WHAT’S ON NEAR YOU IN JULY & AUGUST
RHS Garden Wisley
What’s on
All listings are correct at the time of publication. Please check with the venue before you visit in case anything has changed.
Across July and August
Wizard of Oz Perform Holiday Course at Richmond, Twickenham & Walton on Thames Perform are off to see the wizard this July and August. Children ages 4-10 can sing and dance their way down the yellow brick road in the Wizard of Oz holiday course. With colourful costumes, uplifting songs and dazzling dancing, your child will have the best fun of the summer as they bring this story to life. 020 7255 9120, enquiries@perform.org.uk Book online. www.perform.org.uk/wizard
Every Thu Storytime at The Alligator’s Mouth, Richmond
Drop in for new picture books and traditional rhymes read and performed by staff, 11am. www.thealligatorsmouth.co.uk
Every Sat ParkPlay at Osterley Park
A FREE two-hour long play session for everyone, starting 9.30am, registration required. www.park-play.com/parks/ greater-london
Every Sat & Sun Steam Train Rides at Hampton Kempton Waterworks Railway Train rides every half hour and picnic area open (not every Sat). Booking required. www.hamptonkemptonrailway. org.uk
Every Weekday & Sat
Get Crafty at the Museum of Richmond
FREE simple crafts including materials & instructions from 1pm Mon-Fri and all day Sat. www.museumofrichmond.com
Until 12 Jul
Story Explorers for Preschoolers at Polesden Lacey Story Explorers aims to engage your little ones with nature through stories and fun activities. The session begins in the charming old Stable Block with action rhymes. Normal admission applies. booking online advised. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ polesden-lacey
Sat 8 Jul
Mum2mum Nearly New Sale at Teddington Baptist Church Buy quality second hand and nearly new baby & children’s gear at pop-up market, 2-4pm. www.mum2mummarket.co.uk
Claygate Flower & Village Show
Traditional village fair includes children’s races, tug of war, fancy dress parade, funfair & farmyard animals. www.claygateflowershow.co.uk
St Margaret’s Fair Jam-packed full of fun that will keep the whole family thoroughly entertained. www.stmargaretsfair.org
Puffing-a-Wey at Dapdune Wharf
Steam powered launches and boats are expected to be at and around the wharf in central Guildford from 11am-5pm. https://bit.ly/NTDap
Sat 8 & Sun 9 Jul
Kingston Regatta
Watch thrilling rowing races from the country’s best on the banks of the Thames. www.kingstonregatta.co.uk
Mon 10 Jul
Little Explorers at Kew Gardens Fun, hands-on 90-minute learning sessions aimed at children ages 2-5. www.kew.org
Tue 11 Jul
Curious Tots at Orleans House For babies and pre-walking toddlers, sensory musical session with creative activities www.orleanshousegallery.org
Wed 12 Jul
Music and Movement at Kew Gardens Music-making, nature-inspired songs, dance and traditional rhymes for ages 3mths to 2yrs. www.kew.org
Wed 12 & Wed 28 Jul
Family Heritage Walk at Marble Hill Park Fun-filled morning, exploring Marble Hill’s history through play and exploring with the Playcentre team.
www.english-heritage.org.uk/ visit/places/marble-hill
Fri 14 Jul
Sensory Storytelling at The National Archives Kew Storyteller uses music, play and toys to excite and stimulate your child’s senses.
www.nationalarchives.gov.uk
Sat 15 Jul to Thu 31 Aug
Summer of Play at Polesden
Lacey
Head to the Crab Apple Orchard for a wide variety of fun, inspired by the 1923 visit of the King’s grandparents to Polesden. Follow in their footsteps and play tennis, create your own artistic masterpiece, or maybe crown yourselves Kings and Queens? Normal admission. No extra charge.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ polesden-lacey
Sat 15 Jul to Sun 3 Sep
Summer of Play at Claremont Landscape Garden
Pretend to be a prince or princess that once walked through the theatrical landscape. Make up a story and put on a play in front of the amphitheatre. Or get close to nature at Badger’s Basecamp. Different games fortnightly. Challenge your friends to a game of badminton, croquet or skittles and hop, skip, and jump your way through the garden with their skipping roles. Have a go at archery or family yoga (selected days) and take to the lake in a rowing boat (hire available Thurs to Sun). www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ claremont-landscape-garden
Sat 15 Jul to Mon 28 Aug
Jousting Events at Hever Castle
Knights of Royal England will be entertaining visitors with exhilarating displays of action, stunts, falls and fights in an authentic arena complete with a Royal Box. www.hevercastle.co.uk
Sun 16 Jul
Let’s Get Creative at Orleans House FREE creative family activity sessions for children ages 4-11. www.orleanshousegallery.org
Kingston Dragon Boat
Challenge
View the colourful exciting races from Canbury Gardens with children’s funfair and stalls. www.rotary-ribi.org
Fri 21 Jul
Museum Monkeys at Chertsey Museum
Join Charlie the Chimp for singing, stories and crafts for under 5s. www.chertseymuseum.org
Every Fri from 21 Jul to 25 Aug
Friday Fables at Syon House
Each Friday at 11am in Syon Gardens, join in an hour of storytelling, craft and music. www.syonpark.co.uk
Sat 22 Jul
Big Camp at Dapdune Wharf
Camp out under the stars on the island at Dapdune Wharf. Bonfire and barbeque available. Booking essential. https://bit.ly/NTDap
Sat 22 Jul to Mon 28 Aug
The Grand Bug & Pest Hotel
Hunt at RHS Garden Wisley
This summer, join Lloyd and friends at RHS Garden Wisley. Download Lloyd’s augmented reality Bug Hunt app and have fun on the Grand Bug & Pest Hotel Hunt trail. Meet all sorts of bugs on an animal encounter with Zoolab, enjoy Aardman model making and animation workshops, make goodies in a Lloyd of the Flies themed cookery class and enjoy all the delights of a day out at Wisley, including its glorious gardens, Battleston Hill and the Glasshouse. Normal admission. www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/ wisley
Perform in the Park
A magical festival of children’s theatre in the heart of London. Four fantastic musicals for children ages 2-14 plus evening events for teens. Set in a pop-up tent in Coram’s Fields WC1N 1DN, families can also enjoy the park with wide lawns and wonderful play areas. Bring a picnic or enjoy the charming all-day café.
www.performinthepark.org.uk
Summer Holiday Activities at London Museum of Water & Steam
Fun, hands-on activities from Wed to Sun (10am-4pm) plus Bank Holiday Monday. www.waterandsteam.org
Falconry Displays at Hever Castle
On selected days be entertained by the falconry displays twice per day. www.hevercastle.co.uk
Sat 22 Jul to Sat 2 Sep
Brooklands Marvellous Inventions at Brooklands Museum
Join Brooklands this Summer to discover marvellous inventions, inspired by the brand-new Barnes Wallis exhibition. Including a family workshop, trail around site, pedal planes, Concorde walkthroughs, traditional games and more. All ages. Visit website to book. www.brooklandsmuseum.com
Sat 22 Jul to Sun 3 Sep
Nautical Adventures at Hatchlands Park
Visit the games tent with its sand table, cannon ball throwing
Summer fun with the National Trustand dressing up box (10am4pm). www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ hatchlands-park
Summer of Play at Hatchlands Park
Try your hand at volleyball, badminton, football, tennis or challenge friends to a sack or hopper race. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ hatchlands-park
Summer of Play at Hindhead Commons Challenge friends and family to free fun and games such as volley ball, football or bowls on the green near the view point. www.bit.ly/NTHhead
Heroes & Villains at Hever Castle
Take part in a series of hands-on activities and challenges as part of Heroes and Villains School. www.hevercastle.co.uk
My Life Tree Trail at Box Hill
Follow a trail through the woods and discover what was happening in the world when some of our most notable trees were just saplings. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ box-hill
Sun 23 Jul
Brooklands Classic Gathering & Auto Jumble at Brooklands Museum
The annual celebration filled with classic vehicles and retro memorabilia. Bring your Classic, no matter what make and there will be a Brooklands Award in each category for best-presented vehicles, as well as a special Club stand award and Overall Car of the Show. All ages. www.brooklandsmuseum.com
Sun 23 Jul & Sun 27 Aug
Public Running Days at Thames Ditton Miniature Railway
Take a ride, have a picnic - but make sure you book. www.malden-dsme.org
Tue 25 Jul
Time Travel Club at The National Archives Kew
Learn how to code and create 3D models in this unique workshop with Code Kids. www.nationalarchives.gov.uk
Mon 31 Jul to Sat 5 Aug
Step On Stage Musical Theatre Summer School at St James Church, Hampton Hill
Juniors ages 5-10 will sing, dance and act their way through Chitty Chitty Bang Bang whilst Seniors ages 11-16 years will enjoy rehearsing and performing Legally Blonde. Workshops will run 9.30am to 3.30pm daily with a fabulous production on the last day for friends and family. 07973 100196, info@ steponstage.co.uk www.steponstageacademy. co.uk
Tue 1 Aug
Time Travel Club at The National Archives Kew
Join in a special workshop with local STEM specialists, Inventors and Makers. www.nationalarchives.gov.uk
Tue 1 Aug to Fri 4 Aug
Let’s Get Creative at Orleans House
Free creative family activity sessions for children ages 4-11 years.
www.orleanshousegallery.org
Tue 1 Aug to Thu 31 Aug
Summer of Play at Dapdune Wharf
Join in a summer of play including pond dipping, bug hunting and den building. https://bit.ly/NTDap
Wed 2 Aug to Sun 6 Aug
Henry VIII’s Joust at Hampton Court Palace
Be dazzled by a real Tudor joust at the home of Henry VIII. www.hrp.org.uk/hamptoncourt-palace
Sun 6 Aug
Time Travel Club at The National Archives Kew Let’s Get Inventing! Explore the world of inventions past, present and future.
www.nationalarchives.gov.uk
Tue 8 Aug
Time Travel Club at The National Archives Kew Join Fire the Inventor in this interactive workshop and engineer a moving toy or automata. www.nationalarchives.gov.uk
Tue 8 Aug to Fri 25 Aug
Get Crafty at the Museum of Richmond Pretty Patchwork: turn simple scraps into something special using a WWII dress as inspiration. www.museumofrichmond.com
Sat 12 Aug
Sensory Friendly Pond Dipping at London Wetland Centre
Autism and sensory friendly sessions at the quietest part of the day. Booking required. www.wwt.org.uk/wetlandcentres/london
Summer Fun Day at Polka Theatre
Free fun activities for the whole family. 9.30am to 5pm. www.polkatheatre.com
Sun 13 Aug
Brooklands French Day at Brooklands Museum
A day devoted to all things French as Brooklands welcomes a host of French cars and motorbikes. It’s not just French Cars and bikes that will be filling up the site, the Paddock will be alive with themed entertainment, food and memorabilia. www.brooklandsmuseum.com
Sat 19 Aug
Bach to Baby Half Term Concert in Twickenham
Specially designed programme of classical music for the whole. www.bachtobaby.com
Sat 19 to Sun 20 Aug
Steaming Weekend at Kempton Steam Museum
Watch these unique and enormous ancient steam engines in action. www.kemptonsteam.org
Sat 19 Aug to Mon 28 Aug
Mini Golf at Polesden Lacey
Join in a game of pop-up mini golf as Polesden celebrates the visit of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth to Polesden in 1923, where they began their honeymoon and enjoyed a game of golf in the gardens. Normal admission + £3pp. Pre-booking advised.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ polesden-lacey
Tue 22 to Fri 25 Aug Family Workshop at the Museum of Richmond Easy Embroidery: have a go at some simple sewing techniques and get creative. www.museumofrichmond.com
Sat 26 Aug to Mon 28 Aug Hever in History at Hever Castle
Immerse yourself in different periods of history with encampments and reenactments from the Middle Ages to as recent as 20th Century. www.hevercastle.co.uk
Hampton Court Palace Food Festival
Family fun from face painting,
children’s arts and crafts, traditional games, plus sixty acres of gardens and a whole palace to explore.
www.hrp.org.uk/hamptoncourt-palace
Sun 6 Sep
Time Travel Club at The National Archives Kew
The National Physical Laboratory brings its enthusiasm to the subject of measuring science and atomic clocks.
www.nationalarchives.gov.uk
CHILDREN'S THEATRE
THE EXCHANGE, TWICKENHAM
www.exchangetwickenham. co.uk
The Three Little Pigs 22 & 23 Jul
Full of singing, dancing, counting, phonics and madcap fun in this interactive show.
GARRICK THEATRE, LONDON WC2
www.nimaxtheatres.com/ theatres/garrick-theatre
Horrible Histories Live on Stage!
Terrible Tudors, 27 Jul-2 Sep www.terribletudors.com
We all want to meet people from history. The trouble is everyone is dead! Terrible Tudors is back with the hit West End show for a second sensational year. From the horrible Henries to the end of evil Elizabeth, hear the legends (and the lies!) about the torturing Tudors. Find out the fate of Henry’s headless wives and his punch up with the Pope. Meet Bloody Mary and see Ed fall dead in his bed. Survive the Spanish Armada as it launches their attack. It’s history with the nasty bits left in! Age recommendation: 5-105
NEW WIMBLEDON THEATRE www.atgtickets.com/newwimbledon-theatre
Milkshake! Live 29 Jul
Join your Milkshake! friends for this spectacular new show.
POLKA THEATRE, WIMBLEDON www.polkatheatre.com
The Everywhere Bear
27 May to 13 Aug
Rhyme, original music and expressive puppets fun and exciting stage adaptation. Ages 3-7
Hairy 1 Jul to 20 Aug
Laugh-out-loud comedy for Hairies ages 6-12 years and their families.
toooB 19 to 27 Aug
An enchanting wordless show for 6-24-month-olds and their grown-ups.
AUGUST
The Bag that Went BOO! at Watermans Theatre
OSO ARTS CENTRE, BARNES www.osoarts.org.uk
Comedy Club 4 Kids 15 Jul
Top stand-ups and sketch acts do their thing for children (ages 6+) and their families.
RICHMOND THEATRE www.atgtickets.com/ richmond-theatre
Milkshake! Live 20 Aug
Join your Milkshake! friends for this spectacular new show.
THE ROSE THEATRE, KINGSTON www.rosetheatre.org
Zog 12 to 6 Jul
A bright colourful musical to capture the magic of theatre.
Ages 3+
Fireman Sam Saves the Circus 21 to 28 Aug
Join Fireman Sam and friends for all singing, dancing, actionpacked show. Ages 3+
Blippi The Wonderful World Tour 29 Aug to 9 Sep
Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour, a new show, sees the return of the vivacious, energetic and educational antics of global sensation Blippi. Following the success of the 2023 Olivier Award nominated debut show, Blippi: The Musical, Blippi is coming to your city for the ultimate curiosity adventure!
Ages 2+
WATERMANS THEATRE, BRENTFORD www.watermans.org.uk
The Bag That Went BOO!
Wed 26 Jul
The delightfully comic story of a little red bag that jumps out of a brown paper bag – what in the world is it? Where is it going? Join Watermans for a fantastical journey of paper bag proportions, dive into the sea and travel to the land of snow. Watch out for a giant paper bag wandering about making strange noises. Showtimes: 1pm & 3pm. Ages 3-8
Horrible Histories Live on Board!
Terrible Thames from Tower Bridge Quay, London www.terriblethames.com
This Summer don’t miss London’s best river tour for families, Horrible Histories –Terrible Thames! Take a dive with Horrible Histories into the stories of King Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn, Julius Caesar, Queen Boudicca, Jack the Ripper and Captain Kidd, in this history of the Thames with the nasty bits left in! ‘It’s fantastic - one of the best things to do in London with kids’. Globe Trotting. Whether you love Horrible Histories or just want a sightseeing tour of the Thames, this is the trip for you and your family. Sailings until the end of Oct. All ages.
BOX HILL
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/ surrey/box-hill
Smoking Apples present Arbor
Sun 20 & 27 Aug
Family-friendly FREE outdoor puppet theatre with an environmental theme (11am & 3pm). No booking required.
CLAREMONT LANDSCAPE GARDEN
nationaltrust.org.uk/claremontlandscape-garden
Robin Hood Mon 17 Jul
From the earliest ballads of Robin Hood, some pre-dating Chaucer, Illyria has created a fast-moving, fun-packed family show. Ages 5+ (younger children welcome).
Peter Pan Sat 12 Aug
Let your imagination soar with this timeless tale of hapless pirates, feral children and a particularly punctual reptile. This show isn’t just for kids; its brilliant buffoonery will have picnickers of all ages cackling into their coleslaw. It’s one flight of fancy you don’t want to miss!
Outdoor Cinema – Fri 28 to Sun 30 Jul
Three nights of outdoor cinema brought to us by Pop-up Screens including 90’s teen romantic comedy, 10 Things I Hate About You, Dirty Dancing and The Greatest Showman.
DORKING HALLS
www.dorkinghalls.co.uk
Plays in the Park
Bad Dad LIVE Sat 8 Jul
Open air adaptation of David Walliams’ Bad Dad. A heartwarming tale. Ages 7+
HAM HOUSE
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hamhouse-and-garden
Wind in the Willows Sun 30 Jul
Join Mole, Ratty and Badger on their adventures as they take over Ham House.
HATCHLANDS PARK
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ hatchlands-park
The Wizard of Oz Fri 25 Aug Audience participation, dazzling costumes, an original script and plenty of laughter. Showtime: 6pm.
HEVER CASTLE
www.hevercastle.co.uk
The Festival Theatre 1 to 30 Aug
Open-air festival set in the gardens of Hever Castle. Located in three open-air theatre venues, the festival presents a wide selection of shows: family events, plays, classical concerts, opera, jazz, comedy and musical tribute performances.
HINDHEAD COMMONS
www.bit.ly/NTHhead
Smoking Apples presents Arbor Sun 30 Jul & Sun 13 Aug Family-friendly FREE outdoor puppet theatre with environmental theme. No booking required.
KEW GARDENS
www.kew.org
Alice in Wonderland 22 Jul to 28 Aug (Wed-Sun)
Enter a fantastical world inhabited by curiouser and curiouser characters in Kew Gardens.
Kew the Movies 30 Aug to 3 Sep
Five days of cinema al fresco style with films ranging from Top Gun: Maverick, the heartwarming adventure of Moana, box office smash Avatar: The Way of Water, and more.
MORDEN HALL PARK
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ morden-hall-park
Wizard of Oz Fri 28 Jul & Tue 1 Aug
This summer, the beautiful Rose Garden is hosting a special production of the Wizard of Oz. Click your heels and ease on down the yellow brick road as Immersion Theatre proudly presents a brand new adaptation of the story. 1.30pm and 4.30pm. Ages 4+
The Tale of Peter Rabbit Fri 4 to Sun 6 Aug
An enchanting new adaptation of two of Beatrix Potter’s bestloved Tales, The Tales of Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny. 11am and 2pm. Ages 3+
Bad Dad Thu 17 & Fri 18 August
Adaptation of the acclaimed David Walliams book and
theatre production of Bad Dad in the Rose Garden. Showtime: 6.30pm. Ages 7+
Doctor Dolittle Fri 25 Aug
Tethered Wits brings this beloved story of the extraordinary animal doctor to life using stunning puppetry. Showtime: 4pm. Ages 3+
OSTERLEY PARK & HOUSE
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ osterley-park-and-house
Bad Dad Thu 3 Aug
Open air adaptation of the acclaimed David Walliams book. Alice in Wonderland Sun 13 Aug
Join Alice as she explores Wonderland and meets all the characters we know and love.
PAINSHILL OUTDOOR THEATRE www.painshill.co.uk
The Ugly Duckling Sat 26 Aug
Enjoy this wonderful open-air, family musical. Ages 2-10.
POLESDEN LACEY SUMMER THEATRE www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ polesden-lacey
Romeo & Juliet Sat 8 & Sun 9 Jul
Set on the streets of Northern Ireland’s capital in 1998, the year that the Good Friday agreement was signed. From ancient grudge break to new mutiny, a pair of star-crossed lovers take their lives.
Pop-up Shakespeare Sat 12 & Fri 18 Aug
Join Polesden for a humorous take on The Bard’s most famous works, performed throughout the afternoon around the formal gardens. Normal admission.
Adventure Cinema Thu-Sun 20 to 23 Jul
An eclectic mix of classics, musicals, big blockbusters and family films to enjoy under the sun and stars. So buy a ticket, pack your picnic, chairs and blanket and enjoy an evening of cinema in stunning surroundings.
Thu 20 Jul - Pretty Woman (15); Fri 21 Jul - Top Gun: Maverick (12); Sat 22 Jul - Mamma Mia! (PG); Sun 23 Jul - The Greatest Showman sing-a-long (PG).
YVONNE ARNAUD THEATRE, GUILDFORD
www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk
Around the World in 80 Days
11-15 Jul
Brand-new comedy drama for families who love circus, dance and adventure too, ages 5+
Disney’s Winnie the Pooh Fri & Sat 11 to 12 Aug
Join your favourite characters in this beautifully crafted musical stage adaptation, all ages.
OUTDOOR THEATRE & ENTERTAINMENT