Follow the Swallows

The latest adaptation of ‘Swallows and Amazons’ inspires Joanna Symons to pick outings best suited to its main characters

The hotly anticipated release of a new Swallows and Amazons film this month will introduce the resourceful Arthur Ransome’s characters to a new generation. How might John, Susan, Titty (aka Tatty in the film) and Roger occupy their summer holidays in the 21st century? Here are our suggestions for day trips and short breaks to suit each character.

The Norfolk Broads

Learn to sail in safe and classic Swallows surroundings on the Norfolk Broads in a beautifully maintained, vintage, half-decker day boat. Skippers from the Norfolk Heritage Fleet Trust will take groups and families out among the peaceful reeds and wildlife of the Broads for half or full-day excursions from their base at Ludham.

From £68 for two hours for a group of four (01692 678263; huntersyard.co.uk)

The Cairngorms National Park

The excellent programme of rangerled walks and activities here (many free) encourage exploration of the wild mountain, forest and river scenery – and are ideal for active children. This summer they include Wet and Wild, discovering the watery world around the River Garry; pond dipping; evening expeditions to look for bats and owls; wild food walks and family talks on the Battle of Killiecrankie.

cairngorms.co.uk/discover-explore/ events/ museumis home to carefully recreated domestic interiors of middleclass homes from 1630-2000 – it’s like peering through the front windows of houses through the ages. See how tastes have changed from high Victoriana to the pared-down Thirties and Sixties, to the sleek contemporary loft space.

There are free daily activities for children of all ages until August 12 and at weekends, and a lovely garden to explore; open daily except Mondays, entry free (020 7739 9893; geffrye-museum.org.uk)

Camp and sea kayak in Devon

Forage for food, kayak among sea caves and – perfect for all Susans – create your own little overnight campsite on a remote beach. These classic Swallows experiences are organised by adventure company Reach Outdoors, in association with the National Trust. Summer expeditions follow the stunning coastline around the Torbay area of South Devon, and include the chance to see seals and catch fish.

For groups of six to eight; accompanied children of 12-plus only; from £120 per person, including meals and kayak tuition (01626 873625; reachoutdoors.com)

Weald and Downland Open Air Museum, West Sussex

These 50 or so vernacular buildings, including barns, a Victorian school, timber-framed farmhouse and water mill, all rescued from demolition and reconstructed on a grassy site high on the Sussex downs, would offer plenty to pique Susan’s interest. Costumed staff add atmosphere by demonstrating traditional crafts in situ. During school holidays, Wonderful Wednesdays provide a chance for children to try a range of traditional crafts, including blacksmithing, brickmaking and, perfect for the Swallows, sailing a model boat.

£11.50/£6/£32; open daily (wealddown.co.uk) She likes reading and writing and thinks of herself as an author; she’d like places that stimulate her imagination and have a sense of history, such as…

Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre, Bucks

At this converted coaching inn in Great Missenden, you not only get live entertainment, but a whole host of scissors, paper, crayons, glue and word games. The minute you arrive you are issued with your own Story Ideas Book, plus pencil with which to write your thoughts down – perfect for young authors. The museum appeals particularly to six to 12-year-olds and its three interactive galleries provide the chance to dress up in Mr Twittype beards and wigs, explore the new BFG exhibition, and learn about Dahl’s life. The Big Friendly Summer (until September 4) involves regular storytelling and crafts.

Open daily except Monday, £6.60/£4.40/£21 (01494 892192; roalddahl.com/museum)

British Museum, London

Regularly topping the list of Britain’s most visited attractions, the British Museum is a treasure trove for children. Those aged four to 10 will enjoy the museum’s scavenger hunts (free at the information desk), which take families through the galleries, testing their powers of observation (the African gallery sheet is particularly good for young ones). For older children, the variety and quality of the guided tours are exceptional – and the children’s bookshop is outstanding. Free admission; open daily (020 7323 8299; britishmuseum.org)

Hill Top House, Lake District

How many childish imaginations have been fired by Squirrel Nutkin or Peter Rabbit? A tour of Hill Top, Beatrix Potter’s farmhouse home set

Ironbridge Gorge Museums, Shropshire

You could easily spend a couple of days exploring the 10 museums on this site, which with the building of the Iron Bridge across the River Severn in 1779 became a symbol of Britain’s industrial age. Star turns for families are Blists Hill – a convincing re-creation of a Victorian Town, where children can change modern currency for pre-decimal coins then spend it in the old-fashioned sweet shop – and the technology centre, Enginuity. Here they can create hydroelectric power using turbines and learn how a car’s engine works.

Open daily; £25/£15/£50 (01952 433424; ironbridge.org.uk)

The Lost Gardens of Heligan, Cornwall

One of the many highlights of this network of lush gardens, woodland and farmland, set in more than 200 acres, is the Jungle – where you can make a subtropical journey through bamboo tunnels and across a Burmese rope bridge to discover the moss-covered giants around the grounds.

Try to time your visit with the summer performances for families from Cornish Theatre Company Kneehigh (August 6-21). £13.50/£6/£35; open daily (01726 845100; heligan.com)

Swallows and Amazons is released nationwide on August 19