The Ten Best: Creative outings for children
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Your support makes all the difference.At this beautiful medieval castle, children can play knights and princesses for hours. They can also take part in activities such as making their own brass rubbing, trying their hand at archery, dressing up in medieval clothes, or storytelling. Near Robertsbridge, E Sussex (01580 830436)
2. The Hub Centre for Craft, Design and Making
Appealing to the artiest of children, you can make a pinhole camera, take a photo and develop it, or make a hot-air balloon. Using natural materials - stone, shells and feathers - you can create jewellery, too.
Carre St, Sleaford, Lincs (01529 308710; www.thehubcentre.org)
3. Nature in Art
This is the world's first museum and gallery dedicated to art inspired by nature. Children can get involved in one of the fun activites being held during the holidays. Plus, there's a large sculpture garden, coffee shop and gift shop to keep parents amused.
Wallsworth Hall, Twigworth, Glos (0845 450 0233; www.nature-in-art.org.uk)
4. McLellan Galleries
Children are encouraged to draw in sketchbooks dotted around the gallery, and activity sheets are available for all ages. Throughout August there are other inspiring activities: storytelling, collage, making tiaras and even a clay workshop inspired by Clarice Cliff.
270 Sauchiehall St, Glasgow (0141-565 4137; www.glasgowmuseums.com)
5. National Portrait Gallery
Make an amusing sculpture of your family using clay, like this picture, have your portrait taken or imagine being stranded on a desert island and design a message in a bottle.
St Martin's Place, London WC2 (020-7306 0055; www.npg.org.uk)
6. Wind craft
Wind Energy Weekend on 27-28 August sees wind farms inviting families to harness the power of wind for themselves. Activities include kite-flying, films and exhibitions.
Scroby Sands, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk (01493 854608; www.embracewind.com/weekend)
7. Tate Britain
Get your photo taken being an artwork at the Art Trolley, using props - including coloured spots and spaghetti-style sculptures - which mimic works in the galleries. Younger children can create a giant portrait of London using block prints and stencils.
Millbank, London SW1 (020-7887 8000; www.tate.org.uk)
8. Gainsborough's House
The birthplace of Thomas Gainsborough offers some great arty courses all summer. Learn to paint, print and draw, or make collages and construct sculptures in professionally run creative workshops for all the family.
46 Gainsborough St, Sudbury, Suffolk (01787 372958; www.gainsborough.org)
9. Centre Stage
Held in a beautiful Georgian house, these holidays teach eight- to 16-year-olds all aspects of performance, including singing, improvisation, tap, mime, Shakespeare and custard-pie throwing. The children show off their skills in the end-of-week show.
Parkanaur House, Co Tyrone (028-9077 8099; www.summerdrama.co.uk)
10. Gallery of Modern Art
Children aged 12 to 18 get to indulge in real art here: there are life-drawing and collage classes, and screen-printing is taught by a professional artist.
Royal Exchange Square, Glasgow (0141-229 1996; www.glasgowmuseums.com)
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