At once blissfully calm and strikingly dramatic, the rolling fields of this country estate make a unique setting for the contemporary artworks of the Yorkshire Sculpture Park. The perfect antidote to the stuffy and staid traditional gallery environment, here families are free to ...

of festive activities for families will be on offer at Kew Gardens including face-painting, Santa’s Grotto, a traditional carousel and, after Christmas Day, a tree recycling amnesty with the arboretum team. Christmas Activities For KidsDecember 10,11Have a

Santa’s Toy MineNovember 20–December 23Visit Rhondda Heritage Park for this magical underground adventure; can you discover Santa’s secret hideaway? Valiant adventurers will be rewarded with a special gift and tasty seasonal treats.The Dinefwr Edwardian Christmas FayreNovember 26...

Gibside Food & Craft MarketJanuary 7, 21Snap up a selection of local food, drinks and crafts and watch live cooking demonstrations at this seasonal market in Gibside Gardens, Gateshead.Winter With BeatrixJanuary 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29Peruse a selection of Beatrix Potter’s w...

1. Much like any creature (humans included!) a foolproof way to tempt feathered friends into your garden is to offer them a nibble of their favourite food. Although ready-made bird feed mixtures are available to buy, it is far more fun to make a bird cake together with your child...

of seasonal activities with an event to suit every family. Sticking to the publishing house’s global philosophy, events include African drumming classes, piñata making workshops, celebratory Indian dance and an afternoon of Hannuka fun. More traditional

Heston Blumenthal, Michelin-starred chefIf children are helping you cook, don’t expect them to make a dish from start to finish. It’s the interaction that’s the best thing – they can learn from you and you can learn from teaching them.Mimi Doe, author and founder of Spiritualpare...

Matthew Bourne’s Nutcracker!November 29–December 3World-renowned choreographer, Matthew Bourne brings his sugar-coated spectacular to the Edinburgh Festival Theatre for a limited run before leaping off to London’s West End. Children and adults alike will adore being transported t...

1. Treat yourself to a lie-in If you are accustomed to leaping out of bed in the morning in order to get your children dressed and make them breakfast, then you must stop immediately. By doing these things for your children, you are making them dependent on you. You are also in d...

Hazelborough Wood, Northamptonshire These are tranquil ancient woodlands where deer and even badgers live. So roll out your blanket and enjoy a picnic while you watch and wait. Thetford Forest, Norfolk This tall pine forest is home to a wide variety of birds including red crossbi...