Not all of the British seaside has to be about kiss me quick hats. In fact, Holkham is about as far away from that image as you can get. Nearly three miles of perfect sand, and you'll pretty much have it to yourself. We would choose to stay at The Victoria, for fabulous rooms with stunning views, the best staff, and the most delicious food. In fact, it may be hard to tear yourself away from the hotel to get to the beach!

We hear good things about The Old Quay House in Fowey, Fabulous waterfront location, 12 individually designed rooms, many with water views. Fowey is delightful, and whilst the hotel has a fabulous, award-winning restaurant, if you are there for more than one night, then jump ship for the best burger ever at Sam's. Or the fish if you are feeling healthy. 

You could also go for the do it yourself option, particularly if you want to get away for longer. We love the North Yorkshire coast, and Kirk Cottage near Whitby does it for us. Open fire, 75 yards from the pub, and the smell of sea air the minute you open the door. And if you're in Whitby, stop by one of Rick Stein's food heroes: The Magpie Cafe for the best fish and chips. 

We can't really mention the seaside without mentioning Blackpool. It might not be everyone's cup of tea, but if you go now you can see the illuminations, indulge in some candyfloss and scare yourself silly on the rollercoaster. Bliss. Bit short on boutique hotels, but for great location and good reviews, check out The Ramsay Hotel.  

A weekend in London doesn't have to be all about Piccadilly Circus and Covent Garden. For something a bit more hip and up-to-date, book into Threadneedles, and you'll have Borough Market, Shoreditch and the Tate Modern all within walking distance. Recently voted one of the top 100 places to stay in the world by The Sunday Times Travel Magazine, this has everything you could want, including limestone baths and egyptian cotton sheets, but without the extortionate price tag.

It might be common, but there is nothing naff about a romantic weekend in Paris. For our money, we say save on the flight so you can splurge and stay somewhere like the Swell Apartment in Montmarte. This romantic Parisian garret is made just for two, and sure it will definitely be a trip to remember. Woo your beloved all over again and see why so many people fall in love with Paris. Or just go plain whacky and go on a sightseeing tour on a Segway! 

For somewhere more unusual, then how about Seville? Only a short flight, great food and nightlife, and, if you are booked in at Las Casas Del Rey de Baeza, a great roof top pool to escape the city and busy streets. This is a former royal townhouse in the heart of Seville's old town so gives you culture, history and great R&R all in one location. Perfect!

  And for the ultimate weekend it still has to be New York. If you are feeling really flash, book to fly with all business class airline Silver Jet (it's probably cheaper than you think) or do Virgin Premium Economy. We'll be at Hotel Gansevoort, prime location for weekend partying. If we're not here, we're round the corner at Buddakan for cocktails and dinner. See you there! 

Okay, we would have to be dragged screaming for a weekend camping (we know, we're not cool) but if we had to go for a halfway house, we could manage the part canvas, part log cabin lodgings at Feather Down Farm. Kids will love feeding all the animals, gathering fresh eggs, even cooking your own pizzas in the wood fired oven. The kids will love it, and will probably sleep really well after all the fresh air!

We're off to book a cottage at Gitcombe House, its got everything the children will need whilst not forgetting the adults need some pampering and grown up time too. Close to the delights of Dartmouth but you may never want to leave the house. They can arrange a visiting beauty therapist, not to mention deliveries of food and wine, even your own private chef! This is definitely posh self catering!

You might think that Mauritius is just for honeymooners, but Le Touessrok is perfect for everyone. Kids get their own "secret" wing of the hotel, teens get a private island accessible only by the resort's speedboat. And parents get peace and quiet, not to mention an amazing spa. And fab leisure facilities. If you can raise the energy.  

If you're all more winter people than sunlovers, then how about a winter activity holiday in Andorra. Not just your run of the mill skiing trip, in addition you get dog-sledding and snowmobiling, snowshoeing and igloo building, Admittedly, you'll all come home shattered but what a way to spend some time together and build some amazing memories for the kids and yourselves.