’s National Parks. The first is located in the Yorkshire Dales, and the water supply here comes directly from the natural spring water source on the site itself. Rooftop gardens replace the green environs that were dug up for the building of the accommodation

age-defying facial. You see, at its best this gramping malarkey means that everyone gets to do a bit of their own thing… We joined forces later for a family dinner. There is a choice of two restaurants at The Grand: the Garden restaurant is the less

on sweet fruit and vegetables more suited to a child’s sensitive palate such as strawberries and carrots.2. Fun and gamesThere is no getting around the fact the gardening involves some hard graft, but you can encourage your child to get his hands dirty

, The Mad Hatter, Cinderella and others in a new show blending illusions with magic moments from Disney films. Garden Pots And Seed BombsJuly 14The new gardens at Museum Of Edinburgh will be in full summer bloom in time for this green-fingered workshop where

for this kite festival at Downhill Demesne in Castlerock. Children can enjoy watching hundreds of windborne wonders take to the skies and join by flying a kite of their very own. Family Garden WorkshopAugust 11The gardens at Mount Stewart House will be in full

of the programme include chocolate factory demonstrations, food stalls in the garden and a children’s treasure hunt.Traditional Easter FunApril 8Children can get crafty at County Armagh’s Lough Neagh Discovery Centre who will be hosting a series of creative

around the stately home’s spectacular gardens. The Great Victorian StinkJuly 28Get a taste of Victorian life in all of its olfactory glory at Sheffield’s St Mary’s Church as storyteller, Andy Messer, leads a time-travelling journey to experience

Plant a sunflowerIf you want a row or two of towering sunflowers in your garden come the end of summer, you have to plan in advance. Fill a flowerpot with compost soil and sow two or three seeds about 1cm deep. Keep the pots in a sunny spot on a

, talking animals and mysterious adventures.Langwathby Scarecrow FestivalJul 14, 15See swathes of shabby, straw-stuffed creations spring up in gardens throughout the Cumbrian Village of Langwathby during this annual family festival. The programme will also

-crawly fun day including quizzes, trails and a fancy dress parade. The Railway Children25 AugustWatch the classic children’s tale al-fresco on the picturesque lawns of Plas Newydd Country House and Gardens in Llanfairpwll.