Downton Abbey’s Maggie Smith and Julian Fellowes on Harry Potter, the Oscars and playing “mean old bags”

Before my encounter with Maggie Smith, both professionally and personally, I had already been a devoted fan of hers. This admiration dates back to when I was around 15 years old in the mid-60s. My mother, feeling that I lacked sophistication, took me on a cultural excursion during a school break. We attended a performance of Arabella at Covent Garden where Joan Carlyle sang, and a ballet production of Sleeping Beauty featuring Margot Fonteyn. To round off the experience, I was treated to Olivier’s famous Othello at the Old Vic.

How to get cheap LEGOLAND tickets

In the United Kingdom, there’s an abundance of options for family-friendly activities. You could explore thrilling theme parks such as Alton Towers, or secure discounted cinema tickets for your children to enjoy the latest blockbusters, thanks to our guide on affordable cinema tickets. Throughout the year, there are numerous UK family days out that promise fun and entertainment for everyone.