As our summer tans begin to fade and the new school term draws ever nearer, the inevitable expenditure of the back to school wardrobe looms large in the minds of mummies and daddies.Families who wish to avoid the autumn squeeze need look no further

of 35 minutes from Portsmouth by ferry, the Isle Of Wight could be just the place for a cheeky little getaway before the school term begins. With picture perfect British scenery for long strolls and amazing local produce stocking the many cosmopolitan

should begin baking from a young age. “Start off simply by letting your child do the weighing, breaking the eggs and mixing,” she says. “Try an uncomplicated recipe like fairy cakes and, of course, let your child lick the bowl afterwards.” Growing up in a

workshops. After making seasonal goodies to take home, families can tread the Easter trail starting at the nature reserve’s Oxford Island and collect a special treat at the end.  Easter MadnessApril 8Fall down the rabbit hole at Castle Coole

) "One of my favourite school games that we just never seemed to get tired of. Although it was mostly the girls that played, you could guarantee that when the boys joined in they would try to show us who was best!”Partner GamesThese just use a regular

themselves. This has resulted in varied schedule including Wild West fun, a car show and street dancing classes, although reports of a giant chocolate-filled swimming pool are as yet unconfirmed.Thumbs Up ThursdaysJuly 25–September 9Fight the midweek school

families can stroll around the village taking in cooking traditions, vintage-style shopping and meet an old-fashioned Father Christmas in his magical grotto.Christmas FestivalDecember 2–4Get your Christmas shopping off to a flying start in the historic city

by encountering a most pleasant spot for al-fresco diningThe National Football MuseumOpens July 6Be on the starting line-up of visitors to Manchester’s brand new state-of-the-art football museum for a chance to see sporting memorabilia, take a referee challenge