There’s a whole series of great looking family events coming up at National Trust Avebury over the next few months.
Stones Discovery Walk
Saturdays until Sunday 31st October (free of charge)
There will be a self-led trail available for families to enjoy as they visit the stone circle. This will bring to life the history of Avebury and the fascinating discoveries in the henge and stone circle. Transport yourself back in time as you follow the walk, then visit the mu- seum afterwards for more information. Collect your walk from the visitor reception.
Seasonal Story telling
23 October in the Old Farmyard (suitable for ages 3+) 2, 3, 4pm £3
Join us in the Old Farmyard for some seasonal storytelling with self-confessed ‘Moon Chaser’ Michael Loader. His captivating stories will centre around thel ife-cycle of our native plant-life and all that happens to the blossoming trees in the autumn.
Half term fun
Between Monday 25th–Friday 29th October there will be extra activities for children. 11– 3pm, £3
As well as the Stones Discovery Walk (see above) there will also be an opportunity to make some ‘Clay forest folk’ using materials found in the parkland and children will also be able to take part in a ‘Mini-dig’ (free) where they can dig for artefacts in their own excavation.
Dark skies festival: Lantern making and night walk
Saturday 30 October 5-7pm £5 and under 5s free
The National Trust will be holding a special event for the Dark Skies Festival this year. Starting at the Barn, children can enjoy a lantern making activity. As a group visitors will then head out to the henge and will experience the stones and the Avebury skyscape by night on this special guided walk. The event will finish in the Old Farmyard with hot chocolate and a warm spiced apple punch for the adults.
Stones Discovery Walk
Monday 1st November until Tuesday 20th November (free of charge)
There will be a self-led trail available for families to enjoy as they visit the stone circle. This will bring to life the history of Avebury and the fascinating discoveries in the henge and stone circle. Transport yourself back in time as you follow the walk, then visit the museum afterwards for more information. Collect your walk from the visitor reception.
Diwali clay light-holder activity
Saturday 6 November, in the Old Farmyard 11–3pm £3 booking not needed
Join in making beaded clay dishes to celebrate Diwali, adding Indian-themed embellishments to create small light holders.
£8 (children free), booking essential
Avebury Manor ‘Christmas in colours’
Friday 19th November – Sunday 2nd January (Thursdays–Sundays only during this period, excluding Thursday 25th and Friday 26th December, subject to volunteer availability)
Each of the ten rooms in Avebury Manor will be decorated in a different colour. Enjoy the russet reds and oranges of the Tudor Parlour, see the beautiful blue and purple handmade peacock that sits at the head of the table in the Georgian Dining Room, the evergreen shades in the Billiard Room and many more discoveries as you journey through the ages. There’s a family area in the Withdrawing Room with children’s toys and stories under a rainbow tree. There will also be a ‘tree of hope’ where visitors can add their wish for the new year.
(Ring 01672 539250 before travelling. The National Trust at Avebury is closed at Christmas from Wednesday 24th to Friday 26th December.)
Wreath-making workshops
Monday 29th, Tuesday 30 November and Wednesday 1 December 10–2.30pm £65 including light lunch and parking, booking essential
Take pride in having your own hand-made Christmas wreath on your front door this year. These small, friendly workshops are held in the Edwardian kitchen in Avebury Manor and are very popular. Using natural materials let your imagination run free and create something personal and individual.
Music, lights and merriment
Saturday 4th December, 4–6pm
Join in for a festive late opening event in the Old Farmyard at Avebury. Once again there will be Christmas music getting everyone in the festive mood, plus gift stalls in the Barn. The market will continue throughout the day on Sunday 5 December.
Christmas market
5 December, the Barn in the Old Farmyard
Visit for a Christmas market in the Barn in the Old Farmyard at Avebury. Selling a wide range of hand crafted gifts and festive items, you’ll find this the perfect place for a spot of Christmas shopping.
Call 01672 538036 for details nationaltrust.org.uk/avebury
£8 (children free), booking
Family fun with a Winter trail: Percy the Park Keeper
Saturday 4 December – Monday 3 January, 11am–4pm £3
The trail will take place in the Old Farmyard at Avebury. Children can become Percy’s helper for the day – there will be winter tasks, activities, games, clues and a note from Percy to help you on your way. Children can collect a prize at the end.
Reindeer hobby horse making
Monday 20th – Wednesday 23rd December, 11am– 3pm £3
This is a great way to add an extra fun dimension to the run up to Christmas, so why not bring your little ones along to make their very own festive reindeer hobby horse?
New Year crown making
Monday 27th December – Thursday 30th December, the Old Farmyard 11am – 3pm £3
Join in with this family activity where children can make their own New Year crown to bring in the coming year.
For more details on these events and many others, visit nationaltrust.org.uk/avebury