The 50 Best Spring Days Out

2. Staunton County Park
“This 1,000-acre Hampshire park is hugely popular with locals and deserves credit for its focus on local food production and on conservation,” says Caroline Lucas. “With its farm animals, llamas and peacocks, the 1830s-style ornamental farm is great for children, as are the enclosed children’s play area and maze. There’s also a Regency tea room you can retreat to if you’re worn out.”
Where - Middle Park Way, Havant, Hampshire (023 9245 3405; www3.hants.gov.uk/hampshirecountryside/staunton.htm)
How much - adult £5.50, child (3-16) £4

3. Olympic Torch Relay
Under the slogan “Light the Passion, Share the Dream”, this year’s Olympic Torch Relay will travel to 22 cities on the five inhabited continents. London gets the flame after St Petersburg and before Paris on 6 April. The route takes in Notting Hill,Oxford Street, Trafalgar Square, the South Bank, and east London, and will culminate in a free, ticketed, event at the Arena at North Greenwich.
Where - 6 April, London-wide (www.london.gov.uk/torchrelay)
How much - free

4. Occombe Farm
“Free to visit, and open all year, the new Occombe Farm project is particularly family-friendly,” says Laurence Bresh. Spread over a 150-acre site, it features a farm shop, café, study centre, butcher’s and bakery, where children are encouraged to take part in making bread. There’s also a 2km-long, well-marked nature trail around a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Where - Preston Down Road, Paignton, Devon (01803 520022; www.countryside-trust.org.uk/Occombe)
How much - free

5. Chill Factore
Artificial ski slopes can be a little soulless. But, with its real snow and replica Alpine village, Chill Factore isn’t short of atmosphere. “It’s not only the most authentic of Britain’s indoor slopes, but one of the most welcoming,” says Laurence. In addition to the 180-metre main run, there’s also nursery slope and snowplay area for kids, plus a luge run for daredevils. Lessons are available, and there are bars and restaurants a snowball’s throw from the piste.
Where - Trafford Way, Trafford Quays, Manchester (0161-749 2222; www.chillfactore.com)

6. Glencoe
One of Scotland’s great wilderness areas, Glencoe is well within day-trip distance of Scotland’s Central Belt. “Few destinations in the British Isles can beat it for breathtaking natural beauty, clean air and gorgeous views,” says Caroline Lucas. A hearty climb up one of the many peaks – the visitor centre just off the A82 provides information on routes for different ages and ability – gives a unique perspective on the Scottish Highlands and a profound feel for the area’s dark history.
Where - Glencoe Visitor Centre (01855 811307; www.glencoe-nts.org.uk)
How much - free

7. Eden Project
“The Eden Project continues to prove that green attractions that are well-funded, beautifully maintained and genuinely sustainable can win over all types of visitors,” says Caroline. “The Project has a vast range of activities under its eye-catching domes. Willow and bamboo climbing frames will keep children busy, while Food Trails teach them the origins of what’s on their plates.
Where - Bodelva, St Austell, Cornwall (01726 811 911; www.edenproject.com)
How much - adult £14, child (5-18 in full-time education) £5

8. Cheetah Rock
Costing more than £1m, Whipsnade Zoo’s new 4,000-square metre Cheetah Rock experience will open for Easter. The big cats get their own rock lookout and watering-hole and visitors can view them from an African style hut, with floor-to-ceiling glass the only thing separating them from the animals.
Where - Whipsnade Zoo, Dunstable, Bedfordshire (01582 872171; www.zsl.org/zsl-whipsnade-zoo)
How much - adult £13, child (3-15) £10

9. Barbican Do Something Different Weekend
Make furniture out of cardboard, create a contemporary work of art for a Martian audience, learn to play in a scratch ukulele band, or have your barnet restyled into a weird and wonderful sculpture by the Spanish hair artist Osadia. The Barbican’s weekend of workshops, events and activities (many of them free) was a huge hit last year among adults and children alike. Now there really is no excuse to get bored.
Where - 8-9 March, Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London (020-7638 8891; www.barbican.org.uk)
How much - prices vary

10. Kew Gardens
“One of the great things about Kew is its seasonal exhibitions,” says Caroline. “But, even if you’re not an art-lover, Kew is varied enough to draw families back time and again. I particularly like the woodland Conservation Area, which has foxes and badgers, as well as native butterflies and dragonflies, while the Evolution House offers a fascinating walk through more than 3,500 million years of plant development. Children’s facilities are excellent.”
Where - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey (020-8332 5000; www.kew.org)
How much - adult £12.25, child (under 17) free

11. Go Ape
Recommended by Melissa Corkhill, this chain of treetop adventure courses has put the business into monkey business. Participants (who must be older than 10 and taller than 4’ 7”) crawl through tunnels in the air, cross rope bridges, walk planks and zip to the ground on Tarzan slides. Getting through the circuit takes about two-and-a-half to three hours. New courses for Easter include Leeds Castle in Kent and Haldon Forest Park in Devon.
Where - Nationwide (0845 643 9215; www.goape.co.uk)
How much - adult £25, under-18 £20

12. Ashdown Forest Llama Park
“People are often amazed when you tell them that they can go trekking with llamas in England,” says Laurence. “Ashdown Forest Llama Park is dedicated to breeding and raising llamas and alpacas in a caring and stress-free environment. The park has over 100 residents at present and, if you are 14 years old or over, you can walk with one of these fascinating creatures around the private grounds.”
Where - Wych Cross, Forest Row, East Sussex (01825 712040; www.llamapark.co.uk)
How much - adult £5.95, child £4.95

13. Real Food Festival
The ‘real food’ revolution steps up a gear with what may well be the largest farmers’ market Britain has ever seen. The emphasis is on interaction, with a chance to talk to 500 of the finest artisan producers, as well as a wine fair, cookery school and delicious.magazine workshops. “Performers” at the Real Food theatre include Raymond Blanc, and Shane Osborn from Pied à Terre, while Alex James will be manning his cheese stall.
Where - 24-27 April, Earls Court Exhibition Centre, London (www.realfoodfestival.co.uk)
How much - £15

14. Off the Rails
Off the Rails offers self-guided circular bike trips to some of the most beautiful parts of the Yorkshire Dales, with foolproof route maps. It even does a drop-off service, where you can pick up a bike from one of the stations on the Settle-to-Carlisle railway line and drop it off at another. Prices include helmet, map, cycle lock and emergency backup. This is a very family-friendly day-out.
Where - The Cycling Centre, Station Yard, Settle, North Yorkshire (01729 824419; www.offtherails.org.uk)
How much - £18 (not inc rail fares)

15. Riverford Field Kitchen
“Connecting the field to your plate, lunch at Riverford is accompanied by a tour of the organic farm where seasonally changing landscapes mean that no two visits will be the same,” says Laura Burgess. Home to one of the largest vegetable-box delivery schemes in the country, visitors can take a guided tour, wander off on a self-guided walk or join tractor and trailer rides.
Where - Wash Barn, Buckfastleigh, Devon (01803 762074; www.riverford.co.uk)
How much - adult £15 lunch, £5 farm visit; Child £7.50 lunch, £4 farm visit

16. Eureka!
Designed for 0-to-11-year-olds, the ever-inventive Eureka! bills itself as “the first and foremost hands-on children’s museum in the UK”. Here, the curators don’t know the meaning of the words “don’t touch”, boasting instead of more than 400 “must-touch” exhibits. From 21 March until 13 April, the place will be going dinosaur crazy as the Eureka! park is turned into an archeological camp. Children dressed as explorers or dinosaurs get in free.
Where - Discovery Road, Halifax, West Yorkshire (01422 330069; www.eureka.org.uk)
How much - £7.25 (1-2, £2.25)

17. Port Lympne Safari Park
If you’ve never had the chance to go on an African safari, then Port Lympne’s one-day version offers a fairly impressive imitation, with the plains of Kent plausibly doubling for the Serengeti. The 400-acre animal park is home to the largest breeding herd of black rhinos outside Kenya, as well as elephants, tigers, Barbary lions, monkeys and giraffes.
Where - Port Lympne Wild Animal Park, Lympne, Nr Hythe, Kent (01303 264647; www.totallywild.net)
How much - adult entry £14.45, child (4-16) £11.45, safari £5 (£3)

18. London Wetlands Centre
This birder’s paradise is one of the capital’s great natural oases. In total, 105 acres of wetland habitats have been created on the site of disused Victorian reservoirs by the banks of the Thames in south-west London. “It’s hard to believe you’re still near the centre of bustling London,” says Laurence. “Even on a rainy day, TV monitors in the visitor centre show live footage of the wilderness areas.” There are free guided tours and bird-feeds twice a day.
Where - Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, Barnes, London (020-8409 4400; www.wwt.org.uk)
How much - adult £8.95, child (4-16) £4.95

19. National Trust Easter Egg Trails
Chocolate always tastes better when you’ve had a bit of a work-out. These Easter egg hunts, which take place in some of Britain’s most impressive historic houses, are thrilling for children as well as a brilliant way to support the National Trust. In addition to egg-hunting, venues offer activities such as Punch and Judy shows, egg-and-spoon races and painting. For a list of venues see the website.
Where - 21-24 March, nationwide (0870 458 4000; http://www.eastereggtrail.com/index.html)
How much - free

20. Goodleaf
Recommended by Melissa, Goodleaf allows adults and children alike the chance to reach for the treetops under professional supervision. Fitted out with a hard hat and harness, climbers are supervised and instructed throughout the ascent. Once up, they can rest in the canopy before abseiling to the ground, where an old-fashioned picnic lunch awaits. Very Famous Five.
Where - Goodleaf Tree Climbing, Isle of Wight (01983 563 573; www.goodleaf.co.uk)
How much adult - (17+) £35, child £25 (8-16)

21. Farmer 4 a Day
This ingenious day out gives visitors a taste of what it’s like to run a one-man business raising 90 pedigree Holstein cows. The Davis family, who run Gorstage Green farm, are well aware that it’s meant to be fun and you won’t be made to do anything you don’t want to. Jobs range from feeding baby calves to mucking out and helping trim hooves. A full day includes lunch at the local pub and you even get some farmhouse churned butter and wine to take home.
Where - Gorstage Green Farm, Cheshire (01606 853193; www.farmer4aday.co.uk)
How much - £175 full day, £70 half day

22. Global Boarders
“I’d recommend learning to surf with this family-friendly Cornish surf school,” says Laura . “They’re also pretty good at minimising C02 emissions and using local suppliers.” The two hour lessons take place on the north and south coast, depending on weather or tides. No problem if parents don’t fancy riding the breakers themselves as Global Boarders accept unaccompanied children and have a child-minder.
Where - Penzance, Cornwall (0845 330 9303; www.globalboarders.com)
How much - from £25 per lesson (equipment hire not included)

23. High House Farm Brewery
With both beer and animals on tap, High House Farm Brewery is a unique educational attraction that should keep both children and adults happy, according to Laurence. “Embark on the Real AleTour, visit the brewery exhibition and learn how beer is made at this working arable farm and brewery in rural Northumberland. Then take a stroll and see the farm animals on the two-mile farm footpath.”
Where - Matfen, Newcastle upon Tyne (01661 886192; www.highhousefarmbrewery.co.uk)
How much - free (brewery tour: adult £4.50, child over 12 £2.50)

24. Natural History Museum
For those who’ve had enough of dinosaurs, whales and creepy crawlies, there’s a last chance to visit the superb Ice Station Antarctica exhibition (until 20 April). Under the guidance of the Ice Station Commander, “cadets” are invited to brave freezing temperatures, 24-hour darkness, a snowmobile ride and life in a stinking penguin colony. Have you got what it takes to survive in this alien environment?
Where - Cromwell Road, London (020-7942 5000; www.nhm.ac.uk)
How much - Museum free. Ice Station Antarctica exhibit, adult £7, child £4.50

25. Thomasland
Later this month, Drayton Manor Theme Park, on the Warwickshire and Staffordshire border near Tamworth, is opening a Thomas the Tank Engine Theme Park. Attractions promised include a brand-new Thomas train which will take children on a five-minute journey through Sodor, and special appearances by the Fat Controller. All aboard!
Where - Drayton Manor Park, near Tamworth, Staffordshire (08708 725252; www.draytonmanor.co.uk)
How much - £20.95 (children £16.95); family tickets from £49.80

26. Peak District Walking Festival
Did you know that the Peak District has 26,000 miles of dry-stone walls, enough to stretch round the world? That’s just one of the facts you may learn in this nine-day bonanza of walks, talks and entertainment. Families are well catered for, with events such as story-telling trails, parent-and-child rock-climbing, and a ghost tour of Buxton, all set against beautiful scenery.
Where - 19-27 April (01629 816593; www.visitpeakdistrict.com/html/outdoors/peak-district-walking-festival-2008)
How much - prices vary but many events are free

27. Cream O’Galloway
If your children are screaming for ice cream, this is the perfect destination. Set in a beautiful part of southwest Scotland, this organic dairy farm pays as much attention to entertaining kids as it does to its high-quality icecream and wholesome café food. Farm tours include the milking parlour, while indoor and outdoor adventure playgrounds cater for a range of ages. Opens 15 March.
Where - Rainton, Castle Douglas (01557 814 040; www.creamogalloway.co.uk)
How much - adventure playground: adult £4, child £2, tours: £7

28. Centre of Alternative Technology
“I love this incredible eco-adventure playground complete with organic café and hands on activities for all ages,” says Melissa. CAT looks at practical ways of dealing with climate change, pollution and resource waste. Interactive displays cover renewable energy, environmental building, and energy efficiency, while special Easter holiday events (21 March to 6 April) include slug and bug hunts. Yuck.
Where - Machynlleth, Powys (01654 705950; www.cat.org.uk)
How much - adult £6, child (4-15) £4

29. Bewilderwood
“I can’t imagine many children would find themselves bored at Bewilderwood,” says Caroline. “An eco-friendly theme park, based in a huge forest, with an organic café and its own published storybook to boot, it’s a great place in which to teach kids about nature.” This attraction offers youngsters a trail involving treehouses, zip wires, wobbly bridges, and boat trips. Open from 17 March.
Where - Horning Road, Hoveton, Wroxham, Norwich (01603 783900; www.bewilderwood.co.uk)
How much - £10 (£5 under five)

30. Wonderwool
Knitting and craftwork has never been so fashionable. This two-day celebration of Welsh wool and natural fibres has an impressive selection of craft workshops in its Woolschool, from spinning and needle felting, to crochet. There’s even the chance to see TV chef Anthony Worrall-Thompson modelling clothes on the “Sheepwalk” catwalk, but don’t let that put you off.
Where - 26-27 April, Royal Welsh Show Ground, Llanelwedd, Builth Wells, Powys (01982 552 224; www.wonderwoolwales.co.uk)

31. Imperial War Museum
The name’s Fleming, Ian Fleming. Born 100 years ago, the creator of James Bond gets the first major exhibition of his life in April. Much of the fun of “For Your Eyes Only” will be drawing out the links between 007 and his creator. Exhibits include annotated Bond manuscripts and Halle Berry’s orange bikini from Die Another Day.
Where - “For Your Eyes Only” from 25 April, Lambeth Road, London (020-7416 5320; www.iwm.org.uk)
How much - Museum free. Bond exhibition, adult £8, child £4

32. Walking in the Cotswolds
To get the most out of the the Cotswolds, explore on foot with the excellent Upland Escapes’ one-day walking tours. Your personal guide will meet you when and where you want (within reason!) and will tailor the length and difficulty of the trail to your wishes. Along the way, they’ll fill you in on local botany and history or let you soak up the surroundings in companionable silence. Ideal for family groups.
Where - book through Upland Escapes (01367 851111; www.uplandescapes.com)
How much - short walk from £70; medium or long walk from £80

33. Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park
Unlikely as it may sound (especially to readers of Viz), the family who run this well thought out attraction really are called Palmer. And they’re actually farmers. The park is clearly a labour of love. In addition to some old favourites – bouncy castles, tractor rides, woodland walks and a straw mountain – children are invited to half-hourly animal events, which offer the opportunity to hand-feed lambs and goats, as well as to handle guinea pigs.
Where - Organford, near Holton Heath, Dorset (01202 622022; www.farmerpalmers.co.uk)
How much - £5.95

34. Wilderness Wood
“I often go with my family to Wilderness Wood,” says Laurence Bresh. “Located in the Sussex High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this Green Tourism Gold Award-winning site is great fun for children and eye-opening for adults with a labyrinth of trails, playgrounds, picnic areas and tea gardens and amazing views of the South Downs. You can also learn about growing and using wood in a sustainable way”.
Where - Hadlow Down, East Sussex (01825 830509; www.wildernesswood.co.uk)
How much - adult £3.25, child (3-15) £1.95

35. Garroch Glen
There’s something a little bit special about this traditional farm estate tucked away in Scotland’s southern uplands. It’s not grand or glossy but it treats guests with a rare care and attention. Owner Nick Roper-Caldbeck offers charmingly eccentric walking tours of the local flora and fauna.
Where - Garroch Estate, Old Garroch, St John’s Town of Dalry, Kirkcudbrightshire (01644 430349; www.garrochglen.com)
How much - carriage £60 for up to 5 people

36. Harrogate Spring Flower show
A month before Chelsea’s extravaganza, Harrogate’s Spring Flower Show, much of which is undercover, kicks off 2008’s gardening shows. With more than 100 of Britain’s top nurseries taking part, exhibits include spectacular displays of daffodils and tulips, flower-arranging demonstrations and show gardens.
Where - 24-27 April, Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate (01423 561049; www.flowershow.org.uk)
How much - from £10 per person per day

37. Thinktank
One of the best things to happen to this award-winning science museum has been the opening of a state-of-the-art digital planetarium. Find out what you can see in Birmingham’s night sky (if it isn’t covered with smog), hitch a ride on the molecules of a snowflake, or shrink to the size of a microbe and take a ride through the human body.
Where - Millennium Point, Curzon Street, Birmingham (0121-202 2222; www.thinktank.ac)
How much - adult £8.50, child £6.50. Planetarium tickets £2

38. Canoeing
With only a few tiny rapids, and stunning views of the Black Mountains and “Kilvert” country, the Wye valley is perfect family canoeing territory – and you can even hire a Canadian canoe, designed for two adults and a small child. Trips start from Glasbury Bridge from where it’s two to three hours downstream to Hay-on-Wye.
Where - The Boathouse, Glasbury-on-Wye, Herefordshire (01497 847213; www.wyevalleycanoes.co.uk)
How much - £15/£20 per person depending on length of trip

39. Alnwick Garden
No snootiness here at the Duchess of Northumberland’s garden. Kids are encouraged to play in the water fountains of the Grand Cascade and in the Poison Garden they can hear grisly tales of noxious plants. With mini-tractors to drive, wobbly walkways and a fabulous treehouse restaurant, it could be hard to leave.
Where - Denwick Lane, Alnwick, Northumberland (01665 511350; www.alnwickgarden.com)
How much - adult £8, child free (with adult admission)

40. Cambridge Science Festival
There’s nothing po-faced about this 10-day scientific jamboree. A host of child-friendly sessions include Basil Singer’s irreverent talk on the extreme science of skate-boarding and sky-diving, the chance to build your own rocket and visits from Bjorn the Polar Bear. Older fans should also enjoy “Sex, Drugs and Rock & Roll – Life in Forensic Science”.
Where - 10-20 March (01223 766766; www.cambridgescience.org).
How much - see website for details

41. Abbey Home Farm
“Families are well catered for at this organic farm, which lies alongside the Fosse Way on the edge of the Roman Town of Cirencester,” says Melissa. A farm trail and tractor rides will keep small people amused. Book ahead for a one-day children’s cooking course on March 27.
Where - Abbey Home Farm, Burford Road, Cirencester (01285 640441; theorganicfarmshop.co.uk)
How much - free, cooking course £40

42. Via Ferrata
Meaning “iron road” in Italian, the via ferrata was developed to facilitate troop movements during the First World War. Here, secured to a fixed cable for safety, walkers will follow a Victorian miner’s route using steel ladders and solid bridges to reach the 2,126ft summit of Fleetwith Pike.
Where - Honister Slate Mine, Honister Pass, Borrowdale, Keswick, Cumbria (017687 77714; www.honister.com)
How much - adult (18+) £19.50, youth (16-17) £15.00, child £9.50

43. Thornham Field Centre
“Pond-dipping and minibeast safaris are among the activities on offer at Thornham Field Centre in Suffolk,” says Laura. The 2,000-acre estate also contains numerous marked walks and trails, a restaurant and tearoom (check the website for seasonal opening hours) and a walled garden, which operates as a horticultural therapy centre.
Where - Thornham Magna, Eye, Suffolk (01379 788345; www.thornhamfieldcentre.org)
How much - free. Walk maps £1 each

44. Up, Up and Away
From inflatable lobsters to giant squid, Leeds Castle’s first kite festival hosts many of the world’s most spectacular novelty kites. Some fly as high as 500ft and are so large they need to be tethered to vehicles. Younger children can follow a kite trail to the craft workshop, where they have a chance to make their own kite.
Where - 21-24 March, Maidstone, Kent (01622 765400; www.leeds-castle.com)
How much - adult £14, child (4-15) £8.50

45. Hackney City Farm
Since 1984, this little slice of Tower Hamlets has become one of the best places in central London to introduce children to cows, pigs, goats and other animals. It also boasts an excellent Italian cafe-restaurant, Frizzante, that’s almost worth visiting for its own sake. Go on a Sunday morning and combine with a trip to nearby Columbia Road flower market.
Where - 1a Goldsmiths Row, London (020-7729 6381; www.hackneycityfarm.co.uk)
How much - free

46. Scottish Seabird Centre
The Seabird Centre couldn’t be better located, in a pretty seaside town looking out towards the extraordinary gannet-paced Bass Rock. But you don’t need to venture outside to find the avian action, says Laura. “Modern camera technology allows visitors to zoom in on the colonies of birds inhabiting the islands of the Forth.
Where - The Harbour, North Berwick, East Lothian (01620 890 202; www.seabird.org)
How much - adult £6.95, child £4.50

47. Electric Eel boat trip
“A boat trip on the Norfolk Broads makes a fantastic spring day out,” says Laurence. At How Hill, hop onboard the Electric Eel, an Edwardian-style electric boat that’s almost completely silent, for a journey around the beautiful nature reserve, through a maze of reed-fringed dykes. If you’re really lucky, you might even spot an otter.”
Where - How Hill Nature Reserve, Ludham, Norfolk (01692 678763; www.how-hill.org.uk)
How much - adult £5.50, £4.50

48. Living Rainforest
Berkshire isn’t the most obvious place to site a tropical paradise but that hasn’t stopped the folk behind the Living Rainforest from trying. The attraction’s two giant glasshouses contain an entire eco-system, including West African dwarf crocodiles, piranha fish, boa constrictors and Goeldi’s monkeys.
Where - Hampstead Norreys, Berkshire (01635 202444; livingrainforest.org)
How much - adult £6.95, child £3.95 (3-4), £4.95 (5-14)

49. World Pooh Sticks Championship
Pooh Bear’s stick-racing game now has its own world championship. For the competition’s 25th anniversary, last year’s winners, Japan, will be slugging it out with Latvia and New Zealand in the team event. For a £1 donation to charity anyone can enter, and you’ll even get a certificate to prove you took part.
Where - 12noon on 30 March, Days Lock, Little Wittenham, Oxfordshire (www.poohsticks.com)
How much - free to watch

50. National Trust activities
“At the tourist board we’ve noticed the huge growth in interest from people wanting to get involved with hands-on projects in recent years,” says Laurence. “If you’re interested, one of the best places to start is the National Trust, which runs day workshops and volunteering projects such as hedge-laying at Lytes Cary Manor in Somerset (over 16s only).”
Where - 0844 800 1895; www.nationaltrust.org.uk
How much - free