Just back from a half term break in glorious Yorkshire. Having endured first Butlins and then a narrowboat over the last two years, it was a pleasant change this time to be staying in a luxury converted barn in the Dales.

Whenever we go on our travels, the first thing I always pack is my trusty copy of Julian Cope’s The Modern Antiquarian. Famed in the late seventies and early eighties as the singer/songwriter behind the Liverpuddlian post-punk band The Teardrop Explodes, he has spent much of life exploring the Neolithic monuments of Britain and Europe. His book is an invaluable guide to anyone interested in stone circles and megaliths and there is always a collected groan from the rest of the family when I get it out to plan a trip to “not another boring stone Dad!”

Imagine my delight when I find our cottages are named after and adjacent to Brimham Rocks which are featured on page 266 of Mr Cope’s gazetteer. The area covers about 50 acres and contains huge gritstone outcrops which have been weathered and eroded into fantastic shapes and juxtapositions which look like the sculptures of the Gods. “Brimful of magic” exudes Mr Cope, and he goes on to speculate how they must have amazed our Bronze-age cousins - just as they continued to amaze us on the Sunday.

Monday and we visited Fountain Abbey (also on our doorstep) and explored the ruins and grounds. Founded by a dozen monks nearly a thousand years ago, Fountain Abbey rapidly grew to become the richest monastery in Europe and this was reflected in the sheer size and grandeur of the remnants. Now owned by the National Trust there is also a minor stately home, a mill and an extraordinary water garden to discover.

Tuesday saw us tramping over Malham Cove and Gordale Scar (both equally spectacular – see photo) on a three hour yomp through the high country, with the limestone pavement beneath our feet and acres of clear blue sky above, there was nothing to disturb the peace bar the constant whine of “are we nearly there yet?”

Wednesday saw us at Castle Howard - as an ardent fan of Brideshead Revisited this was a long held ambition of mine,. It was interesting to note that there were no references to the landmark TV series in any of their marketing or in their gift shop – however I for one was unable to walk around these oh so familiar grounds without a chorus of strings playing dum da de dum in my head!

All in all, a great way to take a break from the toils of life. However, when asked for the high spot of the holidays, the kids were unanimous in their vote for the hot tub outside the cottages. Which just goes to show; you can take the kids out of Butlins – but you cant take the Butlins out of the kids!