Autumn in the Lake District

Revel in the glorious autumnal colours of a Cumbrian wood this October half term whilst letting your brave little soldiers and mischievous misses expend their energy in a woodland adventure in which you can also play a full part.

Playdays in the Woods (playdaysinthewoods.com) provides woodland ‘expoditions’ for all the family. These start with a lovely mug of cocoa served around a crackling fire in base camp and end only when the imagination runs out.

Ideas and woodland magic are created through laughter-filled games such as animal pantomime, exploration and discovery beneath the stunning canopy of trees of one of two locations – Rydal Hall near Ambleside and Hay Bridge Nature Reserve near Coniston.

Activity games like Date With A Tree and Crows work up the appetite and once the tinder is collected and the fire lit, without the use of firelighters or matches, participants can tuck in to a delicious Woodman’s Platter lunch.

Another thrill accompanies the midday dining, as participants cook their own scrumptious twist dough bread over the campfire.

Then it’s on to the afternoon session running to 3pm, which includes den building, using purely woodland materials, and woodland crafts using simple hand tools.

A fabulous Playdays in the Woods experience costs £35 per person, including all materials, refreshments and lunch. It leaves families with memories to last a lifetime and a true sense of achievement derived from family bonding and teamwork.

A video showing clips of some of the activities can be viewed at playdaysinthewoods.com. Families can book at golakes.co.uk. Information on accommodation within the Coniston area can be found at golakes.co.uk .