You can hit the ski slopes without leaving the country at the Torquay Alpine Ski Club. Located in the grounds of Barton Hall, the club offers ski and snowboarding instruction and the chance to just whizz down the artificial surface slope.

Make a weekend of it by staying at the Suite Dreams Hotel - a few minutes' drive from the ski club, overlooking the sea and minutes from the beach - with rooms from �30 per person per night on a bed and breakfast basis. Call 01803 313 900 or visit www.suitedreams.co.uk for the hotel and call 01803 313350 or visit www.skitorquay.co.uk for the ski slope. Call 0870 241 1535 or visit www.englishriviera.co.uk for information on the area.