since we’re just past the vernal equinox and therefore it’s nearly summer i’ve been compiling a list of a few places i’d like to see on long summer days in between the inevitable rain showers.

• the deep: discover the story of the world’s oceans on a dramatic journey back in tide and into the future! explore the great ocean floor and ride in the world’s only underwater lift.

• yorkshire sculpture park: one of europe’s leading open-air art organisations. a changing and vibrant programme of exhibitions, displays and projects is held throughout 500 acres of eighteenth century landscaped grounds and in three indoor galleries.

• segedunum: roman fort in wallsend, i can’t get the official site to resolve but there are others

• royal armouries: as well as arms and armour there is… a tiltyard, for demonstrations of jousting and other forms of mounted martial sport, as well as falconry and the use of hunting dogs, a menagerie for the horses, dogs and birds, and a craft court, in which visitors can watch gunsmiths, leather workers and other related traditional craftsmen at work.

• tate modern: …collection of international modern art from 1900 to the present day, including major works by dalí, picasso, matisse, rothko and warhol as well as contemporary work by artists such as dorothy cross, gilbert & george and susan hiller.

• ansel adams at 100: at the hayward gallery.

• harewood house: …one of england’s outstanding historic houses… …magnificent gardens are situated in lancelot ‘capability’ brown’s beautiful 18th century landscape…

• yorkshire dales: much of the landscape here is limestone country, lush green valleys (known locally as “dales”) crested with white limestone cliffs (“scars”) cutting through wilder uplands beneath towering peaks (“fells”) of dark millstone grit.

                          that should keep me busy for a while...