Tom<\/p>\n
A fun-packed day on Glasgow\u2019s riversideThe Riverside Museum was designed by Zaha Hadid Architects. Photograph: Joseph King\/Alamy<\/p>\n
My family loves a day trip to Glasgow\u2019s Riverside Museum<\/a> (free entry) on the north bank of the Clyde, quite near the Kelvingrove art gallery<\/a>. It\u2019s a great place for all generations to explore, and we love that it has interactive displays for children and a wealth of detail on Glasgow\u2019s technological and industrial past for adults. Quite often there will be pop-up events, and the museum regularly runs holiday activities and workshops for families. It also has a purpose-built skateboarding spot <\/a>outside and just over the Govan footbridge, there is the Maple Leaf<\/a>, a newly opened artisan bakery that produces Scotland\u2019s best croissants. Bowled over by Bolsover in DerbyshireBolsover Castle. Photograph: Eye35\/Alamy<\/p>\n I\u2019ve lived 30 minutes from Bolsover Castle<\/a> (adults from \u00a315.38, children from \u00a37.65, free for English Heritage members) for more than three years, but only decided to visit when trying to entertain my visiting parents and nephews (aged from two to 75). It was brilliant. The site has gardens and ruins to explore, a wall you can walk on and a castle to climb, but we also loved the interactive activities. In the basement, my nephew was wide-eyed at how his voice echoed through the chambers. ProfileReaders’ tips: send a tip for a chance to win a \u00a3200 voucher for a Coolstays breakShow<\/p>\n Guardian Travel readers’ tips<\/p>\n Every week we ask our readers for recommendations from their travels. A selection of tips will be featured online and may appear in print. To enter the latest competition visit the readers’ tips homepage<\/a><\/p>\n –<\/p>\n Thank you for your feedback.<\/p>\n A wetland wonder in LondonWalthamstow Wetlands. Photograph: Abs\/Alamy<\/p>\n Not many Londoners know that there is a real treasure of a nature reserve just 20 minutes from the city centre by tube, perfect for a free family day out. The Walthamstow Wetlands<\/a> is a protected area in the Lee valley, easily reached via Tottenham Hale station. I often spend a day there with my kids in spring and summer. We make up a picnic together, take a bird guide, a flask of tea and a pair of binoculars each. That, and a sense of curiosity and appreciation, is all you need for a great family day out. My teenagers especially enjoy the circular bird walk, viewing platforms and hides to enjoy unusual wildlife. There are also guided walks and talks <\/a>about the wildlife. Hidcote\u2019s gardens. Photograph: Nick Hatton\/Alamy<\/p>\n Inspired by a family reading of Laurie Lee\u2019s As I Walked Out One Midsummer Morning<\/a>, we decided to follow his footsteps and have a walking day in the Cotswolds. It was brilliant. The sweet rolling hills stretching from Broadway to Bourton-on-the-Water are easy on the feet and easy on the eye for youngsters, parents and grandparents alike. The paths are well signposted and straying into little villages like the Slaughters \u2013 with their honey-coloured houses, village greens, pubs and tea rooms \u2013 is a joy. And don\u2019t miss the National Trust\u2019s Hidcote<\/a> and Upton House<\/a> for heavenly buildings, gardens and views over the Cotswolds. Be inspired by Isaac Newton in LincolnshireThe apple tree at Isaac Newton\u2019s home is still alive. Photograph: Martin Bache\/Alamy<\/p>\n The National Trust\u2019s Woolsthorpe Manor<\/a> (adults from \u00a315, children from \u00a37.50), with its mix of history, science and a great picnic spot, has everything for a brilliant outing. It\u2019s where Isaac Newton grew up and sheltered from the plague, and the house tells this story in a fascinating, family-friendly way. The gardens are a beautiful and peaceful spot to enjoy an ice-cream \u2013 next to the famous apple tree<\/a>, of course. The discovery centre\u2019s activities and experiments are brilliant for budding scientists of all ages. It\u2019s our favourite stop off the A1 \u2013 a lovely day out which packs a punch for its small size. skip past newsletter promotion<\/a>Free newsletter | Twice a week<\/p>\n Sign up to The Traveller<\/p>\n Get travel inspiration, featured trips and local tips for your next break, as well as the latest deals from Guardian Holidays<\/p>\n after newsletter promotion<\/p>\n A quirky destination in the Yorkshire DalesA green man figure at the Forbidden Corner. Photograph: John Morrison\/Alamy<\/p>\n The Forbidden Corner<\/a> (adults from \u00a316.99, children from \u00a314.99, pre-booked tickets only) on the Tupgill Park estate on the eastern edge of the Yorkshire Dales offers a day of mysteries and surprises. We loved exploring its maze of tunnels, secret doors, strange statues and hidden passages. It\u2019s wonderfully quirky and just as entertaining for adults as for children. We also walked round the estate, discovering the herb garden and Fish Temple<\/a>. We enjoyed a picnic, but you could eat in the cafe or restaurant. A magical woodland in Gloucestershire Photograph: Image Professionals\/Alamy<\/p>\n Puzzlewood<\/a> (adults from \u00a39.90, children from \u00a38.50) is one of our favourite hidden gems in the UK. Within the ancient Forest of Dean, this magical woodland feels as if you\u2019ve stepped into a fairytale. Our children loved winding through the twisting paths, clambering over mossy rocks and discovering hidden corners, while we enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere and spotting TV and film locations. There\u2019s also a small farm, picnic areas and a cafe, making it easy to spend the whole day here. If your family enjoys outdoor adventures with a touch of magic, I can\u2019t recommend Puzzlewood highly enough. A country park in Bedfordshire Photograph: Andrew Greaves\/Alamy<\/p>\n Rushmere country park<\/a> in Bedfordshire is our favourite summer day out. Our boys love the woodland play areas and den-building, while the walking trails through the trees are perfect even on hot days because there is plenty of shade. We usually take a picnic and stay the whole day there without spending very much at all. There are wildlife trails, cycling routes and lots of open space for football or games. It feels miles away from everyday life, and is perfect for families wanting an affordable summer adventure. Fruit-picking in SurreyFruit grown at Crockford Bridge farm is used in gelato on sale in its barn<\/p>\n When my family needs an easy summer day out, we head to Crockford Bridge farm<\/a> in Surrey to fill our baskets with juicy strawberries, raspberries and rhubarb before rewarding ourselves with homemade gelato from local favourites Gelateria Danieli<\/a>, served in the Wilding Barn. There are up to 24 flavours \u2013 some made using fruit grown on the farm \u2013 plus excellent vegan sorbets. Afterwards, the children can burn off any remaining energy in the playground. We leave with sticky fingers, punnets of fruit and the feeling we\u2019ve made the most of a summer afternoon.
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