TRYING to keep children amused during the school holidays can be stressful and exhausting for even the most enthusiastic parent. Take the opportunity to visit Ely museum, a source of education which will keep your children entertained and also inform the

TRYING to keep children amused during the school holidays can be stressful and exhausting for even the most enthusiastic parent.

Take the opportunity to visit Ely museum, a source of education which will keep your children entertained and also inform them about the history of their home town. The museum offers a wide range of activities, some of which are specially organised for the school holidays. A trip there could be coupled with a picnic on Cathedral Green, and even a walk along the river, making a day out which is sure to be fun.

Slightly further afield is The Farmland Museum and Denny Abbey, based in Waterbeach, which will be providing Easter activities from April 8 that are sure to be fun for both children and adults. Where is it? Next to St Mary's church overlooking the green in St Mary's Street.

What is it? Housed in a former rectory, public house and home of Oliver Cromwell it tells the story of the life and times of the Lord Protector and his family.

Opening times: summer hours (April 1- October 31) 10am - 5.30pm daily, including bank holidays.

Winter hours (November 1 - March 31. 11am -4pm, Mon.-Fri. and Sun.

10am - 5pm on Saturday. Closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day, and New Year's Day. Open during Easter break.

Admission Charges: adult £3.95, children £2.70, concession £3.45, family ticket £11.

Facilities: tourist office, gift shop.

Events and Activities: April 2-9 is an Easter Trail; Monday, May 27: Live the City (A walking treasure hunt of Ely 10.30am - 4.30pm); Saturday, June 9: Living History Day - 10am - 4.30pm.

Cookery Lectures by local food historian, chef, lecturer and writer, Alison Sloan on Tuesday, April 24, from 2pm-4pm: The History of Afternoon Tea on Tuesday, June 12, from 10am-noon: Flower Power.