Category: Family

Roald Dahl Story Day

Roald Dahl Story Day is celebrated every year on his birthday, the 13th September , and people all over the world come together to celebrate the magic he brought to, and continues to bring, children everywhere.

On Saturday 14th September Bourne Hall will be hosting a range of events to celebrate this. Please see theses detailed below:

Roald Dahl Story Day

Science Boffins show Saturday 14th September 11:00am -12:00pm

Join us as Science Boffins host a fun and interactive way for the kids to learn about various scientific principles while having a great time. It will engage their curiosity and show them the wonders of the natural world through hands-on experiments and demonstrations.

watch as they conjure up an ancient scientist from a bottle. They will then do some experiments to see who’s naughty or nice testing their observation skills and more importantly their morals! As water disappears from a cup one willing victim risks getting wet as the remaining children decide their fate. Next the children will learn about a poorly elephant with a toothache and be amazed how 3 small quantities of chemical can make such a huge amount of toothpaste! With the amount of noise, the children will have made so far, it’s time to test how big their lungs are with our windbags. Using Bernoulli’s air flow principles, we can make a child fill a bag up with over 10 litres of air in one breath!  Finally, we use Bernoulli’s principle to show where a stream of air goes with metres of loo roll being flung across the room as the air carries it over the children.

Book your tickets now, to be a part of the fun, adults go free with a children’s ticket. All children must be supervised.

To book https://sessami.co/events/6bfa3697-07b5-47e0-90fe-e8c559576542?utm_medium=facebook&utm_source=Bourne%20Hall%20 or alternatively visit our website at www.bournehall.org

Roald Dahl Story Day

Quentin Blake illustration workshop for adults Saturday 14th September 1:00pm -2:00pm

Join Martine Spencer who will be hosting an illustration workshop with us on the 14th September 2024 to celebrate Roald Dahl day. she will be guiding you to explore techniques similar to Quentin Blake and look at different mediums to create small sketches from your favourite books.

What to expect:

A short presentation

Demonstrations explaining the process.

Resources that show how to draw the features, mark-making, and an A5 sketched character that can be copied for proportions.

All materials (paper, fine liner pen, watercolours, brushes)

Drawing one character and a variety of animals

So, book on now, as there is limited availability.

To book https://sessami.co/events/2cf2605f-3b3e-4dfc-abdf-3b4723d84847?utm_medium=facebook&utm_source=Bourne%20Hall%20 or visit our website at www.bournehall.org

Roald Dahl Story Day

Ghost writers’ children poetry competition:

To run alongside the Museums Ghost writers’ event, we are holding a poetry competition for local children to write poems on what they like about the local area or a local place. These will be judged by the poet Ana Mclaughlin in the following age groups: 5-8, 9-12, and 13-16.

The top 3 in each group will win a signed copy her new anthology Heroes and villains, which will be presented by her at an event in October at Bourne Hall.

Poems should be emailed to David at [email protected] or dropped of at Bourne Hall reception desk by the 14thSeptember.

Roald Dahl Story Day 
Museum Ghost writers’ Saturday 14th September 2024 10:00am-4:00pm – free entry

Bourne Hall museum will be celebrating some of the many writers who have celebrated our local area. All have died, hence ghost writers. 4 re-enactors’ will be playing the writers’, Mrs Beaton, Robert Fabian, Samuel Pepys and Charles Dickens. So come and join us as our Museum comes to life.

Roald Dahl Story Day

Animatronic James and the Giant peach display 9th – 21st September 2024

Come and see some of the characters form James and the Giant peach, brought to life as animatronic models by the super talented and legendary Bob Ballan. Available to view to from the Main Foyer.

 

Roald Dahl Story DayEwell library:

Running: 10th – 14th Sept

Dressing Up as a Roald Dahl character

Prize:- Book Giveaways

Crafts on Sat 14th Sept:- Based on Roald Dahl books £1 per craft.

Running:- 10th – 14th Sept

Roald Dahl Treasure Hunt around the Library and Museum

 

 

Wild Noises & Animal Voices

Wild Noises & Animal Voices: Britain’s Got Talent sensation Geneviève Côté comes to Chessington World Of Adventures

Chessington World of Adventures Resort has announced a new interactive wildlife-themed show like no other: ‘Wild Noises & Animal Voices’. Professional ‘noise maker’ and Britain’s Got Talent 2024 star, Geneviève Côté, will be joining families at the London theme park and zoo on 27 June 2024 to captivate guests with her incredible animal impressions. Making the journey all the way from Canada, Geneviève is gearing up to learn some new animal noises from some of Chessington’s zoo residents.

Many children’s toys and books focus on animal noises.. but roars and ribbits aren’t just fun and games. Imitating these simple sounds plays an important role in early speech and language development and can help to enhance children’s cognitive skills[1]. Parents can support their children by using animal sounds, whether in play or reading a book. And when children hear those animal noises in real life, in nature or at a zoo, it can help them develop a deeper understanding of the world.

So family favourite, Chessington World of Adventures, is inviting parents and children alike to level up their animal noises with a hands-on masterclass. Putting her unique vocal talents to the test, Geneviève will be barking along with the California Sea Lions, and working on her neigh with the Grévy’s Zebras. She will also be joined by zookeepers who will provide fascinating facts and insights about all the animals Geneviève mimics. It will be a fun and interactive experience the whole family will go wild for.

Guests can oink, chirp, and neigh their way through this one-of-a-kind event on 27 June 2024. Performances of Wild Noises & Animal Voices will take place throughout the day and are included in a day ticket, starting from £29 per person, with access to the theme park, zoo, and SEA LIFE Aquarium. For more information visit chessington.com.

Jack Stein and others at FeastyFest

JACK STEIN, DEAN EDWARDS, MIRA MANEK & MORE ANNOUNCED FOR FEASTYFEST LIVE DEMO KITCHEN. MICHELIN-STARRED CHEFS, MASTERCHEF FINALISTS AND BROADCASTING STARS TO APPEAR AT SURREY FESTIVAL 

Independent Surrey food & drink festival FeastyFest have announced a host of world-famous and award-winning chefs, who will be taking turns to cook up a storm in the live demo kitchen. A weekend of the best food, music and entertainment for all ages in the heart of Surrey, FeastyFest exists to provide families with an amazing but affordable festival experience while creating a platform for the area’s phenomenal food & drink producers.

Leading today’s announcement is familiar TV face and Chef Director of Rick Stein’s Seafood Restaurants Jack Stein. As well as regularly appearing everywhere from the BBC’s Saturday Kitchen to Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch, Jack has also filmed several successful TV series himself, including Born to Cook: Jack Stein Down Under, Wine, Dine & Stein and Jack Stein: Inside The Box.

Jack Stein, Dean Edwards, Mira Manek & more announced for FeastyFest live demo kitchen. Michelin-starred chefs, MasterChef finalists and broadcasting stars to appear at Surrey FestivalJoining Stein at FeastyFest is Bristol-born Dean Edwards who burst onto the culinary scene after reaching second place in the BBC’s 2006 edition of Masterchef. Since then, Dean has become renowned for his cost-cutting, accessible and family-friendly recipes, not to mention his cheeky personality, as resident chef-demonstrator on ITV breakfast show Lorraine.

 

Also popping up in the demo kitchen is Jeremy Hollingsworth who, having cooked under culinary icons like Anton Mossiman and Marco Pierre White, became Chef Director of three acclaimed gastropubs in London. Having collected accolades such as TimeOut Gastro Pub of the Year 2005 and Yorkshire Life Neighbourhood Restaurant of the Year 2011 as well as gracing the Michelin Guide.

Elsewhere, inspired by the Gujarati flavours of her heritage, Mira Manek will be exploring the succulent secrets of her vegetarian and vegan Indian recipes that have featured in the likes of The Independent, Grazia and Waitrose Magazine, as well as on BBC Radio and in her latest book The Book of Chai, whilst highly-regarded private chef Renu Ballantine will be leading a masterclass in creating delicious, nutritionally balanced meals that champion local produce.

This lineup of some of the country’s finest chefs will be joining a full festival programme packed with music, sports, activities and much more for all ages. Previously announced for Feasty’s music euro-pop icons Vengaboys as well as the euphoric live-experience of The House and Garage Orchestra with The Dolly Parton Experience, Strictly UB40, Club Tropicana, The Dunwells, Ska Wars, All New Blues & Soul Revue and much more.

Already boasting an incredible array of independent and artisanal street food vendors, FeastyFest 24 have announce that the likes of Venezuelan Arepas from Avila, Korean Fried Chicken courtesy of Nimtoh, Oh My Dog’s infamous hot dogs and a double decker converted into a Fish and Chip Bus on wheels, will all be joining this unbeatable gathering of the very best local and international food.

With over 100 traders street food, produce and other traders set to attend the festival this year, FeastyFest have shared the first look at this year’s food & drink programme with League Of Fire’s world champion chilli eatingcompetition taking centre stage alongside Cocktail Masterclasses, Gin Tasting, Live Chef Demos, Wine Tasting, VIP Bar and the inaugural Golden Yorkie Roast Awards with more still to come.

Launched in 2018 by local event professionals looking to create a brilliant but affordable event for their hometown, FeastyFest has grown into Surrey’s largest independent food festival, attracting thousands of attendees from across the region.

With a huge programme covering everything from live-cooking demos, chilli eating competitions, wrestling, sports and a full music line-up on the main stage, the team behind FeastyFest hope to offer a cost-of-living busting festival experience with adult tickets priced from just £27.50 per day with under 12’s going absolutely free.

As a not-for-profit festival, FeastyFest is committed to supporting initiatives in their local community via their Feasty Community Projects. Supporting  both local charities and individuals, Feasty Community Projects has financially supported initiatives including days out for families of children with complex needs, Christmas dinners for the elderly in sheltered housing where government funding has been removed, a Secret Santa for struggling families in the community and life-changing mobility items essential to people’s jobs and careers.

Line Up For FeastyFest

Demo Kitchen

Jack Stein, Dean Edwards, Jeremy Hollingsworth, Mira Manek, Renu Ballantine

Food Traders

Bratwurst UK, Lisa’s Luscious Bakes, Wow Bao Club, Churros Ole, Barnyard Birds, Nimtoh, Churros Garcia, Street Food Spain, Tasty Affair Souvlaki, Tasty Affair Pizza, Ray’s Fusion Eats, Newdlez & co, Fish and Chip Bus, Greek Souvlaki, Angus Beef Burger, Hog Roast, Loaded Fries, Berlin Doner/German Sausage, Caribbean Hut, Uptown Flava, Oh My Dog, Rizz Events, Jaffna Kitchen, Meat and Bread, SoleLuna Pizza, The Chimney Baker, Baraka Falafel, Olivecorner, Avila

Music

The House and Garage Orchestra, Vengaboys, Kevin Davy White, Ska Wars, RPJ, All New Blues and Soul Revue, The Dunwells, The Dolly Parton Experience, Strictly UB40, Rockin The Joint, Mick Brown Club Tropicana, Corazon & more

Food & Drink

League of Fire – Chilli Eating Competition, Hot Pods Public Chilli Comp, Cocktail Masterclass, Gin Tasting, FeastyFest Kitchen – Live Chef Demo’s, Wine Tasting, VIP Area, Golden Yorkie Award and over 100 street food, produce and other traders

Activities

Water Wars, Swingball, Bushcraft, Bezerkas Circus, Outdoor Theatre, BEW Wrestling (live), Storytelling with the Fairy Bookmother, TicTac Skate School, Tree Climbing, Bouncy Castles, Bungee Run, Archery, Yoga Tots – Baby Zumba, ContaKids & Contact Improv, Arts and crafts, Wild About Britain and much more.

–

Tickets for FeastyFest 2024 are on sale now with Under 12’s going free

LINK

–

Mike Quinton, FeastyFest founder said:

“While we’ve got activities for the whole family, loads of live music and so much more, FeastyFest is still a food festival at heart and we take so much pride in our demo kitchen and food programme. To have people like Jack Stein and Mira Ramek coming to FeastyFest to cook their amazing food and share their incredible skills and experience with our audience is such an exciting thing. Outside of that, we’re thrilled to share some of the incredible traders joining us at the festival this year. We really can’t wait!” 

Jack Stein photo by James Ram

Free 2024 Summer Holiday Activities for 0-16s!

Registrations Open for Free 2024 Summer Holiday Activities for 0-16s!

Mole Valley District Council is delighted to be working in partnership with sport and leisure organisations to offer a wide range of free indoor and outdoor activities for children this summer. From angling, skateboarding and golf, to art, bushcraft and dance, there are a multitude of activities available to keep your child active and entertained over the holiday period! Registrations have now opened, and registering early is strongly encouraged!

Taking place between 23 July and 1 September, free activity sessions covering sports, crafts, dancing, outdoor learning, music, and arts will be taking place in Dorking and Leatherhead. Leatherhead activities will take place at the Stockroom Society located in the Swan Centre, as well as Leatherhead Leisure Centre and Kingston Road Recreation Ground, while Dorking locations include Meadowbank Park, The Christian Centre, Dorking Sports Centre, High Ashurst, and St Joseph’s School. There will also be activities on King George Playing Fields, Chart Downs, North Holmwood, Bookham, Ashtead Rec and Nower Wood. Please visit the site for more details on locations.

Registrations Open for Free 2024 Summer Holiday Activities for 0-16s!

Choose one or more activities your child would like to take part in and register their place as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Registration deadline is Friday 19 July, but popular activities fill up fast. The sessions are all mixed with some activities available to all (0-16) and some age specific. For the full range of free summer holiday activities and to register visit: https://www.molevalley.gov.uk/holidayactivities.

Rachel O’Reilly, Executive Head of Service (Community) at Mole ValleyRachel O’Reilly, Executive Head of Service (Community) at Mole Valley District Council said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for children in Mole Valley to enjoy themselves indoors as well as outdoors this summer in a safe, supervised, and fun environment. The range of options include a number of brand-new activities introduced this year! Don’t delay, register your child’s place now! It is so important for young people’s health that they keep active and sociable, and these sessions will be a great way to make new friends while having fun. Visit our website for more information.”

Registrations Open for Free 2024 Summer Holiday Activities for 0-16s!

Bourne Hall Festival of Arts and Sustainability

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council are pleased to announce Bourne Hall’s Festival of Arts and Sustainability will be taking place on Friday 24 and Saturday 25 May, 10am-4pm.

The free event promises fun for all the family, with a wide variety of environmentally-friendly and nature-based activities, entertainment, eco-friendly shopping and live music.

Creative Minds will be running art workshops to turn old plastic bottles into bird feeders and painting CDs for an art installation along the pond railings. Anyone willing to donate old plastic bottle and CDs for the workshop, should do so at Bourne Hall reception in the week before the festival.

The festival will also see the launch of the Seed Hunters trail, an interactive walk to teach about the plants and trees at Bourne Hall. The trail will guide visitors through the park, hunting for clues and marking off points of interest on the map provided.

Other activities include a sustainable craft market with practical demonstrations. The Flying Saucer Café will be serving a range of delicious food and drink.

Cllr Clive Woodbridge, Chair of the council’s Community and Wellbeing Committee, said, “I’m very pleased to see the popular festival at Bourne Hall has returned for another year. It’s a wonderful way to bring the whole community together with creative and informative activities.

“This year’s theme is arts and sustainability, and I think the festival is a brilliant way to raise awareness of important environmental issues in a fun, family-friendly way. We look forward to seeing lots of members of our community at the event.”

Mystical May-hem at Hobbledown this Half Term

Get ready for a week of mystical may-hem here at Hobbledown this may half term

Where magic, dragons, and merry mayhem collide to create an unforgettable experience for all who enter. Prepare to be enchanted as we invite you to join us for the Merrydown Festival, a joyous celebration of Rumpletump’s older brother’s arrival and a spirited immersion into the vibrant culture of Hobbledown.
From thrilling dragon parades to whimsical fairy schools, Tipp’s Fab Lab to tantalizing jelly-eating contests, our festival promises a day filled with laughter, wonder, and endless adventure this May half term.
 
Get ready for a week of mystical may-hem here at Hobbledown this may half term
 
 
What to expect:
 
TIPP’S FAB LAB
Step into Tipp’s Fab Lab at the Merrydown Festival to explore inventions and the enchanting power of Hobbledown Crystallite and Magic. Experience swirling smoke, mesmerizing bubbles, and captivating displays of magic.

 
RUMPLETUMP’S JELLY CHALLENGE
Can the hobblers outdo Rumpletumps’s older brother’s record for devouring jelly in a minute? Gather round and witness as hobblers gather to see if anyone can surpass the record for devouring jelly in a minute.

 
DRAGON & FAIRY SCHOOL
Join the Hobblers as we immerse ourselves in the world of dragons and fairies. Discover the fundamentals and transform yourself into these magical creatures.

 
MERRYDOWN FESTIVAL
Bop along to the daily dance party! Learn our signature routine, groove to music, and enjoy fun activities like limbo, Conga, and bubble parties.

 
DRAGON PARADE
Get excited for the arrival of the Dragon’s at Hobbledown. Grab flags and streamers, chant and march, enjoy animal antics, and pop giant bubbles in celebration!

 
BIRDS OF PREY
Daily at 12pm and 3:30pm, watch a range of owls, hawks and falcons take to the skies at the Willows Birds of Prey Centre.

For more Information or To Book Click Link 
www.hobbledown.com/epsom/whats-on/mysterical-mayhem/
 
Get ready for a week of mystical may-hem here at Hobbledown this may half term

Celebrate Chamber Mead Wetlands at Open Day

The South East Rivers Trust (SERT) is inviting local residents to come and celebrate the newly-created Chamber Mead wetlands with a day of family fun, activities and guided tours.

The celebration day on Saturday 20th April will give nature lovers the chance to add plants to this critical pollution buster for the River Hogsmill, a precious chalk stream.

Families will also have the chance to learn about the health of the river by taking part in riverfly demonstrations, a scavenger hunt and nature craft activities. Guided tours of the wetlands will also be part of the day, which runs from 11am to 3pm.

The open day begins a fortnight of planting opportunities for schools and community groups. All the plants have been specially selected to absorb pollutants and attract pollinators and an increased range of wildlife across the Hogsmill Local Nature Reserve.

The wetlands in Ewell now divert urban pollutants from the Green Lanes Stream away from the Hogsmill, one of only 200 chalk streams in the world. Once filtered water is fed back into the river just downstream of the famous Stepping Stones, another 5km of waterway is protected as it flows into south London all the way to the Thames.

Dr Bella Davies, Co-CEO of SERTDr Bella Davies, Co-CEO of SERT, said: “We’re thrilled to be giving the community the chance to learn all about Chamber Mead wetlands and crucially give people the chance to complete the project. The public have been very supportive of the wetlands from the start and adding plants is a wonderful opportunity to attract new wildlife not only to the water but the wider nature reserve. This will fulfill the potential of the wetlands to become another jewel in the crown of the reserve and make it an even bigger asset for the community. We’re excited to see the results in years to come on the Hogsmill, which should be a haven for brown trout, water voles and native crayfish, among other species which need our help in recovering their numbers.”

Councillor John Beckett, Chair of the Environment Committee at Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, said: “We are overjoyed to be able to join SERT on the Chamber Mead Wetlands Open Day, to celebrate the fantastic work that has been done here to boost biodiversity and reduce pollution in the Hogsmill River.  I hope that residents will join us to help complete the project, which will ensure the Hogsmill River Local Nature Reserve is a place where wildlife and nature can thrive, and one that we can enjoy for many years to come.”

Supported by the Hogsmill Catchment Partnership, the project has received funding from The Coca-Cola Foundation, Natural England (through the Species Recovery Programme), the Environment Agency, Surrey County Council, the Rivers Trust, the Zoological Society of London, Garfield Weston Foundation and Thames Water, with in-kind support from the landowner Epsom & Ewell Borough Council. The new wetlands are part of the wider Replenish programme in partnership with the Coca-Cola Foundation and the Rivers Trust. The aim of Replenish is to restore millions of litres of water in this and other local catchments, in turn improving biodiversity.

Chamber Mead Wetlands aerial view

An aerial view of the wetlands

Speeches will take place at 11:30am- 12noon.
These will be delivered by Jackie King, Chief Executive of Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, Dr Bella Davies, Co-CEO of the South East Rivers Trust, and  Mayor of Epsom & Ewell  Cllr Rob Geleit who will also cut the ribbon to officially open the wetlands.

Plants such as yellow flag iris have been chosen for their ability to take up nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorous. Meanwhile ragged robin and purple loosestrife will attract species such as butterflies, bees and damselfies, while brooklime, typical in chalk stream settings, will offer shelter for tadpoles and sticklebacks.

About the South East Rivers Trust

The South East Rivers Trust is an environmental charity bringing rivers and their catchments back to life. Working in 12 river catchments across the South East, the Trust connects communities and mobilises citizen scientists to educate and engage people on the importance of rivers, and supports and challenges stakeholders, businesses and individuals to protect them. The Trust uses data and evidence to target positive action and works with nature to make rivers healthy again. This includes tackling water pollution, addressing water scarcity, reconnecting rivers and restoring habitats.

For more information on the South East Rivers Trust visit their website www.southeastriverstrust.org/

 

 

 

Veteran Cars return to Surrey Countryside

Veteran Cars Gear Up For Another Superb Summer Run. Thursday 18 July 2024 confirmed for the curtain-raiser to the annual RM Sotheby’s London to Brighton Veteran Car Run

The Royal Automobile Club is delighted to confirm that this year’s eagerly-anticipated Summer Veteran Car Run will make a welcome return on Thursday 18 July.

The date was announced on the RM Sotheby’s London to Brighton Veteran Car Run stand at this week’s Retromobile classic car show in Paris, where the Veteran Car Run team is engaging with many of the historic event’s European participants.

The jolly single-day Summer Run was established in 2022 to provide owners of pioneering pre-1905 vehicles with an opportunity to enjoy their cars in the run-up to the annual RM Sotheby’s London to Brighton Veteran Car Run which, as tradition dictates, takes place on the first Sunday in November.

Having proven so popular with participants, the 2024 Summer Run will once again be based at the Club’s Woodcote Park clubhouse, 350 acres of wonderful countryside adjacent to the Epsom Downs in Surrey.

The magnificent veteran cars will assemble on the Cedar Lawn for morning refreshments before a leisurely departure onto the quieter roads of rural Surrey and Sussex heading for a pit stop and a well-earned lunch in a secluded location.

Afterwards, participants can enjoy a gentle return run to Woodcote Park for high tea followed by a light-hearted concours with unusual judging criteria followed by the prize-giving. The day’s proceedings will conclude with alfresco drinks (weather permitting!), before the Club’s Executive Head Chef serves a summer feast in the historic Motor House surrounded by the Club’s heritage vehicle collection.

The unique appeal and significance of the London to Brighton Run regularly attracts more than 400 entries from all over the world. However, the Summer Run is open to just 30 petrol, steam or even electric pioneers, and July’s showpiece is certain to attract another full capacity of truly remarkable machines, all dating back 120 years to the dawn of motoring.

Ben Cussons, Chairman of the Royal Automobile Club“The Summer Run has proved to be a wonderful warm-up for the RM Sotheby’s London to Brighton Veteran Car Run and now is firmly established as one of the most enjoyable highlights on our calendar,” confirmed Ben Cussons, Chairman of the Royal Automobile Club.

“The warmer weather of the Summer Run provides participants with a much more relaxed and sociable gathering at Woodcote Park, as well as a fabulous opportunity for veteran car owners to ready themselves and their cars for the main event later in the year. The camaraderie is exceptional and an ever-evolving route through the winding country roads will not only be enjoyed by the intrepid drivers and their passengers but also by those watching such a wonderful display of moving history.”

Full details of both the Summer Veteran Car Run and the 2024 RM Sotheby’s London to Brighton Veteran Car Run on Sunday 3 November are available at the event website at www.veterancarrun.com.

Take a look at our video below from 2022

The 2024 Route

Summer Run

Take a look back at the event in 2022 by clicking on our video below. 

Christmas At Hobbledown

Santa’s secret village comes to Hobbledown Epsom this Christmas! 

Hobbledown Epsom – the fantastical adventure park, zoo and indoor play – will be welcoming Santa’s Secret Village this festive season from the 25th November until 24th December. As the go-to family destination all year round, Hobbledown is brimming with outdoor adventures and captivating animal encounters for families of all ages.

From the moment you step onto these enchanted grounds, you will be surrounded by festivities. With every experience tailor-made to craft lasting memories with your loved ones, Hobbledown Epsom is ready to let you unwrap the magic and create cherished Christmas memories this year.

Guests will be able to immerse themselves in captivating festive tales during the heartwarming storytime sessions with Santa, embark on a treasure hunt through the realms of Hobbledown with the 12 Days of Christmas Hunt, enjoy watching special Reindeer Walks and explore the beautifully decorated play areas under twinkling lights.  While the General Admission ticket offers a fantastic way to revel in the festivities, the magic doesn’t end there. Hobbledown offers Christmas treats including:

  • Santa’s Grotto experience: step into Santa’s magical grotto and tell him all your Christmas wishes before being given a token to claim a free present from the Hobbledown Elves! For More Details CLICK HERE

  • Breakfast with Santa – savor a delicious breakfast, juice or hot drink. You can enjoy this while Father Christmas himself shares a heartwarming festive tale and you will also receive an exciting present! For More Details CLICK HERE

  • Elevate the Experience with Christmas Premium Experience  For an extra dose of magic, the premium package includes a private Grotto experience with Father Christmas and a visit to the Teddy Bear Workshop, allowing children to create their very own furry friend to take home. Guided by charming Elves who will also give children a special present For More Details CLICK HERE

Hobbledown’s Christmas offerings promise a season of enchantment, joy, and shared memories for families. Whether taking in the wonder of the Christmas Delights, crafting cherished cuddly companions in the Bear Workshop, embarking on a magical journey to meet Father Christmas, or indulging in a festive breakfast, Hobbledown Epsom is poised to make this Christmas a truly unforgettable experience for everyone.

For more information, visit www.hobbledown.com/epsom.  

Halloween Half-Term Activities

This Halloween there are plenty of events taking place to keep young and old busy this half term. Here are just a few suggestions.

Halloween Spooktacular – Aldershot & Farnbourugh For lots of freakishishly good fun this October, head to free Halloween Spooktacular events in Aldershot and Farnborough town centres!   The vampire vegetable nannies and their fang-tastic fruit & veggie babies are in town to celebrate Halloween! Visit the nannies for adventures at The Magic Shed, hunt hidden veggie vampire babies in a fangtastic trick or treat trail, create spooky potatoes at the creepy crafts station and seek out the frightful face painters. For More Details CLICK HERE

 Booklands Museum’s Air Heads half-term fun is full of exciting activities, including vintage bus rides, paper plane building and flying, an activity trail, and pedal planes and cars. Visitors can also learn about the museum’s fascinating history.For More Details CLICK HERE

Halloween fun for all the family at Chessington World of Adventure. Things are getting spoOoky once again at Chessington this October, with a FaBOOlous Halloween event for the whole family – join us on select October weekends and during half term. With entertainment for all ages, rides at dusk, Halloween fancy dress competitions AND a brand new trick-or-treat experience, Enchanted Hollow… we dare you not to miss out! For More Details CLICK HERE

N Family Club Halloween Party Chertsey inviting their neighbours to join us for their very first Halloween Party. Packed with ghoulish games, fang-tastic food and a frightfully fun disco – this party is one you and your mini-monsters won’t want to miss. Spooktactular costumes very welcome! For More Details CLICK HERE

Dorkers’ Spooktacular Halloween 21 October – 31 October A FREE fun event for the School Half-term , taking place across Dorking with 139 participating shops and premises. Look in the windows of any of the participating shops shown on this page. Somewhere in the window will be a card showing an Halloween character and number! Enter the number you see against the shop name on the form and fill in your details to take part in the prize draw. For More Details CLICK HERE

Epsom & Ewell Halloween Walks. There are several walks around Epsom town centre and Ewell village looking at the darker side of the area. Discovering haunted pubs, Witches and those who just won’t stay dead. Each walk is £5 per person and booking is required For More Details CLICK HERE

Go Epsom Freaky Friday on Friday 27th October with fun free events around the town centre including Uncle Doom and his piano, dancing skeletons and arts & crafts where you can design your own trick-or-treat tote bag. For More Details CLICK HERE  

Gatton Park Open Day – Halloween Wizards and Witches Sunday 29th Oct. Dare to join them for Halloween activities and a spooky trail around the grounds.  Ideal for younger children.  Themed refreshments are available to buy. Gardens open 12 noon – 5 pm For More Details CLICK HERE

Halloween at Hampton Court. Explore Henry VIII’s notoriously haunted palace for Halloween 2023, the spookiest time of the year at Hampton Court. This October half term, lose yourself in atmospheric projections and creepy sound effects as the palace is transformed by magical spells. For More Details Click Link 

Hobbleween at Hobbledown, Epsom. Put on your creepiest costume and come ready to take part in some scare-tastic fun at Hobbledown! Any tickets purchased for the dates listed above include all Hobble’ween celebrations, including Pumpkin trail, Fancy dress monster ball halloween show and story telling. For More Details CLICK HERE

Leatherhead Theatre Spooky Halloween Disco! on Tuesday 31st October.  The event is for children 8yrs+ and costs £20 per child. Price Includes Face-painting & tattoos & Glitter, Trick or Treat for every child, party games, DISCO & learn the THRILLER dance routine for a mini performance!  For More Details CLICK HERE

There is plenty going on at the Swan Centre, Leatherhead FREE Halloween Event on Tuesday 31st October.  An afternoon of spooktacular Halloween fun! Join them for frightful fun and frolics including 19ft Bat in the Costa Square, DJ Dracula’s Disco & Magic Shows, a Rodeo Pumpkin Ride and lots more all from  3:30pm – 6:30pm with FREE PARKING from 3pm. For More Information CLICK HERE

St Nicholas Centre, Sutton has soe some FANG-tastic events lined up this half-term. Including Lego Make & Take and a Halloween party. For More Details CLICK HERE

West Horsley Place Autumn Adventure Family Fun from Tuesday 24th Oct – 27th Oct There will be lots to keep you and your little ones busy at West Horsley Place this school holiday. Make-and-take drop in activities all week. Get arty and take your creation home with you or leave it to exhibit. Play garden games and run wild in 380 acres and a secret walled garden. For More Details CLICK HERE

For other events check our Events Calendar CLICK HERE

Have We Missed Your Events? If so list your event for FREE today CLICK HERE