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Part of the IWP, Duxford specialises in aircraft (though there are some ground vehicles). More than just a day out, this venue is a walk through the history of air warfare, with a little bit of commercial input.

One of the dominant buildings is the American museum dedicated to the thousands of U.S. servicemen who gave their lives in the Second World War. In there you will see an amazing selection of aircraft from the almost basic piston-engined, through combat jets like the Mcdonell Phantom, the awesome B52 to the ultimate jet - the iconic F117 Blackbird.

Not to be outdone, the British exhibition has it’s own outstanding aircraft; the Spitfire, the Vulcan Bomber from the cold war, the futuristic TSR2 and, in an outside area, you can walk around and climb inside the hird Concorde built (and the first one to exceed Mach2 on a sustained flight.

There are ground exhibitions and some interactive displays. there are tanks to climb on for the active little ones, and a wonderful gallery of original paintings all in the theme of flight.
If you can, try to visit when there are flight programmes
and get the feel of what Duxford was as an active base.

As a tribute to the fallen Americans, you may have time to visit the American Cemetery at Madingley, not far away on the outskirts of Cambridge. Here are listed the names of over 5,000 souls who never returned from missions.

Visiting Duxford is an uplifting experience and definitely leaves you with a feel-good feeling.

Fairchild Tropical Garden is simply amazing…a unique living oasis of pure beauty. Here you will see a spectacular abundance of wildlife, plants, trees & palms in all their natural glory, set among the most outstandingly beautiful and tranquil surroundings.

An ideal choice for a wonderful family day out, Fairchild has a variety of scenic paths & trails to explore, with a number of peaceful picnic areas, several of which are located beside the many tranquil lakes.

The landscaping is incredible, and there are literally thousands of varieties of flowering tropical plants and palms to keep even the most avid hortuculturist happy!

For around $6 you can take a guided tour through the grounds on a relaxing tram ride which lasts approx 40 minutes.

There is a cafe which serves a delicious range of sandwiches, snacks & salads, some hot meals and drinks, and also an ice cream parlour opposite. Rest-rooms are here also.

You will need a whole day to explore the whole park, and even then there is so much to see & take in it’s virtually impossible to fully appreciate just in one visit!

If you need an MOT, car repairs or service, I can whole-heartedly recommend Colin Holmes as the 'Man For the Job’!

You will leave your car in the hands of a true proffesional - This man WILL NOT fleece you!

He was originally recommended to me by a friend & I thought I had nothing to lose by giving him a go. Well, I’m so glad I did because I’m convinced he’s saved me a packet over the 5/6 times I’ve used him!

After his initial assessment he will give you a true report of his findiings and exact estimate of the time and cost needed to complete the job, and you will have absolutely NO extras added to your bill, and certainly no suggesting to have un-necessary “extra” jobs done,

Your car will be ready on time. You willl know you have had the “Real Deal” when you do your business with Colin Holmes.
Try him and I KNOW you will agree.

Matheson Hammock is a scenic park and beach with an unusual feature - a man-made atoll pool, which is flushed naturally with the tidal action of nearby Biscayne Bay.

The picturesque beach itself has stunning waterside views, and is pefect for young families with its’ warm, safe waters and life-guards keeping a watchful eye.
When you’ve had your fill of swimming & sun-bathing, take a leisurely stroll along one of the many nature trails where you will find an interesting abundance of wildlife.

The park has a snack bar & restaurant built into an historic coral rock building, and also has several picnic pavilions with bench-tables and BBQ pits.
There is a small marina adjacent to the beach which also houses a sailing and power boat school.

Plenty of car-parking is provided - it cost us $5 for the day, and also rest-rooms and showers for your convenience.

All in all, Matheson Hammock State Park makes for an excellent family day out in a fabulous, safe & secluded location…sheer bliss…what more could anyone want!

Take junction 18 off the M4 and head towards Stroud and Gloucester. A few minutes along the A46 turn right onto the A433 and look out for the signs for the arboretum. Take junction 18 off the M4 and head towards Stroud and Gloucester.

As soon as you turn your engine off you are enveloped in the total peace that only a forest can bring.

Choose your path and let the trees guide you on. They are grouped in species up to a point, but each area has enough variety and contrast to hold your attention, and interest.

We have visited in spring and autumn, and it is debatable which gives the most uplifting experience; the fresh green of new shoots, or the absolute blaze and range of colours of autumn. The maples provide a high percent of the awesome paintbox that spreads before you in every direction.
Follow the paths and soak up the whole atmosphere. Here you will appreciate the meaning of the conservationists’ plea; “Take nothing but photographs; leave nothing but footprints”.

The arboretum is part of the Forestry Commission’s aim to preserve and propogate old and new trees and plants and, although some areas seem untouched, they are scientifically controlled, even down to the height and depth of the hedge and grass to suit the different flowers. Some of the open grassland is grazed by cattle…Nature and man are working hard together; never is this truer than here.

Even if you are not an “outdoor” person I believe this place will leave you glad you went.

If you are in Miami for a few days make sure you take a day to visit the Falls, a wonderful semi-open shopping experience. Bounded on one end by Bloomingdales and on the other by Macey’s, and in beteen a great variety of outlets.

The setting here is amazing. The Mall is so named because of the many mini waterfalls in the gently flowing river set amongst a stunning oasis of sub-tropical land-scaping which runs down centre the whole length of the plaza.

Here you can buy authentic designer chic and then wander into an aladdins cave of childish joy, or sate your senses in a store crammed with the most exotically scented candles.

Need a break from shopping? You have a choice of restaurants, but for a taste of 70’s America make sure to visit Johnny Rockets; nows heres’ an experience….retro seating, staff with neat hats, milk shakes from a real shaker and coffee that froths. The food is excellent and the service friendly and always with a smile. If you are lucky you may catch the staff doing their trade-mark dance to one of the many Rock’n’Roll tunes from a 100% genuine juke-box.

If your taste is more selective there is a Chinese Restaurant at the west end of the Plaza marked out side by an enormous statue of a horse. Or cross the road by the east end and have a meal in one of the most entertaining Japanese outlets in Miami, the famous Benihana Samurai Japanese Steakhouse; not just a meal, an experience!

Back to the plaza and more to buy! Anything for everyone.
You can stand on one of the picturesque bridges that spans the water that flows down the centre of the plaza and chill as the avid shoppers amongst you lose themselves in Macey’s or Bloomingdales.
If you have the time there is a multiplex cinema complex with all the latest blockbusters on screen.

Every sort of outlet is available and you would have to be very hard to please if the Falls hasn’t got what you need. Take a day and indulge yourselves; you know it will make sense!

This is probably Miami’s premiere Japanese restaurant and is more than a place to dine: more a place to enjoy…

Make your reservation and look forward to an experience. From the moment you enter you are treated as a valuable customer. You are escorted to your table with the utmost politeness that is the hallmark of Japanese culture. Once you are seated your needs become the responsibility of your personal chef.
Your table is built on three sides of a hot plate and it is here you will see your meal prepared and cooked right in front of your eyes. Not only that but your chef will entertain you with friendly banter and demonstrate the most extraordinary and unusual culinary skills. Take you eyes off him and when you look back you find he may have flipped a little cut of meat or veg into the middle of your plate. We were in absolute stitches laughing at his antics!

Sip on your choice of drink and feel your taste buds waking up as the meal nears completion. Your plate will be beautifully presented and cooked exactly the way you ordered it. And the fun doesn’t stop there: order a sweet and be dazzled not only by the choice, but by the preparation and presentation - some of the dishes look too good to eat (almost!).

All in all this is a “must do” if you are in the Miami area for any length of time. If you have a full day to spare you can spend some time in the Falls Shopping Centre, which is literally just across the road.

We were staying with family at the time of our visit and were told that this place is extremely popular and always busy, so it is advisable to book your table in advance if possible.

This isn’t one of those restaurants where you need to get dressed up to visit, but is very relaxed & informal…It’s up to you…many use it as a convenient place to eat during their shopping trips to the Mall across the road, or as a venue to meet friends & family.

Only one word of warning; make sure you get there in
time to use their car-park! Don’t leave your car in the carpark outside TKMax next door as you may find it clamped!

This was a really fulfilling day out. We arrived at the Museum mid-morning and firstly spent a little while admiring the building, and it’s two neighbours; the City Hall and the High Court of Justice with the Gorsedd Gardens as the foreground.
In the main hall we were greeted by the Rodin Kiss statue, and then bought our guide book and set off on our journey.

Whatever your interest there is more than enough here to satisfy your curiosity, from the tiniest bugs to the bones of dinosaurs; from primitive tools from Llyn Cerrig Bach to exquisite glass and silver.
On the ground floor they stage special exhibitions, but when we were there the hall was closed whilst they were setting up the next event.

But the one area everyone gravitates to is the art gallery - some drawn by the reports of the fabulous value of the paintings on view. When we were there they had on show one of Van Gogh’s paintings with a value in excess of £30million! In the Renoir room for example, the 'Blue Boy’ gazed across a room full of the proof of artistic talent. One gallery is dedicated to Welsh artists. We missed the Dali showings, but the works on show were enough for one day.

On the next floor we wandered from room to room. One was full of things connected to HRH the Prince of Wales, including the regalia he wore at his investiture at Caernavon.

Shoud you need any assistance or advice there are plenty of friendly knowledgable staff to come to your aid.

Take time, too, to admire the building itself, an exhibit in it’s own right. There are many archive records which you can arrange to view, but you may need to make special arrangements.

As said at the beginning; this museum is a place with more than enough to fill your day out; go more than once and every time you will find something new to think about or to make you want to know more.

This little gem is situated off the A4136 in Little London near Longhope in The Forest of Dean. The kids will love this huge Family Leisure Park where you will find everything from a large collection of farm animals & wildlife to amusements, picnic area’s, a cafe, shop & nature trails.

An added bonus is that it does’t matter if it’s rain or sunshine as there’s plenty of indoor attractions to keep everyone happy!

Visit the Golden Jubilee Arboretum which is a wonderful haven of exotic plants & trees and don’t miss the Aquarium, the Reptile House and the spectacular Ant Colony which was the room that my children were especially fascinated.

As well as all the farm animals & small pet corner, there is a the Astra Slide & Drop Slide, a giant sandpit, and a pedal-kart course for the youngsters to enjoy.

The gentle nature walk takes you along the bottom of the valley, and then you can venture up to the viewing pont where you will be treated to spectacular views over the valley for your efforts!

There is partial access for people with mobility difficulties.

It’s not expensive either, as you might expect…we paid under £20 for our family of four - a real bargain considering the delights & activities on offer here!

We had the grandchildren for the day and decided to take them to see the birds of prey at the specialized centre at Newent which is home to the UK’s largest collection of over 250 different birds of prey, including Eagles, Hawks, Owls, Falcons, Buzzards, Kites and Vultures.

What a great fun day out, and simply loads to see & do! It was fascinating to watch the birds being trained, and the children were especially enthralled at the amazing flying display. There is a lovely & very peaceful nature trail that leads to a pretty lake, and also a hide that looks out onto the field and all around the lake.

We were really pleased to see a tea room where you can enjoy a good choice of drinks, snacks and light lunchs, all of which we were surprised to find very reasonable priced. Altrnatively you could bring your own picnic, (which we will do next time,) and enjoy the large expanse & beautiful surroundings of the lush gardens.

There is also a little gift shop for souviniers etc. which you will find upon your exit.

There’s plenty of photo opportunities everywhere, especially from awe-inspiring close-up pics of the birds in their pens.

The staff are particularly helpful and knowledgable, and patiently answered loads of questions from the children.

I was very impressed with everything on offer here, and will most definately be coming back!