I envy my son – not just because of his age and good looks, but also because this is where he works… for the Field Studies Council at their centre on the National Trust’s Malham Tarn estate. Not that I’d get much done if I worked at such a glorious place. At 1,237 ft above sea level it is the highest lake in England and you can see by the colours that spring isn’t as far on here as further down the dale. You don’t have to go on a course to stay at the grand old mansion – family holidays start from £16.50pn including food, accommodation and an activity – so I might just book myself in for a couple of days so my son can pamper me, just like I’ve done for him over the last twenty-odd years.