Cheap days out with your family.

Cheap days out with your family BOWLEES PICNIC AREA, TEESDALE 0191 383 3594 www.durham.gov.uk Charming spot on the River Tees from where you can explore Gibson's Cave, Summerhill Force and Low Force. There is a Visitor Centre run by Durham Wildlife Trust over the Bowlees Beck. One of the most attractive sections of the Pennine Way is only a 15-minute walk away. This section follows the River Tees midway between Middleton and Cauldron Snout. It can be reached by crossing the Tees on the Wynch Bridge, near Low Force. BOWES CASTLE, DURHAM 0191 269 1200 www.bowes.org.uk/castle Explore the vast ruins of this open-access, three-storey, 12th century keep overlooking the River Greta. The present ruins of the castle are 53ft in height, the remains being of the keep, surrounded on two sides by the remains of an original inner moat. There are few remains of the original bailey wall but it is possible to climb up part of the inside of the keep itself. LOCOMOTION: THE NATIONAL RAILWAY MUSEUM AT SHILDON 01388 777999 www.locomotion.uk.com Open-air museum with vehicles and interactive displays to explain the life of Timothy Hackworth and the development of railways. There's a fun packed programme of special events throughout the year. For a fabulous day out, try their exclusive package culminating in driving a steam engine. There is an Easter Fair for all the family and events through school holidays. BRIMHAM ROCKS, HARROGATE 01423 780688 www.brimhamrocks.co.uk Take sturdy shoes to explore these spectacular rock formations including the Dancing Bear and Druid's Writing Desk. Tracker packs available for over 5s. The curious rock formations at Brimham in Nidderdale are scattered over some 50 acres on Brimham Moor and provide a great variety of weird and wonderful shapes. Many of the gritty monstrosities suggest all manner of things, including elephants, hippos, bears, mushrooms and some are said to have associations with druids, Mother Shipton and even the Devil himself. WHINLATTER FOREST PARK 017687 78469 www.forestry.gov.uk Explore the mountain forest on foot or two wheels, orienteering, playground and picnic area. From April to August annually watch the Bassenthwaite Ospreys through the live nest camera or visit the Lake District Osprey Project and see the ospreys from the outdoor viewpoint or visit the exhibition and live video camera at Whinlatter. TALKIN TARN COUNTRY PARK, CUMBRIA 01697 73129 www.visitcumbria.com Stroll around this delightful glacial tarn, hire a boat in summer or enjoy the Boathouse Tearoom all year round. The tarn is glacial in origin, being formed about 10,000 years ago, and is fed by underground streams. You can sail, windsurf, canoe or hire one of the wooden rowing boats. Fishing is Best for walkers available at the Tarn. There is a small camping and caravan site, and a permanent orienteering course is laid out around the park. The shop hires mountain bikes and there are suggested routes taking you through beautiful countryside. There is a 1.3 mile path round the tarn which is suitable for wheelchairs. The Boathouse Tea Room has superb views of the tarn, and a blazing log fire. AIRA FORCE WATERFALL, CUMBRIA 01768 482067 www.visitcumbria.com A magnificent beauty spot, Aira Force and the

Ullswater Valley are home to a large variety of wildlife, including Wordsworth's famous daffodils. Probably the most famous of the Lake District waterfalls, the main force falls 70 feet from below a stone footbridge. Aira Force provides a glimpse of a landscaped Victorian park with dramatic waterfalls, arboretum and rocks scenery. LOW SIZERGH BARN, LAKE DISTRICT 015395 60426 www.lowsizerghbarn.co.uk There is a farm shop, tea room, craft gallery and farm trail on this organic dairy farm near the Lake District national park. The farm shop is filled with one of the best selections of local and speciality foods in Cumbria, with farm products - their own organic Kendal cheese, organic eggs and ice cream made from their milk - taking pride of place. Watch the milking from the gallery between 1.15-3.15pm. ABBOTT LODGE JERSEY ICE CREAM, PENRITH 01931 712720 www.abbottlodgejerseyicecream.co.uk Meet the Jersey cows at this working farm, try the ice cream and work up an appetite in the indoor and outdoor playgrounds.

The farm offers a tea room, function room for educational visits and you can watch the calves at their computerised feeding station. Sampling the ice cream is a must! HADRIAN'S WALL WORLD HERITAGE SITE 01434 332002 www.hadrians-wall.org This famous frontier was built by the order of the Roman Emperor Hadrian. Along its length are many museums, forts and temples. Follow the national trail, an 84 mile trail from coast to coast with links to 40 short walks. Steeped in history there are 14 major Roman sites, forts and museums and countless milecastles and turrets to explore, as well as many great non-Roman places on offer. Explore the stunning landscape of the World Heritage Site on foot, or cycle, at your own ease. SPECTACULAR FORMATIONS: Take care, and a some good shoes, and explore Brimham Rocks in Nidderdale Best for foodies