Past Events

An opportunity to enjoy some creative halloween pumpkin carving. Pre-book online to avoid disappointment.

Do you dare enter the spooky walk? Make your way around the halloween-themed walk and keep an eye out for ghosts, bats, spiders, zombies and so much more...

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.

With workshop style sessions to make your own ghost ornament using cloth or a spider in a web using pipe cleaners and other freestyle such as origami pumpkins and turnips, make your own 3D haunted paper house, try trick or treat hula and of course spooky themed colouring in. Activities are free and suitable for all ages.

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…

Follow the Myths and Legends trail around the zoo to discover fun animal myths and your animal personality. Tiptoe through the lemur walkthrough and watch out for the spirited lemurs – will they cross your path or swing above your head? Spot real wolves and enjoy fascinating myth-busting talks led by our animal experts. The interactive biofacts experience in the Lodge of Legends, gives you the chance to see and touch real animal artefacts, from skulls to skins, and learn…

Explore the trail through the grounds picking up clues as you go to claim a prize.

A week of exploration, experimentation and exercises focussing specifically on the art of writing and the complexities of storytelling. Participants will be led by a professional, award winning, writer/director, in a week that will challenge them to develop their ideas and creative vision and hone key skills including constructing structure, plot and narrative,, creating and developing a character, finding your voice as a writer, creating dramatic action and writing affective dialogue. Suitable for ages 12-18 years.

Take part in The Big Draw festival 2024 and get crafty using washi tape and colouring to make a funky abstract art piece. Free, drop-in activity.

Get up close and hands-on with real live animals at a workshop hosted by ZooLab UK.  Meet snakes, giant snails, tarantulas and more in an interactive show. Learn about the creatures, their behaviour, fun facts about them and the opportunity to hold them. Ticket includes one accompanying adult or carer. Sessions run 11-1145am, 12-1245pm and 1-145pm.

Learn how to design and, using paint pens, decorate a vinyl record to take home with Nick, a self-employed graffiti artist. Suitable for 11-16 year olds; space limited so parents/guardians will not be able to stay.

On a cold winter’s day, Alice steps through her living room mirror and discovers the curious looking glass land. It’s a topsy-turvy world of bossy chess pieces, talking flowers and even a woman made of egg! Join Alice, who is challenged by the formidable Red Queen to walk across the strangest chess game you’ve ever seen! This family show is based on Lewis Carroll’s classic tale, and is as colourful as it is silly.

Enhance striking and increase shot making options, groove stock deliveries and add new variations and learn to take more catches and affect the game with more dynamic movement and stops. Suitable for players aged 8-15 years.  

Delicious wood fired pizzas, drinks and live music in the comfort of the beautiful barn on the first Friday of each month. Booking is highly recommended.

As well as a giant bonfire, and spectacular firework display, there will be a funfair, entertainment, face painting and food and drink.

Listen to a talk about the night sky and admire the stars with a warm cup of hot chocolate. Children will also be able to have a go at making a glowing lantern. Suitable for ages 7+ years.

On a cold winter’s day, Alice steps through her living room mirror and discovers the curious looking glass land. It’s a topsy-turvy world of bossy chess pieces, talking flowers and even a woman made of egg! Join Alice, who is challenged by the formidable Red Queen to walk across the strangest chess game you’ve ever seen! This family show is based on Lewis Carroll’s classic tale, and is as colourful as it is silly.

With five scare mazes, fire show, funfair rides, street entertainment, and a theatrical scare experience known as The Exorcism. Suitable for ages 16+.

With a big bonfire, firework display, hog roast, burgers, hot dogs (vegetarian/vegan options available), drinks, and free parking (in Lansdown Park & Ride). Gates open at 6:45pm, display starts at 8pm.

Alyssa Kyria’s one-woman comedy show about the bonkers world of parenting, with jokes and songs about everything from pregnancy to playdates, WhatsApp groups to school runs, if you’re a parent and you need a laugh, then this show is for you! Created with parents in mind, written and performed by Alyssa herself, who is not only a parent, but also the co-founder of Bring Your Own Baby Comedy, the UK’s number one parent and baby comedy company.

Meet Santa and enjoy a delicious home cooked breakfast in The Herb Garden Restaurant. Children will be given their own festive gift to take home and enjoy. There is also the opportunity to take your photo with Santa after breakfast. Spaces are limited so early booking recommended. Adults go free (maximum of 4 adults/child). Adults are able to purchase breakfast on the day as well.

There will be clues, facts and activities about our favourite upside-down friends to tie in with the half-term holiday and halloween. Solve the clues and collect your prize at the end.

Silent disco tours of Midsomer Norton High Street with artist Kevin Campbell Davidson. The 30-minute experience will include a 15-minute tour, followed by interactive family games. The tour is fully accessible and open to all (most suitable for ages 6+); children must be accompanied by an adult. Limited availability, book in advance. This event is taking place at part of IMAGINE Midsomer Norton - a series of events exploring what Midsomer Norton Town Centre might look like in future. There…

Stonehenge is famous for its alignments with the sun, but did you know that the ancient monument may have also been carefully designed to align with the movements of the Moon? Visit the pop-up planetarium and embark on a journey through the solar system with an expert astronomer. In addition, learn how to identify celestial objects such as stars, planets, and the Moon and observe the night sky over the ancient stone circle. 2024 is a special year as an…

With stories and multi-sensory fun for children aged 2-5 years. Each session starts with a story before using different materials, sounds and games to make something to take home.

A great way to get those broken household objects and toys working again - the skilled volunteers can try to fix electrical and mechanical items, furniture, clothing, toys and more. Donations to cover running costs are always welcome.

A great way to get those broken household objects and toys working again - the skilled volunteers can try to fix electrical and mechanical items, furniture, clothing, toys and more. Donations to cover running costs are always welcome.

Free admission for families during half-term (26 October – 3 November) and a ‘Fantastical Tails’ gallery trail inspired by the wonderful creatures and animals in Chila Burman and Paula Rego’s work; suitable for ages 6yrs+.