In The Park. Situated in city’s Chavasse Park, the beach features a pool, volley ball nets, cafes and fairground rides. Perhaps not paradise in the strictest sense of the term, but mini sand-seekers are bound to love it...Nottingham RivieraJuly 24–September 5

waves ripple over your feet as they sink in the sand can still have a strangely comforting affect for all ages – especially if the waves are warm and the setting is picturesque.     But if we want our beaches to be clean and enticing, we all have a role

Summer in the city needn’t be all about sticky crowds and stuffy traffic fumes. This year cosmopolitan city-dwellers can seek out their own little slice of paradise in the midst of the madness with the sun, sand and sea of a pop-up urban beach

of choice, the peaceful pine woodlands are a squirrel’s paradise. Tiptoe through the trees and keep your eyes peeled…Family X-Factor Those sand dunes just cry out for pell mell downhill sprints and roly-poly races. And there are three picnic areas where you

1. Porthcurno, Cornwall With dramatic rock formations on either side, white sand, turquoise sea and exotic plant life, this narrow strip of land couldn’t be more striking. There is a car park just beyond the sands, and on the cliff tops

Finding fossils that are millions of years old is really exciting for children and adults alike. The most likely places to find them is amongst the shingle that’s been washed out from cliffs but it’s also worth looking under rocks or boulders.5 Sand and seaweed

Cliffs running east from Seaford towards Eastbourne in East Sussex. The British Open Crabbing championships are held during August in Walberswick on the Suffolk coast.3 Go seal spotting on the north Norfolk coast. Take a boat trip out to Blakeney Point

through the maze. The massive sand and water play area and jumping pillow are a big hit with families, as is the barbecue area. Not many people know this but… York Maze is cut out of a giant field of maize plants, similar to corn on the cob, but only

in the Isle of Wight boasts an eight-day schedule combining competitive racing and great fun for competitors and spectators alike. Get out on the water aboard one of the spectator boats or take part in some sailing taster sessions, then enjoy the spectacular

Action-packed days1. Follow a snorkelling trail, Dorset The clear waters at Kimmeridge Bay provide a great place to discover sea life. Snorkellers must be over the age of five and confident swimmers. Tel: 01929 481044 or visit www