You're on to a winner with two memorable attractions

Conkers

WITH 120 acres of maturing woodland to explore, Conkers is a true adventure playground.

The attraction, near Swadlincote, in Derbyshire, sits at the heart of the National Forest and boasts a mix of indoor and outdoor experiences to keep the whole family engaged – whatever the weather.

Discover the 450 metre barefoot walk that takes visitors on a tour spanning 200 years of the rich, industrial heritage of the area.

Here you can enjoy the sensation of walking on timber, bark, coal, pebbles, wood and clay. Feel the mud ooze between your toes, and the softness of the grass and soil.

The act of barefoot walking is said to have a variety of health benefits as it's believed it exercises both the body and the mind. So go on, get stuck in! Visitors aged 13 and over can take on the 18-stage assault course, which includes a viewing platform providing a treetop panorama.

Active youngsters can also enjoy the Playdale adventure playground.

Indoors there are four discovery zones designed for children and adults of all ages.

Cross the chasm to reach the simulated tree top walk, if you dare, and make your way through a moving forest canopy at night to the mines and caves beyond.

In the Enchanted Forest you can climb through the treetops and along rope walkways.

Visitors can travel between the Discovery and Waterside centres on the site's own train and discover the covered amphitheatre where the Forest Dweller performs a show.

During the school holidays rangers at Conkers run a number of programmes including craft workshops.

The site also has a busy diary of forthcoming events, including a Viking Weekend on Saturday and Sunday, June 22 and 23. The action will include frighteningly realistic and entertaining battle displays!

Conkers

01283 216633

www.visitconkers.com

Open: Conkers is open daily, except Christmas Day, from 10am to 6pm in the summer, and from 10am to 5pm in the winter.

Map Ref: J9

Uttoxeter Racecourse

RACING takes place all year round at Uttoxeter Racecourse, except for August, with a total of 25 race fixtures scheduled for 2013.

The course has been welcoming race fans for more than a century, ever since it opened in 1907.

Situated on the Staffordshire/Derbyshire border, in rural surroundings, it offers one of the best dual tracks in the country.

The racing highlight for summer 2013 is most definitely the John Smith's Summer Cup on Sunday, June 30. This event is perfect for all the family with some thrilling jump racing to be seen.

Other highlights include a May Bank Holiday Family Fun Day on Saturday, May 4, with lots of activities and entertainment for children, plus seven exciting jump races for the grownups.

Thursday, June 13, is Ladies' Night, featuring glamour, racing and live entertainment.

But as well as racing events, Uttoxeter Racecourse is a venue for a variety of other entertainment.

The Acoustic Festival of Britain is returning to the racecourse for its fourth year in 2013.

The three-day music event runs from Friday, May 31, to Sunday, June 2, and boasts an eclectic programme including folk, Celtic, blues, pop and rock.

Among the acts on the bill are The Proclaimers and The Hollies.

Kayleigh Stevenson, commercial assistant at the racecourse, says: "There will be some old favourites at the festival, as well as some major headline acts to wow the crowds over a weekend that seems to grow each year.

"It's a relaxed family occasion for all generations."

Uttoxeter Racecourse

01889 562561

www.uttoxeter-racecourse.co.uk

Open: Race meetings take place throughout the year at Uttoxeter, except for August.

Map Ref: G6