On your bike - Haldon Forest Park, Devon

Haldon Forest Park is 10 minutes from Exeter and offers a wide range of trails as well as cycle hire, café and many non-cycling activities.  

You can even Go Ape there as they have a high ropes course, complete with zip wire.

From the saddle of a bike you can explore deeper into the forest than you have before, take in amazing views, watch out for wildlife and enjoy safe off-road cycling in a peaceful setting. 

For the more advanced mountain bikers there is the longest, most challenging cycle trail which takes in the thrilling ride on Haldon’s imposing ridge. Not for the faint-hearted, or the inexperienced! 

The skills park and pump track offers the perfect place to develop your riding and try out new techniques. 

All Images (c) 1 South West Cycle Adventure

Many of the trails are perfect for even the youngest cyclist.  So what are you waiting for? Go!

Truly Scrumptious - Hackwood Farm, Shop and Tearooms, Derbyshire

We love good farm shops and this one in Radbourne, Derbyshire, is another great find.

Hackwood Farm Shop & Cafe opened in 2011 and sources produce from traditional local suppliers.  Their butchery is run in partnership with award winning Owen Taylor Sons.

    

And their cafe serves freshly prepared daily specials including breakfast snacks, light lunches and afternoon teas, again using locally sourced ingredients from the farm shop and other trusted suppliers. 

This Spring they are opening a small children's farm giving children the opportunity to see, hear and smell farm animals and understand where their food comes from. 

All images (c) Hackwood Farm

There will be a big welcome from Bobby the goat and all his friends when you go to visit.  Check their website for further details. www.hackwoodfarm.com

On your bike - Family Cycle Routes - Forest of Dean

Designed with small legs in mind, the cycle trail in the Forest of Dean is perfect for the whole family.  The signposted route follows purpose-built paths and railway lines dotted with plenty of picnic sites to stop at along the way.

It starts in the Cannop Valley from Pedalabikeaway and takes you along the old Severn and Wye railway line passing former stations at Drybrook Road, Cannop Wharf and Speech House. 

Remnants of former coal mines can be seen at Foxes Bridge, Lightmoor and New fancy.  It is mostly level with some short climbs making it suitable for all ages and abilities.

and if you don't have your own bikes, you can rent them from Pedalabikeaway, Dean Forest Cycles or Forest Bikes. 

Distance : 11-mile (18 km) 

Difficulty : Easy

www.forestry.gov.uk/forestofdean

Truly Scrumptious - the Beckford Arms, Tisbury. Wiltshire.

It's easy to see why the Beckford Arms has been voted UK Dining Pub of the Year by the Good Pub Guide.

  

The inn is covered in ivy and lit with welcoming lamps. It manages to be a country pub, restaurant and hotel all the same time. There is a choice of places to eat: a bustling bar, elegant dining room, pretty conservatory and garden or a quiet sitting.

It's no surprise to learn that Charlie Luxton trained at Babington House. Together with co-owner Dan Brod they have stamped their own style on the place. 

The menu has its roots in pub food but is so much more which I can't possibly do credit to here, but goes from traditional pub fare (ham, egg & homemade chunky chips) to more eclectic choices such as suckling pig, locally caught trout, game pie, followed by dark chocolate truffle with sea salt ice-cream.

Day trips - 50 things to do outdoors

Climbing trees, building dens and flying kites were all once common childhood pleasures.  And each year the National Trust put together a list of 50 things kids should try before they're 11 and three quarters.  

How many have you done?

Climb a tree

Go fishing

Roll down a hill

Build a den

Fly a kite

Walk in the rain (and jump in puddles!)

Hunt for fossils.