and drinking rose in the garden, to children the summer holidays represent freedom, independence and family days out, awash with activities laid on for their pleasure.So, in honour of this most pleasant of seasons, and in recognition of the fact that those

centre at Fineshade Woods to map out your visit.More days out on Junior:Blooming marvellous days outThe best days out... ever!

 – but look out for beggars scoundrels and thieves who may just end up in the stocks before the day is through. Film Club: A Child’s Christmas In WalesDecember 10Settle down with your family at Wales’ National Museum for a special screening of an animated

and mulled wine and mince pies for parents.The Spirit Of Christmas PastDecember 11Step into the past at the Ulster Folk And Transport Museum with an afternoon of festivities straight out of the 1900’s. Create your own Christmas decorations, make sweet music

winter bite.Santa At Almond ValleyDecember 3–24Look out for the rotund fellow in red nestled away in the woods at Almond Valley Heritage Centre who will be dishing out Christmas presents to children both naughty and nice. Families can also enjoy Christmas

competition to see The Gruffalo Live on tour.12 Days Of ChristmasDecember 3-4, 10-11, 17-24For a very merry festive day out this Christmas, Nickelodeon Land in Blackpool is a veritable feast of seasonal activity. Children receive a special gift from Father

The Festive Gift FairNovember 17–20De-stress your Christmas shopping expedition this year and turn it into a fun, family day out at the NEC Birmingham. The hundreds of sellers in attendance at this four day shopping spectacular will be offering

to Christmas is being played out on a colossal scale at Tower Bridge this year with a giant Victorian advent calendar. On arrival children will be asked to select a candy cane from a giant Christmas tree, one of which on each day will allow the lucky recipient

there will be lantern parades, festive choirs, brass bands and the grand opening of Oxford Christmas Market.Festive Family Race DaysDecember 2, 3Families who fancy a flutter should trot down to Sandown Park racecourse inEsher for the Tingle Creek Festival. Dress up

place this Sunday, September 30 will see a full day of free drawing activities inspired by the museum’s collection plus visits from legendary etchers Quentin Blake and Gerald Scarfe.Children can meet Cbeebies' Mister Maker for a crown-designing workshop