Ranches, rodeos and barbeque, Texas is cowboy country. See another side to Texas along the sandy beaches of the Texas Gulf Coast or take a cultural tour of San Antonio. There is plenty to discover in the Lone Star State.

Thrill seekers and families have no shortage of options in Texas. Six Flags over Texas operates two theme parks full of the latest white-knuckle rides, and for younger children the parks offer musical shows and a chance to meet your favourite cartoon characters. Schlitterbahn is a huge water park with plenty of splashing good fun.

Want to be a cowboy for a week, come and stay on a ranch. Guest ranches offer the visitor the chance to learn cowboy skills such as cattle round-ups and lassoing. Enjoy the still beauty of the plains and the taste of beans and barbeque in an authentic cowboy cookout.

San Antonio was established as a mission outpost in the 18th century. Discover the Spanish style architecture of the original mission buildings. Local attractions include the Alamo where local soldiers were defeated by the Mexican army. Get a flavour of the Old West at the Buckhorn Saloon and Museum. Here you will find Western style entertainment, home style cooking and the occasional gun-totting outlaw. Finally, take the kids to the Guinness World Records Museum and Ripley’s Haunted Adventure for jaw-dropping facts and high-tech interactive displays.

Outdoor activities are as varied as the Texas landscape. Try rock climbing or river rafting amongst the canyons in the Big Bend National Park. Water sports are well catered for along the Texas Gulf Coast and world-class golf courses such as the Bandit and Horseshoe Bay are just the beginning of Texas’ wide range of excellent golfing facilities.

Self-catering holiday cottages and apartments to rent in Texas: