Nature Discovery Centre Nature Tots When: 8th ,9th, 10th January Explore the nature reserve and enjoy wildlife-themed activities suitable for children aged 18 months to 4 years. Activities take place outdoors and we recommend appropriate clothing for all weathers. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Corn Exchange Cinema 10th - Dora the Great at Corn Exchange Cinema 17th - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles - Corn Exchange Cinema 24th  -  Wild Robot  - Corn Exchange Cinema Chieveley Village Hall Pantomime When: 11 January. 14:00-16:00 Chieveley Village Hall presents Dick Whittington performed by Chaplins Pantos4Kids. Perfect for ages 3-12 The Base Arts, Crafts and Music Little Artists Afternoon Club- The Base When: 15th, 22nd and 29th January Join The Base for this fun, creative after school club for children aged 7-11. Each week, they will focus on a different themes or creations, using a range of arts and craft techniques. At the end of the session, participants can take their masterpiece home. Songs and Stories in the Gallery When: 17th and 22nd January Welford Park Snow Drops When: 28th January - throughout February. The Magical Snowdrop walk at Welford Park starts on the 28th of January and continues throughout February. It is the most magical experience and a lovely outing for the whole family.

Christmas is nearly here! Have you chosen your tree, booked a panto, or made any gingerbread houses yet? It’s such a magical time of year for children, and there is plenty happening across West Berkshire to keep everyone entertained in the weeks ahead. Robin Hood and Maid Marian Panto Where: Corn Exchange, Newbury When: 8 November 2025 – Ends on Saturday 3 January 2026 Price: Peak Price £26.50 - £33.75 / Off-Peak Price £23.75 - £30 / Preview £19.25 / Adult Nights £30.75 - £33.75 / Schools £13 / Ages 0 - 18 months £1 Babe in arms ticket Step into the magical forest of Newburyshire and join the swashbuckling hero Robin and his band of merry outlaws at this years Panto at The Corn Exchange Tots Create, Corn Exchange Learning Centre Where: Corn Exchange Learning Centre When: 4th December Price: £7 per session (1 adult and 1 child) Stay and play sessions filled with arts, crafts, music and imaginative play Nature Tots: Winter Celebration - Nature Discovery Centre Where: Nature Discovery Centre, Thatcham When: 4th & 5th December Price: £8 per child & booking fee. This event is for children 18 months - 4 years old (confident walkers) Join the Nature Tots staff and volunteers to explore the nature reserve and enjoy wildlife themed activities. Thatcham Light Switch on Where: Thatcham When: 5th December Entertainment starts at 5pm Young Rangers - Nature Discovery Centre Where: Nature Discovery Centre When: 6th December 14:00-16:00 A wildlife club for 8 – 11 year olds. Wildlife and seasonal themed activities for children to explore and engage in the great outdoors! Sessions last for 2 hours and are packed full of fun games and activities to teach you all about the fantastic natural world that surrounds you Teen Rangers - Nature Discovery Centre Where: Nature Discovery Centre When: 6th December 10:30am - 12:30pm Price: £8 per child & booking fee. A wildlife club for 11-17 year olds who have an interest in wildlife and conservation. Kids' Mache Gingerbread House Decorating Where: Hobby Craft, Newbury When: 6th, 13th, 20th December Price: £12 This mache gingerbread house project is a great way to get the seasonal fun started and it’ll teach children all about making with mache.All participants will walk away with a gingerbread house that’s ready for display Family Willow Decoration Making Where: The Base When: 6th December 14:00-16:00 Price: £15 Age Guide: Suitable for ages 6+ (Children must be accompanied by one adult). Fun for all the family, make willow trees, stars and mini reindeer to decorate your tree and home this Christmas. Kids' Clay Christmas Characters Bauble Making Workshop Where: Hobbycraft, Newbury When: 6th, 7th, 14th, 21st December Price: £10 Little ones will love getting creative with modelling clay! This fun, relaxing project allows kids to embrace the holiday spirit and enjoy crafting up to two designs, depending on time. Santa  and Me, Blue Beetle ceramics Where: Blue Beetle Ceramics When: 6th December 15:00 All children will have a tree ornament to paint themselves. There will be a Santa & Me personalised dinner plate or Hot Chocolate Mug, with your child's and Santa's handprint or finger prints, and there will be a gift from Santa to take home on the day. Santas Grotto - Greenham Community Centre Where: Greenham Community Centre When: 6th December See Santa at the Greenham Community Centre Christmas Fayre Winter Wreath Making - Adults Where: Nature Discovery Centre When: 7th December.  10:00-12:00 and 13:00-15:00 Price: £38 per adult, includes wreath and materials as well as a drink and festive snack. Get creative and enjoy making a beautiful, natural, festive wreath at The Nature Discovery Centre, Thatcham. Shaw House Christmas Fair Where: Shaw House Newbury When: 7th December Over 70 stalls of locally made gifts, food & drink, decorations and crafts — perfect for Christmas shopping and festive browsing Breakfast with Santa - Renegade Brewer y Where: Renegade Brewery When: 7th and 14th December . Price: £16.50 per person Enjoy a family breakfast with a visit from Father Christmas. Includes a festive pack and gift from Santa. Christmas Show - The Little Play Lounge   Where: Little Play Lounge When: 12th & 13th December Search For Santa - a magical Christmas show, written specifically for the EYFS. Go on a magical adventure in nursery rhyme land to find Santa, but who will we meet along the way this year?​ Festive Stories and Songs - Nature Discovery Centre Where:Nature Discovery Centre When: 12th December - Morning and Afternoon Sessions Price: £3 Snuggle up on beanbags and enjoy some seasonal stories and songs followed by a drink and a biscuit Hungerford Victorian Extravaganza Where: Hungerford When: 12th December from 17:00 All the fun of a Victorian evening. Free entry. Fun fair, steam engines, music, parade, Santa's Grotto and much more Woolton Hill Christmas Tractor Run Where: Woolton Hill When: 13th December from 16:30 Children's Christmas Cards and Crafts - Nature Discovery Centre Where: Nature Discovery Centre When:  13th December  10:00am - 3:00pm Make a range of festive cards and crafts, incorporating natural materials Santa Meet and Greet - Tiny Town Cafe  Where: Tiny Town Cafe, Newbury When: 13th, 19th, 20th December Each children's ticket includes a personal meet and greet with Santa, reindeer food, a gift to take home, arts and crafts, photo ops and baby chino. Santa Sessions at The Little Play Lounge Where: The Little Play Lounge When: 15th-19th December Price: Adults - £3.50. Little ones - £15 Join the Little Play Lounge for a Christmassy session with a special story from a friendly elf and present from Santa! Children's Festive Printmaking Where: The Base Greenham, Lookout Studio When: 13th December, 14:00-16:00 Price: £15 per child Using soft, easy-to-carve printmaking foam, children will explore fun new techniques as they create their own festive-themed prints. It’s a wonderful opportunity to spark creativity, develop artistic skills, and craft colourful artwork to celebrate the Christmas season. Festival of Light 2025 Where: Newbury Town Centre When: 14 Dec (from 4 pm) A magical, lantern procession through Newbury — a fantastic way to enjoy the winter evening with lights, music and community spirit. Beauty and her Prince Where: Shaw House When: 14th December (3 performances) Price: £10 An enchanting royal visit from Beauty and her Prince. The royal couple will delight young audiences with a fun sing-a-long, themed games and story time. Suitable for 3-7 year olds but younger and older children are welcome. Bucklebury Farm Father Christmas Grotto Where: Bucklebury Farm When: 6/7th, 13th/14th, 19th, 20th, 21st/22nd & 23rd December Price: £16 per child ticket - this ticket doesn't include General Admission. A General Admission ticket to the farm MUST be purchased alongside this ticket for all attending (including adults). Meet Father Christmas in his cosy grotto. Receive a special festive gift straight from the North Pole. Enjoy magical Christmas activities full of sparkle, laughter & cheer. Plus, festive treats and farm fun for the whole family!  A Date with Father Christmas - Cobbs Play Barn Where: Cobbs Play Barn Hungerford When: 19th December - 10:00, Sunday 21 December -15:00 Children’s Food - Santa Snack Box Fresh Pastry or Sausage Roll & Hot Drink for Adults Festive Table Games Free Play in the Play Barn A Meeting with Father Christmas & a Gift to Take Home Messy Museum Morning: Festive Fun Where: West Berkshire Museum When: 19th December Price: £2.50 Decorate a festive themed ceramic decoration with porcelain pens.Suitable for 7-11 year olds, but younger and older children are welcome Yattendon Santa Dash Where: Yattendon When: 21st December Join the Santa Fun run through Yattendons Christmas trees Childrens Magic Show Where: Shaw House When: 21st December . 11am, 12.30 and 3pm Price: Child £8, Accompanying Adult FREE Featuring Mr Muddle the charming, if muddlesome, magician who captivates and amazes children with his comical slapstick magic. Exciting antics with wands and balloons will fill the party with fun and enjoyment. Christmas Climbing Where: Waterside Centre When: 22nd December . Juniors (8–11yrs): 11:30am–12:30pm Youth (12+): 3:30pm–4:30pm. Only £10 per person Join the Waterside Centre for a festive climbing session Circus Extravaganza Where:  Upper Basildon When: 27th December Price: £9 (under 2's free) This is the little circus with the big hits, where the children become the stars! Doors will open 30 minutes before your performance and there will be a free circus workshop up until 5 minutes before the show. Christmas Themed Forest School Session Where: Nature Discovery Centre When: 29th December 10:00-11:30 Price: £15 for 1 adult & 1 child. (Siblings under 1 go free!) Christmas-themed Forest School activities Mud-kitchen festive creations, a campfire, campfire snack. Christmas crafts & Woodland play for little adventurers (6 and under).

Christmas crafts are always great fun, but they also make wonderful, heartfelt gifts that show you care. Crafting can also be a great activity for the whole family — kids, parents, and even grandparents can join in the festive fun. There are many places to get creative over the next few months, for both adults and children CRAFTS: Christmas Cards & Wrapping paper Printing - City Arts - (Adults Where: City Arts, Newbury When: Friday 7 November, 18:30 to 20:30 Price:£40 Create hand printed cards, gift tags/ wrapping paper in this seasonal workshop Clay Creation- Gingerbread House Where: Blue Beetle Ceramics. Thatcham When: 14 November 2025, 19:00 – 22:00. 15 November 10:00 – 12:15 Price: £35 Join Blue Beetle Ceramics for a Clay Creation session where you can create your own Gingerbread House Children’s Glass Fusing – Christmas Decorations - City Arts Where: City Arts, Newbury When: Saturday 15 November. 15:30-16:30 Price : £24 This workshop is aimed at children 5 – 11 years old. Make a unique glass decoration panel with reindeer, snowman or Christmas tree, created using coloured glass and frit (small glass pieces). Your design can be mounted on a tea light holder or drilled to hang on a tree. Festive Clay Decorations - The Base Where: The Base When: Saturday 15th November 10:00-12:00 Price: £20 Age guide: 6 - 12 years (Children must be accompanied by an adult) These fun family sessions are perfect for creating unique gifts or Christmas tree decorations. Ceramic Bauble Decorating Where: Hobbycraft, Newbury When: 19th, 26th November Price: £30 This is a great way to explore your creativity at Christmas, and you’ve got total creative freedom to add the patterns you like best. Make up to two baubles during the workshop itself, with six included in the craft kit in total for you to continue with in your own time. Crystal Glaze Christmas Tree Where: Blue Beetle Ceramics, Thatcham When: 20 November, 13:30 – 15:30 and 21 November, 19:00 – 21:30. 22 November 10:15 – 12:15 Price: £30 Christmas Tree painting using specialist Crystal Glazes or Elements Glazes Christmas Tree Workshop Where: Ugly Duckling Pottery When: 20th November, 19:00 – 21:00 Price:£36 Learn how to shape and decorate a charming Christmas Tree from clay - perfect as a table centrepiece, ornament, or heartfelt handmade gift. Millets Farm Centre - Build a Snowman Where: Millets Farm Centre, Abingdon When: 20th, 21st, 22nd December Price: £19.99 per child Children will craft their own Teddy Snowman to take home with them. Included is a Teddy ready for stuffing, festive biscuit and drink, and festive entertainment Christmas Pud Bauble Where: Ugly Duckling, Newbury When: 27th November, 19:00 – 20:30 Price: £25 Sip, Paint & Sparkle: Christmas Bauble Workshop! Watercolour Workshop: Christmas Watercolours - Nature Discovery Centre (Adults) Where: Nature Discovery Cen tre When: Friday 28 November, 10:00 - 13:00 Price: £33 per adult plus booking fee Learn how to mix colours, use different brushes and tools (and even a bit of simple printing) to create lovely illustrative images inspired by the winter festive season. These can be used for cards, wall art, or simply kept in your sketchbook Kids' Mache Gingerbread House Decorating Where: Hobby Craft, Newbury When: 6th,13th,20th December Price: £12 This mache gingerbread house project is a great way to get the seasonal fun started and it’ll teach children all about making with mache.All participants will walk away with a gingerbread house that’s ready for display Family Willow Decoration Making Where: The Base When: Saturday 6th December 14:00-16:00 Price: £15 Age Guide: Suitable for ages 6+ (Children must be accompanied by one adult). Fun for all the family, make willow trees, stars and mini reindeer to decorate your tree and home this Christmas. Kids' Clay Christmas Characters Bauble Making Workshop Where: Hobbycraft, Newbury When: 6th, 7th, 14th, 21st December Price: £10 Little ones will love getting creative with modelling clay! This fun, relaxing project allows kids to embrace the holiday spirit and enjoy crafting up to two designs, depending on time. Children's Festive Printmaking Where: The Base Greenham, Lookout Studio When: Saturday 13th December, 14:00-16:00 Price: £15 per child Using soft, easy-to-carve printmaking foam, children will explore fun new techniques as they create their own festive-themed prints. It’s a wonderful opportunity to spark creativity, develop artistic skills, and craft colourful artwork to celebrate the Christmas season. WREATH MAKING (OLDER CHILDREN AND ADULTS): Traditional Christmas Wreath Making Where: Hobbycraft, Newbury When: 21st, 25th, 28th November Price: £32 You’ll come away with the perfect decoration to suit the festive season! Display it on your front door and impress all the neighbours.   The Hidden Gem Cafe Wreath Making Where: The Hidden Gem Cafe, Thatcham When: 26th November 19:00-21:30 Price: £40 per head Wreath Making Workshop Where: Broadway House, Newbury, RG14 1BA When: Friday, 28th November, 19:00-21:30 Price: £40 Wreathmaking Workshop in support of Home-Start West Berkshire, an organisation dedicated to helping local families during challenging times. This will be the perfect pre-Christmas event to get you in the festive spirit. Participants will have the opportunity to craft their own beautiful wreath, perfect for adorning their front doors this Christmas. Christmas Wreath Making Where:The Base, Greenham When: Saturday, 29th November, 10:00-12:00 Price: sold out Led by Caroline Thomas from Bramble Cottage, you can enjoy making your own floral wreath to adorn your front door while enjoying a mince pie and festive drink. Winter Wreath Making - Nature Discovery Centre Where: Nature Discovery Centre When: Sunday 30 November Using natural materials harvested from the reserve, come along and enjoy a relaxing couple of hours getting creative with willow and winter foliage to produce a beautiful wreath to take away and decorate your home Christmas Wreath Making Where: Shaw House When: 9,10,11 December 10:00-12:00 Price: £55 Come along and join in the festive fun creating your own bespoke Christmas wreath. You will learn how to master the technique of mossing your own wreath and then add seasonal foliage. To decorate there will be a selection of dried fruits and cinnamon sticks, fir cones, baubles and ribbons. Festive Wreath Making with Pitt Cottage Flowers Where: Malverleys When: Friday 5th December – 5:30pm. Saturday 6th December – 10:00am. Sunday 7th December – 10:00am Price: £75 Bring the beauty of the season into your home with a handcrafted wreath from our festive workshops at Malverleys, led by the talented Pitt Cottage Flowers. Over two hours, you’ll learn how to create a stunning seasonal wreath using an abundant mix of fresh foliage, textured greenery, and natural adornments. THEATRE Robin Hood and Maid Marian Panto Where: Corn Exchange Newbury When: Friday 28 November 2025 – Ends on Saturday 3 January 2026 Price: eak Price £26.50 - £33.75 / Off-Peak Price £23.75 - £30 / Preview £19.25 / Adult Nights £30.75 - £33.75 / Schools £13 / Ages 0 - 18 months £1 Babe in arms ticket Step into the magical forest of Newburyshire and join the swashbuckling hero Robin and his band of merry outlaws at this years Panto at The Corn Exchange.

A blog post written by a West Berkshire Family, Dan and Kerry Whiteway, that are helping to raise awareness about paternity leave. The UK government is currently consulting on what UK parents are entitled to as paternity leave. And about time too – it is more than 20 years that this was last reviewed. And you can tell. The two weeks paid paternity leave dads are entitled to is less than half the minimum wage (it is £187.18 per week, for those keeping score). It is the worst in Europe. And this isn’t just an issue for dads. Non-birthing partners get the same package. And if you’re self-employed you get NOTHING . Speaking on a personal level, I was lucky enough to be able to take an extra two weeks of annual leave after the birth of our daughter in 2021. A) not all new dads are able to do that (it is hard enough to make it work financially just for two weeks of statutory pay) and B) even four weeks was nowhere near enough time to adjust to your entire life changing. I distinctly remember two clear things from those first two weeks being back at work: The feelings of guilt whenever I walked out the front door or was sat on a call when I was WFH and hearing my partner struggling in the living room. The overwhelming sense that I was doing neither parenting properly or my job properly. Nothing I could do in either role was enough. I was letting my wife, our child and my work down all at once. My partner had a traumatic post-birth experience – she would go on to be diagnosed with PTSD and it took her about 18 months of hard work to feel herself again – and it took me about 12-18 months to figure out that a real shift in my mental wellbeing was probably a direct result of witnessing her traumatic experience. With that bit of added paternity leave, maybe we both would have had the opportunity to confront the mental health issues we were experiencing and get the help we both needed. All of the above are basically a checklist of what the knock-on effects of terrible paternity leave are: Mental health problems for both mums and dads/ non-birthing partners? CHECK. Financial concerns? CHECK. Parental worry about building a strong relationship with your child? CHECK Feeling unable to speak up as a father as your partner bares the brunt of the load and the struggle? CHECK. When you add all of this up, is it surprising that 45% of dads experience multiple symptoms of depression in the first year of parenthood , and recent devastating research  has shown two to three babies lose their dads to suicide every week in the UK? That’s unacceptable. Especially as 82% of new dads say improving paternity leave is the single biggest thing the government could do to help . The time for change is now. It is not the 1950s anymore – dads are rightly expected to be fully present, equal parents. But our paternity leave system is stuck and does not empower dads to do this. The mum’s side of the story In 2021 my husband and I welcomed our beautiful baby girl into the world. Shortly after giving birth and experiencing that rush of love and happiness of being new parents, complications occurred and I was whisked off to theatre, taken away from my husband and daughter who was not even an hour old. The traumatic experience I went through, led me to being diagnosed with PTSD. I also struggled with post-natal depression. When returning home from the hospital, I realised within a couple of weeks that I wasn’t feeling the way I thought I should. I was able to reach out to my doctor and receive medication and signposting for PND support, however the thing I wanted and needed the most, was my husband. He knew me, he witnessed what I went through, and I needed him at home with me and our daughter to help me though a really difficult time. The fact was, he couldn’t be at home, he had to be at work so we had enough money coming in to pay the bills and keep the roof over our heads. I could see he was struggling, but I was struggling, and it felt like a crack was growing between us and a lack of communication and understanding forming. If he had been able to be at home with me for longer, we would have had more time for each other, more time for ourselves to self-reflect and work through our struggles, and we would have been able to build a better and stronger family foundation. Luckily, I had a great support network from family, friends, NCT friends, West Berkshire Family Hub ( Family Hubs - West Berkshire Council ), and the Parent Village. I undertook sessions with NHS Berkshire Talking Therapies, for anxiety and depression  which was fantastic help in working through PTSD and PND. My husband has been my complete rock, and whilst it has taken some time, we have worked through so much together. Giving birth and being a parent is both physically and mentally challenging. Our story is one of dealing with traumatic birthing experience, but I have friends who have had emergency/unplanned C-Sections, and planned C-Sections. C-Sections take a minimum recovery period of six weeks, where mums are unable to do anything more than hold and feed their baby. They are completely reliant on others around them for help, usually the baby’s father/non-birthing parent. Two weeks of paternity leave and at least six weeks of recovery time after giving birth does not add up! As a collective voice, it is time we teamed up with these movements and demand more from our government. My plea to new parents, you are not alone in how you are feeling, there is support there for you. You are enough and you doing a good job, be kind to yourself. Links to our recent interview with ITV: Fathers protest calling for more paid paternity leave - Latest From ITV News UK has Europe's worst paternity leave and it's putting parents off having more kids | ITV News What can you do about it? Currently, the Dad Shift (along with other groups like Pregnant then Screwed ) are campaigning for better paternity leave. A package that is substantial (so dads get enough time to support their partner and bond with their kids), affordable (so at a rate that means everyone can afford to take it), and equal (so both parents get equal leave meaning family roles are not shaped by gender). There’s tonnes of research that shows that better paternity leave is: Good for mums (reduction of the gender pay gap and rates of postpartum depression) Good for dads (building better relationships with their children) Good for kids (improves kids’ wellbeing and performance at school) Good for the economy ( The Joseph Rowntree Foundation found that extending Statutory Paternity Leave to six weeks at 90% of a dads average weekly earnings could deliver £2.68bn to the wider economy ) Good for society (happier, healthier families) And these campaign groups are just ordinary parents like me and you. So get involved – search “The Dad Shift” to see what you can do.

It’s the most magical time of the year and Santa’s getting ready to meet all the good boys and girls! From grottos to cozy Christmas markets, there are so many wonderful places to see Santa and take some cute pics with your children. Before you make any plans, please check with the grottos for the latest details  on dates, times, and ticket information — some Santa visits can get booked up quickly! Kennet Centre Santas Grotto Where: Kennet Centre When: 15 November Visit Santa in the Kennet Centre as part of the Newbury Light Switch on festivities. Lovely set up, but can get quite busy, so make sure to get there early! Breakfast with Santa - Renegade Brewer y Where: Renegade Brewery When: 7th and 14th December. £16.50 per person Enjoy a family breakfast with a visit from Father Christmas. Includes a festive pack and gift from Santa. Santas Grotto at Webbs Garden Centre Where: Milllets Farm Centre, Abingdon When: Saturday 15th November - Wednesday 24th December Price: 1 Adult & 1 Child OR Baby - £28.50 2 Adults & 2 Children - £53.50 2 Adults & 3 Children - £72.50 2 Adults & 4 Children - £91.50 Newbury Santa Fun Run Where: Newbury When: 23rd November, 11:00 start. Santa’s Grotto at Sherfield-On-Loddon Garden Centre Where: Sherfield-on-Loddon Garden Centre When: Weekends from the 29th of November, and 22,23,24 December There will be plenty of festive fun and activities for everyone to enjoy, as well as a small gift of your choice from the magical selection.Tickets are priced at £15.50 per child – adults go free! Santa and Me, Blue Beetle ceramics Where: Blue Beetle Ceramics When: 6th December 15:00 All children will have a tree ornament to paint themselves, There will be a Santa & Me personalised dinner plate or Hot Chocolate Mug, with your child's and Santa's handprint or finger prints, and there will be a gift from Santa to take home on the day. Santas Grotto - Greenham Community Centre Where: Greenham Community Centre When: Saturday 6th December See Santa at the Greenham Community Centre Christmas Fayre Baby and Toddler Breakfast with Santa at Thatcham Garden Centre Where: Thatcham Garden Centre When: 15th December -20th December For babies and toddlers up to the age of two, this relaxed event is the perfect way to get into the festive spirit, enjoy a tasty breakfast, capture some adorable photos, and have a friendly chat with other new parents. Your booking includes a traditional cooked breakfast for you, a breakfast pouch or kids’ breakfast for your little one, fun and stories from Santa, as well as a gift and photo opportunity with the man in red. Santa Sessions at the Little Play Lounge Where: Little Play Lounge When: From the 15th of December at 10:30am Join the Little Play Lounge for a Christmassy play lounge session with a special story from a friendly elf and present from Santa! Santa Meet and Greet - Tiny Town Cafe  Where: Tiny Town Cafe, Newbury When: 13th, 19th, 20th December Each childrens ticket includes a personal meet and greet with Santa, reindeer food, a gift to take home, arts and crafts, photo ops and baby chino. Yattendon Santa Dash Where: Yattendon When: 21 December Join the Santa Fun run through Yattendons Christmas trees Breakfast or Afternoon Tea with Santa at Thatcham Garden Centre Where: Thatcham Garden Centre When: 22nd - 24th December You and your child can enjoy a tasty, cooked breakfast or enjoy an afternoon tea at the Thatcham Garden centre. Meet Santa, take pictures, and get a personal gift at this charming alternative to a Santa’s Grotto. Bucklebury Farm Father Christmas Grotto Where: Bucklebury Farm When: 6/7th, 13th/14th, 19th, 20th, 21st/22nd & 23rd December. Meet Father Christmas in his cosy grotto. Receive a special festive gift straight from the North Pole. Enjoy magical Christmas activities full of sparkle, laughter & cheer. Plus, festive treats and farm fun for the whole family! £16 per child ticket - this ticket doesn't include General Admission. A General Admission ticket to the farm MUST be purchased alongside this ticket for all attending (including adults). A Date with Father Christmas - Cobbs Play Barn Where: Cobbs Play Barn Hungerford When: Friday 19 December - 10:00, Sunday 21 December -15:00 Children’s Food - Santa Snack Box Fresh Pastry or Sausage Roll & Hot Drink for Adults Festive Table Games Free Play in the Play Barn A Meeting with Father Christmas & a Gift to Take Home 4 Kingdoms Adventure Park Hampshire Where: 4 Kingdoms, Hampshire When: 22nd of November until the 24th December The Uk's Largest Indoor Christmas Experience. A 3 hour immersive walk-through experience that will fill your whole family with the true magic of Christmas Reading Winter Wonderland Where: Reading Winter Wonderland When: 29th and 30th November 6th, 7th, 13th, 14th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd and 24th December 2025. Santa and his cheerful Elf create a truly magical experience for every child. Each little visitor will receive a high-quality Reading Winter Wonderland–branded gift to take home and treasure. You are also welcome to capture the moment by taking your own photos during your special visit with Santa. Our website will be updated regularly , so keep checking back to find new events and places where you can see Santa in person.

Nothing quite marks the beginning of the festive season like the official Light Switching On's From cheerful local choirs and bustling market stalls to mulled wine, laughter, and the excited chatter of children waiting for the big reveal, these events capture the very essence of Christmas spirit. Newbury Light Switch on : Where: Newbury Town Centre W hen: 15th November Whats on: Free Festive Fun, Markets, Crafts. Start your Christmas shopping early at the Christmas Charter Market along Northbrook Street or pop into the Corn Exchange for their Christmas Gift Fair. Little ones can meet some very special visitors at the Living Nativity Petting Farm in Inch’s Yard, before a short hop over to Santa’s Grotto in the Kennet Centre. Hungerford Light Swith On Where: Hungerford When: 23rd November, Entertainment starts at 4pm Enjoy fantastic performances including Hungerford Primary School, Town Band, and Theatre Company!The big Lights Switch-On happens at 5pm Chieveley Light Switch on: Where: Chieveley Village Hall When: 28th November 17:00- 20:00 Indoor market with over 25 stalls, and entertainment. East Isley Light Switch on Where: East Isley When: 29th November From.. 6:30pm Thatcham Light Switch on: Where: Thatcham When: 5th December Entertainment starts at 5pm

The charm of the Christmas markets will soon be filling the air in West Berkshire. These markets are more than just shopping venues; they celebrate community, culture, and the spirit of giving. Christmas markets have a rich tradition that started in Germany and spread throughout Europe. They provide a unique shopping experience, featuring local artisans, mouthwatering food, and festive entertainment. Top Christmas Markets in West Berkshire Hampstead Norreys Candlelit Market Where: Hampstead Norrey When: 8th November 15:00-19:00 Why Visit: Over 50 artisan stallholders. Live Music. Delicious food from the Community Café and Colline’s Kitchen from Newbury. Free Children’s Activity. East Woodhay Christmas Market Where: East Woodhay Village Hall When: Saturday, 8th November 10:30-14:30 Why Visit: Coffee, Cakes and Artisan Gifts Watermill Theatre Christmas Fair Where: Watermill Theatre, Newbury When: 14th November 10:00-14:30, Entry £3, U16s go free Why Visit: Plenty of stalls, mulled wine and mince pies! Newbury Christmas Market and Light Switch on Where: Newbury Town When: 15th November. Festivities start from 9am Why visit: Newbury Christmas Market is a must-visit for anyone eager to get into the holiday spirit. Set in the heart of Newbury, this market offers a diverse range of stalls that provide everything from handmade crafts to gourmet food. St Andrews School Christmas Fair Where: St Andrews School When: 16th November, 11:00-15:00 City Arts Artisan Christmas Fair Weekends When:Friday 21 to Sunday 23 November and Friday 28 to Sunday 30 November Why Visit: Two weekends of Christmas Fairs, where local artists, craftspeople and traders show and sell a variety of unique work including: cards, jewellery, ceramics, painting, original prints, photography, glass art, Christmas decorations, and plenty more.   Hungerford Christmas Market When: Saturday 22 November Where: Hungerford Hub Why Visit: Gifts, Crafts, Tombola, Refreshments and Christmas Performance from Rock Choir Elcot Park Christmas Market Where: Elcot Park When: 24th & 25th November (24th -12:00-20): , (25th - 9:00-15:00) Why Visit: Wander through a charming collection of hand-crafted gifts, artisan foods, unique brands and glittering decorations. Enjoy seasonal drinks and sweet treats Thatcham Memorial Hall Christmas Market   Where: Thatcham Memorial Hall When: 23rd November Why visit: Perfect market for Christmas gifts, as well as children’s entertainment. There will be a pop up cafe and charity raffle Ramsbury Brewery Christmas Market Where: Ramsbury Brewery When: 29th November - 11:00-15:00 Why Visit: Local artisan stalls with gifts, crafts & Christmas decorations. Seasonal food & drink from Ramsbury Brewery & Distillery. Festive music and a warm Christmas atmosphere Berkshire Music Trust Craft and Food Fair Where: Reading Music Centre, Tilehurst When: 23 November, 10:00-14:00 Why Visit: A variety of local businesses showcasing handcrafted goods, jewellery, artisan food alcohol and other unique treats Live festive music from Reading Music Centre ensembles to bring the Christmas spirit! Perfect for a fun family day out or some early Christmas shopping! St Barts School Christmas Fair Where: St Bartholomew’s School , Newbury When: 23rd November, 11:00-14:30 Why Visit: Plenty of store holder, raffels, great community event. The Little Play Lounge Market Where: The Little Play Lounge When: 29th November 10:00-14:00 Why Visit: Enjoy hot drinks and seasonal treats from the café. Children can make their own reindeer food to take home! Lots of stalls. December Markets: Shaw House Christmas Market Where: Shaw House When: Sunday 7th December Why visit: Shaw House will be host to over 70 stalls selling locally made gifts, drinks, food, decorations and crafts. Hungerford Victorian Extravaganza Where: Hungerford When: Friday, 12th December Why visit: Hungerford Christmas Market is famous for its eclectic mix of stalls and lively atmosphere. It features local vendors offering a variety of goods, from gourmet delicacies to handmade crafts.  The market  includes live entertainment, with local choirs and musicians.

This hugely helpful Blog post is written by a West Berkshire mum, Lesley, from a Life Less Complicated. For more of her amazing tips and tricks for making everyday life easier, check out her website here: Home - A Life Less Complicated A random selection of thoughts that may help you choose a nursery and plan for that stage of your life.  At the time of writing, I have a 3 year old and a 1 year old, and we have 3 childcare settings in the mix (2 nurseries and 1 pre-school). My eldest has been in nursery since he was 1. We live in England. Somewhere along the way I almost became a whistleblower regarding nursery charges, but chickened out... That's a story for another time but just to say that I have become well-versed in the ways and means of navigating pre-school childcare. Disclaimer: This post focusses on the points that will make your life easier. Needless to say there are many other factors to consider when choosing your childcare setting. Feel free to get in touch to discuss! The below is based on my personal experiences and opinions and you should of course check the latest government information as part of your research. Availability Since the childcare funding rules changed in September 2025, much more families are able to access childcare and therefore there is more demand (and long waitlists). I have heard of women who are 19 weeks pregnant not being able to find childcare for when their unborn child turns 1, so it is never too early to look! Funding There is a lot to be said about the "free" childcare funding but I will focus on the things that will make your life easier. Eligibility for funding is based on your income, the child's age and your return to work date . Don't be caught out by that or you will have unexpected bills to pay. "Free" childcare is not usually free (unless in a pre-school which is shorter hours and term-time only). There is usually an extra charge which, although it should only cover consumables like nappies and food, it doesn't seem to be checked so is not always the case. The fee for one son's nursery is £10 and the other is £30 per day on “funded” days, so it adds up. Be sure to ask about this when choosing your setting. Also ask if they cap the number of hours you can claim - some do. Which days? If your child will be going less than 5 days a week... ...consider NOT putting their nursery days all next to each other. This could make life easier if when they are ill. E.g. Imagine they get ill on a Monday and they need 2 days to recover. If their nursery days are Monday and Tuesday, they will miss 2 days of nursery (needless to say you still have to pay, and you also have to juggle childcare with whatever else you have on that day). BUT if their nursery days are Monday and Wednesday, they will only miss 1 nursery day.  Remember that nurseries don’t usually open on bank holidays... ...which means you will need to cover childcare on those days - typically Mondays in the UK. If you work part-time, it’s worth thinking about having Mondays as (one of) your non-working day(s) because that means you can pick up bank holiday nursery closures without adding an extra day of childcare to your week.  For example, if you work Monday to Thursday, and have your child Fridays, you will be covering childcare on Monday AND Friday in a typical bank holiday week. Not the end of the world and of course spending time with the kids is lovely, but it can also be a lot! Some nurseries allow you to have different attendance patterns in term-time versus school holidays . That might be of interest if you are eligible for funding and want to reduce costs as you could reduce the number of days they attend in the holidays when there’s no funding. E.g. they could attend 4 days a week in term-time (when it is cheaper) and 2 or 3 days a week in the holidays. Although you then have to figure out additional childcare so it may not make your life easier but if you choose to use annual leave or have helpful grandparents it can lessen the financial burden (which IS a win for a simpler life!). Calpol Ask the nursery what their approach to teething and medicine is. One of our nurseries will not administer paracetamol at all (only prescribed medications), and will send kids home the second they have a temperature. The other is happy to give paracetamol and keep the child if they suspect teething rather than illness. This may seem minor, but kids have temperatures a LOT and it is infuriating to lose childcare when you know it is a case of teething rather than anything contagious. I hope that helps shed some light on some of the lesser-known challenges of choosing the right nursery for you. Feel free to get in touch if you have any questions or would like a sounding board - it’s a bit of a minefield and I’m happy to help.

West Berkshire and the surrounding areas offer some excellent firework displays . From big racecourse spectacles to local community events. Renegade Brewery Fireworks Where: Renegade Brewery When: 30th October,  Doors open 5pm | Fireworks display at 7pm Cost: Adults - £12. Children - £7.50. Family - £30 Bring the whole family along – family tickets are available and under 5s go free! With plenty of parking on site and loads of space to enjoy the show, it’s the perfect autumn evening out. Newbury Racecourse Where: Newbury Race Course When: Saturday 1 November Cost: Child over 5 - £7, Adults - £14 and Family - £30 Tickets are available online - See Tickets Tickets will be on sale from Lions stall in Newbury Market in October. You can purchase tickets in advance at the outlets below: Branches of Tesco at Pinchington Lane and Northbrook Street, Newbury Newbury Building Society branches in Newbury, Thatcham and Hungerford Pangborne Primary School Where: Pangborne Primary School When: 1st November. Gates open 5pm. Fireworks - 7pm Cost: Adult - £10. Child - £4. Family - £24 🎆 Thrilling 15 minute professional firework display 🔥Huge bonfire 😋 Delicious hot food vendors 🍻 Bar with beer, wine, mulled wine and Prosecco 🍵Hot drinks and cakes 🍫 Tombolas 🌟 Glow Toys 🎡Amusement stalls The Cottage Inn Where: Cottage Inn, Bucklebury When: 5th November. Gates open at 6pm. Fireworks at 8pm Cost: Single Ticket - £8.50. Family - £30 Falklands Cricket Grounds Where:Falklands Cricket Ground, Wash Common When: 5th November, Gates open 5:30. Fireworks - 7:45 Cost: Advance tickets - Single - £9. Family - £26. Chieveley Fire Works Where: Chieveley, The Recreation Centre, High Street, Chieveley, RG20 8TE When: 5th November, Gates open 6pm, Fireworks 7.45pm Cost: Single £9 after 24 October. Under 5s Free Celebrate Bonfire Night with Chieveley Fireworks , the ever-popular and traditional village firework event. Now in its 56th year! There will be a great selection of locally sourced food and drink to choose from. There will be refreshments and a BBQ serving burgers and sausages. Thatcham Fireworks Where: Kennet School When: 7th November. Gates open at 6pm. Display starts at 7:30pm Cost: Adult £10. Children £5. Under 4's free. Family Ticket £20 A professional low-noise display set to music from the movies! Hermitage Fireworks Where: Hermitage Primary School When: 7th November, Gates open at 5:30pm. Fireworks at 7:00pm Cost: Adult tickets-£8 Child tickets-£6 Under 5s-Free! Note - On gate prices increase by £3 Get your tickets here: https://www.pta-events.co.uk/hermitagepta/index.cfm... # Friends of Woolhampton Fireworks Where: Padworth Village Hall When: 8th November, 5pm - 8pm Cost: Advance: - Adult £10. Child £5. Family £27.50 (prices on the gate more expensive)

Review below, written by Katie from WBFL. *This was a gifted session I recently had a 1-to-1 baby massage session with Danielle (IAIM baby massage trained) from Soothing Strokes Baby Massage, and it was absolutely brilliant! From start to finish, she was so personable, kind, and knowledgeable, creating a lovely warm atmosphere that made it easy to relax and enjoy those special moments with my baby. The session was relaxed yet informative, and I learned so much about the importance and benefits of baby massage. It was a wonderful bonding experience for me and my little one - we both really enjoyed it! There were plenty of great sensory and visual resources to keep my baby entertained, and I loved the thoughtful touches like the small bottle of organic massage oil, the printed handouts for future reference, and special moment cards to capture memories and photos with your baby. Danielle explained everything clearly and made sure we felt confident with each technique, demonstrating each stage beautifully. The session even included singing - another wonderful way to bond with your baby - making it such a lovely and enjoyable morning. Danielle also runs group courses with refreshments and time to chat with other parents, which is a great way to connect with your local community. The 1-to-1 session felt extra special, giving us the chance to really focus and learn together. Danielle even offers home visits within an hour of Tadley (petrol costs apply). So you can get your friends together and make it a special occasion to enjoy with your babies and friends. I can’t recommend Danielle and her classes highly enough — it’s an amazing experience for both parent and baby. Check out her socials for more information — you’ll be glad you did! Instagram Facebook

Looking for fun things to do over October half-term in West Berkshire (and nearby)? Whether you have got little ones, teens, or just want a relaxing break, here’s a round-up of ideas, events and local gems to check out. (Always double-check times and booking requirements before heading out.) Halloween Activities: - See our Halloween Guide for more details There are some great Halloween activities going on all around West Berkshire this half term. Pumpkin Picking - See our Pumpkin Picking Guide for more details We have already started our pumpkin picking adventures and have had such great fun. Please see our social media pages for more details. Our top picks for pumpkin picking this year are: High Lodge Farm Wasing Pick your own pumpkins and Woodland Trail Millets Pick your own Pumpkins Trails Woolton Hill Scarecrow Trail Where: Woolton Hill When: 25th October - 3rd November Cost: £3 (cash only) Pick up your trail from Woolton Hill Village Stores and start your scarecrow-spotting adventure. With 30 scarecrows to count, this years event will be lots of fun! Thatcham Scarecrow Trail Where: Thatcham When: 25th October - 2nd November Cost: £3 Get your map from the Nature Discovery Centre Shaw House Fairy Door Trail Where: Shaw House, Newbury When: 27th - 31st October 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Cost: £2 Explore the grounds to find the fairy doors. Additional magical craft and colouring will be available in the Activity Room. Trail sheets available from Reception for a suggested donation of £2. Movies and Theatre Movie in the Hall - Monsters Inc Where: Shaw House When: Monday 27th October Cost: Adults £5 Child £3 Join Shaw House for a movie in the Hall. Stickman Where: Corn Exchange, Newbury When: 28th-30th October Cost: £18.25 per person This award-winning production, from the team behind  Zog and  Zog and the Flying Doctors , features a trio of top actors and is packed full of puppetry, songs, live music and funky move Hickory Dickory Dock   Where: Shaw House, Newbury When: 28th October - 11am & 1pm Cost: Adults £10, Children £7 (under 2s free) Join Shaw House for a merry slapstick two person show, starring glove puppets, silly museum curators, dozy delivery drivers, a magnificent clock and that song you've all been waiting for! Arts and Crafts: Shaw House Family Activity Day - Monsters Rock! Where: Shaw House, Newbury When: 29th October 10:00 - 15:00 Cost: £2.50 Do you need a new decoration to display for Halloween? If so, join Shaw House for this spookily good craft - making a monster from painting a stone with acrylic paint pens. Suitable for 7-11 year olds but younger and older children are welcome. No need to book, just drop in. Arts Award in a Morning: Museum, Corn Exchange and Library When: Thursday 30th October - 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM. £6.50 Where: West Berkshire Museum, Corn Exchange, and West Berkshire Library Achieve your Arts Award Discover in a morning, in three fun-filled sessions at central Newbury venues! Theatre Workshop - Waterside Centre When: Wednesday 29 & Thursday 30 October Where: Waterside Centre Cost: Free Berkshire Youth, Watermill Theatre, and Newbury Pride are teaming up for a series of free workshops inspired by the smash-hit production Charley’s Aunt. Ages 14–17. Book via the Watermill Theatre website. Family Fun Welford Park Spectacle of Light Where: Welford Park When : 17th October – 9th November (selected dates) Cost: From £13 An illuminated trail experience through gardens and woodland Illuminate the Base Where:The Base, Greenham When: Monday 27th October — Friday 31st October Cost: £10 per group of 4 Help the Base create their annual illuminated lantern display for The Base's festive season. Create decorative willow star lanterns that will join their festive stag display at The Base this Christmas! During these two-hour workshops, families will be able to get creative and make individual lanterns using sustainable materials. Outdoors Family Trail: Nocturnal Safari - Nature Discovery Centre Where: Nature Discovery Centre When: Tuesday, 28th October Cost: £10 Join The Nature Discovery Centre for an evening of exploration and discover the animals that come out at twilight and after dark.  There will be a variety of activities including a bat walk, star gazing and lantern making . Family Trail: Happy Hedgehogs - Nature Discovery Centre Where: Nature Discovery Centre When: Wednesday 29th and 30th October, 10:00-15:00 Cost: £7 Join the Nature Discovery Centre to learn more about hedgehogs and find out what you can do to help them thrive.  When you have completed the trail, you can make a hedgehog-themed craft to take home. This event is suitable for families with children aged 4 to 11 years. Holiday Clubs The Base: Holiday Art Club Where: The Base, Greenham When: Monday 27th Oct 2025 — Thursday 30th Oct 2025 Cost:£12.50 Experiment with different art techniques and creative projects. Mon 27 Oct - Painted Pumpkins Tues 28 Oct - Clay Bobbleheads Wed 29 Oct - Painty Plants Thur 30 Oct - Junk Robots Water Side Centre Half Term Youth Club Where:Water Side Centre When: Tuesday 28th – Friday 31st October, 4–8pm Cost:Free For young people in secondary school, this free week of activities includes games, social time, dinner each evening, and climbing sessions on Wednesday and Friday. Water Side Centre Half Term Junior Club Where:Water Side Centre When: Tuesday 28th – Friday 31st October, 9–4pm Cost:£25 Join the Waterside Centre for Half Term Junior Club, packed with activities for children aged 8–11 years.

There are some great places in Berkshire to pick a pumpkin which will provide fun for all ages.  Check out where to have lots of Pumpkin fun below! Cobbs Pop up Pumpkin Patch and Carving Tent When: Friday 17th - 31st October 2025 10:00 - 16:00 (3pm on Sundays!) Where: Cobbs, Hungerford, Bath Road, Hungerford RG17 0SP   Visit the pop-up pumpkin patch at Cobbs, with small, medium and large pumpkins to choose from. No need to book for pumpkin picking BUT  if you want to make a day of it, you can book online  to visit the carving tent and create a beautiful masterpiece from your picked pumpkin. To make use of the carving tent, its £10 per person and includes your picked pumpkin, all the tools to create a masterpiece, a glass of squash for children and you get to leave all your mess behind! Buckelbury Farm Pumpkin Carving When: 13th-31st October Where: Bucklebury Farm Pick your own Pumpkin and Carve it. There is plenty of other Halloween fun going on at the farm as well. Berkshire Farm Girl’s Pick Your Own Pumpkins & Maize Maze When : Opening on Saturday the 4th of October at 10am. Check online for exact opening times and days. Where: Newbury, RG18 9AA What to Expect: 🎃 The golden pumpkin carriage 🎃 Mini Maize Maze    🎃 Big Bale play       🎃 Horse Drawn Carriage Rides (extra cost)      🎃 The Welly Cafe - Hot chocolate, marshmallows & Treats (extra cost)      🎃 Carving Area for your Purchased Pumpkins      🎃 Pedal Tractor Track      🎃 Large selection of pumpkins grown on the farm - priced per pumpkin on size      🎃 Photo Opportunities including a surprise visitor in the mud this year      🎃 FREE parking (1 CAR)      🎃 Access to the PYO Sweetcorn area (first come basis)      🎃 Toys and Games and Halloween props      🎃 Wheelbarrows      🎃 Face Painting available (additional costs subject to availability)   Pumpkin Picking, Hallcourt Farm When: Selected dates throughout October Where: Hallcourt Farm, Midgham Reading, RG7 5TX Woodland Walk - a fantastic woodland trail including a spooky puzzle to solve, and a prize t Tickets Include:  🎃 Wild Woodland Walk - a fantastic woodland trail including a spooky puzzle to solve, and a prize to be won!  🎃 Pumpkin carving & decorating in the beautiful Halloween themed barn  🎃 BIG Bale Play   🎃 Prizes for best fancy-dress   🎃 LOADS of fun family photo opportunities   🎃 Free parking and use of wheelbarrows to collect your pumpkins Tickets Exclude: 🎃 Caroline's Little Kitchen & La Kordun - serving up hot & cold drinks and delicious snacks  🎃  Face Painting by Charlotte - for a full face or cheeky cheek of Halloween themed make-up 🎃 The Hallcourt Farm 'Homemade Produce Bar' - a selection of delicious home-made produce  🎃 Halloween 'Welly Wanging' - a great fun game for all the family with a Halloween prize to be won!  Pumpkin Picking, The Little Play Lounge When: 25th, 26th, 27th, 28th & 29th of October: Where: The Old Rectory, Rectory Road, Padworth Common, RG7 4JD Join The Little Play Lounge for autumnal pumpkin picking with all the family; play on some hay bales, enjoy their pumpkin themed games, chat to the happy scarecrows and take some photos for the family album! Wasing’s Pick Your Own Pumpkins and Woodland Trail When : 17th-19th and 24th - 31st Where : Wasing Lane, Aldermaston, RG7 4LY At the heart of stunning Wasing Estate near Aldermaston lies a very special pumpkin patch. Visitors are invited to follow the enchanting decorated woodland trail through Wasing's stunning autumnal woodland then head for the pumpkin patch where a fairytale pumpkin carriage awaits and where you can choose your perfect pumpkin, Under 2’s Free.  Millets Farm Centre Pick your Own Pumpkin When : Open at weekends only from the 27th September and then daily from 18th – 31st October, 27th & 28th Sept and 4th, 5th Oct. 10am – 4pm, final entry 3pm.  11th, 12th, 20th – 23rd October, 10am – 5pm, final entry 4pm. 18th, 19th, 24th – 29th October, 9am – 5pm, final entry 4pm. 30th & 31stOctober, 9am – 4.30pm, final entry 3.30pm. Where : Millets Farm Centre, Kingston Road Frilford, Oxfordshire, OX135HB The Millets Pumpkin Patch features loads of Halloween themed props and photo opportunities. Grab a wheelbarrow and explore the fields to pick the perfect pumpkin! Entry tickets vary depending on the date you plan to visit. Everyone who wants to enter the patch must have an admission ticket, with the exception of toddlers and babies under 2 years old who do not require an admission ticket and may enter free of charge with a full paying adult. Ticket prices vary depending on the date attending. Online prices start from £1.50pp – £3pp and walk-in ticket prices are £2pp – £3.50pp. Millets Farm Centre Pumpkins by Night When : Open 5.30-10pm (last entry 8.30pm) on 16th-18th October, then daily from 23rd to 30th October. Where: Millets Farm Centre, Kingston Road Frilford, Oxfordshire, OX135HB Get ready to immerse yourself in the Halloween spirit with an illuminated trail, live acts, and a pumpkin to pick! As the sun goes down, the patch lights up with live entertainment, an enchanted trail and lots more. Pre-booking online is recommended as tickets sell out fast! Ticket prices vary depending on the date attending. Online prices start from £13.50pp and walk-in ticket prices are from £14.50pp. Please note this is NOT a scare night. High Lodge Farm When :11th,12th, 18th, 19th, 25th-31st October Where: Culham, Abingdon OX14 3DX Visit High Lodge Farm's best-selling PYO Pumpkin Patch & Spooky Trail this Halloween! Venture into the witchy woods if you dare… Tickets include: 🎃 Entry to the PYO Pumpkin Patch and Spooky Trail 🎃 Activity sheet and pencil, 🎃 Photo opportunities, 🎃 Halloween play-patch with huge garden games, 🎃 Bales 🎃 Sandpit 🎃 Farm tractor 🎃 Mud pile 🎃 Free sweet treat. Barrel train rides are extra and pumpkins are paid for separately.  Beale Wildlife Park When: 11th & 12th Oct, 18th & 19th Oct, 25th Oct- 1st Nov Where : Beal Wildlife Park, Lower Basildon, Berkshire, RG8 9NW 🎃 Wonder the Woodland Scarecrow walk 🎃Dress up your dog for dog day (1st Nov) 🎃Enjoy Autumn treats and drinks 🎃Face Painting Fun 🎃Tackle the Maize Quest £4 Early Bird, £5 on the day, and under 1's go free. Tickets are for the Pumpkin Patch only unless stated; park admission is separate. Under 1s go free.