Stoke Ski Centre

The dry slope at Stoke Ski Centre is about as close as you'll get to actual skiing without leaving the Midlands or dropping serious cash on a trip to the Alps. It's an artificial surface - think plastic matting rather than snow - but it genuinely works. You can rent skis and boots on-site, or if you're already competent, bring your own and get straight on.

The slope itself isn't massive, which is honest - you're not going to carve down anything steep or technical. But it's perfect for learning or brushing up skills you've forgotten since that school trip to France. An hour is enough to get a feel for it; a full afternoon if you want proper practice. Families with older kids tend to get the most from it, though complete beginners often find the flatter sections a bit frustrating.

Stoke-on-Trent is just down the road, making this an easy afternoon slot if you're camped at Luzlow Caravan Site or Glamping at Holly Grove Farm. It's not free - expect to pay for tuition and equipment hire - but it's considerably cheaper than a weekend course elsewhere. Go midweek if you can; weekends draw school groups and can feel crowded.

Frankly, it's a decent rainy-day option or a novelty half-day activity rather than a reason to base your entire holiday here. But if anyone in your group fancies a go at skiing without the commitment or cost, you could do far worse.