FAMILIES are being encouraged to make the most of Easter holiday attractions this weekend, despite the foot-and-mouth crisis

The Heart of England Tourist Board, farmers and rural business owners are actively encouraging people to visit the countryside as long as care is taken to avoid farmland and livestock.

"We appreciate people's reluctance to go to country destinations and attractions" said Martin Jolly, chairman of CLA West Midlands. "But this is having a devastating impact on rural businesses, many of which are open for business."

The outbreak of foot-and-mouth has had a substantial impact on tourism. According to figures there has been a 60 per cent fall in visitor numbers to attractions over the past four weeks.

Beverley Nielsen, chief executive of the Heart of England Tourist Board, said if the public went out and about this Easter "they would be helping businesses in the best possible way".

6 Eastnor Castle, near Ledbury, Herefordshire is just one of the attractions to be enjoyed.

The castle is able to comply with MAFF guidelines as there are no livestock in the grounds and all animals in bordering fields have been moved.

Although Eastnor Deer Park and local public footpaths are closed, visitors will be able to explore the castle and grounds from 11am-5pm.

For further details contact 01531 633160.

6 Wyre Forest Visitor Centre was due to re-open today after foot-and-mouth risk assessments were carried out by forest managers and consultations with nearby farmers and parish councils.

Three popular walks, including the all-mobility trail, the family cycle and the family mountain bike routes, can be enjoyed.

"We must insist that visitors follow our instructions or we will reluctantly be forced to close the area again," said area forester Richard Boles.

The visitor centre will be open from 10am until 5pm each day over the Easter period.

Meanwhile, a Marvellous Maps event will see youngsters tackling an orienteering course.

Marvellous Maps is due to take place on Friday, April 20, between 2pm and 43pm.

Places for seven to 11-year-olds, costing £3.50, must be booked in advance on 01299 266929.

Budding historians will be able to make clay dinosaurs and study fossils during the Jurassic Time Capsule event at the Discovery Centre.

It is due to take place between 2-4pm on Tuesday, April 17. Places, which cost £3.50 each, should be booked through the Visitor Centre.

6 Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum will also be open for business over Easter, when a unique exhibition celebrates Worcester's industrial and trading past.

On Friday, April 20, and Monday, April 23, visitors will be entertained by plays written by Pattern 23 Theatre about the history of the pharmacy profession. Information on 01905 25371.

6 Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings has a package of activities lined up with crafts, vintage vehicles, Tudor living history and Punch and Judy shows.

The attractions take place from Saturday, April 14, to Monday, April 16.

For more details call 01527 831363.

6 Chocolate lovers under the age of 12 can join an Easter egg hunt in the grounds of Berrington Hall, near Leominster, on Easter Sunday, from 2-4pm. Contact 01568 615721.

6 Another Easter egg trail is on offer at Lower Brockhampton, near Bromyard, from 10.30am-4pm on Easter Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday. Telephone 01885 488099 for details.

6 Children will be able to enjoy a wonderland of fun at Riverside Shopping Centre, Bridge Street, Evesham on Saturday, April 14.

A wonderland treasure hunt and entertainment from a Mad Hatter will be on the bill. A fancy dress parade will begin at 12.30pm for children dressing up as Alice in Wonderland characters.

The event runs from 11.30am to 4pm.

6 Further madness is on the agenda at Hampton Court's gardens, Herefordshire, where a Mad Hatter's Easter trail will take place on Sunday and Monday, April 15 and 16.

6 A candle-making workshop for children over the age of 10 will take place on Wednesday, April 18, at Bewdley Museum. Contact Mrs Rees on 01299 403573.

6 On Easter Monday, train enthusiasts will be able to visit a postcard fair and open day combined at Kidderminster Railway Museum. The day starts at 10am and runs until 5pm at the Severn Valley station in Comberton Hill, Kidderminster.

6 Cotswold Farm Park has reduced admission prices as foot-and-mouth susceptible animals will not be on display. Anyone interested should phone 01451 850307.

6 And Drayton Manor Park and Zoo will be open every day over the Easter break. For details ring 0827 287 979.