Six of the Best: Last Minute Summer Holiday Treats

City Beach Millennium Square, Leeds aug 2016
The Lord Mayor of Leeds Coun Gerry Harper with Zophia Tursy, eight and Phoebe Eddy, seven — City Beach Millennium Square, Leeds aug 2016 The Lord Mayor of Leeds Coun Gerry Harper with Zophia Tursy, eight and Phoebe Eddy, seven

ACTION ZONE, HARROGATE

It’s paint ballling evolved. Which means there’s no messy (and painful) paint pellets to contend with. Instead, the latest in infra-red laser technology, delivering real-time feedback for a live combat game that’s likely to get your heart racing and will knock the socks off any console game you care to mention.

Battlefield Live offers all the thrills of video combat games in a real world setting using the very latest infrared technology. The Battlefield LIVE equipment is 100% portable, tough, weather-proof, team-focused and can be used either indoors or outdoors. Call 0808 108 1033.

HOLIDAY FUN: Children take part in the den building session at Summerhill in Hartelpool Picture: DAVID WOOD

CITY BEACH & BODY EXTENDED, LEEDS

There’s plenty of things happening right here in Leeds. You don’t actually need to go to the seaside nowadays to experience Punch and Judy shows and what it feels like to drop an ice cream in the sand. City Beach in Millennium Square is now in its fourth year and going strong and runs until September 4.

Meanwhile, the Body Extended Tour at the Henry Moore Institute next to Leeds Town Hall, looks at human prosthetics and other bodily enhancements. It’s guaranteed to get your grey matter working.

DEN BUILDING FESTIVAL, THE TETLEY

The acclaimed Leeds Den Building Festival is back for its third year – and bigger than ever.

It’s a chance to young and old alike to get creative and make a castle, pirate ship, train, house, spaceship, whatever you like. All materials are provided – although you’re welcome to also bring your own too as long as long as they are safe. There’s a £50 top prize for the team who creates the most collaborative, innovative and impressive den as well as runner up prizes.

Price is £2.50 per person, call 0113 320 2321 for more information, or see website.

RENT A NARROWBOAT, VARIOUS LOCATIONS

If you want to use the remaining week to get away from it all but don’t want to go too far, then you could do a lot worse than try narrowboating. There are lots of locations around the UK where you can access this hidden rural highway.

Drifters Waterway Holidays offers over 580 boats from 45 locations, with over 2,000 miles of waterways to explore. It’s a bit like being staying in a static caravan, except on water. Prices start at £395 for a short break, £625 for a week

Contact: www.drifters.co.uk, or call 0844 984 0322.

LOTHERTON HALL, ABERFORD

Wether you want to play a game of giant chess, have a flutter at the sheep races or simply stroll through the extensive grounds of this elegant Edwardian mansion, there’s enough to do here to keep you occupied for at least a day.

As par of a series of summer holiday activities, there will be a ‘scrap challenge’ taking part in the house in the craft section, where children will be building useful objects from things other people have thrown away.

Aside from that, there are all kinds of animals to see and a cafe.

ALEXANDRA HOUSE, HUDDERSFIELD, SPA

It could be that the one thing you want to do with the final week off is relax. Let us introduce you to true tranquillity and rejuvenation at Alexandra House – the perfect place to rest, revitalise and heal. It’s a sanctuary offering you deserved time to yourself.

One of the North’s leading holistic health and wellbeing spas, Alexandra House is tucked away on the outskirts of Huddersfield. The spa is housed in a historic building that has been lovingly restored and revived into a stunning retreat, complete with two brand new thermal rooms. Call: 01484 303786.