Going places

Getting out and about with young children can be a life-saver, particularly when you've been stuck indoors all winter. Swimming pools, soft play centres, the zoo and the park are popular destinations for an outing - but how about some less obvious ones like cathedrals, museums, art galleries or stately homes? With a little planning, nannies can provide even young children with a fascinating and cheap day out.

In the spirit

Cathedrals offer a wealth of wonderful things to do and see - with the added advantage of being warm, dry and open all year round. A visit to a cathedral with pre-school children works best if you concentrate on just a few interesting features. Look out for old clocks, interesting stained glass windows, embroidered altar cloths and stone pillars decorated with carved animals or funny faces. You can also explore the effigies lying stretched out on the tombs, although do be aware that some children find them scary. Little ones will love putting pennies in the collection boxes and lighting a candle (with or without a prayer!). Most cathedrals also have a shop, toilets and a cafe - essential facilities when you are out and about with children.