WITH spring just around the corner, travel writer Ken Bennett offers a selection of quirky days out.

As English as apple pie, the reassuring figure of the Tower of London's world famous Beefeaters will be joined this year for the first time by a woman.

From this summer, she will be on show to more than two million visitors when she joins the Yeoman Body - popularly known at the Beefeaters - at the Tower.

The Yeoman Warders can trace their origins as the guards of the Tower since the reign of William the Conqueror.

However, most of their duties now involve dealing with curious visitors, leading entertaining tours, presenting lectures and answering historical questions.

To get your personal glimpse of the new Beefeater, call 0870-756-7070 for more information and bookings or visit www.hrp.org.uk.

Foot-sore fashionistas to the capital will be able to chill out at WC1, the UK's first boutique powder room, which offers the ultimate in relaxation for ladies at a multi-million-pound retreat in London's Oxford Street.

Boasting an ultra-luxurious powder room, loo and retail retreat, WC1 is designed to provide a first-class convenience for discerning women looking to relax, revitalise and indulge in an environment of impeccable cleanliness.

The powder room features deep seating, large mirrors and considerate' lighting and ambient music recreates a relaxing atmosphere.

In addition, you can purchase from high-end beauty brands such as Aromatherapy Associates and WC1's own Rescue range of emergency products.

WC1 costs £5 per visit with £2 redeemable on product purchases over £10 for a limited period. It is located at 439-441 Oxford Street, opposite Selfridges. For information and bookings, telephone 020-7734-7001 or log on to www.wc1.co.uk.

Meantime, pet lovers take their pooches for a special pampering weekend breaks by boutique hotels The Lords of the Manor in the Cotswolds, and The Feathers at Woodstock, Oxfordshire.

The new pampered pet packages cost £249 per room, per night, inclusive of double accommodation, full English breakfast, three-course dinner in the restaurant each evening for two people and a dog.

The price also includes a pet menu with doggy food and biscuits, de-luxe dog basket, food and water bowls and even maps of the best dog-friendly walks in the stunning countryside.

In addition to a daily doggy treat, the hotels provide a dog-listening service while the owners are dining in the restaurant.

For information and bookings: Lords of the Manor: 01451-820696 or www.lordsofthe manor.com; or The Feathers: 01993-812291, www.feathers.

co.uk.

Organisers of this year's Isle of Wight's Walking Festival, from May 5 to 20, have included a Love me, love my dog event.

The walk forms part of a romantic walking weekend, with a speed-dating walk launching the festival on the Saturday and the Love me, Love my Dog singles walk the next day.

For further details and booking, call 01983-813813 or www.isleofwightwalking festival.co.uk.

For something completely different in the wake of the James Bond blockbuster, Casino Royale, sidle into the secrets of espionage at London's Science Museum.

The Science of Spying, open from now until September 2, is the first interactive exhibition to examine the secrets of modern espionage.

And it promises to test each visitor's ability to crack codes, gather information and use the technologies of real-life spies as they embark on an undercover mission to penetrate enemy HQ.

The event allows groups to work together and learn about the scientific and technological secrets of modern spying and see if they have what it takes to become a spy.

Master Spy Packs, which include tickets to the exhibition, coding equipment, heat-sensitive door hangers and dissolvable paper, can be purchased at the online shop at the website.

For more information and bookings, telephone 0870-906-3890 or check out: www.

scienceofspying.com.

For other diverse days out, visit: www.enjoyengland.co.uk.