Green holidays that won't cost the earth
1. Take a walk on the wild side
There's nothing like a walking holiday to blow away the cobwebs, but it's also a great way to explore our green and pleasant lands.
The UK boasts some of the world's most spectacular scenery and there's no better way to see it than on foot.
Ramblers Countrywide can provide set and tailor made itineraries of your choice, including anything from rugged hikes around the Orkney Islands to pleasant strolls along the south coast, from city walking breaks to sightseeing tours around the whole country. Each walk is graded, so you'll never be out of your depth and there's something for everyone no matter how fit you are. I've been on several walking holidays with the Ramblers over the years and
Prices include 212 for a four day stroll through the idyllic towns and villages of Wiltshire and 423 for a six day hike along the South Downs coast.
Contact details: Ramblers Countrywide (www.ramblerscountrywide.co.uk; 01707 386800).
2. Carry on camping
Camping is one of the most environmentally friendly ways to see the world, but if you don't fancy zipping yourself away in a sweaty nylon tent there are some fun alternatives. Deepdale Farm is an eco-campsite with a difference. Located just outside Brancaster Staithe on the beautiful north Norfolk coast, its home to a number of authentic Sioux Native American style teepees capable of sleeping up to six people. Each one comes equipped with a chiminea to keep everybody warm, faux fur sleeping mattresses, a wind up lantern and some foldaway chairs.
Prices start from 40 per teepee per night for one or two people and 72 per teepee per night for three to six people
Contact details: Deepdale Farm (www.deepdalefarm. co.uk; 01485 210256) and Under the Thatch (www.under thethatch.co.uk; 01239 851410).
3. Down on the farm
If your children are animal mad, then a holiday on a farm is a must. There are 22 Feather Down Farms dotted around the country and each one is a real working farm, so you're definitely getting the real deal here.
As it's a proper farm, families are encouraged to muck in and help out, although guests can come and go as they please, with plenty of opportunities to pet and feed the animals.
There are loads of sign-posted walks and bike rides to go on as well as tons of organised activities on each farm. Prices start from 395 per week for up to six people, with an onsite 'honesty' shop selling local and organic produce.
On a much smaller scale, Higher Lank Farm near Bodmin, Cornwall is a 500-year-old working farm that caters for families with babies and toddlers.
As you might expect, everything is geared towards family-friendly activities such as bottle-feeding orphaned lambs, riding ponies, going on tractor rides and playing in farm-themed playgrounds.
The owner also provides reusable nappies free of charge as well as a baby-sitting service, so adults can visit the local pub for a bit of liquid refreshment. Prices start from 650 for self-catering accommodation and 420 for bed and breakfast in the farmhouse.
Contact details: Feather Down Farms (www.feather down.co.uk; 01420 80804) and Higher Lank Farm (www .higherlankfarm.co.uk; 01208 850716).
4. In the saddle
Regular readers of this column will know that I'm a committed cyclist, no matter what the weather, so a week-long cycling break is my idea of heaven.
CTC Cycling Holidays are one of the biggest pedal-powered tour operators around, offering pick'n'mix style breaks across the UK.
You can choose to cycle in a group with a tour leader or head off on your own following a carefully prepared route, staying at a holiday centre or cycling to a different location each day.
It's an incredibly flexible format and each tour is graded, so you'll know exactly what you're letting yourself in for. Whether you choose a four-day ride across the Hampshire coastline for 48 or cycle from John O'Groats to Land's End for 1230, there's bound to be something that takes your fancy.
Contact details: CTC Cycling Holidays (www.cyclingholidays.org; 0845 045 1121).
5. Back to work
A working holiday might sound like a contradiction in terms, but when it's one that's been organised by the National Trust you know you'll be doing something worthwhile.
It runs more than 400 working holidays each year including everything from herding goats, tending an organic garden and clearing scrub to laying hedges, cleaning beaches and dry stone walling.
Placements last anything from two days to a week with prices starting at 60, including food and hostel-type accommodation.
Contact details: National Trust (www.nationaltrust .org.uk; 0844 800 3099).
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Weather for Stamford
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 12 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 22 mph
Wind direction: East
