LIZ PICHON is making history – not just as the author of the best-selling Tom Gates series, but also as the creator of a new Bayeux Tapestry.

Devised by English Heritage and unveiled at Battle Abbey this week, it tells the story of Britain since 1066, from William the Conqueror via the Wars of the Roses to the birth of Shakespeare and the Gunpowder Plot.

Lovingly illustrated in Pichon’s anarchic style, the first nine panels are complete — and now English Heritage is calling on the nation’s kids to finish it off.

Mini historians are invited to design the tenth and final panel of the tapestry, which will celebrate the invention of the World Wide Web.

It’s an unusual project for an author and illustrator whose books work best in print — Liz’s latest book even has space for you to add your own doodles — but Sir Tim Berners-Lee’s creation of the web was as revolutionary as the writing of William Shakespeare.

With three children of her own, Liz knows only too well the pressure to get kids offline and back into the real world.

But she also knows the internet can be just as much of a creative tool as paper and pens. Like anything, she says, it is all about how you use it.

Liz said: “It’s a great way to get lots of information but for me, you can’t beat a book — you can read it, share it and you don’t have to charge it up.”

Children’s literature, she adds, is also enjoying a golden age.

She credits Roald Dahl and Jacqueline Wilson for getting the ball rolling and the likes of David Walliams and children’s laureate Chris Riddell for keeping it up.

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Liz said: “Great storytelling never goes out of fashion.”

Her tapestry is touring English Heritage sites across the country, from Queen Victoria’s summer home on the Isle of Wight to a Roman fort on Hadrian’s Wall.

Liz will be hosting workshops for kids aged seven to 12 at Wrest Park, Beds, (10.30am-12.30pm) and Kenilworth Castle, Warwickshire (3pm-5pm) on August 26 and Belsay Hall, Northumberland, on August 29 (11am-1pm).

They are free but you need to book at www.english-heritage.org.uk/tapestry.

For more free family fun ideas, check out our suggestions overleaf. There will be something to suit everyone in England, Scotland and Wales, from two-wheeled thrills to learning new skills.

Mountain biking

FOR a day out that won’t cost you a penny, you can’t beat getting out and about on two wheels,

It’s an activity the whole family can enjoy just about anywhere, but Scotland’s Tweed Valley has perhaps the biggest concentration of riding spots in the UK.
The 7stanes “trail centres” offer marked and graded mountain bike trails that deliver thrills – and hopefully not too many spills – in spades.
It’s free to ride at each location but you can pay for lessons if you want to up your skills.
Forget about maps and compasses – the trail centres make it easy to get out and ride. See bit.ly/2aTnk1h.

Beatrix Potter treasure hunt

THE Lake District may have been Beatrix Potter’s spiritual home, but Gloucester was where one of her best-loved stories was set.

To commemorate the author’s 150th birthday, the Cotswolds city has created a “Tailor of Gloucester” trail with 20 tiny figurines dotted about its centre.

As each one is only around 10cm tall, young eyes may be best-placed to spot Peter Rabbit, Jemima Puddle-Duck and friends.

Pick up your free treasure hunt card from the Tourist Information Centre in Southgate Street to win stickers and prizes. See marketinggloucester.co.uk/

Bristol balloon fiesta

FROM August 11-14, more than 150 hot air balloons will take to the skies over the beautiful Ashton Court estate in Bristol.

Flights are at dusk and dawn but there is more to do and see during the day, from fairground rides to food stalls and live music sets.
Entry is free but expect flights to be around £150. See bristolballoonfiesta.co.uk or try virginballoon flights.co.ukfor flights all over the UK.

Scottish science

ALEXANDER Graham Bell invented the telephone – and he is just one of the Scottish scientists being celebrated at The National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh.

The museum has opened ten new galleries to showcase important collections from the world of fashion, science, technology, arts and crafts.

There are more than 3,000 objects on display, many of them never-before-seen artefacts.
These include scientific discoveries from nuclear research organisation CERN, Dolly the Sheep, Picasso ceramics and fashion from Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen. See nms.ac.uk for more.

Tall tales at sea

THE ships themselves may be worth a pretty penny – but you don’t have to splash out to watch the Tall Ships Regatta.

The four-day event to be held around the port in Blyth, Northumberland, from August 26-29 will give you a chance to marvel at some of the world’s finest tall ships.
The weekend will have a number of nautical-themed celebrations, including concerts, a sea battle, sporting competitions and a crew parade.
Some of the activities and attractions have a fee but there will be plenty of free entertainment.
Regatta entry is also free. See tallshipsblyth2016.com.

Clo Mor festival

IN the far flung Western Isles is one of the quirkiest festivals we have found to date – a celebration of Harris Tweed.

Farmers and fashionistas love the traditional hardy fabric, and Clò Mòr Festival shines a light on the looms that create it.

There are events running until November but the big day is August 13, where live music, a fashion show and a tweed-clad bike ride are highlights.

A new work of art by Glasgow’s Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre will also be unveiled.

This is proper folk culture that shows Scotland’s flair for innovation in industry – get along and support it if you can.

For more information and to see the festival line-up, see lanntair.com/bealach/clomorfestival

Learn to sail

DON’T know your rudder from your boom? Learn to sail like a Swallow or an Amazon this summer on a trial session with the Royal Yachting Association.

The organisation is running more than 40 events across the UK this month and next, which are suitable for everyone over the age of five.

And if you’re already a seasoned sailor, why not try your hand at windsurfing?

The trials allow you to dip your toe in the water – quite literally – without splashing out on
expensive lessons. To see the venue listings, visit bit.ly/294mN7k.

Summer in the city

COME on in, the city’s lovely!

The Welsh capital welcomes the return of Cardiff Bay Beach until September 4, creating its own seafront beside the bay with fairground rides, food stalls and even a small stretch of sand between the Pierhead building and the stunning Welsh Assembly HQ.
You can ride a Zorbing ball over an enormous paddling pool or, come the August Bank Holiday, watch the professionals race over the bay on the Powerboat Grand Prix (p1superstock.co.uk).
Take a look at the site with this 360-degree online guide: bit.ly/2aCZke2.

See the dark side

A CLEAR sky at night is one of nature’s great treats: A free light show and science lesson in one.

Enjoying without light pollution, however, is another matter. The Brecon Beacons are one of the best places in the UK to view stars.

If you are really into the constellations, Dark Sky Wales is hosting an event on August 12 to view the Perseid Meteor Shower, with portable planetarium and telescopes.

Tickets are £15 and booking is essential. See breconbeacons.org/events/1635 or call 01874 623 366 for details.

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