Dear Readers,

GET AUGUST OFF TO A RIGHT ROYAL START

Give your very own grandprince or princess an insight into all things royal - go to the exhibition to mark the 60th anniversary of the wedding of H.M. Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip which is on all through the month of August. For details of dresses, jewellery, gifts and lots more see www.theroyalcollection.org.uk

Keep their royal interest going with a visit to the place where the Queen and Prince Phillip live most of the time - Buckingham Palace. For details of the summer opening of the State Rooms and many other royal things to do and see go to www.royal.gov.uk

There's so many places to see with royal connections - Edinburgh Castle houses the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny. It's also festival time in Edinburgh and you can find details of everything that's going on at www.visitscotland.com

AROUND AND ABOUT IN AUGUST - FINDING FESTIVALS, GOING TO GALLERIES, TRYING THEME PARKS

This is the height of fun time for you and your grandchildren - a time for doing new and different things with lots of time to do them - and maybe stay out late because of no school! Look at the following websites for all things summery!

www.childrensworld.org has details about a Children's Festival in Glastonbury from 10 - 13 August - so not only will you be giving your grandchildren a great day out you'll be helping other children to benefit through the charity.

There's a Scarecrow Festival in Kettlewell, North Yorkshire from 11 - 19 August - walk "The Scarecrow Trail"- identify scarecrows - solve the clues and find all the hidden scarecrows! www.kettlewell.info gives all the information - and even places to stay if you want to make a week of it!

www.enjoyengland.com is a brilliant website giving details of August festivals around Britain.

The Roald Dahl Children's Gallery in Aylesbury www.big.uk.com : A unique children's museum that uses the famous author's stories to capture visitors imagination.

Pick up a backpack full of puzzles, games and other activities to do in The British Museum Children's Gallery. You and your grandchildren will have lots of fun following the 6 Trails to help you explore the museum at your own pace. www.thebritishmuseum.ac.uk

Combine art & history in a fun way for your grandchildren, with the help of The Ferens Childrens Gallery. It has loads to offer children of all ages and grandchildren and grandparents alike are sure to find something to spark their interest and curiosity. Find them at www.hullcc.gov.uk

Does the thought of theme parks frighten you as grandparents, because of the big scary rides that the grandchildren want to go on - the higher and the scarier the better! If so, try these - Bewilderwood in Norfolk www.bewilderwood.co.ukis a theme park with a difference -a fantasy land of tree houses, jungle bridges, crazy slides & boatrips through marshland.

Mix history with education and fun! Take the grandchildren to the newly opened Dickensworld. Go with your grandchildren on a fascinating journey - step back in time with all the sites, sounds and smells of Charles Dickens characters and places from his books, as well as dark boat rides, the Haunted House of Ebenezer Scrooge and much more. Have a look at www.dickensworld.co.uk for full information, prices etc.

And if, after all this, your grandchildren still want to go to the real thing, at www.travel.timesonline.co.uk you'll find all the latest gen on what's new and happening at theme parks around Britain.

IT'S PLAY IN THE POOL, SEASIDE SPECIAL AND EXPLORE THE COUNTRY TIME

Do your grandchildren love to be beside the seaside - or have they never been and you would like them to know what it's like! The Grantham Museum is holding a seaside-themed day on Wednesday August 15th with lots of activities. Check it all out at www.granthamjournal.co.uk

Wet and Wild Fun for all the family at Quaywest Waterpark - as well as go karts, beach and heated pool.www.quaywest.co.uk

You will find a Teddy Bear's Picnic and Nature Detection day at www.moulton.ac.uk, along with many other day acitivities for you and your grandchildren, at the Holdenby Countryside Education Centre. There's something for children of all ages - and while the grandchildren are discovering Nature and the Countryside grandparents can do the same!

www.enjoyengland.com How to enjoy England's coast and countryside - see full information on what there is from rural activities through landscapes and scenery to outdoor activities and family fun - it's all here.

PLEASE REMEMBER whilst your grandchildren enjoy lots of summer activities around the pool, at the seaside or in the country, they may enjoy themselves so much they forget about being careful so it's up to you to ensure their SAFETY. www.safetots.co.uk www.rospa.co.uk and www.grannylook.com are all sites covering every aspect of safety. If you want to help your grandchildren to know about safety, but in a fun fashion look at www.hedgehogs.gov.uk

ON THE ROAD, IN THE AIR, OVER THE SEA OR GOING BY BUS

However you may be travelling with your grandchildren this August, it's important to keep them occupied - particularly if they don't travel well. You'll find lots of products, remedies and suggestions about travel sicknesss at www.purpleturtle.co.uk

www.momsminivan.com Gives you lots of things to do whilst travelling, eye-spying games, maps for the grandchildren to follow and lots of suggestions to keep them interested while travelling.

Travel games and activities for children of all ages which will keep them occupied for hours can be found at www.car-travel-games.co.uk

Look up www.familycrafts.about.com for 10 creative travel activities for grandchildren of all ages - and whoever is not driving can join in.