Family Christmas Ideas 2003

For details:
Breaks With Tradition
Before booking, call and ask what the typical mix of guests is; you do not want to arrive to find you are the only family among couples.

Where to stay
The Old Bell in Malmesbury (pictured) is a family-friendly hotel situated in the Southern Cotswolds. Its three-night Christmas package includes all meals and activities. Events for children include a pantomime and hanging stockings around the big old fireplace on Christmas Eve. On Christmas Day, Santa arrives and kids must find him in a group game of Hide-and-Seek. There is also a big video screen for watching DVDs with friends, and carol-singing. Tariff is from £680 per person, with children aged 12 and under sharing parents' room £150.

For details:
The Old Bell www.oldbellhotel.com/

Things to do around and about
The Old Bell is well located for trips to Bath with its cathedral carol concert, Christmas market and Westonbirt Arboretum. In winter, Westonbirt has magical night time trails through the Enchanted Wood, illuminated with thousands of coloured lights. It also runs Christmas craft workshops for adults and children, where decorations are made with materials from the surrounding woodland.

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