'Hey mum, let's branch out on a tree-top camping holiday'

SINCE THE SCHOOL holidays began, I've had two little boys permanently stuck to my sofa. Their idea of a relaxing break is to camp out in front of the television for six weeks. But they're going to have to budge. Call me cruel, but I have plans to give them a taste of life on the edge - literally - with a spot of tree camping.

Apparently, branch-level accommodation is all the rage these days. No longer content with keeping two feet on the ground, savvy holidaymakers are clambering over themselves to spend time at a higher level. And, of course, kids are at the front of the queue.

That's why holiday operators such as the Mighty Oak Tree Climbing Company (07890 698651; mighty-oak.co.uk) in Cornwall are doing so well.

Families are the top customers for Mighty Oak's one-night "package in a tree", where you get bed and breakfast suspended from a suitably strong branch. Your accommodation comes in the form of a hammock; they attach you to this with a harness just in case you get the urge to roll over during the night - and you also get a climbing lesson thrown in. But if that's too far out of your comfort zone, check out the Tree House Lodge (0131-337 7167; treehouselodge.co.uk) in the Cairngorms, an elevated timber house which offers great views and entertainment in the form of calming birdsong.

For total tree-top luxury, head for the south of France, where Orion B&B (0 33 6 75 45 18 64; ori-onbb.com) has five gorgeous treehouses hidden in a wood near St Paul de Vence.

These wooden gems come complete with a natural swimming pool, all modern conveniences and private treetop terraces.

Now that's what I call the high life.

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