Dinosaur hunting, Dorset
We can’t pretend you’ll find another Ida, but Dorset’s Jurassic Coast is packed with fossils. For the best results, join a guided walk with the wardens of the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre (01297 560772, www.charmouth.org; £7/£3). If you find something spectacular, call the World Heritage Team on 01305 225101.

Cycle through Exmoor, Somerset
Trundle along the Exmoor Cycle Route, a 60-mile circular route with stunning views, much of which was used in the Tour of Britain. Route details at www.activeexmoor.com

Canoe Tamar, Near Plymouth, Devon
Rent a Canadian canoe and paddle down the river between Morwelham and Cotehele quays in southwest England, punctuated with old quays, sloping woodland, herons, kingfishers and otters. £22 per person, under-5s free, www.canoetamar.co.uk

Tree surfing, Tamar Valley, Devon
Try the new tree jump, a 40ft lightning-fast freefall from a treetop platform with stunning views. There's also zip wires, trapeze swings, rope bridges, ladders and surfing planks. Adult £20, child £17 (extra £10 for tree jump), www.treesurfers.co.uk

Britain and Ireland's best pub gardens

It’s the essence of summer: a good pint in the beautiful gardens of a smashing little pub. Here are our favourites

London tours - by water

One's a very green space, one not quite so - we see the sunrise by kayak and try a high-speed boat trip

A bird's eye view of Kew Gardens

Kew Gardens opens a walkway in the sky up in the treetops - by the designers of the London Eye

Related Internet Links

• Read more in our Best of Britain section

Related Links

• The UK's 30 best places for autumn colour

Ocean Drifters, National Marine Aquarium, Plymouth, Devon
The UK’s largest collection of jellyfish has opened at the National Marine Aquarium, where you will find everything from sharks to seahorses and turtles. Adult £11, child £6.50, www.national-aquarium.co.uk

The Camel Trail, Cornwall
Whether you head upstream to the vineyards — where Rick Stein buys his wine — or downstream to the sea, Cornwall’s Camel Trail is probably Britain’s most attractive cycle route, following 17 miles of a disused railway line from Bodmin to Padstow. The best place to start is Wadebridge, halfway between the two, where Bridge Cycle Hire (01208 813050, bridgebikehire.co.uk) offers bike rental from £10/£6 a day.

Adrenalin Quarry, Liskeard, Cornwall
The newly opened Adrenalin Quarry boasts the UK’s longest zip wire (£12 per go) and the chance to drive a hovercraft (£50 per session) www.adrenalinquarry.co.uk.

Mighty Oak, near Newquay, Cornwall
With the weather wobbling between sun and rain, it might be time to take a break from blustery picnics on the beach for a bit of tree climbing. Strapped up with ropes and harnesses, you can climb far beyond the low branches. Stay among the leafy treetops overnight in one of the four-cornered hammocks and enjoy a picnic breakfast in the morning. There is training for beginners, and all ages are welcome. From £120 for three hours for up to four climbers, www.mighty-oak.co.uk

The Beast of Bodmin, Cornwall
Park your car at Siblyback Lake, north of St Cleer, and follow the lakeside path around to the junction with the track, then downhill to Draynes Bridge over the River Fowey. Now follow the river downstream, through a fairytale forest and an ever-deepening gorge of mossy rocks, dappled glades and enchanted pools, until you reach the gorgeous Falls of Golitha — lair of the legendary Beast of Bodmin, according to locals. The round trip is seven miles, and the map you need is OS Explorer 109: Bodmin Moor (£7.99, or £5.99 at amazon.co.uk).

MIDLANDS

Wetlands, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire (and other locations around the UK)
Wetlands provide habitats for a huge variety of wildlife. Go pond-dipping, search for bats on a batty walk, or play in an interactive wet-adventure play area. Adult £7.45, child £4.10, www.wwt.org.uk

Warwick Castle, Warwickshire
Warwick Castle (0870 442 2000, www.warwick-castle.co.uk) has been occupied by the mighty Tussauds Group since 1978, and where once it was fortified, now it is Disneyfied. The effect is astonishingly pleasing to kids: dead stones and dry history have been replaced by costumed characters, a medieval-themed adventure playground and a spectacular working trebuchet. Family tickets cost £43.20 online.

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