Pinewood Sands, Norfolk

What makes it special
It has a unique feel. With its American theme, the kids may come back saying y'all and howdy. Blame it on the popcorn and the paddlesteamer. Just reading the list of activities may leave you out of breath. Even the evenings are busy with the possibility of fireworks, foam parties and movies, sorry, films.

Don't miss:
The Brazilian soccer school. It's not quite keepy-uppy on the Copacabana, but by the end of the stay you should be able to give Pele or Ronaldo a good run, or rather dribble for their money.

When to go:
The usual school holidays but check the website for details. They'll also pick up from a range of service stations and train stations some distance away to save you the journey.

Where to stay:
The kids stay in dorms. If you drop them off you could head to a private suite at Felbrigg Lodge. Just try not to feel too guilty when you savour that lie-in and full English breakfast, not to mention the sheer comfort. Sorry...what's that you say as you tuck into another lightly-boiled egg?... "All that wet and wild character-building stuff never did me any harm"...Mmmm...
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Beam House, Devon

What makes it special:
It's in a great location, not far from the beach at Westward Ho! And the Tarka Trail runs through the site so it's great for walkers and cyclists. You don't have to go on the holiday though - give the kids a chance to spread their wings, while you do a bit of nesting at home or do your own thing elsewhere.

Don't miss:
Motorsports - a bit more unusual with quad bikes, motorbikes and go-karts for budding Lewis Hamiltons. Or there's wave skiing for the board-shorted brigade.

When to go:
Easter, half-terms and summer hols.

Where to stay:
On site in the 17th century manor house in multi-bedded rooms. Or if you prefer to drop the kids off and spoil yourselves nearby, check out Norbury House in Ilfracombe. Damien Hirst has helped put the seaside town back on the tourist map with his The Quay restaurant. And this stylish hotel is part of the cool revival.
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Manor Adventure, Shropshire

What makes it special:
You get to holiday here with your kids, but also have your own space, as they're in bunk-bedded dorms and you're in wooden lodges, and they can also go unaccompanied if you want to stay at home. But if you do go, there are activities for you too, although they're not compulsory! And like Derwentwater, they are increasingly catering for single parents. There's a vast array of activities on offer, from obstacle courses, to video film-making to something called a "confidence course". Hands up all those who fancy the latter? Now come on, don't be shy...

Don't miss:
The chance to go under ground, over ground, wandering free...without having to dress up as a Womble.

When to go:
Pick a weekend or a week in the Whitsun, Easter or summer school holidays.

Where to stay:
On site, but you're apart from the kids. By the end of the week or weekend, you can decide whether that's good or bad...that large bag of their less-than-fragrant laundry may help you make your mind up...
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Derwentwater Adventure Centre

What makes it special:
This Lake District centre caters for landlubbers as well as waterbabes, with everything from kayaking to abseiling to archery on offer. And it's easy to budget, because activities, instruction, equipment, insurance, accommodation and food are all included and they try to make holidays for single parents as stress-free as possible too. You sleep in (provided) tents, but they have strung beds and solid floors.

Don't miss:
The chance to let your kids do something better than you. Not to mention the opportunity to leave every electrically or battery-operated gadget at home. Just see how many hours it takes before the words Nintendo and PlayStation no longer pass your kids' lips.

When to go:The holidays run in July and August and let's face it, would you want to be dunked in Derwentwater outside of the summer months?

Where to stay:
On site the tents are arranged in a little "village" and you all eat together in a marquee in the "village square".
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Go Ape, Dalby North Yorkshire

What makes it special?
It's outdoors, there's not an electronic gadget or fast food joint in sight and it will keep little monkeys occupied for hours - what more could a parent wish for? On the southern side of the North York Moors National Park, there are rope bridges, Tarzan swings, zip wires and all sorts of other activities that mix adrenalin and high trees into a recipe for rufty-tufties. It's suitable for ten-year-olds and above, but an adult will need to attend. It's probably the only place where being called a baboon (child) or gorilla (adult) is a compliment. Check out the details on the website.

Don't miss:
The high wires. Enough said! If some members of the family don't have a head for heights, they can always visit Castle Howard and have a death-defying, high-octane, spine-tingling, er, cup of Earl Grey and a fruit scone. Go on, we dare you!

When to go:
The park opens this month [March] and times are limited after the end of October.

Where to stay:
Dalby Forest Lodges of course - just five minutes from the Go Ape experience (sorry, there's no connecting zip wire). But there are plenty of trails for walks or bike rides, as well as log-burning stoves when you're done exercising and if your youngsters are really missing the gadgets in this eco-heaven, there are DVD players. Shame on them!
More about Dalby Forest Lodges

Images courtesy of www.britainonview.com/Rod Edwards