THERE’LL be no time for the boredom blues this summer holiday with a calendar chock-a-block with hot holiday ideas for children and families.

Whether it’s drama, craft, history, or simply getting out and about in the great outdoors, there’s something for everyone.

Petersfield Youth Theatre is opening its doors again to children aged between five and 12 years who are keen to learn about theatre skills.

A fun week’s worth of theatre-based workshops will take place from August 22 to 26 at Bedales School, from 10am to 3pm each day.

These will be run by professional and inspiring workshop leaders, allowing youngsters to explore theatre in a nurturing and exciting way.

Past activities have included mask making, mime and circus skills.

Find details on www.pyt.org.uk under ‘what’s on’.

* The National Trust has come up trumps again for a wealth of summer holiday ideas and outings.

Follow school holiday trails around the lovely grounds at Uppark House and Garden near South Harting, until September 4, from 11am to 4pm daily.

Take a kite too and take advantage of the wonderful location on top of the South Downs.

The giant straw bale maze in ancient woodland is sure to be a big hit at Hinton Ampner, near Alresford. This is open 10am to 5pm daily.

* Themed baking demonstrations are taking place at Winchester City Mill, on August 13 and September 3, from 11am to 3pm.

This bustling working watermill makes stoneground flour used in the baking treats which can be sampled.

There is also?Summertime Fun at the mill, until September 4, with quizzes and trails.

And on August 23 and 25, at 11.30am and 2pm, Pedlars and Petticoats will be bringing their costumed characters to the mill for performances of A Tudor Wedding.

Meet them and hear about the marriage of Queen Mary I –?Bloody Mary – to Phillip II of Spain which took place in Winchester Cathedral in 1554.

Booking is recommended to avoid disappointment. Call 01962 870057 or e-mail [email protected]

*?History and heritage can also be soaked up at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard which is hosting a new free summer festival on August 5, 6 and 7.

Aimed at families and wooden boat enthusiasts, this will feature activities, performances and demonstrations amid the atmospheric historic ships.

It will be taking place at Boathouse 4, HMS?Warrior’s jetty, on the Mast Pond and along the Main Road.

A model boat display, rope-making, pyrotechnics, music and shipwright skills are just some of the attractions.

Visit www.historicdockyard.co.uk for more information.

*?Wonderful Wednesdays are fun-packed activity days for children every week in August at the Weald and Downland Open Air Museum near Chichester.

Accompanied children can enjoy trying a wide range of rural crafts, arts and countryside activities such as brick-making, natural dyeing and wattling.

For more visit www.wealddown.co.uk