Cheddar Woods: Somerset, staycations, luxury resorts

Driving into Cheddar Woods — one of Hoseasons' more luxury resorts, it's easy to wince snobbily at the static homes, all laid out next to each other, between the flowerbeds and open green spaces.

But scratch the surface and the modern lodges, decked out with trendy kitchens, flatscreen TVs and en suite bathrooms, make a great base for families.

With excellent kids' club facilities, a bar (with outdoor play area), golf simulator, bowling alley, restaurant, spa, pool and gym, all set on a 25-acre site overlooking an area of outstanding natural beauty, there's rather a lot to occupy the average clan.

And if claustrophobia does set in, the luscious rolling hills of Somerset will come a calling. Nibble on award-winning Cheddar cheeses, being made from scratch by the locals, stir up a cauldron of inquisitive minds in the caves of Wookey Hole, where witches are steeped in folklore, and picnic on giant, gnarled rocks at Cheddar Gorge, all just a swoosh of a broom away.

• Lodges start from £299 per week and retail from £79,995. Visit www.cheddarwoods.co.uk