We really are spoilt for choice when it comes to things to do in Surrey. And with half-term around the corner, there’s even more on offer. We’re lucky to have both Chessington and Thorpe Park in the county with farms, National Trust sites and museums within easy reach too. Here’s just a taste of what you can expect this May half-term.
We always have a great time at Bocketts Farm and there’s even more on there during half-term. Like having a go at juggling, plate spinning and juggling the circus skills workshop, watching the birds of prey demonstrations or getting creative in the craft corner. Or having a boogie in the Bubble Disco! Not forgetting, of course, feeding the animals, animal handling, goat milking, tractor rides and watching the famous pig race! We’re at Bocketts Farm regularly but here’s a post from one of our previous visits.
The National Trust has a wealth of activities on for kids over May half-term whether they fancy having fun in the great outdoors, making crafts or going back in time. Activities include the Terrific Tree Trail at Box Hill, a pirate-themed trail at Hatchlands Park, the Woodland Forest School at Polesden Lacey and experiencing what it was like as a servant in the 17th Century at Ham House. Not forgetting the new adventure play area at Winkworth Arboretum.
If you’ve not visited already, do have a look around the Sculpture Park in Churt. Sitting in ten acres of arboretum and wildlife inhabited water gardens, it’s a wonderful setting for both modern and contemporary sculptures. The Sculpture Park is said to have the finest and most extensive collection with 800 sculptures by 150 artists. The Sculpture Park welcomes “well behaved quiet children” – it is an outdoor art gallery after all. But fascinating for kids, POD loves her time there.
There are various events on at Brooklands Museum including vintage-style car rides, a Circus Science Workshop with hoola hoops, spinning plates and bouncing bubbles, and a Kids Tours on Concorde.
The British Wildlife Centre is open to the public throughout the May half-term (weekends and Bank Holidays only during term-time). It’s a fantastic place to visit with lots of animals to see and half-hourly keeper talks. From red squirrels, otters and hedgehogs to otters, badgers and owls. Find out about our first visit here.
There are four walking and two cycling trails aplenty at Alice Holt along with play areas and the Go Ape treetop adventure courses. Alice Holt Forest is somewhere we visit regularly, even more so since POD got her bike. You can read posts about Alice Holt here and Go Ape here.
We’ve been to Virginia Water Lake more frequently over recent months as POD has been mastering her cycling skills. It’s a great place to learn as the circular route around the lake is largely flat and easy to ride on. There is lots to look at along the way too with many trees to climb and a 100-foot totem pole to have a look at.
At G Live in Guildford, there are several workshops on over the half-term period. For children aged 8-14, there’s the Musical Moments Choir on 29th May. Kids will learn a variety of different exercises and vocal techniques with trained professionals before taking to the main stage for a live recording!
Or what about a magic carpet ride with a Dance in A Day: Arabian Nights-inspired routine? Taught by Nick from The Dance Movement, the look is completed with dazzling make-up with a performance in front of an invited audience. This workshop is for children aged 7-12 and takes place on 30th May. If dancing isn’t their thing, the Comedy Improv Masterclass on Friday 31st May might be a better option. Run by DDG Improv, children will get to tap into their imagination, make up stories and invent characters with an optional show-back at the end of the day.
