Tips and deals of the week: Avis car hire, the Houndgate Townhouse and First Choice's Balanceability

The rental

Avis is offering one-way car hire in Scotland from £10. The offer is available between 24 August-15 September and is only applicable on rentals of up to two days, returning to England or Wales (avis.co.uk).

The hotel

The Houndgate Townhouse has opened in Darlington, County Durham. Occupying a Grade II-listed building, it has eight bedrooms and a gastropub-style menu. Doubles £140 (houndgatetownhouse.co.uk).

The activity

Double-gold medallist Laura Trott has teamed up with First Choice to launch Balanceability, a learn-to-cycle programme for children that's available at the Holiday Village Majorca (firstchoice.co.uk/blog/balanceability).