Should you live within striking distance of Lancaster and have a houseful of children who need to work off some excess energy, head for Williamson Park, just a few minutes' drive from junction 33 or 34 of the M6.

There's something happening all year round, including exciting falconry demonstrations, theatre performances and a series of Christmas carol concerts in December at the park's superb icing sugar landmark, the Ashton Memorial.

A stroll in the park reveals stunning views of Morecambe Bay, 54 acres of woodland walkways, a lake and waterfall, an Edwardian butterfly house, a cave full of reptiles and creepy-crawlies and a free-flying bird enclosure. As a family day out, this just can't fail.