It's the peak of summer, and art and nature are proving a perfect opportunity to explore.

GRASMERE... AT the age of six, Cumbrian-based musician and poet, Josephine Dickinson became profoundly deaf overnight. Now, with two published collections under her belt, you can hear this inspirational lady's success story on Tuesday evening at the Thistle Hotel when she presents a 6.30pm talk as part of the Wordsworth Trust's Summer Poetry Readings programme. Prize-winning writer and art historian, Jenny Swan will also feature. 015394-35544.

LANCASTER... A LITERARY treat is in store for Shakespeare fans on Saturday when the Chapterhouse Theatre guys will present an al fresco performance of the legendary playwright's mysterious and magical love-story, A Midsummer Night's Dream, at Williamson Park (7.30pm). 01524-33318.

ULVERSTON... THE story of Miss Donnithorne an Australian lady crossed in love and the inspiration behind Miss Haversham, Dickens's mad recluse in Great Expectations will come alive on Friday (8pm) when soprano Jane Manning performs Miss Donnithorne's Maggot at the Coronation Hall. Arranged as part of the Lake District Summer Music Festival, this should make for a pleasant evening's entertainment. Box Office 0845-6445144.

SEDBERGH... WALK on Clouds and find out about the geology and wildlife of a limestone pavement on Saturday when the Sedbergh Support Group of Cumbria Wildlife Trust spends the day on Skennerskeugh Clouds, near Sedbergh. Meet at Loftus Hill car park at 1pm. 015396-21138.

KENDAL... SOUTH Lakeland's popular 18th Century portrait painter, George Romney, will be the main attraction at Kendal Town Hall from Friday when a collection of paintings and sketches by the skilled society artist will be adorning the walls (10am-5pm daily).

BLACKPOOL... With white-knuckle rides and everything an adrenalin junkie could wish for, why not make the most of the school holidays and take a trip to Blackpool Pleasure Beach this week. If you eat too much candyfloss to survive being flipped 360 degrees and dropped from great heights, you can always take a leisurely stroll along the promenade. Call the booking line on 08704-445566.

MILNTHORPE... TRY T'ai Chi, perfect your painting skills and get the most from your digital camera at Dallam Dallam Education and Training Centre this week with a series of Summer School workshops. A T'ai Chi session will run on Saturday, while you can practise painting or polish up your camera handling, email and word processing skills at a number of daily classes. For details call 015395-65123.

CARK-IN-CARTMEL... HOLKER Hall will be the venue for a massive gathering of classic vehicles on Saturday and Sunday when the annual Historic Motoring Weekend takes place. More than 800 enthusiastic exhibitors are expected to descend on the stunning grounds with HGVs, military and agricultural machines also welcome. Open from 11am-5pm, call 015395-58509 for tickets.

MILLOM... YOU can relax with a Poem and a Pint at the Plough Inn tonight (Wednesday) from 8pm when local author, Tony Channon, will be the guest poet for the evening reading from four of his published works. Take along a couple of your own ditties to recite and sit back with a glass of your favourite nectar. 01229-775033.

KESWICK... LAKE District National Park Authority rangers will be on their bikes and inviting guests to join them as they explore cycle tracks and bridleways around the area on Monday. The route will be mainly off-road and beginners are welcome. Meet at Keswick Mountain Bikes on the Southey Trading Estate at 10am. 015394-46601.