An old favourite of ours and a fantastic day out in the north west is a visit to the terraced gardens at Rivington. Stroll around all the way up to Rivington Pike, if you have the energy. See if you can find the ornamental Japanese pool and the old tower for Pidgeons and Doves. Spot the remains of Lord Lever's grand mansion. The views across the reservoir to Liverpool are always enjoyable and if its clear you can see further to North Wales and the Lake District; we always try to be the first one to spot Blackpool Tower. On a good day, take a picnic or eat in the cafe in the splendid Great Barn. A grand day out!

www.bolton.org.uk/rivington.html. Rivington Lane, Horwich, Bolton, Greater Manchester, England, BL6 7SB
Read more: www.gardenvisit.com/garden/rivington_terraced_gardens#ixzz0vdMYwOxp
Google map: bit.ly/aafjce

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Describing this as a museum does not do it justice - it is a place that brings the industrial revolution to life and takes you back over 100 years. You get a chance to experience the life of the masses; giggle at the latest fashions in the shops, change your money in the bank, take a ride on a train or a pony and trap, visit the post office and buy old-fashioned sweets from the sweet shop. Working life can also be experienced in the Foundry. Every child and adult I have ever taken there has loved it. The site is constantly developing, which means you can keep visiting with new generations. What better day out?

www.ironbridge.org.uk/our_attractions/blists_hill_victorian_town/
Google map: bit.ly/cO645W
Ironbridge is near Telford and has 10 museums in the town.

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Papa Westray, one of the most northerly of Orkney's islands, claims to be Orkney in miniature. The island certainly has all the elements that make any Orkney holiday memorable; fascinating archaeological sites, beautiful beaches, cliffs full of sea birds, colourful wild flowers and a warm welcome. Papay Community Co-operative run the well stocked shop and some accommodation, other members of 70 strong community provide B&B and self-catering accommodation. Be prepared to talk to people, but the island has plenty of space for solitary walking too; maybe spend some time trying to spot one of the seven Corncrakes currently on the island.

Papa Westray.co.uk/
Google map: tinyurl.com/32k8voq

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The Isle of Rum is the best island visit the UK can offer; the whole island is a National Nature Reserve and the attractions include an elaborate 19th Century sandstone castle, Golden Eagles, Manx Shearwaters, Red Deer and numerous other wildlife, mountain streams, good walking and an abundance of flowers. Stay in Kinloch Castle, at the community camp site or better still walk to one of the two mountain bothies mountainbothies.org.uk; at Guirdal you can cook your well earned meal while spotting passing whales and watching the sun falling in to the Hebridean Sea.
www.isleofrum.com/index.html
Poornhsworker

Isle of Rum
Google map: tinyurl.com/39rgllh

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