pools have put in a brilliant cafe, in a new, very modern, building.

“The pools are lovely too, there’s a cluster of four of them along a half a mile on the stretch of coast. The café sits on what used to be the ladies and children’s pool.”

Pretty views

“There’s a tidal pool at the Marine Lake at Clevedon which is essentially a massive 200metre long infinity pool.

“If you go up to the sea wall you’ll be looking out across the Bristol Channel and the Victorian Pier, it’s a lovely view.

“I quite like Lido Ponty – which is the only one in Wales.

“It’s surrounded by hills which you can see in all direction, it feels very green.

“Similar to that is Hathersage in the Peak District which has a bandstand in the grounds and you’re surrounded by hills there as well – it’s pretty special.

“I suppose as well, Sea Lanes has just opened in Canary Wharf, it’s not a classically pretty view. But you won’t get a view like that anywhere else – it’s a fun swim.”

London lidos

“London lidos are all so different – I have a soft spot for Parliament Hill, it’s open all year-round and the staff there are brilliant. Although it’s very busy in the summer months there.

“I quite like Oasis in Covent Garden. The pool itself is nothing to write home about but it’s in Covent Garden – you can walk past it at street level and never know it was there.

“It’s a 25metre heated pool and sauna, so you go up a little flight of stairs. It’s surrounded by trees so it’s leafy which is such a treat in that part of London.”

Adults-only

“In Matlock Bath there’s a pool out the back of the New Bath Hotel & Spa lido that’s unashamedly adults only.

“It’s a hotel pool as well as being open to the public and I think they don’t want it being overly noisy with children.

“Sea Lanes in Brighton is also adults-only because it’s a training pool.

“But if you have a child that is a club swimmer and swims laps I don’t think they’d turn you away. It doesn’t do fun and floats sessions though.”

If you want to know more about every lido in the UK, check out Emma and Janet’s book The Lido Guide.

And keep up with Emma, Janet and their lido visits on social media too.

THINK family fun, adrenaline- seeking and a Stateside holiday – and Orlando is most likely to spring to mind.

But the Florida tourist favourite is now being given a run for its money by the Texan city of San Antonio. 

Sure, there’s no destination with more theme parks than Orlando — which has ten to choose from, including big-ticket names Disney and Universal — but San Antonio’s four are unique.  

And, best of all, they are significantly less hard on the wallet. 

First stop on my theme park crawl of the city was Morgan’s Wonderland, the world’s first ultra-accessible theme park and a prime example of what makes San Antonio so special for this type of holiday. 

The thinking behind the 25-acre park’s “inclusive” billing is that there are genuinely rides for everybody to enjoy — families can truly participate together and have fun with one another.  

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Then there’s SeaWorld which, while also plying its trade in Orlando, provides a much more immersive and educational experience in Texas — really shining at a time when many are questioning the ethics around zoos and aquariums.  

On my visit, I was hugely impressed by the knowledge and passion that staff brought to our animal encounters, and by the lack of showiness around these — the sense was that we were there to observe, not that the marine life was there to perform.  

Adrenaline seekers are not forgotten about in San Antonio, either.  

They can get their kicks at Six Flags — a site of more than 200 acres with 11 roller- coasters and a waterpark.

The rides may not be as dramatic or heavily themed as those at Walt Disney World, but they will certainly impress even the biggest coaster buffs.  

Meanwhile, those travelling with younger children can avoid the heaving tourist crowds that you will likely encounter on a holiday to Orlando.  

But what also makes San Antonio a sure hit for parents, compared with Orlando, is that you can save mega-bucks on entry.  

On average, you’re looking at spending around US$50-$100 per adult here, compared to US$99-$147 in Florida — a huge difference if paying for an entire family.  

Theme parks aside, San Antonio is a marvel in itself, too. 

It predates Orlando by around 150 years so has more of a story to tell, having played a significant part in The Texan Revolution.  

You can learn all about this at the fabulous Alamo heritage site. 

Visitors can view the preserved Catholic mission where the Battle of Alamo was fought in 1836, between a small number of plucky Texan defenders and the mighty Mexican army.  

It’s rare to see anybody, let alone a proud US state, celebrate a fight they lost. But this two-week conflict, where the Texans ultimately met with defeat, has become synonymous with bravery and resistance.  

Touring the historic site, which includes a chapel and barracks, I was struck by the overarching message that comes across: it’s not about winning but about trying. And at $48 entry for a family of four, it’s great value for money.

San Antonio also has an impressive zoo, in Brackenridge Park — but if your holiday aim is to do things you’d not easily be able to do back home, then take a short stroll through the park to the Witte Museum.  

It is somewhat akin to London’s Natural History Museum in terms of being brilliantly kid-friendly.  

It’s also fascinating — to the extent that little ones will barely even clock how much local and historical knowledge they’re soaking up.  

Naturally, the Dinosaur Hall is a draw, but the Texas Wild Gallery and McNay Family Global Gallery are each special.  

Wildlife habitats in the former, and tales of how locals lived in ancient times in the latter, combine in a way that’s compelling for visitors both young and old. 

Do note, however, that some attractions in San Antonio are closed in winter, or operate on a limited schedule. Six Flags, for instance, opens only on weekends. 

In summer, meanwhile, beware the heat — which can near 40C. But there is welcome air-con at museums such as the Witte, and the very child-friendly DoSeum — a hands-on, learn-through-play space. 

Outdoors, the San Antonio Botanic Garden has a water-play feature, and boat rides along the San Antonio river are shady and cool, plus a load of fun for families.  

San Antonio serves up great food, too. While “family friendly” can mean highly processed hot dogs and chicken nuggets, it’s a different story here — where barbecue, Tex Mex dishes and celebratory decor make for fun and flavourful dining.  

In particular, do eat at local institution Mi Tierra, which is festooned with colourful paper banners and wandered through by traditional Mexican mariachi musicians.  

The Tejas Rodeo is unmissable, too, bringing people of all ages together for an evening of bull and horse riding, as well as barrel racing, against a backdrop of Western music and steakhouse aromas.  

Even littlies get in on the action, with “mutton bustin’” — trying to stay on the back of a bucking sheep.  

You’re not likely to find that in Orlando.  

IF YOU are trying to pick your next staycation while the temperatures are set to rise, the top five family-friendly campsites across the UK have been named and they have farm animals and scenic views.

New research conducted by Pitchup.com has revealed the best campsites for families across the UK based on ‘child-friendly’ ratings from nearly 200,000 reviews.

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel.

Dan Yates, founder of Pitchup.com, said: “Camping and glamping holidays continue to be a popular choice for families looking to spend quality time together outdoors, particularly as more people seek flexible and affordable UK breaks.”

Trefach Holiday Park, Pembrokeshire

Scoring 9.3 out of 10 on the child-friendliness scale, Trefach Holiday Park in Pembrokeshire, Wales, has been named the most family-friendly campsite in the UK.

Just a half-an-hour drive from Cardigan boat trips and popular family attraction Folly Farm, the campsite sits in the Preseli Hills and features an outdoor pool, play area, games room, clubhouse and bar-restaurant with entertainment.

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Around the site, families can head on a number of scenic walks as well as explore local fishing villages and towns such as Tenby, Haverfordwest, Dinas Cross and Fishguard.

Stays cost from £40 a night.

Jubilee Camping, Hampshire

Following closely in second place with a child-friendliness score of 9.2 out of 10, is Jubilee Camping in Hampshire.

Just 15 minutes from the New Forest, Jubilee Camping has heaps of fun for the family with tractor and trailer rides, barbeques, campfires, woodfired pizza and animal experiences.

In the surrounding area there are a lot of things to do as well such as walks in the New Forest National Park and visiting the city of Salisbury.

Bournemouth is only half-an-hour away too in case you want to hit the beach.

Onsite, there is also the Shepherd’s Hut Bar which serves local ales, ciders, Prosecco and G&Ts.

A stay costs from £32 per night.

Panoramic Camping and Glamping, Swansea

In third place with a score of 8.9 out of 10 for child-friendliness was Panoramic Camping and Glamping in Swansea, Wales.

Found five minutes from Pontlliw and off the M4, Panoramic Camping and Glamping is a smaller site with pitches on a hilltop meadow, overlooking the Glamorgan hills.

The site is also a working farm so you can expect to see hens, cattle and Llanwenog sheep while staying.

In the surrounding area you can head to the beaches of the Gower Peninsula as well as head off on a trek in the Brecon Beacons National Park.

A non-electric grass tent or trailer pitch costs from £25 per night and a glamping tent, sleeping up to five people costs from £80 per night.

Little Thornham Holidays, Wiltshire

Also scoring 8.9 for child-friendliness was Little Thornham Holidays in Wiltshire.

Overlooking Salisbury Plain, Little Thornham Holidays can be found on a small farm with friendly hens, goats (named after Harry Potter characters), sheep, pigs and ducks.

The village of Melksham is just a 10-minute drive away in case you want to head to the pub or need to pick up supplies.

However, the farm does sell its own produce on site such as wood, sausages and eggs.

As for other things to do in the area, Longleat Safari Park is just 30 minutes away and if you want to explore a city, you can reach Bath in 40 minutes.

There are three types of accommodation at the site including tent pitches, lodges and bell tents which cost from £120 per night for four people.

Magical Malpas PYO Farm, Cheshire

And rounding out the top five was Magical Malpas PYO Farm, in Cheshire, scoring 8.8 for child-friendliness.

Not only is Magical Malpas a working dairy farm, but it is also a pick-your-own farm and has views of the Cheshire countryside.

Guests can stay in a small field, where they will also find picnic tables and a children’s play area (though, it is worth noting that there are no showers, electricity or drinking water).

While staying, families will be able to meet Wilma and Betty – two Valais Blacknose sheep, as well as goats and two donkeys.

As for things to do in the surrounding area, you won’t be short for choice with BeWILDerwood – a family adventure park – just 10 minutes away.

A pitch costs from £22 per night.