Jousting knights, pretty princesses and fiery dragons await your presence amongst the imposing medieval grandeur of one of Britain's most impressive castles. Rich with over 1000 years of fascinating history, Warwick castle is buzzing with life and full of sparkling characters who...

1. Picking a costumeWhen picking out an outfit for your little monsters avoid anything that will trail on the ground, cause any discomfort or restrict their movement. Masks and wigs can be irritating and itchy, and children tend to pull them off quite quickly, leaving your child ...

1. Paying a visit to a local farm will not only be a fun day out for young children, but an educational one too. Children who live in rural areas should find they have their pick of local growers whilst city-dwelling families can track down their nearest pastoral oasis at www.far...

Shaker heartA love-filled centrepiece for your table or to hang in your cupboardMaterials 57x50cm striped cotton fabric (such as Forbury Stripe £38 from Laura Ashley)Small amount of linenButtonWadding/dried lavenderWireBay leavesRibbon.How to makeCut out two heart shapes from the...

Christmas Cake Kit, £20What could be finer than creating your very own Christmas cake with a little help from Fortnum & Mason? Doing it yourself in style also means you can omit any pesky adult ingredients that your child doesn't enjoy.Available in store from Fortnum & Mason.

Plants to chooseTouch Children love the soft, woolly texture of Stachys byzantina (Iamb's ears), and stipa tenuissima (soft grass) feels quite feathery.Sight Fuchsias are bright and vivid and children adore popping the flower buds. Pansies, daisies and clematis are also very appe...

Meet Samuel PepysJanuary 7Discover the history of this great city by one of its most famous diarists, Samuel Pepys, at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich. Hear tales of the Great Fire of London, the Navy and the Great Plague in a show that is suitable for all the family.Cup...

BabiesWhile not really swimming using the proper technical strokes that we develop as adults (children don’t have the strength and coordination until at least age four), a baby benefits a great deal from an early introduction to water, not least because it provides him with a fir...

The festive season is full of exciting events and activities for families.Find out what's on in your area with our guide to the happiest yuletide happenings in: The NorthThe MidlandsThe SouthWalesNorthern IrelandScotlandLondon events or London

Nestled in the striking Perthshire countryside, the five star Gleneagles Hotel is as synonymous with warm Scottish hospitality as it is decadent luxury. Set within its own 850 acre estate containing three championship golf courses and a luxury spa to keep parents happy, this worl...