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…

Come along for a fun, relaxed participatory theatre session with silliness, play-acting, games and music. Join Ratty and her friends for a fun and gentle introduction to theatre with play-along storytelling, original music, puppetry, theatre games, movement, and lots of imaginative play. Ratty has a lot of ideas but sometimes things don’t go according to plan....can you help her by playing along and working together? Suitable for ages 2-6 years and their grown-ups, younger and older siblings welcome. Performances at…

Go through a series of mindfulness invitations, enabling you to immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and smells of autumn and soak up the forest atmosphere. We will explore how the forest can be a gift for our mental and physical wellbeing, bringing us back to ourselves. 

For preschool children and their parents or carers. Free for accompanying adults. No adult unaccompanied by a toddler will be admitted. 15, 16 & 17 October: Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood; 22 October: Room on the Broom; 29 October: Tabby McTat; 5 November: Lili & Lolo and ABC with Kenny G; 12 November: Molang the best of season 5; 19 November: Wandering Wenda D, E, F; 26 November: The Highway Rat; 3 December: Sarah & Duck Christmas Collection; 10 December: Stick Man

Sculpt your pieces out of clay, and then use the glazes to paint them. They will then be glazed, fired and the magnet or keyring attached. Ticket includes all materials, a drink and firing. Suitable for ages 5-12 years, adult supervision required. All items will be ready for collection within 2-3 weeks. Please bring your own apron or wear clothes that you don't mind getting messy.  

A new Son et Lumiere installation marking the first light and sound installation in the Abbey. The stained-glass windows of the Abbey will be brought to life using light projections and musical compositions highlighting the intricate designs and colours that define these masterpieces and echo the colours and stories once painted across the architecture.

Historian, Annie Gray, discusses her new book looking at the surprising history and future of the high street. A historian, cook, broadcaster and writer specialising in the history of food and dining in Britain, Annie takes us down the street and through the ages, from medieval marketplaces to the purpose-built concrete precincts of the twentieth century. Peeping through the windows of tailors, tearooms and grocers, we explore everything from the toyshops of yesteryear – where curiosities were sold for adults,…

Encouraging children to learn new skills, develop confidence and have a great time in a safe woodland environment. A typical day will involve fire lighting, campfire songs, stick carving, woodland detective games, shelter building, fireside jam doughnuts, sculptures, clay creature crafting and much more. Suitable for ages 6-11 years; further information and to booking online

An opportunity to improve outdoor practical photography amid the summer delights of Bowood’s magnificent gardens, with instruction and guidance from one of Britain’s top garden photographers, Clive Nichols.

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+.

A celebration of all things autumnal including pumpkin patch Fur, Fangs, and Feathers scavenger hunt (28 Oct–1 Nov) to explore the zoo, hunt for hidden clues whilst learning all about some fascinating animals and native wildlife. Participants will receive a discount pumpkins purchased from the patch and win a family animal adoption of your choice. There will also be displays with a selection of birds of prey.

Celebrating a journey through the diversity of American landscapes, history and culture in this contemporary, immersive experience, where visitors join in and share their own stories. There will be large-scale-travel games, theatrical sets, and an array of American road-trip memorabilia, as well a chance to get up close to an original 1958 Harley Davidson Duo Glide motorcycle, on loan from Haynes Motor Museum. Explore the origins and stories behind the cultural phenomenon, and be transported across thousands of miles on…

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

Join in with some fun yoga with Laura from Go with tht Flow Yoga; suitable for ages 2-5 years and their parents/carers. Mats and props provided; spaces limited.

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…

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).

A new Son et Lumiere installation marking the first light and sound installation in the Abbey. The stained-glass windows of the Abbey will be brought to life using light projections and musical compositions highlighting the intricate designs and colours that define these masterpieces and echo the colours and stories once painted across the architecture.

An opportunity for prospective students and their parents (Years 6 and above) to visit the School, take a tour and meet with key staff members and students. Please complete the form online prior to attendance. For further information available please contact St Mark’s School on 01225 312661 or email info@st-marks.org.uk

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+.

Join felting expert, Magda, to create a felted picture which can be turned into a card, a brooch or even a backpack decoration. Magda will show you how to create a picture using needle felting techniques using layers of wool to fabric and felting it by stabbing the wool through the fabric with a prickly needle. This technique allows you to mix colours and lay out your design before starting the felting process, with the option to add more layers…

A celebration of all things autumnal including pumpkin patch Fur, Fangs, and Feathers scavenger hunt (28 Oct–1 Nov) to explore the zoo, hunt for hidden clues whilst learning all about some fascinating animals and native wildlife. Participants will receive a discount pumpkins purchased from the patch and win a family animal adoption of your choice. There will also be displays with a selection of birds of prey.

Celebrating a journey through the diversity of American landscapes, history and culture in this contemporary, immersive experience, where visitors join in and share their own stories. There will be large-scale-travel games, theatrical sets, and an array of American road-trip memorabilia, as well a chance to get up close to an original 1958 Harley Davidson Duo Glide motorcycle, on loan from Haynes Motor Museum. Explore the origins and stories behind the cultural phenomenon, and be transported across thousands of miles on…

An opportunity to plant a miniature garden to take home.