Past Events

Enjoy a ride behind the Fry’s locomotive from the old chocolate factory in Keynsham.  Discover more about this special locomotive, see displays on its history and the factory it served and talk to retired employees who worked there and enjoy a chocolate treat too.

Embark on a whimsical journey with the Little Prince as he wanders the universe in search of the true meaning of friendship. Enter a world of endless sunsets, where people are like flowers, and grown-ups are, well, pretty peculiar. They think serious things are silly and silly things are serious. They’ve forgotten how to look with the heart. Suitable for ages 7+. Saturday 28 September: 11.30am & 3pm Wednesday 2 October: 10am & 1pm Thursday 3 October: 10am & 1pm…

Embark on a whimsical journey with the Little Prince as he wanders the universe in search of the true meaning of friendship. Enter a world of endless sunsets, where people are like flowers, and grown-ups are, well, pretty peculiar. They think serious things are silly and silly things are serious. They’ve forgotten how to look with the heart. Suitable for ages 7+. Saturday 28 September: 11.30am & 3pm Wednesday 2 October: 10am & 1pm Thursday 3 October: 10am & 1pm…

An opportunity for parents and carers of children in Year 2 to visit the school and meet staff members.

Free exhibition featuring a selection of the 150,000 artefacts, specimens and books donated and cared for in our the collections of the Institute. Highlighting key people and events in the Institution’s history to demonstrate how it survived through two centuries. Some items are on show for the first time and will explore the circumstances in which they found their way into the Collection, and what this reveals of the shifts in our scientific, cultural and moral understanding over this period.

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.

Cook-a-long style, 5 week course supporting parents with babies who are about to start weaning or have already started. Get tips for recipes suitable for varying ages from 6 months onwards.

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.

There is an old saying that the ‘pictures are better on the radio.’ Exploring the theme: Beginnings, ‘Play Back’ will immerse you in the creative possibilities of ‘theatre of the mind’. Written and performed by Engage writers and actors, this is a special listening event featuring brand new mini plays, freshly recorded and edited. Further details about taking part as a writer or performer available online. Suitable for ages 18+.

Supportive, 8 week healthy families course for parents/carers with 0-5 year olds. To book or for more information please contact the Community Wellbeing Hub (must live, go to school or have a GP in BaNES): 0300 247 0050 bathnes.thehub@hcrgcaregroup.com

A free 8 week evidence based programme which supports families with children aged 0-5 to give them a great start in life and to develop a healthier lifestyle for the whole family.  It supports physical and emotional wellbeing and covers nutrition, physical activity, portion sizes, screen time, looking after yourself, exploring children’s and parent’s feelings and managing challenging behaviour. This is a relaxed and informal course which gives parents the opportunity to share experiences and ideas with other parents.  Each…

Free exhibition featuring a selection of the 150,000 artefacts, specimens and books donated and cared for in our the collections of the Institute. Highlighting key people and events in the Institution’s history to demonstrate how it survived through two centuries. Some items are on show for the first time and will explore the circumstances in which they found their way into the Collection, and what this reveals of the shifts in our scientific, cultural and moral understanding over this period.

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…

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. 

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.

Free exhibition featuring a selection of the 150,000 artefacts, specimens and books donated and cared for in our the collections of the Institute. Highlighting key people and events in the Institution’s history to demonstrate how it survived through two centuries. Some items are on show for the first time and will explore the circumstances in which they found their way into the Collection, and what this reveals of the shifts in our scientific, cultural and moral understanding over this period.

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…