How to amuse the spouse and how to distract the children this Bank Holiday? My bloke's phone app says it will be raining this weekend - the good news is that it's a rubbish weather app and invariably wrong. With that in mind here are some of our suggestions at thebestofnewark for recreation and a diversion from the norm:

• Tonight mum or dad (or both of you) could relax pre Bank Holiday at The, award-winning, Grange Spa. Our 2010 Professional Beauty Awards Finalist will help you love yourself so that you can love everyone else in the family over the busy weekend. At the moment they have a Two for One on Thursdays. See their offer on our offers page.
• Sarah Bennett returns this weekend to Tapas y Strays in Newark with her fresh, light, blues-filled jazz. Sarah oozes 'jazzness'. She doesn't try - she's just what jazz is all about, delivering vocals in her own unique style with a very 'English' lilt to her lyrics - if you don't know what I mean, nip on to her profile page and take a listen. Her vocals blow me away. Sarah will be with Mat and the team for a great Friday night out on Friday August 26th from 8pm
• You could eat out at The Wheatsheaf Inn, Dry Doddington, (a couple of miles from Newark) as featured in the prestigious Michelin Pub Guide and enjoy a FREE 125ml glass of red or white house wine; lunchtime or evening. Chef Proprietor Daniel Bland and his team offer dishes with good quality, locally-sourced ingredients. Again download their offer voucher on our offer page
•  Enjoy a family day of Summer festivals at Springfields Outlet Shopping, Spalding. Here you can have fun at the Alien Garden, get involved in the arts and crafts (painting on mugs, aprons and bags), say hello to the butterflies and reptiles, appreciate the display fountains and listen/dance to the local bands and solo artists including Meg McPartlin 
• Attend the B.M.F.A Championships at Barkston Heath. If you haven't competed before, don't be put off by the grand name. You have got to be in it to win it. It is a very enjoyable event over two days but you need to be flight proven and well documented if you are competing. The airfield is jammed with a multitude of events. So if you like your model airplanes get along to the show on Saturday or Sunday