Clermont Ferrand, is also a great day out. Accommodation at Auvergne Naturelle is in a luxurious yurt, with plenty of activities from woodland crafts and fire-making to gentle wildlife walks and a visit to a delightful fairy garden. A seven-night stay costs

of activities, including cooking classes, cake decorating and the maddest mad hatter’s tea party.Play DirtyJuly 23Learn all about dirt at the Wellcome Collection. Help to build a giant sculpture or use dust, dirt and sand to make pretty patterns.Ben & Jerry

GrandThey don’t come much grander than The Elms. Built in 1710, the imposing Queen Anne Mansion is set in ten acres of beautiful gardens in the heart of rural Worcestershire. Recently refurbished, the hotel is the newest member of the Luxury Family

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

. Suitable from eight years. Tel: 020 8269 4620 or visit www.thedavidbeckhamacademy.com4. Go climbing, Northumberland Children will love Alnwick Garden’s huge treehouse and adventure bridges. Suitable for all ages. Tel: 01665 511350 or visit www

their nearest pastoral oasis at www.farmgarden.org.uk, the Federation of City Farms & Community Gardens’ website. As well as getting up close to plenty of adorable animals, a visit to a farm provides an opportunity for children to learn about the farming process

and interesting things to see and touch. It’s a bit like a secret garden and children love it – even in the wet! Inside is just as adventurous and has many different things to see and do. True to its storytelling theme, there are lots of lovely books to read

.   Prehistoric Park BoatJuly 28Travel back in time and discover life in the Lee Valley millions of years ago. Head to Lady of Lee Valley Moorings in Broxbourne to find out about the extinct animals that once roamed the valley. Take a boat ride followed then activities

The sun is shining (on-and-off!) and school's out for summer, so the timing couldn’t be better for Love Parks Week 2011. From July 23–31 everyone can enjoy the best their local park has to offer with a whole host of outdoor activities up and down

of which will be sold at Caramel with 50 per cent of the profits going to the charity that she founded; The Naked Heart Foundation. We caught up with the supermodel mother, grabbing a few moments of fresh air in the shop's pretty garden.Natalia sits neatly