Hollycombe Steam Fairground

On Saturday night after an early supper, we wrapped up warm and headed out to Hollycombe Steam Fairground just outside Liphook.  I had often driven past the sign and meant to check it out but hadn't got around to it.  

Hollycombe is usually a day time activity but they open on selected nights through the year and this coming Saturday (19 October) is the last Fairground at Night opening for this year, and happens to be a Halloween special too!  We thought the kids would enjoy the adventure in the dark, and they sure did.

After a short queue to get in, we walked past the railway, a small steam train which we would later come back to.  First up was the Carousel, and with Doodles & I sharing a horse we were able to ride three-a-breast for a race!

Next were the chair-o-planes...

Fun on the chair-o-planes

...then we enjoyed a short Keystone Cops film, accompanied by live organ music, which Spiderboy thought was very funny.  

The Big Wheel was a highlight (not for me unfortunately, as I find myself suddenly afraid of heights since becoming a mother!) but I could hear great whoops of delight from the carriage behind us as Spiderboy enjoyed going to the top.  Doodles & I sat a little more serenely and enjoyed picking out the rides we wanted to go on next from high up on our vantage point.

Big Wheel

Next the Ghost House, which Motorbike Man took them into one by one (as it was apparently pitch black inside) from which they emerged in various states of distress, fright and excitement.  With enormous great steam engines and huge organs playing music dotted about the site, along with a pit stop for candy floss, there was plenty for the children to see and experience.  We ended the evening with a ride through the woods on the railway, which although chilly was great fun as there were plenty of ghosts & ghouls to spot along the way.

Passing by in a blur on the steam swings

There is a cafe on site, where you can warm up with hot dogs, chips and hot-chocolate.  It wasn't a cheap night at £40 for a Super Saver ticket which admitted all four of us *but* this does entitle you to as many return visits as you like for a whole year so we will be making sure to return so we take advantage of this.

With a quick visit to the toilet before leaving, Doodles couldn't keep her eyes open and promptly fell asleep on the loo.  Spiderboy wasn't too far behind with his eyes closing before we drove out of the car park.  We had a lovely family evening, and they have been talking about when they can go again ever since.

Haslemere Museum

Last week, DD and I visited Haslemere Museum for one of their Early Years sessions.  That week's theme was Maisie Goes To The Museum and although DD is not a huge Maisie fan, I thought we would give it a try, if only to introduce her to the concept of a museum.

 

We were treated to a reading of the story while the children could make use of related props, which they happily waved about when they recognised them within the story.  Then we went on a group tour of the museum to find some of the things that Maisie enjoyed seeing during her visit.  A dolls house, many various stuffed animals (which I had trouble dragging DD away from!), costumes and dinosaur bones were a few of things we found and the children loved it.  

After that, we returned to the room where we started for some colouring in of Maisie colouring pages that the children could choose from.  Then we had another reading of the story, recapping on what we had seen on our tour and comparing it to Maisie's visit.  To finish up we had a trip outside to the museum garden to see the working beehive, which the children were fascinated by.  There was the option to stay for tea or juice but we had an appointment with the supermarket so we left.

All of that for just £3 (£1 per adult, £2 per child), which I thought was fantastic value.  We were there over an hour and judging by the amount of mums with toddlers and newborns, it seems an ideal place to keep your toddler entertained, especially on a rainy day. 

The Early Years events take place every 2/3 weeks on a Friday (check the website under Events) and we will definitely be going again!

FREE Entry at Winkworth Arboretum

If you haven't visited Winkworth yet, you should definitely take advantage of free entry this Sunday (16th September) between 1100 - 1700.  It is gorgeous there, especially as the trees begin to change colour for autumn.  Here's the blurb:

Live Local, Love Winkworth

Fabulous event especially for the local community, with a range of activities designed to help bring the trees to life for everyone!

 

As a big thank to local supporters, and yet to be found friends, the National Trust will be hosting a free open day just for the local community. Not only is entry into the arboretum free for this day, but it has organised a host of events to make for a day that is not to be missed! Live music throughout the day, guided tours, falconry displays, archery, wood carving, face painting, children's crafts, trails and activities. Far more than just a walk in the woods!

More Information: Kiosk, 01483 208936 or here.

The Berkshire County Show

Sounds like there is lots to see & do at this show!  It runs over the weekend of 15 & 16 September and tickets are cheaper if you buy them in advance.

The Berkshire County Show 2012

The Royal County of Berkshire show is undoubtedly Berkshire’s best weekend. Where else can you see everything from chickens to llamas; horse driving to pig showing skills; taste Britain’s finest foods and watch cookery demonstrations; sample the best craft and watch traditional crafts in action or compare your horticultural skills to the expert displays on show? Come and watch the best in show jumping, the wonderful spectacle of the Livestock Grand Parade and the breathtaking Hot Air Balloon flight at the end of each day. Shop ‘til you drop, celebrate agriculture and all your countryside has to offer, meet friends and make new ones, bring the family and you’ll find something for everyone.

Jay Miller's Circus

DH and I took the kids to the circus on Sunday afternoon.  Although it was their first experience for both of them, I was pretty sure they would enjoy it...and I was right!

The show lasted 2 hours (with a short interval) and featured among others Peppi the clown, amazing acrobatic and trapeze displays, a human slinky (yes, you read that right!) and an incredible roller skating pair who left an audience volunteer ever so slightly dizzy.  Both DS and DD were transfixed by most of the acts, with plenty of opportunity for audience participation, and DS enjoyed getting his face painted by Peppi during the interval.

Jay Miller's is a family run operation, with three daughters participating in the show, and this year is the 25th anniversary tour.  The skill and talent from these artists was amazing - it no doubt takes relentless practice and for not much recognition, lets be honest.  I'm all for supporting these guys - what a terrible shame it will be if our grandchildren don't get to experience a circus because they have ceased to exist. 

If you get the chance, then grab some tickets for this week before they leave town on Monday!

Week To View: 8 - 14 August

Wed 8 August

Event: Magnificent Flying Machines

Location: Queen Elizabeth Country Park

Time: 10.30 – 12.30 / 1.00 – 3.00

Cost: £2 per child

Booking: Not required

Two craft activities on the theme of butterflies and dragonflies.

Event: Mini Beast Safari Day

Location: Birdworld

Time: 10.00 – 6.00

Cost: Included in admission price

Booking: Not required

Join the Birdworld keepers to meet their slithering and crawling critters plus arts and crafts, trails and lots more fun.

Event: Wiggly Wednesdays

Location: Fishers Farm Park

Time: 10.00 – 5.00

Cost: Included in admission

Booking: Not required

Hug-a-Bug will be bringing along some Creepy Critters …snakes, geckos and other slimy things for all those brave little monsters!

Event: Family ARTventures

Location: Witley Common

Time: 11.00 – 4.00

Cost: £2.50

Booking: Not required

Pick up and play activities and nature trails.  Bring a picnic and enjoy Witley Common.  Meet outside the Witley Centre on Haslemere Road.

Event: Experiments with Renewable Energy

Location: Shalford Mill

Time: 11.00 – 4.30

Cost: Admission + £1.50

Booking: Not required

Fun with water, wind and bicycle power.

Event: Get Wild on Wednesdays

Location: Polesden Lacey

Time: 11.00 – 4.00

Cost: £4

Booking: Advisable 

With a different theme each week, children will work together to explore anything from minibeasts to den building with our exciting Ranger-led activities. Each session lasts about an hour and can be booked on the day but there is a limited capacity for each session.

Event: Out To Lunch - Crazy M: Fabulously Funny Clowning

Location: Portsmouth City Museum Gardens

Time: 12.00 – 2.00

Cost: FREE

Booking: Just turn up
Bring a picnic & join in the family fun.

Event: Silly Summer Headgear

Location: The Lightbox, Woking

Time: 1.00 – 2.30 (4-8 yrs) / 3.00 – 4.30 (8-16 yrs)

Cost: £6.50

Booking:  Required

Create your own funky headgear using new and found materials.  Under 8s must be accompanied by an adult.

Event: Teddy Bear’s Picnic

Location: Winkworth Arboretum

Time: 1.30

Cost: £3 (on top of admission)

Booking: Not needed

Fun filled teddy bears' picnic with storytelling and songs to delight young and old.

Thursday 9 August

Event: Funky Racers!

Location: Farnham Maltings

Time: 10.00 – 12.00

Cost: £9

Booking: Essential

Build your very own funky racing car model.  Let your imagination race away with you.  For ages 6-10.

Event: Activity Thursday

Location: The Rural Life Centre

Time: 10.000 – 5.00

Cost: Included in admission

Booking: Not required

A variety of fun things to do for accompanied children - find out about traditional crafts, trades, chores and pastimes.

Event: Junior Club – Shadowy Shapes

Location: Haslemere Educational Museum

Time: 10.30 – 12.00

Cost: £7 (£5 for members)

Booking:  01428-642112  
Learn about the art of the shadow theatre and make your own shadow puppet.  Suitable for ages 5-11.

Event: Ugly Bug Ball

Location: Dapdune Wharf, Guildford

Time: 11.00 – 5.00

Cost: £2 per child

Booking: 01483-561389

Bug hunting, bug sculptures, build a bug home, make wings and antennae, bug music, but above all, come dressed up!

Event: Dance School

Location: Applegarth Farm, Headley

Time: 11.00 – 12.00

Cost: £7

Booking: Essential

High energy fun “dance school” for ages 6-9.

Event: Out To Lunch – Stories & Craft

Location: Portsmouth City Museum Gardens

Time: 12.00 – 2.00

Cost: FREE

Booking: Just turn up
Storytelling fun with Michael O’Leary.  Bring a picnic & join in the family fun.

Event: Funky Fairy Wall Hanging

Location: Farnham Maltings

Time: 1.30 – 3.00

Cost: £7.50

Booking: Essential

Come and create a beautiful wall hanging for your room.  There will be lots of sparkly things to choose from.  Dress for mess – for ages 6-10.

Event: Drawing in the Courtyard

Location: The Lightbox, Woking

Time: 1.30 – 4.00

Cost: £2 (suggested donation)

Booking: Not required

Come and make large-scale drawings inspired by the Centrepiece exhibition.  For ages 4+ with an adult.

Friday 10 August

Event:  Fun Day

Location: Applegarth Farm

Time: 1030 - 1600

Cost: £5 per child

Booking: Just turn up
Fun day in the garden with a trampoline, bouncy castle and face painting - ages 1-9 years.

Event:  Pony Magic

Location: Hatchlands Park

Time: 1100 - 1600

Cost:£2.50 per ride

Booking: Not required

Pony Magic aim to provide a truly magical experience with beautiful, safe ponies and experienced handlers. 3-5 minute ride. Suitable for 2 -11 year old children.

Event: Bubble Fun

Location: The Lightbox, Woking

Time: 1330 - 1600

Cost: FREE

Booking: Just turn up
Make your own funky bubble wand to use in the Courtyard and take home. 

Event: Summer Holiday Fun!

Location: Winkworth

Time: 2.00 – 3.30

Cost: Admission +£1

Booking: Not required

Be a nature detective and follow a different trail each week.  Be inspired to write poetry, take photographs or create art of your fascinating discoveries and submit them for the Closer to Nature exhibition in October.

Saturday 11 August

Event: Northchapel Working Steam Show

Location: Northchapel, West Sussex

Time: 10.00 – 6.00

Cost: Adult £6 / Child £4

Booking: Not required

This year’s show will feature working steam exhibits including ploughing , threshing, stone crushing and wood sawing. There will also be a fairground and craft marquee.

Event: Family Bushcraft Day

Location: Alice Holt Forest

Time: 10.00 – 4.00

Cost: Adults £25 / Under 16 £15 / Under 3’s FREE

Booking: Essential

Learn the secrets of the forest as a family.  From fire lighting to shelter building and a spot of open fire cooking.

Event: Lithics Weekend

Location: Buster Ancient Farm

Time: 1000 - 1700

Cost: Adult £7 / Child £3

Booking: Just turn up

The annual gathering of flint knappers.  Watch tools being craft from flint, and even have a go!

Event: Crafternoon: Dream Catchers

Location: Sayers Croft Trust

Time: 2.00 – 4.00

Cost: FREE

Booking: Recommended

An afternoon of crafty fun using the natural materials found at Sayers Croft as well as a few extra bits and pieces provided by us. Parents and children will work together to gather their own materials and make a unique product under guidance from one of our instructors.

Event: Museum in the Park

Location: Churchfield’s Recreation Group, Compton Cresent, Chessington

Time: 2.00 – 4.30

Cost: £1.50 per child

Booking: Not required

Celebrate all things Ancient Greek with boat building, chariot racing and theatrical mask making.

Sunday 12 August

Event: Lithics Weekend

Location: Buster Ancient Farm

Time: 1000 - 1700

Cost: Adult £7 / Child £3

Booking: Just turn up

The annual gathering of flint knappers.  Watch tools being craft from flint, and even have a go!

Event: Northchapel Working Steam Show

Location: Northchapel, West Sussex

Time: 10.30 – 5.00

Cost: Adult £6 / Child £4

Booking: Not required

See Saturday’s entry.

Event: Teddy Bear’s Picnic

Location: Hollycombe Steam Collection

Time: 11.00 – 5.00

Cost: Included in admission

Booking: Not required

During the afternoon there will be Punch & Judy and Magic shows by Prof Ray Sparks.  Free Teddy Bear trail around the collection with a small prize for correctly returned forms.  Also Bouncy Castle and Face Painting (small additional charge).

Event: Crafternoon: Edlerwhistle

Location: Sayers Croft Trust

Time: 2.00 – 4.00

Cost: FREE

Booking: Recommended

An afternoon of crafty fun using the natural materials found at Sayers Croft as well as a few extra bits and pieces provided by us. Parents and children will work together to gather their own materials and make a unique product under guidance from one of our instructors.

Monday 13 August

Event: Razzle Dazzle Cheerleading Holiday Workshop

Location: Albury Village Hall

Time: 10.00 – 3.00

Cost: £30

Booking: Essential

Participants will be taught a series of dances using cheerleading, street dance and gymnastics and will perform a  show at the end of the day.  Suitable for ages 5-11.

Tuesday 14 August

Event: Flowers

Location: Magical Rooms, Grayshott

Time: 10.00 – 12.00 / 10.00 – 3.30

Cost: £10 / £25

Booking: Required

Summer arts and crafts with a flowers theme.  Suitable for age 5+.

Event: Princess & Pirate School

Location: Applegarth Farm 

Time: 11.00 – 1.00

Cost: £12.50

Booking: 01428-609340

Tinkerbell will lead a 2 hour workshop getting creative with arts and crafts.  Lots of dancing and games, and Tinkerbell will sprinkle her magical fairy dust!  If the weather is good, there will be a Pirate Treasure Hunt in the garden.  Suitable for ages 3-6 years. 

Event: Family Film – Snow White & The Huntsman

Location: Farnham Maltings

Time: 11.00, 2.30 & 6.00

Cost: £5.50

Booking: Advisable

Event: Out To Lunch – Games & Toys

Location: Portsmouth City Museum Gardens

Time: 12.00 – 2.00

Cost: FREE

Booking: Just turn up
Play with a variety of old style toys and games.  Bring a picnic & join in the family fun.

Event: Falconry Display

Location: Haslemere Educational Museum

Time: 1.00 – 4.00

Cost: £4 non-members / £2 members

Booking: Not required

The FalconHigh Falconry Display Team will give an interactive flying display at 2pm and 3.30 plus talks and static display, for real close ups at other times.

Event: Junk Sculpture

Location: The Lightbox, Woking

Time: 1.00 – 2.30 (4-8 yrs) / 3.00 – 4.30 (8-16 yrs)

Cost: £6.50

Booking: Required

Use new and recycled materials to create your own unique sculpture.

Spanning The Week & Ongoing

Event: Blooms & Bees

Location: Staunton Country Park

Time: Mon 13 – Sun 19 August

Cost: Included in admission

Booking: Not required

Buzz around the park on the flower trail, meet our own bees and taste their lovely honey!

Week To View: 1 - 7 August 2012

OK, here's the first Week To View blog post.  There was so much to include!  I would love some feedback...what is useful, is there anything different you would like included / to see more of, is the format easy to read - anything you have to say, I want to hear it!  Please let me know too if you find something in here that you hadn't heard about and ended up going, and what it was like.

Wed 1 August

Event: Pre School Drama & Music Workshop

Location: Guildford Spectrum

Time: 1000 - 1030 (18m - 2.5 yrs) / 1045-1130 (3-5 yrs)

Cost: £3.70 / £5.20

Booking: 01483-443322

Event: Teddy Bear's Picnic

Location: Birdworld

Time: 1000 - 1800

Cost: Included in admission price

Booking: Just turn up

Bring your teddy along for this favourite annual event at Birdworld. There will be fun, games, dancing and loads of prizes to be won!

Event: Wiggly Wednesdays

Location: Fishers Farm Park

Time: 1000 - 1700

Cost: Included in admission

Booking: Just turn up

Hug-A-Bug will be bringing along some Creepy Critters …snakes, geckos and other slimey things for all those brave little monsters!

Event: Storytelling in the Farmshop Courtyard

Location: Secretts

Time: 1100 - 1130 / 1430 - 1500

Cost: FREE

Booking: Just turn up 

Event: Get Wild on Wednesdays

Location: Polesden Lacey

Time: 1100 - 1600

Cost: £4

Booking: Advisable 

With a different theme each week, children will work together to explore anything from minibeasts to den building with our exciting Ranger-led activities. Each session lasts about an hour and can be booked on the day but there is a limited capacity for each session.

Event: Baking with the Miller's Wife

Location: Shalford Mill

Time: 1100 - 1630

Cost: Admission + £1.50

Booking: Just turn up

Make a tasty gingerbread person to decorate in whatever style you choose.

Event: Wonderful Wednesdays Children's Activites

Location: Weald & Downland Open Air Museum

Time: 1100 - 1600

Cost: Included in admission

Booking: Just turn up

Hands-on activities to occupy accompanied children of all ages! Have a go at all kinds of interesting and unusual countryside skills, traditional crafts, activities and games. Under cover if wet.

Event: Sculpture

Location: The Lightbox, Woking

Time: 1300 - 1430 (4-8 yrs) / 1500 - 1630 (8-16 yrs)

Cost: £6.50

Booking: 01483-737837

Join artist Jo Carter in this figurative sculpture workshop.

Event: Teddy Bear's Picnic & Storytelling

Location: Winkworth Arboretum

Time: 1330 - 1430

Cost: Admission + £3 per child

Booking: Just turn up
Fun filled teddy bears' picnic with storytelling & songs.

Thursday 2 August

Event: Activity Thursday

Location: The Rural Life Centre

Time: 1000 - 1700

Cost: Included in admission

Booking: Just turn up
A variety of fun things to do for accompanied children - find out about traditional crafts, trades, chores and pastimes.


Event: Monster Mini-Beast Hunt

Location: Queen Elizabeth Country Park

Time: 1030 - 1230 / 1300 - 1500

Cost: £3 per child

Booking: Essential: 02392-595040

Explore the different habitats within the Park. See what lives in the woodland and the meadow. Suitable for 4 yrs and upwards. 

Event: Ugly Bug Ball

Location: Dapdune Wharf, Guildford

Time: 1100 - 1700

Cost: £2 per child

Booking: 01483-561389Bug hunting, bug sculptures, build a bug home, make wings and antennae, bug music, but above all, come dressed up!

Event: Family Drop-in Event - Shells

Location: Haslemere Educational Museum

Time: 1100 - 1500

Cost: £4 (members £2)

Booking: Just turn upCome and marvel at the Museum's shell handling collection, learn about how shells have been used in the past and then enjoy shell related crafts, including make your own whelk and a place for it to live.

Friday 3 August

Event: Mill Cottage Farm Experience

Location: Secretts

Time: 1100 - 1600

Cost: FREE

Booking: Just turn up

Event: Bubble Fun

Location: The Lightbox, Woking

Time: 1330 - 1600

Cost: FREE

Booking: Just turn up
Make your own funky bubble wand to use in the Courtyard and take home. 

Event:  Pony Magic

Location: Hatchlands Park

Time: 1100 - 1600

Cost:£2.50 per ride

Booking: Just turn up

Pony Magic aim to provide a truly magical experience with beautiful, safe ponies and experienced handlers. 3-5 minute ride. Suitable for 2 -11 year old children.

Event:  Fun Day

Location: Applegarth Farm, Grayshott

Time: 1030 - 1600

Cost: £5 per child

Booking: Just turn up
Fun day in the garden with a trampoline, bouncy castle and face painting - ages 1-9 years.

Saturday 4 August

Event: Food Weekend

Location: Buster Ancient Farm

Time: 1000 - 1700

Cost: Adult £7 / Child £3

Booking: Just turn up

Celebrating the abundance of the Earth and the start of the harvest.  Demonstrations of food and cooking throughout the weekend. 

Event: Mummies to Motorbikes Family Fun Day

Location: The Lightbox, Woking

Time: 1030 - 1700

Cost: FREE

Booking: Just turn up
Free activities will be taking place throughout the day including a drop-in family workshop, exhibition tours and theatrical storytelling performances of ‘The Unlucky Mummy’ a story about the misfortunes surrounding a Mummy which came from Egypt during the 19th Century.’ Brooklands Museum will also showcase some motorbikes and automobiles from the era.

Sunday 5 August

Event: Cranleigh Show

Location: Cranleigh Showground

Time: 0800 - 1730

Cost: Adult £12 / Under 16's £5 / Family £30 / Under 5's FREE

Booking: Reduced price advance ticket

One day agricultural show with entertainment including motorcycle stunt display team, sheep racing, falconry display, gun dogs, Titan the Robot and much more.

Event: Den Building

Location: Leith Hill

Time: 1000 - 1230

Cost: £5

Booking: Essential: 01372-220644

Build your own survival shelter using material from Leith Hill like a true explorer and enjoy popcorn and marshmallows around the campfire.   For ages 7+ with an adult.

Event: Grayshott Village Show

Location: Applegarth Farm

Time: 1200 onwards

Cost: Adult £10 / Child £5 / Under 5's FREE

Booking: Tickets available at Applegarth Farm or Grayshott Books
Falconry display, medieval battle re-enactment, The Sheep Show, duck herding, pony rides, kids corner with carousel & bouncy castle plus Polo matches. 


Event: Family Fun Day - Butterflies

Location: Queen Elizabeth Country Park

Time: 1030 - 1530

Cost:£2 per child

Booking: Just turn up

Come and learn about the wildlife in the park and have some fun.  Suitable for all ages. 


Event: It's A Naval Knockout

Location: Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

Time: 1100 - 1630

Cost: FREE

Booking: Just turn up (unless you want to enter!)

Fun for all the family throughout the day, with the chance to channel your competitive spirit and enter a team in the afternoon.  Will your team win the Portsmouth 2012 trophy?  All you need is five willing participants - whether you’re usually a five a side footy team or the greatest pub quiz team ever, there’ll be an event you can excel at!  And of course, there’ll be free candy floss…

Monday 6 August

Event: Caterpillar Crafts Big Bug Hunt

Location: Queen Elizabeth Country Park

Time: 1030 - 1400

Cost:£8 per child

Booking: Essential 
Caterpillar Crafts are working in partnership with the Park to offer fun filled day s for children & young people with disabilities or additional needs and their families.


Event: Punch & Judy Magic Show

Location: Secretts

Time: 1100 - 1600

Cost: FREE

Booking: Just turn up

Tuesday 7 August

Event: Bugs & Butterflies

Location:  Magical Rooms, Grayshott

Time: 1000 - 1200 / 1000 - 1530

Cost: £10 / £25

Booking: Essential
Arts & Crafts to make and take away with a Bug & Butterfly theme. Ages 5 to 11.


Event: Junior Club - Compass Discoveries

Location: Haslemere Educational Museum

Time: 1030 - 1200

Cost: £7 (£5 for members)

Booking:  01428-642112  
See what you can discover on our selection of maps and make your own compass.

Event: Punch & Judy Magic Show

Location: Secretts

Time: 1100 - 1600

Cost: FREE

Booking: Just turn up 

Event: Princess & Pirate School

Location: Applegarth Farm 

Time: 1100 - 1300

Cost:£12.50

Booking: 01428-609340

Tinkerbell will lead a 2 hour workshop getting creative with arts and crafts.  Lots of dancing and games, and Tinkerbell will sprinkle her magical fairy dust!  If the weather is good, there will be a Pirate Treasure Hunt in the garden.  Suitable for ages 3-6 years. 

Event: Out To Lunch: Circus Skills Dickensian Style

Location: Portsmouth City Museum Gardens

Time: 1200 - 1400

Cost: FREE

Booking: Just turn up
Bring a picnic & join in the family fun.


Event: Climbing Puppets Family Workshop

Location: The Lightbox, Woking

Time: 1330 - 1600

Cost: £2 suggested donation

Booking: Just turn up
Build and decorate your own climbing puppet.  For ages 4+ with an adult.

Event: The Big Build Party

Location: St. Catherines Village Hall, Guildford

Time: 1400 - 1530 (2 sessions)

Cost: £5

Booking: E-mail to book
Come and build with Lego, garden building blocks and other building toys.  Art and Craft too. Suitable for age 4-9.

Spanning The Week or Ongoing

Event: Festival of Summer

Location:  Staunton Country Park

Time: Wednesday 1st - Sunday 5th (from 1030)

Cost: Included in admission

Booking: Just turn up

Start off the holidays in sizzling style lots of fun things to do even if the sun stays away!

Event: Wickham Music Festival

Location: The Festival Fields, Blind Lane

Time: Thursday 2 - Sunday 5 August

Cost: Various (see website)

Booking: Essential
A relaxed & family-friendly outdoor Music & Arts Festival featuring Jools Holland, KT Tunstall. The Levellers & The Proclaimers.

Event: Children's Trail

Location: Claremont

Time: Saturday 4th - Sunday 12th (1000 - 1630)

Cost: Admission + 50p

Booking: Just turn up

Event: Magic Toadstool Mystery Tour

Location: Secretts Farm Shop
Time:  On daily from 0900 - 1700 between 21 July - 2 September 
Cost: FREE 
Booking: Just turn up


Event: Nature Detective Trail

Location: Pick Your Own @ Secretts

Time: On daily from 0900 - 1700 between 24 July - 2 September

Cost: FREE

Booking: Just turn up  

Cup Cake & Cookie Decorating Parties

On the way to the park this morning, I grabbed a coffee from Stepping Stones Cookie Bar and saw they are now offering parties for kids.  Either 45 or 90 minutes long, they provide everything you need and cater for between 6-12 children per party, aged 5 years upwards.  

The party includes cup cakes & mini cookies to decorate, which can be taken home in a box, plus a soft drink and selection of sandwiches & snacks.  The 45 minute party costs £80 and the 90 minute one is £110, based on 6 children, and additional kids are £6.50 each.

There are no details on their website as yet but they have Info / Booking sheets on the counter in the shop.  Could be a fun idea!

Hampshire Water Festival

With pond dipping, face painting, circus workshops and angler's taster sessions this should keep the kids busy if you're looking for something to do this Sunday.  

The Hampshire Water Festival is being held within Staunton Park Gardens, and you can get 1/2 price entry to the gardens (the festival itself has free entry) so you can make a whole day of it.  We took out membership to Staunton last year, as the kids loved it so much - there is a little farm, a great playground and a lovely cafe on site plus the huge park itself.

Best of all, Sunday is currently predicted as RAIN FREE!