Looking for something to do this half term, make sure you are kitted out correctly for the autumn weather, including a jacket from our kids clothing range, and take part in the Farm Conker Championship at Tatton Park in Cheshire. A series of events are taking place in October and November and are open to novices who are keen to ‘have a go’ and test their prowess at this ancient game of skill. Whether you want to enter the new or seasoned conker classes here are some tips you might find helpful.

To win at conkers you really need to have the toughest conker, but you have to be careful that when you make it harder you don’t make it more brittle and prone to cracking. When selecting your new conker put some in a bucket of water; all those that sink to the bottom are the ones to select, if it floats put it to one side.

You can try baking your conker on a very low heat which will make it tougher, but not for too long, you don’t want the outside to be wrinkly. Remember to check with an adult before doing this. One sneaky tip is to coat the outside with hand cream to make the shell more flexible to impacts.

Make your hole for the string as small as possible, as the bigger the hole the less strength your conker will have. This has to done very carefully with a sharp bit to avoid splitting the outer shell of the conker. This is best done with the help of an adult. It is then a good idea to leave them either on the top of a radiator or in the airing cupboard for a week or so.

You can try pickling conkers in vinegar as this does make them harder. However it can cause the inside to slowly rot, so isn’t too good in the long run. Why not try both methods and see which won is the best.

To make sure you are ready for any conditions take a look at the Trespass Boys Prime 3 in 1 Jacket. This combination of a waterproof outer layer with a fleece inner to offer superb warmth and protection against the elements. It has adjustable cuffs so you get the best fit possible on the arms and a concealed hood so you are ready for those sudden showers and downpours. We have a full range of kids clothing and footwear available so check them out on the Outdoor Look website, and stay warm and dry in your bid to be a conker champion