Around The UK

1. Celebrate the coming of the Chinese Year of the Rat today at Coalport China Museum in the Ironbridge Gorge, Shropshire (ironbridge.org.uk). Traditional festivities include performances of the Lion Dance, folk dancing, t'ai chi, martial arts, traditional music, children's games and drop-in workshops.

2. Under the Sea, a new exhibition at the National Maritime Museum Cornwall (nmmc.co.uk), allows visitors to delve deep into the world of shipwrecks, diving and underwater warfare and photography. You can find out why women make better divers than men and view a replica of the first submarine from 1620.

3. The launch of the Scottish Snowdrop Festival (visitscotland.com/snowdrops) last week rolled out the white carpet in more than 50 of the country's best gardens, woodlands and estates. The festival continues until 16 March.

4. Half-term kicks off next week in some regions, and from Saturday at the National Wetland Centre Wales in Llanelli (wwt.org. uk), families can take part in a range of activities, from building a bird box to following trails to learn about wildlife habitats.

5. Also from Saturday until 17 February, wannabe warriors can join the Great Battle Walk at Warwick Castle (warwick-castle. com), which promises lots of mud, a taste of army rations and a dose of hard training. Afterwards, lead the troops into the castle for some indoor fun.