VisitEngland treats for dad

Dunsfold Park in Surrey

YourHols can always rely on our friends at VisitEngland coming up with ideas for special occasions and Father’s Day is no exception. Take a look at these:

For the Petrolhead… go to the track where Top Gear is filmed and enjoy a supercar extravaganza (above). Be driven around the track at speed, or even try out the helicopter, hovercraft or mini tanks. The Supercar Event, on June 15 and 16, is at Dunsfold Park in Surrey. Make a weekend of it by staying at nearby Edgeley Country Park, in 26 acres of Surrey woodland, with a heated indoor pool, fitness suite and sauna. A three-night break over Father’s Day weekend in a  timber lodge sleeping four costs from £299. More details about the Supercar Event, in aid of The Children’s Trust, Tadworth, at www.thesupercarevent.com

For the Action Man… Satisfy dad’s sense of adventure with Hoseasons’ Go Active activity breaks, from high adrenaline pursuits such as white water rafting, abseiling, kite surfing, quad biking and powerboating, to professional coaching in sports including archery, fencing and golf. Go Active breaks are designed to allow all the family to join in and there are more leisurely activities such as short mat bowls, yoga and beauty therapies. Dad can channel his inner Robin Hood – right down to archery and crossbow sessions – at Sherwood Castle Holiday Forest in Nottinghamshire, where other activities include fencing, pitch and putt, snorkelling, sea scooters and Body Zorbs. The park is set in 40 acres of woodland, and accommodation is in timber lodges in a choice of woodland or lakeside settings.  A three-night break over Father’s Day weekend for a family of four costs from £269. Visit www.hoseasons.co.uk

For Green Fingered Dads… Gilbert White’s House & Garden and The Oates Collection at Selborne, East Hampshire is holding its 21st annual Unusual Plants Fair on June 15 and 16. Set against the backdrop of the stunning Selborne Hanger, the ancient parkland provides the perfect showcase for specialist growers and suppliers from across southern England. The Unusual Plants Fair offers a diversity of rare plants, bulbs, seeds and trees, not normally found in a garden centre, as well as accessories and expertise.  Open 10:30am until 5pm, entry costs £6 for adults and £2.50 for children under 16. Visit www.gilbertwhiteshouse.org.uk

A historic Father’s Day at Oxburgh Hall, Norfolk… dads will love Oxburgh Hall’s 15th century, moated manor house with its priest’s hole, rooms where Henry VII and Elizabeth stayed and a striking Tudor gatehouse. From the roof there’s a fantastic view over the surrounding countryside, where you can walk for miles on one of the many trails. Spot the wildlife woodcarvings on the woodland trails and where kids are kept entertained by some of the “50 things to do before you’re 11¾” activities, including hunting for bugs. Join Oxburgh for Father’s Day weekend, between 11am – 5pm.  Admission £4.50 for adults and £2.50 for children. Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/oxburgh-hall

‘Car & Spa’ – for the Spoilt Dad… dads can indulge both their alpha male and softer side with a ‘Car & Spa’ package at Brooklands Spa Hotel in Weybridge, Surrey. At Mercedes-Benz World he can push a powerful top-of-the-range Mercedez-Benz to the limit. Afterwards, dad can relax at the Brooklands Spa Hotel with a 50-minute massage as well as access to all facilities with views out over the track. A three course dinner at 1907, named after the year this famous racetrack opened, is also included. The ‘Spa & Car’ one-night package costs from £314 per couple, Visit www.spabreaks.com

For more ideas for dads, visit www.visitengland.com