HELLO AGAIN!

Granny Look can not believe there are already April showers, May flowers and June is just around the corner! Soon it will be time for lazy, hazy days, weekend fun, picnics and parties, sunshine and seaside holidays..... in other words... summer again.

Now, Spring is here so it won't be long before we all start to think about summer holidays, what they promise to bring and for grandparents, thoughts and hopes of being able to spend more time with the grandchildren.

There is so much choice for summer holidays, sometimes we get confused.. too many options! where to go, what to do, how not to spend too much money, ways to please everyone. Will we go far from home this year or search for options nearer to home? Granny Look will give you a helping hand to find some ideas for you to think about.... start planning that summer holiday!

FUN FOR ALL THE FAMILY

For grandparents with grandchildren of varying ages www.hoseasons.co.uk offers a wide choice of SELF CATERING UK HOLIDAYS. Take a good look for ideas for everyone. Holiday parks. indoor pools, country cottages, boats, barges and best of all a choice in Britain or Europe!

www.firstchoice.co.uk/families Whatever budget you have, these ALL INCLUSIVE HOLIDAYS offer good places to visit, holiday villages, kids clubs, even long haul family holiday deals. There must be something here for you!

If you have a grandchild with a summer birthday, why not splash out and take them somewhere special. These SMALL GROUP ADVENTURE HOLIDAYS offer a wide choice of locations. Click on Family Adventures at www.AdventureCompany.co.uk and you will find the world is your oyster with a choice of over 60 Family adventure holidays worldwide. Look at their map, plan together and choose where to holiday....what could be more fun!

Perhaps your grandchildren are a little older? Maybe pre-university or "gap year" teenagers and they want ACTIVITY and ADVENTURE in their holiday? (Would you like some of that as well!?) If so look at www.travelmoodadventures.co.uk You'll find everything from cruising and cycling through nature and wildlife, rafting and rail journeys to walking, in many different regions of the world.

SPORT, SUN & STUDY IN THE SUMMER

What about a sporting holiday for you and the grandchildren - maybe try something new like SAILING? www.sunsail.co.uk/clubs has holidays offering all sorts of WATER SPORTS in Europe and the Caribbean, from novice to experienced, lots of activities on dry land and child care and kids clubs for tots to teenagers!

Perhaps one of your grandchildren is a budding Beckham or dancing diva - so have a look at www.exsportise.co.uk where youngsters can have a holiday in the U.K., playing their favourite sport (for international readers there is the chance to study English as well.)

Your grandchildren could finish with improved skills, increased confidence and new friends. These professional residential activity programmes offer exceptional coaching in various sports.Your grandchildren could finish with improved skills, increased confidence and new friends. These professional residential activity programmes offer exceptional coaching in various sports.

You'll find archery, ten pin bowling, tennis and a whole range of other SPORTING ACTIVITIES at www.manorashbury.co.uk and for the less-sporty there's a choice of 15 CRAFTS - glass engraving, jewellery making and needlework are just some of them.

DIFFERENT, DIVERSE AND DAYS AWAY

Some grandparents may not be able to have long summer holidays with the grandchildren, so Granny Look has tried to find some different and diverse days out.

Things to do and places to visit, to make those precious times special. Why not take a short break with www.grandbreaks.com/default.aspx They offer PACKAGE BREAKS or "pick & mix" in their plenty of action or more relaxed fun....a fantastic range of short breaks. There's also a choice of days out - plan what ever you want to do together!

Experience the unique nature of the countryside of Britain by taking a break at an eco-friendly country lodge. At http://www.NaturalRetreats.co.uk there are 14 stunning locations around Britain, all near National Parks, so the choice is yours!

Maybe too energetic for grandparents (why not take Mum & Dad as well!)but the children will love Toddlers Village, Tree Top Towers and Tunnel Warren, as well as all the other rides and activities. www.greenwoodforestpark.co.uk is the place to look for a great day out in Snowdonia (there's a Natural Retreat there too, so why not plan a short break to include both!!) You can even check what the weather will be doing!

If your grandchildren (or you!) are city dwellers give them a real taste of the country and have a look at www.featherdown.co.uk Take a break at one of the many farms located in some of the most beautiful farmland and nature reserves in Britain. What fun to collect the eggs and fresh baked bread every morning, and help the family on the farm.

Still stuck for ideas - you can always go to www.grannylook.com the Trips and Holidays section for even more information! That's all for now - see you in May.

Granny Look