If you need a break somewhere far-flung and exotic (but without all the travelling, packing and expense), then go for a sensory adventure instead. The perfect place to do this is in the greenhouse network at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

Hi, it's me, JoeIt seems that where Joe goes, the worlds follows… I spent a lovely Sunday afternoon last weekend having a delicious lunch at the Royal Garden Hotel in Kensington, followed by a visit to watch The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe at a

Want a break from the hurly-burly of modern life and lots of space for your child? Dolly Cottage, in rugged, rural Eire’s Donegal, is a 200-year-old thatched cottage sleeping up to four, set in seven acres of gardens leading to the River Stragar

Grootbos Nature ReserveWhere? The Garden Route, which runs along the south-eastern coast between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth.Why go there? For the lush indigenous forest, free flowing rivers, sun-kissed beaches and majestic mountains. Self

Open Garden Squares Weekend (June 9-10)Amongst our sprawling urban metropolis, hundreds of lush green oases lie hidden from view, undiscovered by the majority of the capital’s residents. For one weekend a year, the Open Garden Squares Weekend

.birmingham-rep.co.ukWho could resist the chance to step inside a secret oasis, hidden from the world? Protus Theatre company's reworking of the classic tale, The Secret Garden, features circus skills, puppetry, film and music to magical effect. Step inside at Lincoln Centre

Aquarium explores the hidden world of UK waters, while The Matthew is a model of the boat used by John Cabot when he discovered Newfoundland in 1497. Bristol Zoo Gardens is another family must.The Bristol Hotel is right in the heart of things by the harbour

plastic tea set will keep your toddler busy for hours (and will be good training for later life).Give large paint brushes and a ‘paint pot’ of water, then let her paint the garden fence or outside of your house.Let her water your flowers. Give a big bucket

Flowering garden cake

Ickworth House, SuffolkWith a spectacular Rotunda at its heart, the stunning Ickworth House stately home hotel is set amid 1,800 acres of parkland and lush gardens - with an open invitation for children to try a spot of tree-climbing, play croquet