ANOTHER Bank Holiday Weekend beckons and now is the time to make sure yours is filled with breath-taking activity rather than boredom.

With our handy guide, whether you fancy a day at the races or a run out aboard Thomas The Tank Engine, we feature some of the finest ways to spend the holiday break.

To ensure your day goes to plan, it is suggested you ring before leaving home to check times and prices for organised events, which may be subject to change.

MAY 23-25: GRIZEDALE LIVE ROADSHOW - Outdoor weekend event hosted from Grizedale Forest, showcasing newly-commissioned art works from live performance to film. One to watch is Tony's A Winner, a musical based on a press-cutting found in the Laurel and Hardy Museum in Ulverston, which celebrates everyday and absurd aspirations to celebrity. Tel: 01229-860291.

MAY 24-28: CARTMEL RACES - Whether you are a race fanatic or merely have a passing interest, taking place over May 24, 26 and 28, the annual event features various entertainments. Admission in the paddock is £14 for adults, £9 for OAPS and £5 for cars. For the course, it's £7 for adults, £5 for OAPs with cars and coaches free. Tel: 01539-36340.

MAY 25-26: REALLY WILD WEEKEND - National Park Authority and RSPB-event from 10am-5pm over both days at the Lake District Visitor Centre, Brockhole, Windermere.

A variety of family activities, walks, talks and demonstrations from pond life to ospreys. Featuring Belinda, the tame otter from BBC's Blue Peter. Tel: 015394-46601.

MAY 24-26: DAY OUT WITH THOMAS - Head for Bolton Abbey Station, Skipton, for the return of Thomas the Tank Engine, Sir Tophham Hatt, and the Fat Controller, who will be running between Bolton Abbey and Embsay Station every 30 minutes between 10am and 4pm. Fares are £6 per person and the child gets a gift pack. Tel: 01756-710614.

MAY 26: WILDLIFE WANDERS - Host of events taking place at the Aquarium of the Lakes, Bowness Bay, involving Cumbria Wildlife Trust, Westmorland and Furness Bat Group and the National Park Authority voluntary wardens. Tel: 015395-30153.

KENDAL MEDIEVAL MARKET - The Westmorland Shopping Centre-sponsored event which attracts an estimated 30,000 people to Kendal, takes place in Market Square and Finkle Street. Featuring period stalls and stallholders, ministrels and jugglers, it starts at 10am and finishes at 4pm.

BIRDS OF PREY - Between 9.30am and 5pm, there will be a free-of-charge display of live owls and other birds of prey from the Corio Rapture Care and Rehabilitation Centre in the Westmorland Shopping Centre.

May 28: FAMILY GUIDED WALK - Leighton Moss RSPB Nature Reserve at Silverdale welcomes families for a walk around the reed bed. Starting between 10.30am and 2pm, it costs £2 for children, £4 for adults and RSPB members get in half price. It is followed on May 30 by pond-dipping, which introduces youngsters to the various life forms, taking place between 11am and 3pm. £2 for children and £1 for adults. Tel: 01524-701601.

MAY 29: SWALLOWS AND AMAZONS CRUISE - Setting off from the Coniston launch at 4.30pm, take an interactive cruise to explore the real locations featured in the Arthur Ransome novel. Not suitable for children under 16, ticket prices are £7.50 for adults and £4 for children. Tel: 015394 -36216. This cruise also takes place on Tuesday, May 27, at the earlier time of 2.30pm.

WORDSWORTH'S GRASMERE - Local writer John Nettleton leads a Lake District National Park Authority walk passing three of Wordsworth's homes and some of the places where the poet was inspired. It begins at Grasmere Information Centre at 10.15am, with prices of £4.50 for adults and £2.50 for children. Contact: 015394-46601 for more details.

BADGER DISCOVERY EVENING with the Forestry Commission of Grizedale Forest. Chief wildlife ranger John Cubby offers you a chance to see these elusive creatures in their natural habitat. Booking and your own transport are essential due to limited places. Call 01229-860010. Tickets cost £5 for adults and £2.50 for children. The evening is to be followed by a bat watch on June 5.

MAY 30: HOLKER GARDEN FESTIVAL takes place at Holker Hall on May 30, 31 and June 1. It will feature a horticultural marquee, trade stands and various entertainments. On Friday and Saturday the open times are between 10am and 6.30pm and on Sunday it is between 10am and 5.30pm. Gate price for adults is £10.50, £9 for OAPS. Entrance for children between six and 15 is £5 and those under that age get in for free.

JUNE 1: GARDEN OPEN DAY at the Manjushri Buddhist Centre at Conishead Priory, Ulverston. Walk around the gardens which are not usually open to the public. A caf facility is available and there is no charge. Call 01229-584029 for details.

May 22, 2003 10:00