Children; WHAT TO DO THIS WEEKEND IN LONDON AND BEYOND

Covent Garden Fayre and Puppet Festival

St Paul's Church Garden, Bedford St WC2 (0171-375 0441) tomorrow, 10.30am- 5.30pm, free

Punch and Judy professors and puppeteers from all over the country will be performing near the spot where Samuel Pepys first recorded seeing Mr Punch in action on this day way back in 1662. Activities kick off with a procession around the neighbourhood followed by a special church service, then puppet shows and workshops plus music and dancing later in the afternoon.

Tercentenary Pageant

Bushy Park, Middlesex (0181423 2656) tomorrow, 11am onwards, free

More historic celebrations on the outskirts of the capital where they will be recreating Bushy Park's glory days when thousands of visitors flocked there in May as the chestnut trees burst into flower. The mile- long Chestnut Avenue, designed by Sir Christopher Wren, was completed in 1699. After the parade - which will feature military bands, horse-drawn carriages and vintage cars - there will be dozens of activities including story-telling and Penny Farthing races down Chestnut Avenue.

Nikki Spencer

National Mills Day

West Blatchington Windmill, Holmes Avenue, Hove (01273 776017) tomorrow, 2pm, adults 70p, children 30p

Hundreds of mills all over the country will be holding special events this weekend. West Blatchington is putting on all sorts of free activities including giving children the chance to grind their own corn.

Children's Animal Fair

Borde Hill Garden, Balcombe Rd, Haywards Heath, Sussex (01444 450326) tomorrow, 10am-5pm, pounds 3

Everything from ferret-racing to a traditional fun-fair is on offer at these privately-owned gardens set in 200 acres of parkland. There is a children's adventure playground, kids' entertainment and tractor and donkey rides.

Tiverton Spring Festival

Tiverton, Devon (01884 255827) today, 10am onwards, many events free

This annual week-long festival kicks off with Maypole dancing and will feature puppet shows and music throughout the day at a variety of venues in the market town centre.

Secrets of the Woodland

Kingston Lacy Estate, Nr Wimborne Minster, Dorset (01202 840630) today and tomorrow, 11am and 2.30pm, adults pounds 2, children pounds 1

Experts from the National Trust will be leading these family walks. Meet in the car park at Bradbury Rings, the Iron Age hill fort that dominates this impressive estate. NS