Why not stay in family-friendly Winchester during the school summer holidays and get out and about to enjoy some of the many events on offer:

Go Wild at Marwell Zoological Park this summer Marwell is going arty for August with 'Art in the Park' running between 14th and 24th August. Time your visit to combine the zoo�s animal attractions with the largest exhibition of wildlife art in the South of England. Browse works of art produced by the Marwell Art Society - the only zoo-based art society in Britain � at their 5th annual exhibition. Open daily from 10am-5pm.

Transport the family to the riverbank at Marwell Zoological Park for a theatrical performance of popular classic 'Wind in the Willows' on 29th and 30th August. Let Mr Toad and his friends entertain you on this summer's evening. Tickets must be booked in advance with Groundlings Theatre Box Office on 02392 737370. Performances begin at 6.30pm. For more information visit www.marwell.org.uk

Water, water everywhere... Hampshire's Water Festival, August 16 Come along to the inaugural Hampshire Water Festival in celebration of Hampshire�s glorious watery-surrounds, from its chalk-bedded rivers to its nature reserves and locally grown watercress.

Dive in for the following: � Visit Winchester Cathedral and explore its many watery links from King Canute and rainy-day patron St Swithun, to The Crypt and Anthony Gormley�s Sound II. � Stroll round the specially themed water market and sample the range of food, drink and other water-related products on offer. � Tower Arts Centre is holding a day of free outdoor water-related music, theatre and arts in Abbey Gardens from 11am to 5pm. � Wildlife presenter and River Itchen enthusiast Chris Packham will present a slideshow of his award-winning photography in the Guildhall, from 11am-12pm. � Hampshire Wildlife Trust will be conducting guided walks around the stunning Winnall Moors Nature Reserve along the River Itchen. �more/ 2/3 � The National Trust property Winchester City Mill will open its doors for free for the day and will host the working models of the Hampshire Mills Group, otter talks, and activities for children. For more information visit http://www.hampshireswater.org.uk/festival.html Festival hotline: 01962 845832

Grand Military Tattoo, August 30 Don�t miss this spectacular military extravaganza at the wonderfully restored Fort Nelson, a Victorian artillery fort built in the 1860s. Watch the Silver Eagles Parachute Team, highland dancing and the cadet field gun run. Events climax in the evening with a firework and big gun finale. Family matinee Tattoo ticket (for the 2pm performance) costs �15 for two adults and up to four children. Performances are at 2pm and 7.30pm. www.armouries.org.uk

�Activate� your Theatrical Skills at Winchester�s Theatre Royal From puppetry to street dance and mask making to set design, Winchester�s Theatre Royal �Activate� Programme has something to keep every child amused this August. The innovative and fun workshops, aimed at young people, are led by professional theatre practitioners and run from one day up to a week. For more information and bookings, contact the Theatre Royal on 01962 840440 or visit the website www.theatre-royal-winchester.co.uk Special August Package at Lainston House Hotel: Take advantage of the Lainston House Hotel�s special August packages and stay at this charming 17th century house set in 63-acres of countryside. Unwind with their romantic break costing just �199 per night, including four-poster bed, continental breakfast and a bottle of champagne on arrival. The family package costs from �180 per night (half board, maximum 2 children per room), including a family ticket to Marwell Zoological Park. Tel. 01962 863588, or visit www.exclusivehotels.co.uk

Staying in Winchester:

� The Wessex Hotel, Winchester, tel. 01962 861611, email wessex@macdonald-hotels.co.uk � Lainston House Hotel, Sparsholt, Winchester, tel. 01962 863588, email Enquiries@lainstonhouse.com, or visit exclusivehotels.co.uk � Marwell Hotel, Colden Common, Winchester, tel. 01962 777681, email reservations@marwellhotel.co.uk

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� Winchester Moat House Hotel, tel. 01962 709988, email reservations.winchester@moathousehotels.com � Hotel du Vin tel. 01962 841414, email info@winchester.hotelduvin.com

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For more information on Winchester, see www.visitwinchester.co.uk or call the Tourist Information Centre on 01962 840500.

For media information call Samantha Jones at The Saltmarsh Partnership on 020 7928 1600, email samantha@saltmarshpr.co.uk