In The Know: August

Tiny Travel Agency

Ah, don’t you just wish there was a group of travel-obsessed mums with a (somewhat neurotic) eye for detail who have been there, done that and bought the T-shirt, ready to help you find, plan and book your dream family holiday anywhere from France to Florida?

Eh, hello! That’s us! And now, more so than ever, because we’ve just relaunched our shiny, new, bigger-than-ever Tiny Travel Agency

You want a week at one of Europe’s best all-inclusives (hello, kids’ club!) where you can properly switch off and enjoy some serious sun-lounger bliss? No probs

You quite fancy a cruise with the kids, but really wish you knew how to make it fun, easy and actually enjoyable for all involved? We’ve got the intel

You’ve decided it’s finally time to hit the theme parks in Florida but don’t want to blow the entire holiday budget before you’ve even got there? We hear ya – and we know how to do it

Maybe you’re planning your first holiday with a newborn, and want to know where will make life as easy as possible. Or, perhaps you want to bring the grandparents along (they are so useful!), so need a holiday with universal appeal. Or, you’re desperately seeking out some glorious winter sun, at a hotel (we wholeheartedly promise) will be every bit as fabulous as you dreamed of after a 12-hour flight with a toddler

Mad Swans Hotel, South Downs

There’s a new kid on the block in the South Downs, and they’re shaking up the family country-house stay. Mad Swans is part rural escape, part brilliant sports club and part very cool family hangout, all wrapped up in the gorgeous rolling Hampshire hills, just 45 minutes from London. Having opened in June, this place is already proving a hit with parents who want to take the kids on a mega child-friendly weekend away, but who are more interested in doing things together than handing them over to a kids’ club. Don’t expect babysitters or organised childcare here

The brainchild of Joel Cadbury and Ollie Vigors, co-founders of hospitality company Longshot and the team behind Surrey’s rather fabulous Beaverbrook, this cool new spot is made for families who like their downtime with a healthy dose of sport and fun

First up is the brand-new 12-hole course, but this isn’t golf with a capital G, lots of rules and serious faces. Mad Swans is all about making sport fun and accessible, whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a complete beginner. Then there’s the Swing Barn, a high-tech Toptracer driving range where you can practise your swing or play games, alongside the Putt Patch, padel and pickleball courts. Add in darts, shuffleboard and plenty of other games and there’s little danger of anyone getting bored

Gordon Ramsay Plane Food Market at Heathrow Terminal 5

Airport food has come a long way from the sad sandwich and overpriced chips situation, and Gordon Ramsay Plane Food Market at Heathrow Terminal 5 is proof. Recently relaunched, this buzzy food hall-style restaurant is designed for travellers looking for something tasty and quick before take-off and it’s ideal for families who want good food without the wait – there’s a plane to catch after all

The concept brings together a whole host of Gordon Ramsay favourites under one roof, so there’s something for pretty much every member of the family. Think burgers, pizza, sushi, fish and chips, curries, salads, steaks and chicken, plus plenty of breakfast options if you’re catching an early flight. There’s a Grab & Go section too, which is handy if you’re running late or fancy picking up something to take on the plane. Basically, it’s the sort of place where everyone can choose what they fancy rather than having the inevitable holiday row over where to eat before you’ve even left the country

And for families, there’s an extra reason to seek it out this summer. Kids (under 10) heading off on their summer hols will under receive a complimentary limited-edition Plane Food Backpack with every kids’ meal filled with activities, colouring pencils and a personalised note from Gordon and Tana Ramsay – they have so many kids so they are pros at this kind of thing now! It’s designed to keep little travellers entertained before take-off and doubles as handy bag to bring home any little souvenirs

The backpacks are available at Plane Food Market throughout the summer holidays and also across Bread Street Kitchen restaurants, where kids receive one with every adult ordering from the à la carte menu. With plenty of choice, speedy service and a fun kids’ touch, it’s a rather smart upgrade to the usual airport pit stop – and a nice way to kick-start the holiday

New routes to Lapland

Ok, so we know it’s currently a heatwave and we’re all focused on suncream and ice lollies, but we’re just going to come right out and say the ‘C’ word. It’s time to talk about Christmas. It might still be swimsuit weather, but if you’re thinking of taking the family to Lapland this year, frankly, it’s time to start planning. Flights, accommodation and Santa’s diary will be filled up by parents who are prepared to face the festive chat in August

The great news is that it’s easier than ever to plan an amazing trip to the ‘North Pole’. EasyJet is expanding its Finnish Lapland network with three new direct routes from the UK for winter 2026/27. London Luton to Kittilä launches on 24 November, with twice-weekly flights on Tuesdays and Saturdays; Liverpool to Kittilä launches on 25 November, also twice weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays; and Newcastle to Rovaniemi launches on 25 November, with flights on Wednesdays and Sundays

British Airways is also bringing in a brand-new London Gatwick to Rovaniemi route from 4 December, operating twice a week on Mondays and Fridays. Even better for those wanting to squeeze every last drop out of the festive season, it runs right through Christmas, including Christmas Eve

Four Seasons Hotel Mykonos

So Mykonos might not seem like the most obvious Greek island for a family holiday – all infinity pools, beach clubs and late-night cocktails. But that’s all just changed. The brand-new Four Seasons Hotel Mykonos is here to prove that this famously glamorous spot is just as great with kids in tow as it is for an adults-only break

Perched above beautiful Kalo Livadi Bay, this hotel is ridiculously stylish and completely five-star, but don’t let that put you off taking little ones. The complimentary Kids For All Seasons programme is for children aged 5 to 12 and is packed with fun stuff, with shady indoor spaces for crafts, games and supervised activities inspired by Mykonian history and Greek mythology. Younger children aren’t forgotten either: under-fives can join in with a parent or chaperone, while babysitting can also be arranged

And then there are the rooms, which are particularly good for families. The One-Bedroom Sea-View Suites really tick the box, with a whopping 93–98sqm of space and separate sleeping and living areas, while the Two-Bedroom Villa gives families 120sqm, two bedrooms, living and dining space and, rather fabulously, their own private pool. Nothing is too much trouble here either, and kiddie kit such as cots, playpens and highchairs can be delivered to your room, plus there’s a dedicated kids’ in-room dining menu

The Ritz-Carlton Tenerife, Abama

There’s even more reason to put the Ritz-Carlton Tenerife, Abama on your family holiday wish list this year, with three exciting new additions making an already fantastic family resort even better

First up is the brand-new Splash Park, which is guaranteed to be a hit with younger guests. Designed for maximum fun in the Tenerife sunshine, this colourful aquatic play area gives little ones plenty of opportunity to splash, explore and burn off some energy

The resort’s Lagoon Pool has also had a refresh and is now open again, looking rather lovely surrounded by lush gardens and overlooking the Atlantic. It’s the perfect spot for grown-ups wanting a slightly more peaceful pool day, while the kids can make a beeline for the new splash park. Basically, everyone gets their own bit of holiday paradise

And then there’s Ritz Kids, which has had a complete makeover. The newly renovated kids’ club has been designed as a colourful, creative space where children can play, learn and get stuck into a whole host of activities and experiences. It’s all about encouraging little guests to explore and have adventures of their own, with plenty to keep them entertained during their stay – meaning mum and dad can get some time to themselves