Picture this nightmare scenario. You`ve been looking forward to your family summer holiday all year but, once you arrive, there`s nothing for the children to do and they`re left bored out of their minds for two long weeks. It`s no fun for them and certainly no fun for you.

There are only so many games of cards or Monopoly you can play so, wherever you go this summer, make sure there`s plenty to keep the children entertained. With the current economic climate hampering many families` spending power, the UK summer break has enjoyed a revival – and with good reason. From Bournemouth to Blackpool, the traditional bucket and spade holiday is still alive and well, but British beach holidays can mean so much more.

England`s South West peninsula has so much to offer for holidaying families. North Devon`s glorious, stretching beaches tick every box in terms of cleanliness, safety and surf and you`re never far from a fun-filled and family-friendly campsite.

It`s often claimed that Cornwall has the best beaches in Britain – and it`s easy to see why. With 250 miles of beautiful coastline, there`s no reason for children to get bored with visiting the same beach every day.

The English Riviera on Devon`s south coast boasts every activity and attraction imaginable. You can explore Kents Cavern, the Babbacombe Model Village or visit the animals at Paignton Zoo. For the more active families, there`s no shortage of watersports to try or you can set off on one of the many cycling or walking routes.

However, if there`s one thing you can never rely on, it`s the British summer. If you want guaranteed sun and balmy evenings, you should probably look abroad. If you`re not looking to travel too far afield, the French regions of Normandy and Brittany are easily driveable after a short ferry crossing or trip through the Channel Tunnel. The most popular form of accommodation for holidaying families is the gite – a self-catering cottage or villa. Or, if you prefer to rough it a little more, north-western France is rich with campsites with plenty of activities for the children to get stuck into. And the beaches of Brittany are tailor-made for restless children, with their fine golden sand, wide open spaces and crab-filled rock pools. While mum and dad select from a list the region`s fine wines, children can enjoy the novelty of pancakes for main course and dessert at a top local crêperie. So, whether it`s fun-filled fortnights or activity weekends, make sure the children have plenty to keep them busy this summer.