Upcoming Events

Meet Charlie the Christmas Clownfish (Santa’s underwater representative) this Christmas and write a ‘fishmas’ letter to Santa too.

Family art trail to find twelve ewe-nique sculptures at locations across the zoo. It’s the perfect festive activity, free for visitors and packed full of baa-rilliant adventures! In collaboration with Aardman, and in partnership with global art producer, Wild in Art, each sculpture, standing at 160cm tall, has been individually designed by artists from across the region and beyond. The Christmas sculptures include: Fleece Navidad by Jessica Perrin, Snowfall Symphony by Amrit Singh and Shaun the Tree-t by Megan Heather…

The Unforgettable Behaviour exhibition showcases 39 photographs from previous Wildlife Photographer of the Year collections, displaying some of the most incredible animal behaviour moments ever captured on camera. The photos show an extraordinary range of surprising, and often deeply moving, acts by animals. They have been chosen to allow visitors to connect with animals they might never otherwise see and to inspire everyone to care about the world around us. The collection includes the works of several American photographers, with…

The snow is falling and the solstice is approaching. Ratty is getting ready. She wants everything to be really rat-tastic! But will her friends make it through the snow to the winter woodland revels? Can you help them on their journey? There’ll be excitement, adventure, play-acting, games, music, a splattering of silliness and lots of snow in this fun, relaxed play-along theatre adventure. Expect to play, move, watch and laugh. The show lasts 1 hour including a stay and play…

See the resident falcons, hawks and owls and enjoy a flying display (11am and 2:30pm), see three different species in the sky with commentary from one of the team. Tickets are valid for the whole day, to allow you to come and go as many times as you like.

Willow reindeers will be prancing around the garden, the Bakehouse will be ready for Christmas post with a letter writing station and north pole postbox, and there will be Christmas trees twinkling in every corner. The Cloister will be hosting a Community Christmas Tree festival with trees decorated by local groups using handmade and upcycled decorations. 

Featuring four Thomas Gainsborough portraits and 18 contemporary artists, the first in a new programme of contemporary art exhibitions. The paintings will be presented as key components of a group exhibition of portraiture featuring 18 contemporary British artists selected by guest curator Ingrid Swenson MBE. The exhibition is intended for reflection on the experience of artists and their sitters or subject in the act of making the artwork, and to consider what similarities and differences there may be for the…

Frenchay Forestry will be selling their Christmas trees in the Aerospace Bristol car park and as a special offer, anyone who purchases a tree can claim 15% off anything in the gift shop when they show their receipt. Similarly, those who shop in the gift store can enjoy 10% off their Christmas tree by presenting their gift shop receipt.

The perfect place to practice your skating and show off your moves! With wintery music, a cosy bar and seasonal drinks, be transported in to a winter wonderland.

The reindeer have escaped from the stables and are running riot across the estate! Father Christmas needs your help to track them down so he can round them up to pull his sleigh. Using a map of the locations they were last seen, explore the estate and see if you can find all nine reindeer. Last entry for the trail at 3pm.

Opportunity for an adult and child to work together to assemble a wooden reindeer kit with assistance from experienced tutors. Sessions at 10:30am, 12:30pm and 2pm; please booking early advised.

Cosy up for a story read by Mother Christmas and receive a gift from Father Christmas's present sack. Session lasts 25 minutes and includes a story, present and toys for quiet play. Suitable for under 5 years.

Aa family-focused exhibition, showcasing over 60 dragon-themed objects from the Museum’s collection. Explore the stories and symbolism of dragons across China, Japan, and Korea through our family-friendly activities. Design your own dragon to hang in the ‘Dragon Gallery’; write your own dragon myth; and learn more about their history through the Fun Facts Trail and Family Activity Guide.

Aa family-focused exhibition, showcasing over 60 dragon-themed objects from the Museum’s collection. Explore the stories and symbolism of dragons across China, Japan, and Korea through our family-friendly activities. Design your own dragon to hang in the ‘Dragon Gallery’; write your own dragon myth; and learn more about their history through the Fun Facts Trail and Family Activity Guide.

Fairytales meet a Victorian Christmas in this immersive storytelling experience, perfect for both the young and the young at heart. Discover the three bears' Christmas feast, follow Hansel's trail to the tea-room and listen to some fairy tales in the Library. Throughout Christmas there will be a free activity sheet to keep little minds occupied and storytelling sessions at the weekends. 

Three gnomes, Hobby, Ivor and Toe, are terrified of winter because it’s cold and nothing happens in December.  When they fish a cracker out of their pond, a riddle tells them there used to be a thing called Christmas…. and they are charged with bringing it back to life! They take a tour through the tales and traditions behind everything we love about Christmas, only to find someone is trying to stop them.  Who is it? And can they bring…

Optional low or no music, optional lighting, unwrapped gift, and any necessary adjustments are made on request where possible.

Guy Masterson’s internationally acclaimed solo performance of Charles Dickens’s festive tale. Famed for bringing literary masterpieces to vivid life (Under Milk Wood, Animal Farm) Masterson gives us Dickens’ original performance text in his own inimitable multi-character style, a riveting performance that dazzles, enchants, and will linger long in the memory.

Enjoy the sunset with a warm drink, Christmas atmosphere and owls flying silently overhead. The opportunity to come face to face with some of natures most stunning species, flying two of our owls yourself. All proceeds go to support the Project in raptor monitoring, research, conservation and modern welfare.

Listen to some Christmas stories in the snug, followed by tasty treats in The Barn. Each ticket includes one child and one accompanying adult (extra adults will need a second ticket). Food and drink will be served after the stories, at a table in The Barn.  If you would like any additional people to join you afterwards at your table, or if you’re attending with another family and would like to be seated with them please email peri@hartley-farm.co.uk.  There will…

Light trail featuring giant illuminated lanterns around the grounds as well as the UK’s biggest singing Christmas tree, Santa train, safari drive-through and festive tours of the house.

Wander through a magical backdrop of illuminated trees, discover a trail of remarkable light art sculptures, low level soundscapes, interactive illuminations and a specially commissioned light show. This year, the route is longer, with more installations and plenty of entertainment as well as food and drink around the Bandstand. Entry via the Westlecot Road entrance; timeslots available every 15mins. In addition, there will be an accessible evening on 9 December for neurodivergent individuals and those with sensory processing issues. A…

Life in Sherwood Forest isn’t all nuts and berries for Rob, a runaway and our reluctant hero, especially when the Sheriff 's sickening soldiers are on his tail! When he stumbles upon a Very Merry Band, will they march to the beat of his drum in the fight for justice and freedom? Suitable for ages 6+. Full times and performances available online.

Walks are suitable for ages 11+ years and last approximately one and a quarter hours.  

Annual family pantomime and Christmas fun!

Goldilocks' circus is under threat from an evil rival circus owner and, with the help of their friends, they need to try and save their Big Top from ruin. All seems lost until the three bears join the gang! A festive extravaganza starring Brian Conley and packed with riotous comedy, extraordinary special effects, and hair-raising stunts!

Guy Masterson’s internationally acclaimed solo performance of Charles Dickens’s festive tale. Famed for bringing literary masterpieces to vivid life (Under Milk Wood, Animal Farm) Masterson gives us Dickens’ original performance text in his own inimitable multi-character style, a riveting performance that dazzles, enchants, and will linger long in the memory.