IT IS the final few days of Dinosaur Encounter showing at Rheged Visitor Centre, at Redhills, near Penrith, closes on September 3. This jaw-dropping exhibition on loan from the Natural History Museum comes complete with roaring, animatronic dinosaurs amid dusky prehistoric landscapes. Featuring ten intricately detailed head-to-tail models including a Triceratops, Oviraptor and a Tyrannosaurus Rex, standing four metres tall, and is so life-like you’ll think it is the real thing! You can also study replicas of ancient fossils which includes a replica skull of a T-Rex. Also, there’s 3D printing technology to get your head around – recreating ancient fossils that have been scanned and shared from museums around the world. This awesome exhibition is increditops … and unmissasaurus! Open 10am-5.30pm. www.rheged.com.

Tickets: Adults £5.50; children (U16) £4; (U2) free; concessions £4.50. Timed exhibition entry daily at 9.15am-10.45am only.

THE popular retro event Morecambe's Vintage by the Sea Festival returns for a fifth year. The celebration of 20th century design, fashion, vehicles and entertainment is back on the Prom on Saturday and Sunday (September 2 & 3) from noon.

The seafront provides the backdrop that transforms into a multi-venue playground where, visitors can learn the dances, take in specially curated live performances, listen to exclusive DJ sets, enjoy evocative fashion, brilliantly conceived food and cocktails, ogle over beautiful vintage vehicles or take advantage of the decade specific hair and beauty makeovers and all the wonderful vintage shopping that will be on offer. Of course, there's something for all the family - dress-up in your favourite vintage costume, join Cedric Robinson, Queen's Guide to the Sands for a cross-bay walk in aid of Cancer Care or enjoy Benoit Viellefon's Hot Club at the Midland Hotel's Torch Club Ball for a swinging evening of dance, over four roaring-twenties-inspired courses plus an artisan gin bar you can expect an intoxicating trip back to the golden age.

For more info go to vintagefestival.co.uk/events/vintage-by-the-sea

FANCY canoeing to an Island Open Day? Well, the Derwent Island and House makes for a very fascinating day out. Because the lake level changes so quickly in response to rain and drought, the most reliable way to make sure the open day takes place is to travel to the island by canoe. Don't worry though, there are two canoe instructors on board the rafts with you. When you arrive, there will be a 45 minute tour of the main show rooms of the 18th century Georgian house, built by Joseph Pocklington, and afterwards the island is yours to explore at your leisure before paddling back to mainland Keswick. The open day takes place today (Thursday). Booking required. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/

Tickets: Adults £14.25; children (8-16yrs) £4; family tickets vary in price.

STARTING and finishing at Fitz Park, the Keswick Lakeland Trails, held on Saturday (September 2) has a new 5km Derwentwater Sport Trail along with the 10km trail run, 15km trail race and 15km trail challenge, it spans all abilities. The circuit is well marked and marshalled but be aware the course has no stiles, so there is nothing but the hills and the infamous Glendereterra bogs to break up your rhythm! The carnival atmosphere that will greet you at the finish line is guaranteed, with live music, race commentary, food and drink. In fact the festival ambience is second to none ensuring a great day out for the whole family. Details at www.lakelandtrails.org.uk/keswick.

Tickets - vary in price.

GRASMERE Guzzler Beer Festival takes place from tomorrow to Sunday (September 1-3) at Grasmere’s popular Dale Lodge & Tweedies Bar. With a barbecue all weekend, visitors can enjoy all the bands and performers, while sampling numerous different craft ales on offer.

Details: dalelodgehotel.co.uk

SHIPWRECK Survival Skills is a fun day of learning new skills and adventure. Glenridding Sailing Centre is hosting this event on Sunday (September 3) from 10am-3.30pm, and includes canoeing, campfire-making, map-making and exploring. The sailing club is at The Spit (CA11 OPE).

Details: www.glenriddingsailingcentre.co.uk

Cost £75 per person.