The railway runs trains on what was called the `Watercress Line’, named after the still-existing watercress beds, which you can walk to. From here take a left at the main road and again opposite the church and junction. A flagged path must now be followed past cottages and over meadows. Following the lane through millyards, you’ll return to Bollington.Where: White Nancy, Bollington, Peak District.Distance: 4 miles (easy).How much: between pounds 20-30; Sunday set lunch pounds 9.CHEPSTOW RACECOURSE, WALESThis is an attractive, undulating course, used for both jumping and flat-racing, and home of the Welsh National in December. It can be reached from Bollington’s Parish Church, after a climb up the steep hill leading to it. From here follow Kerridge Hill’s crest until you come to a stile, then head down-hill for a view of Rainow village and the ruined Cow Lane Mill. No one knows exactly why it was built, though some of neighbouring Bollington’s inhabitants believe it was erected to celebrate the end of the Napoleonic wars.

There also are craft demonstrations and guided tours, as well as refreshments.Where: West Stow Country Park, The Visitor Centre, Icklingham Road, Suffolk (0128-472 8718).When: from 10.30-5pm.WHITE NANCY, BOLLINGTON, PEAK DISTRICTThe stone White Nancy tower is something of a mystery. Costs pounds 3.60 or pounds 1.80 (0149-467 2919).GREAT BRITISH RHYTHM AND BLUES FESTIVALA real treat for anyone into R&B, this all-day event kicks off at 1pm and features bands including King Pleasure and The Biscuit Boys, the Electric Experience, Chick Willis, Sista Monica and the `legendary’ Long John Hunter. Facing east over the Shining Tor and the Cat and Fiddle (the second highest Inn in England) and west over the Cheshire Plain it is a perfect viewpoint. You can buy an all-day ticket and go in and out as you please.Where: The festival is at Colne Municipal Hall in Albert Road, Colne, Lancs (0128-266 1234).When: until midnightHow much: an all-day ticket costs pounds 16.50.ANGLO-SAXON FESTIVALThe Anglo-Saxon Festival ends on the Bank Holiday, and features re-enactment specialists who have spent a month living in Anglo-Saxon dress, selling authentic goods at their market stalls, and telling period stories. Cross the Sheepwash bridge to head home.Where: Monsal Dale, Peak District. Start from Greves Lane.Distance: Six miles (easy to moderate).EPSOM RACECOURSEThe traditional big Bank Holiday race is the Champagne Silver Magnum, the Moet & Chandon stakes running over the Derby distance of a mile-and- a-half.

Take to the grandstand, or join the hoi polloi in the cheaper enclosure. Epsom is one of five flat meetings around the country, and has a sharp and undulating course.Where: the course is south of the town on Epsom Downs Road, 15 miles from the centre of London. Take a train from Victoria or Waterloo to Epsom Downs, or from Charing Cross to Tattenham Corner (0137-247 0047).How much: from pounds 5 (Lonsdale enclosure) to pounds 16; parking is free.CHILTERN OPEN-AIR MUSEUMThis open-air museum, set in acres of countryside, will be hosting medieval and Iron-Age re-enactments – ideal for children – plus hands-on activities. Wander around historic houses and exhibits, and visit the dye garden, featuring plants such as blue woad, used for dyeing clothes and other materials in years gone by.

Nearby is Jordans, a tiny village featuring a barn built from timbers from the original Mayflower ship. Take a look at the second-hand books on sale there, or drive towards Bekonscot, the model village patronised by Enid Blyton and her daughters, where there is a model of the author’s former house and hundreds of midget buildings.Where: Chiltern Open-Air Museum, off the A413, Chalfont St Peter, Bucks (0149-487 1117).Open: 10am-6pm.How much: pounds 4 adults, pounds 2.50 children.Sale: Book sale at the Mayflower Barn, Bekonscot, near Beaconsfield town centre, 10am-5pm. Cross the A6 then follow the field path up the hillside, through Demon’s Dell. Cross the carpark and pass the cafe to the right, taking the second path to your left Continue on this path until you reach the river. Turn down the walled path towards Little Longstone, and head towards the grassy valley Then take the old railway track, turning left. On your right the Monsal Trail is marked by yellow `M’s – follow these until Little Longstone. Take a left towards Monsal Head, passing the Pack Horse Inn on your way.