North
Acorn Activities (01432 830 083) have reduced the cost of a one-week family adventure holiday at Derwentside in the Lake District from £230 to £180 per person (full board). Accommodation is in villages of chalet tents with wooden floors and campbeds. There is a fully equipped central marquee and activities offered include sailing, kayaking, archery, climbing and orienteering.
The environmentally conscious family should head to Castleton with the Youth Hostel Assocation. A weekend of ecological fun and games in the Peak District costs £43.40 for adults and £36.40 for under-18s for 2 nights. A National Park Ranger will be giving a talk and you'll have the chance to pick up other tourists' litter. Call 01433 620 235 for more details.
South
Freetime Holidays (01483 770 800) organise multi-activity courses in Charterhouse College, Surrey. Why not have a go at archery, quad-biking or circus tricks? Prices from £269 per week.
East
£199 might seem a lot for a family weekend at the North Norfolk Youth Hostel, but the price does include a visit to a Shire Horse Centre, a ride on the North Norfolk Steam Railway, entry into the Priory Maze and Gardens and the Muckleburgh Collection and, of course, beautiful beaches. Call 01263 823 215.
Hawking Leisure in Kent hold bird of prey experience days, weekend breaks and five-day beginners courses. Prices range from £25 to £300, but note the minimum age of 16. Contact Michael Poulter on 01892 890 956
West
Brecon Beacons Holiday Cottages (01874 676 446) have availability at a number of properties in Wales which have activity centres nearby. The Water Folk Canal Centre is one mile from Pencelli, where Pentwyn Cottage costs £320 per week (summer rate).
The Mountain and Water Actvity Centre on Llanelli Hill offers activities from rafting to caving. Nearby Hen Ty, a sixteenth-century stone cottage, is also £320 pre week. For lesson at Celtic Canoes in Hay-on-Wye try the Old Vicarage Cottage (£320 per week).
The Glastonbury Summer Course Programme offers a wide, even esoteric, range of activities around the Somerset town. Prices range from £30 to £180 and accommodation can be arranged. Call 01458 834 714 for details
Contacts
Canoeing
The British Canoe Union (BCU) is organising a series of courses and fun days throughout the summer to introduce children to the sport. Paddlefest 2000 is the follow up to last year's popular scheme. For details call the BCU on 0115 982 1100, log onto www.bcu.org.uk or send a SAE to BCU, Adbolton Lane, W. Bridgford, Nottingham NG2 5AS.
Archaeology
The Young Archaeologists Club is keen to introduce young people to archaeology. They have branches throughout Britain can be contacted on 01904 671 417. The website has more information. A National Archaeology Day for Young People will be held on 22 and 23 of July.
Climbing
The British Mountaineering Council (BMC) is a good starting point for novices to get involved in the summer activities. Call 0161 445 4747 for more information, and find your local climbing wall on the web at: www.thebmc.co.uk
Hang-Gliding
The British Hang-Gliding Association has schools all over the country offering an introduction to the thrills of flight. Those under 16 must have a dual-flight with an instructor, but older brothers and sisters can have lessons of their own.
Horse Riding
There are hundreds of riding schools throughout the country, and you can make contact with your local one via the British Horse Society Riding Schools Department (01926 707794/5). Visit www.bhs.org.uk for more information. Or ring the Pony Club on 01203 698 300 to find out about camps and organised activities.
