AS the Easter holidays loom parents with young children all start to ask the same question: "Where can we take them this year?"

The answer can be found in what many might see as an unlikely destination -- a stately home.

Growing numbers of these properties are keen to make their surroundings just as accessible to children as to adults and certainly Gawthorpe Hall, near Padiham, is no exception.

Property manager Carol Murrin explained how children visiting the hall can take part in a range of fun activities that help them to understand their surroundings.

"If you tell children, 'This is history and you must look at it,' it's not very friendly," she said. "So instead, we have devised puzzles and quizzes especially for them.

"The quizzes look at things from their angle and give them a chance to ask questions.

"For instance, if they have to find the date of the grandfather clock they will be able to study this special piece of furniture in quite an intimate way.

"If they have to guess the length of a room, they can pace it and get an idea of its size and perhaps compare it with their rooms at home."

There is plenty to interest adults too. The hall dates from Elizabethan times and for four centuries was the home of the Shuttleworth family.

In the mid-19th century the hall was extensively refurbished by Sir Charles Barry, the architect of the Houses of Parliament.

Most of the furniture on display today dates from Victorian times and was loaned to the hall by Lord Shuttleworth.

The hall also houses a textile collection, which was the pride and joy of Rachel Kay-Shuttleworth, the last family member to live in the house.

Of the 32,000 pieces in the collection, about 600 are on display and they include a range of unusual designs.

Carol said: "Some pieces show wildlife and some are children's clothes. There are some really modern designs and some more historic ones."

Gawthorpe's grounds also contain the newly refurbished Great Barn, which is used for regular events, exhibitions, weddings and functions.

Carol said: "It looks like a cathedral inside and events of all kinds can be held there."

The hall has an extensive events programme running throughout the year, including craft fairs, theatre and music performances.

And for families looking to let high-spirited children wear themselves out in the great outdoors before they return home, there are two walks for people to explore in Gawthorpe's grounds, including one which leads to a 15 foot wooden fish sculpture.

Gawthorpe opened its doors again last week for the start of the tourist season and, for many families, would make the ideal Easter holiday destination.

OPENING TIMES: March 31 - October 31, daily except Monday and Friday and Bank Holidays. Hall 1pm - 5pm, last admission 4.30pm.

CHARGES: Adults £3, concession £1.50. Children admitted with an adult go free. The hall is unsuitable for baby backpacks and pushchairs. Garden open all year round 10am - 6pm. Free.

TEAROOM: 12.30 - 5pm.

DISABLED ACCESS: Limited access to ground floor of hall, some steps. Access to grounds and garden, some steps and gradients.

HOW TO GET THERE: Gawthorpe Hall is located on the eastern outskirts of Padiham, on the north side of the A671. Bus: frequent services from Burnley -- all pass close. Stations: Burnley Barracks and Burnley, Manchester Road.