DEVON DOWNLOADED

If you''re planning a walking or cycling holiday along the North Devon coast, Explore The Coast (www.explorethecoast.org) is a map-based site which will help you on your way.

Easy to use, it identifies public rights of way and other places of interest in the area.

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If it's museums or heritage sites you are after just highlight the tick box and various ones will flag up on the map.

You can also locate the best surfing beaches and great spots for bird-watching along this scenic stretch of coastline.

For more information on the North Devon Areas of Natural Beauty call 01237 423655 or see www.northdevon-aonb.org.uk

PICTURE PERFECT

If your ideal weekend includes strolling around a gallery and viewing the works of famous artists, then Radisson Edwardian Hotels (0207 666 2662/www.radissonedwardian.com/david-hockney) has just the ticket.

One of the major exhibitions at the Royal Academy of Arts is A Bigger Picture.

This colourful collection of landscape paintings by David Hockney captures the beauty of the Yorkshire countryside during the changing seasons.

Book a night's stay on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday at one of Radisson's central London hotels - The Grafton on Tottenham Court Road, the Hampshire in Leicester Square or Mercer Street at Covent Garden - and you will receive a VIP pair of tickets, a gallery guide to the exhibition plus 20 per cent off dining in the hotels'' restaurant and bar.

Doubles from £155 per night (two sharing), room only.

Quote David Hockney Package when booking. Offer valid until April 9.

An International Summer Camp in France aims to help children to learn or improve their French during a week of exhilarating activities and educational excursions.

Peak Horizon (01273 244695/ www.peakhorizon.com) is running two language camps in the French Alps from June 3 to August 26 in the resorts of Alpe d'Huez and La Plagne.

As well as making new friends and the thrill of trying sports such as rock climbing, white-water rafting and summer skiing, children between 10 and 17 receive 15 hours of language tuition during their stay.

Cultural visits to nearby attractions will encourage students to converse with locals.

Seven nights from £1,999pp, full board. Price includes all activities but excludes flights.

WONDERS OF WILDLIFE

Set off into the countryside on a wildlife expedition. Nature Adventures, published this week, is an essential family guide to child-led activities that will help you discover the wonders of flora and fauna.

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The colourfully illustrated book highlights everything from useful items to take with you, such as binoculars and a magnifying glass, to learning to recognise bird song and spotting the first signs of spring.

Nature Adventures by Mick Manning and Brita Granstr¶m (Frances Lincoln Limited), £7.99.

Daily Express Saturday March 3 2012 57 PACK UP A PICNIC For a modern take on the picnic hamper the Outwell Calabash 4 from Cotswold Outdoor (0844 557 7755/ www.cotswoldoutdoor.com) is ideal.

The rucksack contains cutlery, plates, napkins and glasses for four. There is a large cooler compartment and an insulated bottle-holder for keeping that bubbly chilled. £59.