self-catering cottages are set in a converted barn overlooking a peaceful valley.

Merlin Farm Eco Cottages, near Newquay, Cornwall                       

These 3 chic self-catering cottages are set in a converted barn overlooking a peaceful valley. Each sleeps up to 4 adults plus 1 baby in 2 bedrooms, with bi-fold glass doors opening onto patio gardens, wood-burning stoves for chilly autumn nights, and bathrooms with free-standing tubs and drench showers. There’s also baby and toddler equipment galore. Kids will love the pirate-ship sandpit, and you’re close to fantastic beaches.

From £207 per night for a cottage sleeping up to 4 adults + 1 baby
Liss Ard Estate, West Cork, Ireland

Enjoy half-term with a Halloween theme at Liss Ard: this Irish boutique hotel is hosting a costume and bonfire party on 31 October, and the kids’ club has traditional games and activities all week. The estate is perfect for exploring and running around, there’s a dedicated playroom, and parents will enjoy some of West Cork’s finest gourmet fare in the restaurant. Choose between rooms in the main house, the garden mews and the lake lodge (some self-catering).

From €185 per night for a Superior Room sleeping a family of 4, including 2 evening meals
Quinta da Bouca D’Arques, Viana do Castelo, northern Portugal

There’s a choice of boutique suites and apartments (contemporary pod-style or more classic options in former outbuildings) at this welcoming manor house. All are cosily decorated in warm colours, with 1 or 2 bedrooms, well-equipped kitchenettes and space for extra beds and cots; breakfast is provided each morning. Children will love running around the lush grounds, discovering the secret house in the woods and splashing about in the saltwater pool.

From €94 per night for a Master Suite or apartment sleeping up to 3 adults + 1 baby

Chateau les Merles, near Bergerac, France

Why not stay in a fairy-tale castle over half-term? There’s a large lawn surrounding this contemporary-style hotel, plus a gourmet restaurant, welcoming owners and a tennis court. The apartment and 3-bedroom villas are ideally set up for families, and some rooms in the main building can take an extra bed and cot. The pool may have a certain froideur at this time of year, so check out the waterpark in nearby Bergerac.

From €185 per night for a Deluxe Room sleeping up to 3 adults + 1 baby

Fattoria Barbialla Nuova, Tuscany, Italy

Get back to nature for half-term at this lovely 500-hectare estate in the wooded hills of Tuscany. There’s a choice of self-catering apartments and converted farmhouses to stay in, some sleeping up to 10. It’s perfect for adventurous families – you can go truffle hunting, seek out wild boar and badgers, ride horses, or learn to fly fish on the lake.

From €145 per night for an apartment sleeping 4-5

Molino Rio Alajar, Andalucia, Spain

This charming rural retreat has 6 self-catering cottages overlooking a gorgeous wooded valley. Each casita has 1-3 bedrooms (some twins or triples), beamed ceilings, terracotta floors and an open-plan living room with a kitchen-diner. The plethora of on-site family activities include a fenced outdoor pool, a toddlers’ paddling pool, a sandpit, donkeys to ride, a tennis court, boules, outdoor chess and table football.

From €125 per night for a cottage sleeping 4 adults + 1 baby

Anassa, near Polis, Cyprus

This luxury beachside resort is brilliant for the whole family. There’s a spa, 4 restaurants and bars, oodles of watersports and a long private beach. Best of all, the 4 different kids’ clubs (aimed at different ages) provide superlative childcare, with numerous toys, games and a daily changing activity schedule. There’s also a playground, baby equipment, babysitting, a heated kids’ pool, kids’ menus…

From €580 per night for a family of 3 in a Studio Suite
Eleonas, Zaros, Crete

A working farm and olive estate, Eleonas has 20 stone cottages scattered around a hillside and is great value for money. The cottages sleep 3-5 adults plus a baby, with simple kitchenettes and sofabeds; there’s also a kids’ pool, a playground, a playroom, a football pitch and a taverna on site (breakfast is included in the rates). Smaller kids will love meeting the farm animals; older ones will like the mountain-biking trails nearby.

From €80 per night for a Stone Cottage sleeping 3 adults + 1 baby
Casa Tomaren, Lanzarote, Canary Islands

Get away from it all at this tranquil and secluded haven, which has 7 rustic self-catering houses (each sleeping 2-8) scattered around a sunken swimming pool. There are hammocks to aid parental relaxation, and a communal play area and playground for the little ones. Breakfast is provided daily and other meals can be ordered with 24 hours’ notice, so you needn’t lift a finger in the kitchen.

From €115 per night for a house sleeping a family of 3
Jnane Tamsna, near Marrakech, Morocco

This extensive hideaway has 24 rooms spread over 5 houses, set in 15 acres of lush Arabic gardens (complete with 5 swimming pools!) just 15 minutes from central Marrakech. Adults can indulge in massages and hammam sessions; kids will enjoy playing hide and seek in the grounds and making the most of the games room and tennis court. Dedicated family activities include cookery, magic lessons and gardening.