We've done more than our fair share of family days out over the years, but enjoying the great outdoors has become a bit more challenging with reluctant teenagers in tow. You think it's hard when you've got little ones - and it undoubtedly is, especially with a buggy and all the paraphernalia you have to cart with you. But generally it's quite easy to keep young ones entertained.
Give them an ice cream and a place to run around and they're usually happy. Read more: We stayed at a luxury holiday park to rival Center Parcs with hot tub lodges and a £4 spa It takes something a bit more special to get older ones geared up, which is why we jumped at the chance to visit the Heights of Abraham on our recent visit to Matlock, Derbyshire . The illuminated Masson Cavern (Image: Heights of Abraham) Less than two hours from Manchester, it's doable as a day trip, and, once inside, you can stay as long as you like.
It's a pretty unique way of getting there too, as visitors board cable cars at the bottom for a seven-minute journey to the 60-acre hilltop estate. Since opening in 1984, Britain's first-ever alpine style cable car system has transported millions of visitors to the top. We were even allowed to take the dog along for the ride, they just need to be kept on leads at all times.
Although he was a little nervous in the cable car itself and I don't think he could quite fathom not having four paws firmly on the ground. Milo was a bit nervous in the cable car (Image: Manchester Family / .