BANK holidays seem to arrive when you least expect them - and suddenly you realise you won't have to get up on Monday morning and join the usual rush.

The first instinct therefore is to stay in bed and relax, enjoying an unaccustomed period of freedom, but don't waste the day, do something constructive, visit friends, have a day out.

Choosing where to go is very much down to personal preference. If you like visiting places of interest or historical note there are stately homes and churches.

Children may prefer a family day out at the zoo or safari park, while there are a wealth of public gardens and parks to explore in the area. Museums, art galleries and exhibitions can also make for an interesting change.

Some days out can be a combination of entertainments such as visiting a town you have never been to before on a day when there is an antique fair in progress or go to a garden centre where there are amusements for the children and facilities for refreshments.

Car boot sales are also a popular way of spending time and if you plan carefully, you can take in a few on a typical bank holiday.

Country fairs, fetes and shows are often timed to coincide with Bank Holidays and a trip out to one of these can be a refreshing change combining a host of attractions such as flower and produce competitions, side shows and even dog shows. They are also perfect for picking up usual gifts such as locally made handicrafts and preserves.

If you prefer doing rather than wandering, you could try taking up a new interest such as flower arranging, cookery, crafts, yoga or art. Attend a lecture or short course, it's surprising how many serious hobbies have started this way.

If you really want fun, packed with excitement then you and your children will enjoy the thrills and spills of a theme park. The entrance fee covers you for all the rides and activities on offer within the park, so at least you'll know how much it will all cost at the outset.

Matching a Bank Holiday activity to suit all your party is a matter of personal judgement. Don't plan exhausting sightseeing tours if gran is with you and she can't walk too far for too long.

Some people need frequent and regular access to the loo, cups of tea and seating accommodation.

Very young children may want to sleep from time to time and with babies there is feeding and nappy changing at regular intervals to consider.

Transport can be a source of inspiration for a day out. Rail, bus or coach companies usually have special trips and tours available at bargain prices to get you where you want to go at a price you can afford.

And there's a lot to be said for letting someone else take the strain of getting you and your family out and back for the day.

Just take the trouble to see what's on, get it organised in advance and you'll be sure of having a really great day out this Bank holiday.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.