Mary Novakovich, Editor at Large of 101 Short Breaks, shares some great ideas for a quick May break to suit all tastes and budgets.
Shropshire
Head to the Shropshire hills for an indulgent few days at Pen-y-Dyffryn Country Hotel, a Georgian former rectory in a tranquil valley near the Welsh border. It has walking trails right on the doorstep, and four National Trust properties including Powis Castle nearby. B&B plus dinner in the two AA-rosette restaurant costs from £87 per person per night, with a minimum stay of two nights.
Corfù
If you’ve been bewitched by ITV’s The Durrells, gather family and friends together in Villa Regina Rossa in Corfù. This stylish eight-bedroom villa, offered by Oliver’s Travels, costs from €103 per person for four nights. It has plenty of child-friendly facilities including a pool and a huge terrace with glorious sea views.
Loire Valley
Explore the Loire Valley on two wheels on a gastronomic cycling tour with Headwater. After each day’s cycling along the river past Chenonceau and other exquisite chateaux, the reward is a top notch dinner every evening. Four nights’ B&B and dinner cost from £827 per person, including bike hire and luggage transfers. Flights and self-drive options are available.
Dorset’s Jurassic Coast
Step out of Cobb Cottage and within minutes you’re in Lyme Bay and the wonders of Dorset’s Jurassic Coast. What had been two Victorian coastguards’ cottages have been joined to create a cosy four-bedroomed holiday home. It’s available through Classic Cottages from £110 per person per night, based on eight sharing.
Alesund for solos
Travelling solo…? Alesund is one of Norway’s most appealing cities. Magnificent fjords and mountains provide a dramatic backdrop to colourful Art Nouveau architecture and a shimmering waterfront. Solo Holidays offers a four-day break at the Thon Hotel from £549 in a double room for single occupancy, including flights, transfers, breakfast, one dinner, a half-day guided tour of the city as well as the services of a tour host.
Dubai
Mix shopping, sand and souks on a four-night luxury break in Dubai at the five-star Le Meridien. Book with Trailfinders by 6 May and save 50 per cent on the room rate, paying £529 per person, including flights and transfers.
Walking in Tuscany
Tuscany’s landscapes never fail to enchant, and this self-guided walk through the Mugello Hills ends among the splendours of Florence. Inntravel offers two days among the olive groves and vineyards of the countryside before finishing with two days in Florence. Prices start at £580 per person and include breakfast, two dinners and picnics, route notes, luggage transfers and transport to and from Pisa airport. Flights are extra.
May 2016