Winning tip: Wayland’s Smithy, Ashbury, Oxfordshire

An ancient burial mound in a moody copse, about 20 minutes’ walk from White Horse Hill, at Uffington. A walk here takes in gently undulating farmland, with plenty of sloes to collect from well-stocked hedgerows. A trip to this section of the Ridgeway is best finished with a picnic and a spot of kite flying near the iron age fort at Uffington.
• english-heritage.org.uk
Kathryn

Open-air Shakespeare … on the move

The Handlebards are groups of four actors who cycle the country performing their own unique interpretation of Shakespeare plays. They carry everything for their irreverent performances with them, and play in halls, gardens and parks en route. Hilarious! Ticket prices from pay what you can to – typically – £15.
• handlebards.com
Darryl Jackson

Yorkshire Sculpture Park, near Wakefield

You’ll happen upon an array of sculptures as you explore farmland, woodland and riverside walks here. The changing programme includes big names and emerging artists, and there are indoor galleries too. There’s something inspiring about getting up close to sculptures in the open air – many of them are of awe-inspiring scale, and can be walked inside or interacted with. You can also try your hand at ceramics, printmaking and sculpture, and explore nature through bushcraft activities and outdoor storytelling sessions.
• Free, parking charges apply, ysp.org.uk
Hannah Mackay-Jackson

St Fagans National Museum of History, Cardiff

This is my favourite childhood day trip. It’s a collection of notable homes and buildings from all over Wales that have been uprooted and rebuilt piece by piece, and decorated in the period in which they were built. It’s free to visit and has many summer events, including battle re-enactments and craft fairs. The gardens are the perfect spot for a picnic. Kids will love the Celtic village and the opportunity to learn about the blue war paint used in battle, as well as a stop to the traditional sweetshop for a sugar mouse.
• museum.wales
Bethan Keogh

Freedom festival, Hull

The UK City of Culture’s signature three-day festival of the arts features a mishmash of outdoor theatre performances, music and art installations across the city centre. Children are encouraged to experiment, laugh, get messy and express themselves in an exhaustive programme of events, this year including circus skills, science experiments and an acrobatics workshop for older children.
• From 31 Aug, mostly free, freedomfestival.co.uk
Esther Maranian

Bosworth battlefield, Leicestershire

The exhumation and re-interment of Richard III brought new life to the fascinating age of political turmoil which plagued 15th-century England, and Bosworth battlefield marks where the ruler made his last stand against a rebel army led by Henry Tudor. The surrounding country park makes for a beautiful setting to absorb medieval history while enjoying the summer sun.

• bosworthbattlefield.org.uk
Samuel McAuliffe

Harry Potter screenings, Glencoe, the Highlands

If the family are fans of Harry Potter, then you really can’t get better than a screening in the location where many famous scenes from the films were shot. Glencoe Mountain Resort in Scotland is a spectacular setting for a drive-in film. Twilight screenings this August are sold out. There are other screenings in the late morning and afternoon, though.
• £30 per car, itison.com
Hannah

Southbank, London

There are lots of free things going on for little ones and not so little ones, including an interactive sculpture that shoots out jets of water; outdoor theatre screenings; performances from bands and singers and good options to grab something to eat and drink.
• southbankcentre.co.uk
Kathy Waterson

Bedgebury National Pinetum, Kent

An arboretum and conifer conservation area 10 miles south east of Tunbridge Wells, with cycle trails, walks through lovely woods, a Highway Rat Trail (inspired by the Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler book), a Go Ape rope course for young and old, a cafeteria, plenty of parking and many events throughout the year.
• Admission £13 per vehicle, bedgeburypinetum.org.uk
Philip Waite

Jupiter Artland, near Wilkieston, West Lothian

A wonderful contemporary sculpture park set in the grounds of a country house. There’s lots of space for children to run around (they love the sloped grass steps), petting animals, and a great cafe! It’s an excellent day trip from the Edinburgh fringe.
• jupiterartland.org
Grace Lemon