Families 'increasingly looking at city breaks'

Family city breaks are becoming increasingly popular, replacing "sugar coated" holiday options such as theme park visits, according to one specialist.

Ted Wake, director of sales and marketing at Kirker Holidays, claims that there has been a significant increase in the number of families booking their holidays and travel insurance online and heading off to more cultural destinations.

"There is a feeling that the Disney-style formula is perhaps too much of a good thing; it's slightly sugar-coated and child-focused," said Mr Wake.

"Why not do something that is a bit more intellectually stimulating, that will appeal to children and adults just as strongly as a fairground experience?"

He added that it was more practical to spend quality time together on a city break, taking in the sites and spending time as a family, than on a pre-arranged, package tour.

"We have noticed a significant increase in the number of families that are looking for holidays with a cultural twist," he said.