Arthur Ransome’s legendary children’s novel Swallows & Amazons was published in 1930 as the first part of what was to become a much-loved literary series. This beautifully filmed adaptation, written by renowned children’s playwright David Wood, depicts the adventures of four children and their sailing boat Swallow.

Set in the Lake District in the1920’s, Swallows & Amazons follows the children (played by Simon West, Sophie Neville, Suzanna Hamilton and Stephen Grendon) whilst on summer holiday with their mother (Virginia McKenna, Sliding Doors, Born Free). During this trip the children are given permission to sail Swallow to nearby Wild Cat island to set up camp. However what they don’t know is that two rival girls and their boat the Amazon have already claimed the island as their own.

Boasting stunning period detail, this wholesome tale evokes an England of a bygone era where children let their imaginations create their own innocent fun.