Brilliant ideas for May half term

<p>Visit the <a href="http://www.spinnakertower.co.uk/" target="_blank">Spinnaker Tower</a> in Portsmouth to check out the breathtaking views from its viewing decks. On a clear day you can see across 23 miles, from the sandy beaches of Witterings in the east to the New Forest in the west and picturesque Isle of Wight in the south to the rolling hills of Hampshire's South Downs in the north. Children &pound;6.75; adults &pound;8.55.</p>

<p>For a fabulous family drive, head for Lanarkshire, where the ancient hunting lodge and grounds of <a href="http://www.visitlanarkshire.com/attractions/child-friendly/Chatelherault-Country-Park/" target="_blank">Chatelherault</a> await you. Located a short distance from Edinburgh and Glasgow, the attraction makes for a great day out, whether you want to learn about the past or get active outdoors.</p>

<p>May half term is the ideal time to let the kids roam wild at <a href="http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/stourhead/" target="_blank">Stourhead</a>, the stunning Wiltshire landscape garden surrounding a magnificent lake. They can find hideaways in the surrounding trees or the temples and magical grottos dotted around. They can also climb the 205 steps to the top of King Alfred&rsquo;s Tower or become nature detectives for the afternoon with one of the family tracker packs. From 26 to 27 May, Stourhead hosts a big family tree climb, where you can join the qualified tree climbers at Stourhead for an exciting tree top adventure. &pound;5 per person.</p>

<p>If your teens love stories about England's past, a Jack the Ripper Secret London walking tour is a must. You'll be whisked through London's streets, learning about the most intriguing characters, like Jack the Ripper, Dick Turpin and Samuel Pepys, and brave explorers can sample some of the capital's jellied eels! &pound;21 from buyagift's <a href="http://www.buyagift.co.uk/Days-Out/Family-Walking-Tour-Jack-the-Ripper-Secret-London-BR-11820945.aspx?cm_sp=Product_List-_-4-_-11820945&amp;cm_re=11820945-_-4-_-Product_List" target="_blank">experience days</a></p>

<p>Half-term at <a href="http://www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/event/6604" target="_blank">The Donkey Sanctuary</a> in Devon is set to be extra special for animal lovers as not only can they meet donkeys at the farm, but there&rsquo;s a Half Term Holiday Hunt from 25 May to 2 June, where your little ones can search for wooden weather shapes with the names of the donkeys hidden around the Sanctuary.&nbsp; &pound;1 to enter.</p>

<p>From 25 May to 2 June at <a href="http://www.gilbertwhiteshouse.org.uk/" target="_blank">Gilbert White&rsquo;s House &amp; Garden</a> and The Oates Collection in Hampshire, you can go on a fun trail that leads families around the 30 acres of grounds and parkland to find the hidden quagga, a now-extinct zebra sub-species once living in the African continent. Afterwards, head to the Tea Parlour for teatime treats or lunch.</p>

<p>Ok, so this one isn't entirely for the kids, but we're sure they won't complain when you stop here for lunch. <a href="http://www.blackswancheshire.com/" target="_blank">The Black Swan</a> in Cheshire is a family-friendly pub, where you can relax and feast on dishes like fish and chips, beef burgers and steak. The cosy pub is decorated in chic interiors and it's dog-friendly too. So when you've been to all the attractions you can think of and need a place the kids and adults can enjoy, head for this cute pub in the Cheshire countryside.</p>

<p>Make the most of half term and get out in the fresh air to explore the Welsh Coastal Path in Carmarthenshire. The <a href="http://www.llanelliramblers.org.uk/" target="_blank">Llanelli Festival of Walks</a> takes place from 24 to 27 May and offers walks to suit all ages and abilities with family rambles of a few miles ending at a good spot for ice cream! You can discover hidden villages, breathtaking ridges, vast sandy dunes and stunning scenery just by walking. &pound;6 per person per walk, booked in advance. No charge for children on family walks.</p>

<p>Home to the world's first Peppa Pig World, <a href="https://paultonspark.co.uk/" target="_blank">Paulton's Family Theme Park</a> in Hampshire is the ultimate day out for children and boasts 60 rides and attractions included in the entrance fee. Thrill-seekers can go on breathtaking ride EDGE and younger children will adore the garden-themed Trekking Tractors ride. Adults &pound;22.50; children under one metre free; family tickets available.</p>

<p>Always wanted to visit Hampton Court Palace? A river cruise is one of the most relaxing ways to reach the spectacular palace, its gorgeous gardens and world-famous maze. You can choose to cycle or walk one way from Kingston and take a cruise back with <a href="http://www.turks.co.uk/maps/turks-pier-kingston" target="_blank">Turk Launches</a>, a 300-year-old river boat company. Until September, there are up to 45 scheduled Thames boat trips that run daily between Kingston and Hampton Court.</p>

<p>Give your car-loving teen the ultimate experience of driving a Lamborghini! Available for 12 to 16 year olds, the <a href="http://www.goseedo.com/Product/Attraction/Kids-Lamborghini-Driving-Experience?cameFromSearchResults=True" target="_blank">Kids Lamborghini Driving Experience</a> allows junior drivers to slide behind the wheel of a sleek supercar after an experienced instructor shows them the full driving technique and gives them a safety briefing. After their driving session in Leicestershire, Warwickshire or Yorkshire, they&rsquo;ll receive a commemorative certificate to take home. From &pound;82 per person.</p>

<p>Search for Peter Rabbit in Mr McGregor's garden and explore Jemima Puddle-duck's woodland glade at the <a href="http://www.hop-skip-jump.com/" target="_blank">World of Beatrix Potter</a> in Cumbria. There's interactive fun and games for children, plus exciting archive material about Miss Potter. Adults &pound;6.95; children &pound;3.65.</p>

<p>For a weather-proof family day out, look no further than the underground attractions of Wales, where you can discover the secrets hidden under the surface, explore mines and caves that lurk deep below the rocks and visit wonderful attractions like Sygun Copper Mine, Electric Mountain and King Arthur's Labyrinth.</p>

<p>Tiny aspiring chefs can enjoy special cookery courses at fairytale <a href="http://www.stayinacastle.com/" target="_blank">Augill Castle</a> in Cumbria this May half term. The Little Cooks workshop on 31 May will teach kids everything that's fun about food, from growing vegetables in the castle's kitchen garden to preparing, cooking and it! &pound;65 per child and from &pound;200 for family rooms at the hotel.</p>