Past Events

An exciting dog trail with the delightful dogs from Alice Tait’s storybook No, Nancy, No! a Dog Chase in New York. Explore the American garden and find all the dogs in their Santa hats, using Alice’s beautifully illustrated map as your guide. With fun story-themed activities to collect at the end of the trail.

A Christmassy day out for all ages with local crafters, live entertainment, Christmas trail and the opportunity to see Santa arrive in a tank!

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…

An uplifting and relaxing hour with a talented live musician playing beautiful acoustic versions of well-known folk, jazz and pop songs. Enjoyable for both big and small ears alike there’ll be beautiful, atmospheric sensory visuals perfect for even the youngest audience members. Sit and listen or chat to friends in this relaxed, no pressure and no judgment gig that offers a gentle, interactive time for you and your little one. Sessions at 10am (0-2yrs) and 11.30am (all ages welcome).

Series of courses and workshops designed on topics including starting secondary school, supporting worries and anxiety, wellbeing and careers as part of a joint initiative between Kingsbury Green Academy and Wiltshire Council Family and Community Learning. Courses are free and take place at Calne Library. 2 July - Supporting My Child with Wellbeing; 13 September – Supporting My Child with School Attendance; 15 November – Supporting My Child with Career Development. For more information and to sign up for the…

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…

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.

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…

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.

Enjoy some festive retail therapy in a beautiful, historic setting. The High Street Shop is hosting a Christmas pop-up shop in the village's Manger Barn. Not usually open to the public, this historic space will be the setting for a sparkling Christmas ship, where you'll be able to buy quality, sustainable gifts and local artisanal crafts. 

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.

With more than 200 children from local primary schools perform  The Elements Cantata. The evening will also feature Songs for Change, an eco song cycle by Kate Courage commissioned by the Bradford on Avon Climate friendly group. Proceeds will go towards future Voices for Life projects, bringing musical opportunities to primary school children throughout the Southwest, inspiring them to be happy and confident through singing.

Based on the stories of P.L. Travers and the Walt Disney film, the story of the World’s favourite nanny arriving on Cherry Tree Lane is even more magical than ever before featuring dazzling choreography, incredible effects and unforgettable songs. Suitable for ages 7+ years.  

Based on the stories of P.L. Travers and the Walt Disney film, the story of the World’s favourite nanny arriving on Cherry Tree Lane is even more magical than ever before featuring dazzling choreography, incredible effects and unforgettable songs. Suitable for ages 7+ years.  

The ultimate escape from reality, a place to see your favourite artists, discover new acts, see new performers gather and embrace new ideas, take risks and push boundaries. With a variety of drop-in workshops, no pre-booking required.

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.

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.

With festive stalls full of gifts, arts and crafts, food and drink, and much more! Get in the holiday spirit and purchase gifts for loved ones, find the perfect Secret Santa gift or simply buy a treat for yourself. The Christmas Fair will take place in the Conference Room and Education Suite. Donations to the REME Charity on the door are encouraged. Entry to the Museum is not included with entry to the Christmas Fair (general entry fee will apply).

Visit the house at Christmas, see the rooms dressed for the festive season and enjoy the traditions and celebrations of a Georgian Christmas told through stories and poems throughout the house as part of the immersive experience. Under 18 free with accompanying adult.

Species-specific course focusing on foxes for those who have completed Wildlife Rehabilitation and Release Courses and/or have some good foundation knowledge of the rehabilitation of foxes. The course will include the ecology and biology of foxes relevant to their assessment and triage for treatment, rehabilitation and release, care of foxes whilst in captivity, some of the common reasons for admissions of foxes to vets and wildlife centres, and the care of neonatal and juvenile foxes.

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 exciting dog trail with the delightful dogs from Alice Tait’s storybook No, Nancy, No! a Dog Chase in New York. Explore the American garden and find all the dogs in their Santa hats, using Alice’s beautifully illustrated map as your guide. With fun story-themed activities to collect at the end of the trail.

Join in with seasonal field tasks to be productive, educational, engaging and sociable and have fun whilst learning where our food comes from in a beautiful setting, overlooking Chew Valley Lake. Adults and (supervised) children are welcome.