, these secret spaces open their gates and invite the public to pay a visit, with one ticket allowing unlimited access for the weekend. Time and locations vary: See website for details. Cost: £9–12 (adults), free (children). Price includes guidebook per two

Can you remember visiting a bookstore as a child? For many budding bookworms, the quirky environment, attentive service and limitless adventures of the imagination available a mere shelf away can make a trip to a children’s bookstore a real treat

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

signs off every issue.The changing face of the magazine has successfully held thousands of children interested in reading and attending literary events. This year’s Puffin Post Family Day will be held at the Radisson Blu Edwardian in Guildford as part

from the land of fairytale will be on fine form for the Jubilee weekend at Eureka, the National Children’s Museum in Halifax. Learn to dance with Cinderella and Prince Charming at the Masquerade Ball, watch knights duelling in the courtyard, take part

Pig-ScotJune 23Children and adults alike should dig out their race day finery and head along to Cantref Aventure Farm for Wales’ premier porcine racing event! Cheer on the farm’s resident pigs as they trot around a specially built racing track

activity day. Children can go on woodland discovery walks, try to spot The Gruffalo and take part in art & craft activities. August 4–11Maiden City FestivalThis week-long celebration of diversity in Northern Ireland is sure to have an exciting event to suit

on astounding feats of human agility and endurance. Mini OlympicsJuly 5On your marks, get set and go to Brintons Park in Kidderminster for this exciting day out. Children under five and their families can take part in art and craft activities, face painting

and folk dance performances. Every Bear That Ever There WasJune 30Children should bring their bravest teddy along to this hair-raising bear themed event at Blantyre’s David Livingstone Centre. Once each furry friend has been kitted out with their own name

where children can make their own windborne wonder in the Resource Hut then send it spinning on the house’s picturesque lawns.  North West Food FestivalAugust 16–19This appetising event is being held in conjunction with the Southport Flower Festival