Take me there: Hare Farm Hideaways, Sussex
What better way to welcome the arrival of spring than to stay on a farm during lambing season? Hare Farm is a Sussex sheep farm which has recently opened two gorgeous self-catering properties: a restored oast house with circular bedrooms in the former hop-drying kilns (sleeps 12; from £885 for two nights) and a cosy shepherd's hut with woodburner for two (£150 for two nights). Visit the lambing sheds and see newborns gambolling in the fields until the end of April. If you ask nicely, the farmer might even let you feed one of the new arrivals (harefarmhideaways.co.uk). For a list of other farm stays where you can see lambing in action, go to farmstay.co.uk.
Travel clinic: half-term family fun
The dilemma Our family loves Center Parcs, but our budget's a bit tight this year, so I'm looking for a cheaper option for summer half-term, ideally in the Peak District/northwest. Jeannette, by email
Joanne replies When it comes to accommodation, activities and ambience, Ribby Hall Village on Lancashire's Fylde coast (ribbyhall.co.uk) and Darwin Forest Country Park (pinelodgeholidays.co.uk) in the Peak District are reasonable (and reasonably priced) alternatives.
As well as indoor pools, soft-play areas and adventure playgrounds, the holiday parks offer a range of outdoor activities from pony trekking to mountain biking and a smart spa. Both sites have pine lodges with outdoor hot tubs, but with its woodland setting, Darwin is closer in spirit to Center Parcs. A four-night midweek break starting 4 June at Whinfell Forest Center Parcs, Cumbria, costs from £759 for a family of four; the same dates cost £610 at Ribby Hall and £616 at Darwin Forest.
Admittedly, neither has quite the array of activities offered by Center Parcs – but having been reduced to the verge of bewildered tears by the task of pre-booking three days' worth of activities for an extended family group on a recent trip, I'm inclined to think that's a good thing.
Three of the best… boathouse conversions
Have fun on the water and then fall asleep to the sound of lapping waves at these three former boathouses which have been converted into stylish holiday homes.
1. Onich, Fort William Watch seals and otters from the deck of this retreat on the banks of Loch Linnhe. Sleeps 2. From £482 per week (scotland.org.uk/cottages – ref: IN680).
2. Foel Ferry, Isle of Anglesey Ships' timbers create a nautical vibe. You can view the Menai Strait from the hot tub. Sleeps 7. From £705 per week (www.menaiholidays.co.uk).
3. Walberswick, Suffolk A light-filled conversion perched on the coastal marshes. Sleeps 10. From £730 per week (heritagehideaways.com – ref: HH176).
If you have a travel dilemma, email Joanne O'Connor at magazine@observer.co.uk
