Past Events

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…

Explore the mini pumpkin patch in the paddock with pumpkin carving, crafts and games, and bouncy castle (activities are pay as you go so you).

A sewing workshop to teach the basics of machine sewing, build confidence and skills along with learning essential troubleshooting techniques, as well as learning all aspects of the sewing machine including threading and setting up, different stitches, applique, and making and joining pieces of a simple pattern, and make a drawstring backpack with an outside pocket and appliqué design. Ticket includes materials, sewing machine and sewing kit hire; suitable for ages 9+ years.

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.

The Beaufort Model Flying Club, a branch of the British Model Flying Association, will showcase an impressive array of model aircraft, from helicopters to the iconic Concorde.

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…

Arts and crafts activities for ages 3-11 years. Sessions run 1030am-12 and 130-3pm. Pre-booking essential, spaces limited to 12.

Halloween-themed session to create fun mini-monster finger puppets suitable for children aged 5+ years. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times

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.

Light up the night sky and create your own firework picture, using just glue, scissors and your imagination! Suitable for ages 5+ 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.

Create a mini matchbox portrait with a bit of bling, taking inspiration from the exhibition ’Being There’. Suitable for ages 5+ years. Sessions run 1115am-1215pm and 215-315pm. Free for discovery card holders; children must be accompanied by an adult, booking is essential.

With games, dancing, fancy dress competition, snacks and much more! Suitable for ages 11 and under; children must be accompanied by a parent/carer.

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.  

A free group for teens aged 13-18 years living in BANES offering a variety of activities to help young people relax and connect with nature. Activities include creative expression, mindful exercises, and gardening in a supportive environment to provide and opportunity to take a break from daily studies and stresses, engage with peers, and boost wellbeing and self-confidence. Participants are welcome to drop in at any time during the session. Please dress appropriately for the weather. Please email Alison Chadwick…

With fun, games, gymnastics, dance, rope, ball, hoop, ribbons and more! All abilities welcome from age 5+ years. Pre-booking essential.

Improve self-expression and motivation to help mental health and wellbeing while capturing great images and learning new skills. Sessions run 4-4:45pm (ages 8-10 years) and 4:45-5:30pm (ages 11-17 years).

Graffiti art making and claymation film making workshops suitable for all levels of experience. Each workshop group has three sessions where with the support of an artist we will look at the questions and create some art work to reflect your thoughts and opinions. A friendly, fun and relaxed atmosphere suitable for ages 14-18 years.

With disco, games, hot dogs and more! Suitable for ages 5-11 years; fancy dress optional but encouraged.

Celebrate halloween in and amongst real hawks and owls starting with a sunset flying display over the pumpkin scattered meadow then go on the Creepy Crawlie trail to win a trick or treat prize, as well as the 6pm pumpkin Halloween hunt, and Owl–o–ween craft! You will also learn about wildlife, conservation and the importance of the bugs, beetles and creepy-crawlies for nature everywhere. All of the proceeds from your entrance fee support the upkeep of the birds at the…

An intense multi-sensory horror event suitable for ages 15+. Navigate the house in darkness encountering the horrors of ‘Purgatory’, featuring live actors, special effects and disturbing aromascapes. Brave the dark underbelly of the House in the X-treme basement walkthrough experience and steady your nerves in the Bloody Mary’s Bar serving horrifyingly good cocktails and drinks.