Legends lurk in the Lakes

Something is stirring in the Lake District this summer. Celtic history, Arthurian legend, Cumbrian crafts and Lake District alumnus William Wordsworth have been brought together in a £15 million seven-acre development Rheged (also known as the Upland Kingdom Discovery Centre).

Housed inside Britain's largest grass-covered building, Rheged (named after an ancient Celtic kingdom) aims to give visitors an insight into 2,000 years of history, from the mysteries of stone circles and Arthurian legend to Wordsworth and the present day. The centrepiece is the first all-British large format film, Rheged: the Lost King dom , while the Made in Cumbria exhibition markets traditional products from more than 400 local organisations, including ceramics from Alston, hand-forged ironwork from Ravenstonedale and turned wood from Sedbergh.

Although Rheged has just opened to the public, an official opening by Melvyn Bragg, who is from Cumbria, is scheduled for 4 August. The attraction is close to junction 40 on the M6 near Penrith. Tel: 01768 868000 or try www.rheged.com (tickets: adults £4.95, children £3.50, family £14.50)

•Cumbria has just become the world's first Green Globe destination - meeting sustainable tourist targets set at the Rio Earth Summit.

Bagpuss is back!

Bagpuss, the saggy old cloth cat recently voted top BBC children's character of all time, is back. Not only is there a new range of Bagpuss soft toys - press the inside of his mouth and listen to his famous yawn! - but he has also been modified into a backpack. Prices range from £5.99 for the beanies to £19.99 for the backpack.

It wasn't only man who landed on the moon in 1969: the Clangers made it into space too. They have also been accorded the honour of their own soft toy range: squeeze them to hear that special Clanger whistle. (Clanger toys, £5.99)

The toys make perfect rewards for good behaviour, but the proportion sold to nostalgia-hungry twentysomethings will remain open for debate. For stockists' details contact Golden Bear on 01952 608 308.

Tell us your tips

Email us on kids@observer.co.uk with your tips for the summer holidays. Why not tell us about your favourite day out?