Joie de vivre
Francophiles unite at Vive La France to celebrate the French lifestyle. Book a holiday, buy a property, shop for French food and wine and discover how the French develop that look, both for fashion and interiors. January 19-21, 10am-6pm. £10 in advance, £12 on door. Olympia, Hammersmith Rd, London W14. www.vivelafrance.co.uk or 0870 1200 164.
Britannic majesty
Climb aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia for a tour which can include the bridge, the admiral's cabin and quarters, the sun lounge, the state dining and drawing rooms, the Queen's and Duke of Edinburgh's bedrooms and the engine room. Open daily 10.30am-3.30pm. £7.75/ £3.75/family £20. Ocean Drive, Leith, Edinburgh (0131-555 5566).
Valley forge
Evocative remains of early ironworks, railways, waterways, mines, quarries and workers' houses have all contributed to the Welsh valleys town of Blaenavon being recently awarded World Heritage status by Unesco. Wales Tourist Board, 02920 499909.
Thrill seekers
Climbing Mount Everest, running a marathon across the Sahara desert, cycling across China and windsurfing around the British Isles... some of many talks from celebrity explorers, sports enthusiasts and adrenalin junkies at the Adventure Travel and Sports Show. The latest in adventure travel, extreme sports, outdoor activities, clothing and equipment will be on show, too. Sat/Sun, 10am-6pm. £6 in advance, £7 on door. Olympia, Hammersmith Rd, London W14 (0115 912 9115 or www.adventureshow.co.uk).
Call to arms
Re-live the history of the world's conflicts, from the Battle of Hastings to the Wars of the Roses, the Spanish Armada and the second world war, at the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds. Open daily 10.30am-4.30pm, Sat/Sun 5.30pm, £4.90/£3.90/family £14.90. Armouries Drive, Leeds, LS10 1LT (0113 220 1916).
Green fingers
2001 is the National Trust's Garden Year with a wide programme of events at 200 horticultural properties throughout the country, from Capability Brown's 18th-century landscapes to Lawrence Johnston's 20th-century garden at Hidcote in the Cotswolds. Call 0870 4584000 for more information.
Galloping Galloway
A new leaflet from the Forestry Commission on horse riding in Galloway Forest details marked trails within the forest boundaries, as well as a list of all access points with space for horse boxes and local accommodation with stable or grazing facilities. Call the Dumfries and Galloway Tourist Board on 01387 253 862.
