Fill the yawning chasm of the summer holidays with our pick of the best breaks, from encounters with Polar bears in Svalbard and dolphin safaris in Mauritius to golden British beaches and New York?s hidden island, packed full of family fun. UK and Europe From Alphabet Soup to Zoos London is a city for kids of all ages and St James?s Hotel and Club?s (www.stjamesclubandhotel.co.uk / 0207 316 1600) brand new kids concierge team takes great pleasure in introducing their younger guests to some of its most famous and more unusual attractions. Assistant Head Concierge Tony O?Connell is the hotels resident expert in all things that are fun, informative, unusual and absorbing and can recommend exactly the right activity, restaurant or theatre show for enjoyable days out either in the centre of London or just a little farther afield. So whether guests are 6 months, or 60 years and young at heart, and enjoy the zoo or are looking for something a little more extraordinary Tony will find something that appeals so that the whole family can enjoy their visit to London. From ?215 per room per night, including a tailored itinerary from the kids concierge Discover Summertime Arctic in Svalbard Follow in the footsteps of Fritjof Nansen and the other early Arctic explorers with Basecamp Explorer (www.basecampexplorer.com, who offer a unique compact High Arctic adventure in Svalbard, from July-August, home to Phillip Pullman's epic His Dark Materials trilogy. Head to Isfjord Radio in 24 hour day light, hugging the coast in a small sail boat, before exploring the historic radio station that provided the Arctic with its first means of communication. The station here is surrounded by nesting eider ducks and barnacle geese, and the beaches and marshes teem with other birds as well as seals and the occasional polar bear. From trekking across the tundra to mushing across the pristine landscape with a 6-dog team, this is as authentic an Arctic experience as it gets and a real boy's own adventure. From ?550 per person for adults ?350 for children Inclusive: of transfer to/from Basecamp and harbour, boat transport to Isfjord Radio, two nights accommodation in double rooms at Basecamp Isfjord Radio, all meals, full activity program, guide with all security equipment. Children over six only. A Family Summer at Jersey?s Atlantic Hotel Hidden coves and bays, stunning sandy beaches and secluded woodland picnic spots make Jersey the perfect location for this summer?s holiday. Easily accessible by ferry from the UK and still within the sterling area. At the Atlantic Hotel (www.theatlantichotel.com) you can relax by the pool, taking in the views of the sparkling ocean below or head off down to the beach for some kayaking and surfing. Children will love the bush walks by Jersey Adventures where they will learn survival skills and how to identify edible and medicinal plants. Make the most of the sixteen top family attractions on the island including Aquasplash, Durrell?s Conservation Trust and the Jersey War Tunnels with a Jersey Pass from less than ?10 per day. Stay seven nights for the price of six at The Atlantic Hotel from just ?1145 per person based on two adults sharing (one child stays for free when sharing a family room) including full English breakfast, daily newspaper and use of the indoor and outdoor swimming pools, spa pool, sauna, mini gym and tennis court plus sea travel from Weymouth or Poole. To book call 08444 937486 or visit www.channelislandsdirect.co.uk South Africa, Indian Ocean and USA South African Adventure World Cup fever has the kids interested in this beautiful country so take advantage of the off peak prices and pack them of on an adventure of a lifetime. Following a 5 night stay in Cape Town and 3 nights whale watching in Hermanus, head off to the family friendly Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve for 4 nights on safari in Big 5 territory. Children will love the dedicated Junior Tracker and Ranger courses from age 4 and up and the dedicated EleFun Centre at the camp where they can learn more about the African bush. To escape to offers a South Africa family itinerary combining 5 nights at the Mount Nelson Hotel in Cape Town (B&B), 3 nights whale watching in Hermanus at the Mosselberg (B&B) and 4 nights on safari at Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge (all inclusive) from ?4,300.00 per adult and ?2,150.00 for children under 12 including all international flights and transfers. Saving up to ?400 per person. www.toescapeto.com / 020 7060 6747 / escape@toescapeto.com Dolphin Safaris and Deep Sea Fishing in Mauritius Against the dramatic backdrop of the Tamarin and Rempart mountains, where the sands of Tamarin Bay are lapped by iridescent waters, 5*Maradiva Villas Resort & Spa (www.maradiva.com) offers sheer escapism for parents and endless activities for kids. Several of the 65 generously proportioned villas, scattered amidst 27 acres of lush vegetation, have interconnecting pathways and offer open-air garden dining and private pools so that families can create their very own home from home on this beautiful island. Children can take their pick from an array of activities including surfing, snorkelling and incredible dolphin safaris, and will be expertly looked after at Peter Pan Kids Club, whilst parents can relax in the spa or enjoy an exhilarating afternoon of deep sea fishing with Maradiva head chef Didier Jacob. A Mauritian native, Didier knows all the best fishing spots that locals like to keep secret, renowned for big catch like marlins. In the evening, families can join together for beachside BBQ?s with the deep sea catch of the day on offer, under beautiful Raj tents with lanterns gently floating in the breeze. Stay at Maradiva for 7 nights from ?1,725 per person including Executive Suite Villa for a family of 2 adults & 2 children, breakfast, flights on Air France and Private Transfers. Luxury Holidays Direct (www.luxuryholidaysdirect.com, 020 8774 7299) Take a Family Sized Bite Out of The Big Apple With the sterling set to pick up, kids of all ages can go wild with a summer city break in the Big Apple. The Lowell (www.lowellhotel.com), a discreet boutique hotel, welcomes children with milk and cookies upon arrival, bespoke itineraries and family sized suites. With FAO Shawtz, the mega store that has been awing kids and generous parents for more than a century, around the corner The Lowell is a haven for families in the heart of the city. New York families best kept secret for a summer day out is Governors Island, which offers spectacular views of the Manhattan sky line. Recently opened after decades of mysterious isolation, the city?s very own ghost town is now an easy (and free) escape. The Lowell will provide bikes, helmets, delicious picnics and of course a detailed route map, and families can ride around the island, circulate through two 1812-era forts, then play a round of mini-golf. Most summer weekends offer something special: a concert under the stars, kayaking clinics or fishing demonstrations. Book two nights in any category and receive the third night at 50% off, from approx ?550 per person for three nights including continental breakfast. -ENDS- For further information, please contact Lucy Moss ? lucy@dovetail-agency.co.uk ? or Jo Merredew ? joanna@dovetail-agency.co.uk or call 020 7016 6740