GRAND TOUR: THE LURE OF ITALY IN THE 18TH CENTURY

More than 250 paintings, prints, drawings, sculptures and objects such as maps, snuff boxes and fans at the Tate Gallery, Millbank, London SW1. The exhibition includes works by Canaletto, Piranesi, Joseph Wright of Derby, Joshua Reynolds, and Fragonard. Details: 0171 887 8000.

OCTOBER 20,22-25,27

CATCHING THE LIGHT

Families can design a special Christmas decoration or colourful light-catcher at stained-glass workshops led by Deirdre O’Malley at the Museum of London, London Wall, EC2. Details: 0171 600 3699.

OCTOBER 21,23,24

DOING A DYSON

One-hour workshops for 6 to 10-year-olds at the Design Museum, Butler’s Wharf, London SE1, 2-3pm, based on temporary exhibition about the designer of the Dyson Dual Cyclone vacuum cleaner, which runs until February 16. Free with parentcarer’s admission ticket. Booking essential. Details: 0171 403 6933.

OCTOBER 26

WILD THING - TALES FROM THE WILD

International storyteller Pomme Clayton will take listeners on magical and mythical journeys to dark forests, mountain tops and arctic wastes to meet a royal stag, greedy crow, all-knowing eagle and other animals at Blake’s Lock Museum, Reading, 10.30am, 11.30am, 1pm and 2pm. The half-hour sessions will link in with an animal exhibition running until winter 1997. Details: 0118 939 0918.