If you've been caught unawares, don't despair. There is still time to book an autumn mini-break, and with a plethora of UK city hotels offering family deals, you might even get a bargain.

Edinburgh's five-star Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa (00800 325 35353; sheraton.com/grandedinburgh) is definitely worth checking out: its Mid-Term Madness package includes entry to some of the city's finest children's attractions, from pottery workshops to museums and city farms. Prices start at £199 per night per family if you book online, with kids' movies and meals thrown in.

Leeds is another good bet: the Autumn Glory week at Harewood House (0113-218 1010; harewood.org) is free for kids and promises all sorts of entertainment, including scarecrow making, storytelling and bird watching. Book in at the nearby Park Plaza (0113-380 4045; parkplaza.com/leeds uk) for deals starting at £150 per family.

There are also some interesting bargains at Jury's Inn Plymouth (01752 631000; jurysinns.com), where families get three nights' accommodation and free entry to the Eden Project for £329 during October. And the Macdonald Botley Park Golf Country Club and Spa in Southampton (0870 194 2132; macdonaldhotels. co.uk/ botleypark), is worth a look: snap up all sorts of discounts for £99 per night.

Katy Holland  : Indipendent.co.uk