With this cold spell the roads are too dangerous to venture too far unless essential, but the children are off school for at least another few days, so what can we do.

Here are some outdoor activities that don't involve going further than your own house, garden or estate.

Build a snowman

Having such snow is a rarity and in a few weeks it will be all gone (we hope) so take advantage, and build snowmen, snowfamilies, snow animals. It takes sNOw imagination, bundle up, but don't spend too long, gloves and clothes get wet and cold quickly!

Take an Arctic Stroll

Bundle up well and head out for a short walk around your garden, estate. Look at what a difference a layer of snow makes, see frozen spider webs, look for the longest icicle, identify foot prints across the snow.. human or other :)

Feed the birds

Fill up the bird feeder with nuts, seeds, bacon rinds etc., and hang out side of a window. Break the ice on a water bath if you have one, so the birds have access to water (fill it with warm water). Then head indoors to enjoy hot chocolate (try Helen's Recipe) and watch for how many bird visitors you get. Keep track of the different birds.

Now that your back in doors you can try out our Keeping Active on Rainy Days tips, for more ideas of things to do when you're stuck indoors and can't head out!