Those summer nights on Tapnell Farm

Tapnell Farm is in full summer swing on the Isle of Wight with new attractions and events for all the family, including free live music every evening. 

A brand new Maize Maze opens 1 August with a fun card game for families to play as they go around. A new Sunflower Meadow is now bursting with the giant summery blooms, too, which visitors can pick or buy pre-cut. Dogs welcome on leads. 

Just launched, Farm Fun and Film Nights will take place every Tuesday until 30 August. There'll be plenty of time to whizz around on the go-karts, jump on the bouncy pillows, and meet the resident animals – including this year's baby wallabies and meerkats – before the curtain goes up for a showing of Disney's new blockbuster kids' movie, Encanto.

Thursday is the day to don the gladrags for The Island's Biggest Kids Party. From classic kids' party games (with prizes to be won) to the gigantic bubbles created by The Bubble Wizard, this is a summer celebration on the grandest scale. 

Plus, there'll be free live music every evening until 4 September for Summer Evenings on the Green outside The Cow, home of Tapnell's multicoloured, life-sized Wight Herd. And as well as the restaurant's award-winning burgers, there's some delicious choices at the pop-up Wrap Shack.

All the world's a stage in Cheshire

Theatre Porto opens on 10 August in Ellesmere Port in a state-of-the-art theatre and new cultural centre for, by and with children and young people. Formerly known as Action Transport Theatre, Theatre Porto – a £2.8m development, funded by Cheshire West and Chester Council and Arts Council England – will open in a transformed performance space in Whitby Park. The launch will be followed by 10 days of free outdoor shows, walk-about performances and special events, plus the adventure trail 'Once Upon a Time'. For more information, go to https://theatreporto.org. 

And there's more comedy, theatre, music and storytelling in nearby Chester at Storyhouse Outdoors. The new al fresco festival runs until 28 August, with tickets still available for performances including 'Acoustic Nights', Rapunzel, and 'The Giant Balloon Show'. The special season takes place alongside the popular annual Grosvenor Open Air Theatre, which this year features productions of Stig of the Dump, Little Women and Romeo and Juliet.

Staycation savings at Congham Hall

Great value Summer Escape Breaks are still available to book at Congham Hall Hotel in Norfolk. Offering savings of up to 14%, the longer guests stay the larger discount they receive. 

The three, five or seven-night breaks include accommodation, spa access, full English breakfast daily, and meals on selected evenings in Congham Hall's newly refurbished restaurant The Samphire Kitchen. Discounts apply to all rooms, including the new Orchard Cabins, with rates per room for two people, until 1 September 2022.

Summer Relaxation – 3 nights with up to £126 discount, from £666 to £1,308 (Sunday-Thursdays only). Summer Explorer – 5 nights with up to £250 discount, from £1,060 to £2,125. Summer Adventure – 7 nights with up to £399 discount, from £1,505 to £2,968. To book call 01485 600250 and for more information go to www.conghamhallhotel.co.uk.

VIP trackside treats in Newmarket

There are a few last tickets to snap up for the new Champions Lawn Race Day Experience from Discover Newmarket. The VIP treat gives guests a privileged peek behind the scenes at Newmarket's famous July Racecourse before a thrilling afternoon of racing in the comfort of the Champions Lawn. 

Discover Newmarket's expert guides take guests around areas of the racecourse that are normally off-limits, such as the Commentator's Box, share historic insights and racing tales, and reveal how to read a race card, spot a winner, and the basics of how to place a bet. Then it's off to the Champions Lawn, a premium enclosure with private betting facilities, cash bar and toilets, set away from the crowds yet in the heart of the action with trackside views of the day's racing.

Price £65 per person, to book call 01638 501122 or go to https://discovernewmarket.co.uk.