Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

How to improve holidays with children

'Hey mum, let's branch out on a tree-top camping holiday'

Katy Holland
Sunday 05 August 2007 00:00 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Since the school holidays began, I've had two little boys permanently stuck to my sofa. Their idea of a relaxing break is to camp out in front of the television for six weeks. But they're going to have to budge. Call me cruel, but I have plans to give them a taste of life on the edge – literally – with a spot of tree camping.

Apparently, branch-level accommodation is all the rage these days. No longer content with keeping two feet on the ground, savvy holidaymakers are clambering over themselves to spend time at a higher level. And, of course, kids are at the front of the queue.

That's why holiday operators such as the Mighty Oak Tree Climbing Company (07890 698651; mighty-oak.co.uk) in Cornwall are doing so well.

Families are the top customers for Mighty Oak's one-night "package in a tree", where you get bed and breakfast suspended from a suitably strong branch. Your accommodation comes in the form of a hammock; they attach you to this with a harness just in case you get the urge to roll over during the night – and you also get a climbing lesson thrown in. But if that's too far out of your comfort zone, check out the Tree House Lodge (0131-337 7167; treehouselodge.co.uk) in the Cairngorms, an elevated timber house which offers great views and entertainment in the form of calming birdsong.

For total tree-top luxury, head for the south of France, where Orion B&B (0 33 6 75 45 18 64; orionbb.com) has five gorgeous treehouses hidden in a wood near St Paul de Vence.

These wooden gems come complete with a natural swimming pool, all modern conveniences and private treetop terraces.

Now that's what I call the high life.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in