Primary Times Buckinghamshire Summer 2017

42,000 copies for families of 

Primary School Children 

Buckinghamshire 

& Milton Keynes 

SUMMER ISSUE N o 94 

3rd July – 5th Sept 2017

Dear Reader 

Welcome to our Summer edition – the last one of the school 

year! As you head towards the lovely, long summer holidays, 

Primary Times is delighted to help you and your family make the 

most of this extended break. 

It doesn’t seem to matter how well we plan, or indeed make 

arrangements to meet up with friends for days out – inevitably 

we find ourselves with the dilemma of “what shall we do today” 

or “I’m bored”. Primary Times also recognises the desire to keep 

our children away from being tied to their hand-held devices; 

ensure they get out in the better weather and safely absorb as 

much Vitamin D as they can; to make sure that they do not forget 

the skills they have learned at school – but above all, to make the 

memory of the long summer holiday a happy one. 

The Primary Times What’s on Where diary will help you fill 

your child’s summer with happy memories and fun activities – 

many at a low or no cost, more fun things to do can be found 

by visiting www.primarytimes.net/buckinghamshire. From 

amazing summer adventures at Odds Farm Park to exploring 

Buckinghamshire’s parks, shopping at LDO and creating 

memorable moments at Bletchley Park, summer camps, a visit to 

a farm, classes in the arts and sport, going to an exhibition or to 

the theatre and visiting Buckingham’s museums – Primary Times 

is here to help you make those happy memories. 

We have three great competitions on page 22 where you can win 

some brilliant prizes, including a 3 night stay at the Belfry Hotel 

& Resort. 

Marion, Sue, Carol & Charlotte 

Contents 

Inside this issue... 

Calling all 

families 

and teachers! 

Remember to send in 

your news for our news 

pages – we would love 

to hear from you! 

Don’t forget 

to visit us 

online at 

www.primarytimes.net 

/buckinghamshire 

4 WOW 

18 Box Office 

19 Summer Fun 

22 Competitions 

contents 

The Primary Times Team 

Editor: 

Marion McAdam 

marion@schoolspublishing.co.uk 

Sales: 

Sue Wintersgill 

ptbucks@schoolspublishing.co.uk 

TEL: 01295 750250 

Production: 

Carol George 

production@schoolspublishing.co.uk 

Design: 

Charlotte Morgan 

Primary Times in Buckinghamshire, 

Schools Publishing Limited 

Primary Times Magazine Group 

Unit 1A, Thamesview Industrial Estate 

Newtown Road, Henley on Thames 

Oxfordshire RG9 1HG 

TEL: 01491 411848 FAX: 01491 411416 

www.primarytimes.net/buckinghamshire 

...the UK’s biggest, 

free ‘what’s on’ 

magazine for parents! 

Primary Times in 

Buckinghamshire distributes 

more than 42,000 copies 

seven times a year, and is 

part of a national network 

distributing more than 

2.7 million copies in 59 regions 

across the UK and Ireland. 

Primary Times is independently published and distributed free through national primary schools in Buckinghamshire. 

It aims to inform families and children about current educational issues, forthcoming events, courses, attractions and to 

give teachers, pupils and parents the opportunity to participate in the magazine by adding to its contents or by joining 

in the competitions. It is NOT our intention to publish any racist, sexist or politically based material whatsoever. We also 

undertake not to carry any advertising which we would consider to be offensive to young families or harmful to the best 

interests of young children. Primary Times would like to thank all the schools in Buckinghamshire for their assistance in 

distributing the magazine and for their contributions to its contents. We would also like to thank all the advertisers who 

have supported this publication and therefore made it possible. Please support their endeavours when and where you 

can. The copyright on all written material, logos and advertising artwork produced by our studio remains with Primary 

Times or with the relevant contributor. Primary Times is currently publishing over two million copies per issue under 

franchise licences throughout Britain. 

www.primarytimes.net/buckinghamshire | SUMMER Issue Primary Times 3

what’s on where 

4 

Until 24 Sept 

Peter Rabbit: Mischief & Mayhem 

River and Rowing Museum RG9 1BF 

www.rrm.co.uk 

10am Bunnies will be bouncing all over the Museum 

this summer, as Peter Rabbit hops, skips and jumps 

right off the page in this interactive exhibition about 

Beatrix Potter’s most famous creation. 

T: 01491 415600 

1 – 31 July 

Family Explorers: Leaf 

Spotters 

Stowe Landscape Gardens MK18 5EH 

www.nationaltrust.org.uk 

10am The trees are in full leaf, so it’s the perfect 

time to see how many varieties you can spot. Pick 

up a leaf spotter guide to learn your oak tree from 

your hawthorn! Challenge your friends and family 

- do they know as many as they think? Free with 

admission. T: 01280 817 156 

7 – 8 July 

Big Camp 

Cliveden SL6 0JA 


4pm Discover the wildlife that comes out at night 

before falling asleep under canvas in the middle of 

the historic woodlands. T: 01628 605069 

7 – 9 July 

Flummoxed Festival 

Drayton Road MK17 0BU 

www.flummoxedfestival.com 

6pm A small but perfectly formed family festival 

featuring live music and children’s workshops. 

8 July 

Akeley Summer Fayre 

Akeley Village Hall MK18 5HB 

www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk 

11am Popular summer fayre hosted by St James & 

St John PTFA featuring local crafts, entertainment 

and BBQ. 

8 – 9 July 

Sharpe’s Rifles 

Chiltern Open Air Museum HP8 4AB 

www.coam.org.uk 

10am Meet Napoleonic soldiers and find out about 

the life of a Rifleman in Wellington’s army. Visit 

the living history encampment and learn how the 

soldiers’ families lived. T: 01494 871117 

Dino Encounters 

Gulliver’s Theme Park MK15 0DT 

www.gulliversfun.co.uk 

10.30am Meet the ‘living’ dinosaurs during this 

Jurassic weekend event. These incredible dinosaurs 

can walk, roar and roam across the park and will be 

making special appearances throughout the two 

days. T: 01925 444888 

WOW! 

What’s on where... 

We check listings carefully but event 

details and prices may be subject to change. 

Please always check with the venue. 

9 July 

Teddy Bear’s Picnic 

Didcot Railway Centre OX11 7NJ 

www.didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk 

10.30am Free admission for children with Teddy 

Bears. Competitions, activities and crafts. 

T: 01235 817200 

Children’s Fun Day 

Hula Animal Rescue MK17 8HZ 

www.hularescue.org 

1pm The centre will be open until 4pm. 

T: 01908 584000 

14 July 

Tiny Talk Time: Teddy Bears’ 

Picnic 

Wycombe Museum HP13 6PX 

www.wycombemuseum.org.uk 

10.15am, 11.15am and 1.15pm A special time for 

ages 2-4 years. Session includes stories, trails and 

craft activities. Cost £3 per child. Booking essential. 

T: 01494 957210 

14 – 15 July 

Big Camp 

Cliveden SL6 0JA www.nationaltrust.org.uk 




15 July 

Weekend Family Spectacular 

Amersham Museum HP7 0DP 

www.amershammuseum.org 

12pm Visit the Learning Officer, Georgina, in the 

garden (weather permitting) to make your own 

split-pin puppets. Free with admission. 

T: 01494 723700 

Langley Park Dog Show 

Langley Park SL0 0LS 

www.buckscc.gov.uk 

11am There will be pedigree and novelty classes, 

as well as lots of stalls to browse. All in aid of The 

Wimbledon Greyhound Welfare. 

Berryfields Primary School 

Summer Fete 

Berryfields Primary School HP18 0FG 


12pm School summer fete with stalls and activities. 

Prizes for best dressed Pirate and Mermaid. 

Primary Times SUMMER Issue | www.primarytimes.net/buckinghamshire 

Hill Billy Ho-Down at 

Gulliver’s 



10.30am Take part in the Hill Billy Ho-Down 

throughout the day. T: 01925 444888 

16 July 

The World’s Greatest Space 

Cadet with James Carter 

Roald Dahl Museum HP16 0AL 

www.roalddahl.com 

12pm, 1.30pm and 3pm Come and join madcap 

poet and wild guitarist James Carter on a crazy 

journey through space and time – around the 

world, the seven seas, and then off to Saturn - and 

hey, maybe the moon and back! Expect poems and 

guitar-ing aplenty, and even your very own poem 

to take away with you. Cost £3 per person. Suitable 

for ages 4+. Booking essential. T: 01494 892192 

Open Sunday 

Linford Lakes MK14 5AH 

www.theparkstrust.com 

10am Join the Friends of Linford Lakes for the 

monthly open day at the nature reserve. Free 

event. T: 01908 255379 

Colour Dash 2017 

Luton Regional Recreation Ground LU2 7UX 

www.keech.org.uk 

10am A fun 5K run, walk or jog in aid of Keech 

Hospice Care. Registration required. Cost £20 

adults, £10 children. T: 01582 707940 

21 – 22 July 

Big Camp 

Cliveden SL6 0JA www.nationaltrust.org.uk 




21 July – 3 Sept 

Fairy Tail Trails 

Waterperry Gardens OX33 1JZ 

www.waterperrygardens.co.uk 

10am Orienteering family fun during the summer 

holidays. Enjoy exploring the ornamental gardens, 

using directions and clues, to find the fairy tale 

characters with tails! T: 01844 339254 

22 July 

Eccentric Stories with Elys 

Dolan 



12pm, 1.30pm and 3pm Come along for stories, 

drawing... and a healthy dose of hilarity! Cost 

£3 per person. Suitable for ages 4+. Booking 

essential. T: 01494 892192 

Meet the Beekeepers 

Hughenden Manor HP14 4LA 


11am Meet the Hughenden beekeepers and learn 

all about the fascinating honey giving creatures. 

There’s even a bee themed trail for the kids to follow. 

T: 01494 755573 

Family Day 

Thomley Menmarsh Road HP18 9JZ 

www.thomley.org.uk 

10am For children with a disability, their family and 

friends. Booking essential. T: 01844 338380 

Introduction to Butterflies 

Shenley Wood MK5 6LB 


10am Learn about Butterflies and their 

identification. Cost £15 per person. T: 01908 255379 

22 – 23 July 

Classic Vehicles Show 



10am A popular weekend celebration of classic 

vehicles. Come and admire an amazing collection 

of classic cars, lorries, traditional fire engines, 

motorcycles and historic bicycles. T: 01494 871117 

Filipino Festival 

Campbell Park MK6 www.theparkstrust.com 

12pm Annual festival celebrating Filipino culture 

presented by MK British Filipino Society. Free entry. 

T: 01908 255379 

Cosgrove Canal Festival and 

Craft Fair 

Cosgrove Canal MK19 7JR 

www.buckinghamcanal.org.uk 

10am Fun for all the family with a whole festival 

weekend with many historic and trade boats, 

craft and games stalls. There will also be plenty of 

entertainment and refreshments. 

22 – 30 July 

Perilous Pirates 

Odds Farm Park HP10 0LX 

www.oddsfarm.co.uk 

10am Join legendary pirate, Captain Beardy, and 

his first mate, Salty as they search high and low for 

treasure at the daily shows. Plus, awaken your inner 

buccaneer and learn all the moves you’ll need to be a 

swashbuckling addition to any crew. 

T: 01628 520 188 


OinkFest 

Mead Open Farm LU7 9JH 

www.meadopenfarm.co.uk 

10am Stacks of piggy fun during the school holidays! 

T: 01525 852 954 

Alice! White Rabbit Trail 



10am Follow the white rabbit on a trail through the 

grounds. T: 01494 755573 

The Lion and Unicorn Display 



11am What is the link between Disraeli and Lewis 

Carroll’s Alice? Find out in this display inside the 

Manor. T: 01494 755573 


Make and Take LEGO Brick 

Activities 

Bucks County Museum HP20 2QP 

www.buckscountymuseum.org 

12pm A fantastic exhibition specially for the summer 

holidays of stunning models created solely from 

LEGO bricks, giving a rundown of British history from 

the Stone Age to the 21st Century. There will also 

be the opportunity to take part in a make and take 

activity. Charges apply. T: 01296 331441




Summer Fun 



10am Extra holiday fun over the school holidays 

with shows, crafts and more! T: 01628 520 188 

23 July 

Bug and Bird Games 



12pm, 1.30pm and 3pm Roald Dahl had so much 

fun exploring nature. Join us for games based on 

bugs, birds and the great outdoors. Cost £2 per 

person. Suitable for ages 4+. Booking essential. 

T: 01494 892192 

The Fabulous Fifties 

Bletchley Park MK3 6EB 

www.bletchleypark.org.uk 

12pm Dance the afternoon away, chill out in the 

lakeside deckchairs and enjoy some summertime 

snacks from the barbeque. T: 01908 640404 

Kids for a Quid 

Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway 

OX39 4ER 

www.chinnorrailway.co.uk 

10.30am See the foothills of the Chilterns in their 

summer glory: you might spot some of our local 

wildlife such as deer, and it is rather rare not to 

see the Red Kites whirling overhead. Children 

travel for a pound. T: 01844 353535 

Family fun Run 

Gulliver’s Theme ParkMK15 0DT 


10.30am A wonderful charity event and lots of 

fun for the entire family. Entry to the fun run is 

just £14 and you’ll also receive a FREE theme park 

ticket valid for entry on the same day. 

T: 01925 444888 

24 July 

Introduction to Crochet for 

Kids 



10.30am Come along and crochet using neon 

yarn! Work on a fun and bright project – a 

bracelet or a keyring – and take home whatever 

you make. Booking essential. Cost £5.50. 

T: 01494 957210 

Big Litter Pick 

Howe Park Wood MK4 3BX 


10am Join the rangers for the annual Big Litter 

Pick. Litter pickers and gloves will be provided. 

T: 01908 255379 

Big Litter Pick 

Brookland Play Park MK10 7ER 


2pm Join the rangers for the annual Big Litter 

Pick. Litter pickers and gloves will be provided. 

T: 01908 255379 

Bat Walk 

Linford Manor Park MK14 


8.15pm Join a bat enthusiast for an evening walk 

and learn all about bats. Cost £2 per person. 

T: 01908 255379 

Wicked and Wild flower Pots 

Queens Park Arts Centre HP21 7RT 

www.qpc.org 

10am Make an exciting and fun flower pot for 

your garden out of clay. Frighten the slugs and 

snails! Suitable for ages 7+. Cost £20, members 

£18. T: 01296 424332 

25 July 

Biffsquiggling Bug Jars 



11.30am, 12.30pm, 2pm and 3pm Find out about 

the insects that Roald Dahl created as characters 

in stories. Then make your own bug jar by creating 

insects in their own home. Cost £3 per person. 

Suitable for ages 4+. Booking essential. 

T: 01494 892192 

Gloriumptious Guided Trails 



11.30am and 2pm Join the guided walks around 

the village that Roald Dahl lived and wrote 

his stories in. Cost £1.50 per person. Booking 

recommended. T: 01494 892192 

Terrific Tuesday 



11am An archaeology themed day of family 

activities and crafts. T: 01494 871117 

Croquet on the Lawn 



11am Join Wycombe croquet club for a game of 

croquet on the lawn. Instruction provided. Fun for 

all ages, with an Alice inspired children’s croquet 

set! Free with admission. T: 01494 755573 

Terrific Toymakers: Drop In 



10.30am Make your own toy or game based on 

childhood toys from the past. Suitable for ages 

4+. Entry by timed tickets on the day. 

T: 01494 957210 

Cats Go Clowning 


www.qpc.org 

10am Make cat clowns and their special circus 

tent. Suitable for ages 7+. Cost £20, members £18. 

T: 01296 424332 

26 July 

Flying Friend Mobiles 



12pm, 1.30pm and 3pm Find out more about 

Roald Dahl’s love of birds and the countryside and 

make a mobile of his (or your!) favourite flying 

friends. Cost £3 per person. Suitable for ages 4+. 

Booking essential. T: 01494 892192 

Mosaic Magic 


www.rrm.co.uk 

10.30am Have fun designing your own mosaic, 

and explore what life was like in Roman Britain. 

Suitable for ages 4-7 years. Cost £8.50. Booking 

essential. T: 01491 415600 

Pop Up Peter 


www.rrm.co.uk 

2pm Make a 3D pop-up book using folding, 

cutting, slotting and constructing and develop 

your book making skills. Suitable for ages 7-11 

years. Cost £8.50. Booking essential. 

T: 01491 415600 

Alice! Mad Hatter’s Tea 

Party 



12pm Bring a picnic and join us during the 

afternoon for a Mad Hatter’s tea party on the 

lawn. Free with admission. T: 01494 755573 

Wild Wednesday: Plant it, 

Grow it, Eat it 



10.30am Join the wild team and make a creepycrawly 

cress filled caterpillar. Decorate your own 

caterpillar, plant the seeds and watch them grow 

at home ready for summer picnics. Cost £2 per 

child. Booking essential. T: 03442 491895 

Pony Care Fun Days 

Wendlebury Gate Stables OX25 2NS 

www.wgriding.co.uk 

10am Hands on experience of ponies at a working 

stable. No experience necessary. Ages 4-12 years. 

Booking essential. Cost £35. T: 01869 320665 

Introduction to Crochet for 

Kids 



10.30am Come along and crochet using neon yarn! 

Work on a fun and bright project – a bracelet or 

a keyring – and take home whatever you make. 

Booking essential. Cost £5.50. T: 01494 957210 

Create! 



12pm Create crockery. Free with admission. 

T: 01494 723700 

Nature Explorers 

Campbell Park MK6 


10am and 1.30pm Come and explore the parks and 

the natural world with the education rangers. Cost 

£3 per child. Booking essential. T: 01908 255379 

Fun in the Park 

Langley Park SL0 0LS 


12pm The afternoon will be fun-packed with 

activities including live performances and displays, 

giant inflatables, games, axe-throwing, Rebellion 

Brewery and many more activities to make it a 

fantastic day for the whole family. 

Pottery Fishing Trip 


www.qpc.org 

10am Sculpt a boat, a fish and some sea life from 

clay then go fishing. Suitable for ages 7+. Cost £20, 

members £18. T: 01296 424332 

27 July 

Red Kite Flappers 



10.30am Make a fantabulous flapping red kite 

while you find out more about the RSPB and its 

work. Drop in craft workshop. T: 01494 892192 

Peter Rabbit’s Holiday Hop! 


www.rrm.co.uk 

10.30am Join Peter Rabbit for fun and games and 

hear all about his adventures. Make pom-pom 

rabbits and finger puppets, and create a paper 

picnic to have with your friends. Discover your 

green fingers with garden craft, but don’t get 

caught by Mr McGregor. Free with admission. 

T: 01491 415600 



OX39 4ER 


10.30am See event details 23 July. 

T: 01844 353535 

Terrific Toymakers: Drop In 



10.30am Make your own toy or game based on 

childhood toys from the past. Suitable for ages 4+. 

Entry by timed tickets on the day. T: 01494 957210 

Festival of Archaeology 



10am Medieval to modern Tile Making. Cost £3 

adults, children free. T: 01494 723700 

Parkland Play 

Stanton Low Oakridge Park MK14 


1pm Join the rangers for a family fun afternoon 

with games and activities. Free event. 

T: 01908 255379 

Big Bird Babies 


www.qpc.org 

10am Craft workshop with Pippa North. Suitable for 

ages 7+. Cost £20, members £18. T: 01296 424332 

27 July – 28 July 

Alice! Crafts 



10.30am Make yourself a dormouse in a tea cup. 

Cost £2 per child. T: 01494 755573 

28 July 

Clay Frumpkins 



11.30am, 12.30pm, 2pm and 3pm Roald Dahl loved 

to garden! Find out more about the vegetables 

(frumpkins!), fruit and flowers that he loved to 

grow before making your own clay ones to take 

home. Cost £3 per person. Suitable for ages 4+. 


Bugs and Beasts 

Black Park SL3 6DS 


2pm Hunt for creepy crawlies in Black Park with the 

help of the Rangers using a mini-beast kit. Cost £5 

per family. Booking essential. T: 01753 511060 

29 July 

Chocolate Cattypiddlers and 

Bugs 



11.30am, 12.30pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm Join an 

expert chocolatier to make chocolate bugs and 

caterpillars which will be scrumdiddyumptious to 

eat! Cost £4.50 per person. Suitable for ages 4+. 


Canal Festival 

Leighton Buzzard Railway LU7 4TN 

www.buzzrail.co.uk 

10.30am Combine the best in local transport 

heritage in one day. T: 01525 373888 

Introduction to Bushcraft 

Howe Park Wood MK4 3BX 


10am and 1.30pm Learn some bushcraft basics 

including fire lighting and shelter building. Cost £5 

per person. T: 01908 255379 

29 July – 30 July 

Medieval England 



10am Visit the encampment, meet costumed 

re-enactors and enjoy the living history as you learn 

about life in medieval England. T: 01494 871117 

30 July 

Buzzwangling Bird Feeders 



12pm, 1.30pm and 3pm Roald Dahl loved to watch 

nature around him and included many birds in his 

stories. Find out more and make a bird feeder of 

your own. Cost £3 per person. Suitable for ages 4+. 


6 

Primary Times SUMMER Issue | www.primarytimes.net/buckinghamshire




Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway OX39 4ER 



T: 01844 353535 

World Picnic 

Campbell Park MK6 www.theparkstrust.com 

1pm Celebrate music, dance and cultures of the 

world at this annual cultural event. Free admission. 

T: 01908 255379 

Colne Valley Festival 

Denham Country Park UB9 5PG 

www.colnevalleypark.org.uk 

11am Live local bands, fairground, river 

dipping, craft stalls, ferret racing, face painting, 

circus skills, model airplanes, local clubs and 

organisations. Free entry, car park £2.50. 

T: 01895 833 375 

31 July 

Junior Jewellery Workshop 



10.15am and 2pm Join local jeweller Elizabeth 

Callinicos and learn to work with metal foils, 

creating an Alice inspired keepsake or piece of 

jewellery. Minimum age 8 years. Cost £20 per child. 








Funky and Fun Bookends 


www.qpc.org 

10am Using clay create either a funky character, or 

an imaginary world within a bookend. Suitable for 

ages 7+. Cost £20, members £18. T: 01296 424332 

31 July – 4 Aug 

Fairies and Elves Trail 



10am Follow the map and clues to find all the fairies 

and elves hiding in Black Park. Answer the quiz 

sheet and earn yourself a little treat! Cost £3 per 

trail. Online booking essential. 

31 July – 6 Aug 

Silly Scientists 



10am Join Professor Clatterbang and her fearless 

assistant Dangerous Dave at the daily shows – 

they’ll need your help to win the big Science prize. 

Plus, discover everything you need to carry out draft 

experiments – the Clatterbang way! 

T: 01628 520 188 

1 Aug 

Whifflebird Houses 



12.30pm, 1.30pm and 3pm Roald Dahl loved to 

watch nature around him and included many birds 

in his stories. Find out more and make a birdhouse 

of your own. Cost £3 per person. Suitable for ages 

4+. Booking essential. T: 01494 892192 




11.30am and 2pm See event details 25 July. Booking 

recommended. T: 01494 892192 




11am An art themed day of family crafts and 

activities. T: 01494 871117 




11am See event details 25 July. T: 01494 755573 

Here Comes The Sun: Drop In 



10.30am Create your own dazzling sun catcher or 

sundial to catch the Summer sun and banish the 

rain. Suitable for ages 4+. Entry by timed tickets 

on the day. T: 01494 957210 

Pixie and the Pooka! 


www.qpc.org 

10am Create a woodland scene, tiny Pixie and a 

secretive Pooka. Suitable for ages 7+. Cost £20, 

members £18. T: 01296 424332 

1 Aug – 31 Aug 

Rhino Month 

Cotswold Wildlife Park OX18 4JP 

www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk 

2pm The keepers will be doing a daily talk near the 

Rhino Paddock about these magnificent animals, 

the threats and the conservation work that is going 

on to try and protect them for future generations. 

T: 01993 823 006 

Family Explorers: Fluttery 

Butterflies and Marvellous 

Moths 



10am It’s a great time to see Stowe’s fluttery 

friends. Pick up a free spotter guide to help your 

family identify the bright array of species at Stowe. 

T: 01280 817 156 

2 Aug 

Paw Print Plates 



12pm, 1.30pm and 3pm Hear more from Roald 

Dahl on the different types of tracks that you can 

find in the woods and then turn an ordinary plate 

into a map of prints and tracks. Cost £3 per person. 


T: 01494 892192 

The Great Big Tree Climb 



10am Two highly skilled and friendly instructors 

can help all ages reach new heights in a fantastic 

tree at Hughenden. Booking essential. 

T: 0800 0556760 

Wild Wednesday: We’re Going 

on a Bug Hunt! 



10.30am Uncover Stowe’s hidden world of creepycrawlies. 

Borrow a magnifying glass to spy under 

logs and see what you can spot. Cost £2 per child. 








Create! 



12pm Create Brazil. Free with admission. 

T: 01494 723700 

MK Playday 


www.mkplayday.wordpress.com 

11am Biggest day of play presented by the MK Play 

Partnership. Free event. 

Pottery Mushroom Teahouse 


www.qpc.org 

10am Make a Mushroom House out of clay then 

light it up with a tea light in your garden. Suitable 

for ages 7+. Cost £20, members £18. 

T: 01296 424332 

3 Aug 

Dave the Pigeon with Swapna 

Haddow and Sheena Dempsey 



12pm, 1.30pm and 3pm Dave Pigeon and his 

friend Skipper find themselves in one hilarious 

adventure after another....can you even have 

Pigeon Nuggets?! Come and join in this hugely 

fun event. Cost £3 per person. Suitable for ages 




OX39 4ER 



T: 01844 35353 

Here Comes The Sun: Drop In 



10.30am Create your own dazzling sun catcher or 

sundial to catch the Summer sun and banish the 

rain. Suitable for ages 4+. Entry by timed tickets 

on the day. T: 01494 957210 

Summer Sunshine 

Queens Park Arts CentreHP21 7RT 

www.qpc.org 

10am Create a beautiful golden sun Headdress, 

summer treasure to wear by the sea or escape 

from Pirates. Suitable for ages 7+. Cost £20, 

members £18. T: 01296 424332 

3 – 4 Aug 

Alice! Crafts 





4 Aug 

Tree-mendous Trees 



11.30am, 12.30pm, 2pm and 3pm Join this junk 

modelling workshop to make a tree of your 

own – will it be the Giraffe’s tinkle-tinkle tree or 

the great tree hiding Mr Fox’s den. Cost £3 per 


T: 01494 892192 

Tiny Talk Time: Summer 

Special 



10.15am, 11.15am and 1.15pm A special time for 

ages 2-4 years. Session includes stories, trails 

and craft activities. Cost £3 per child. Booking 

essential. T: 01494 957210 

Love Willen Day 

Willen Lake South MK15 


10am Fun and games at Willen Lake. Free event. 

T: 01908 255379 

5 Aug 

My Year Calendar 



11.30am, 12.30pm, 2pm and 3pm Hear about 

Roald Dahl’s book My Year which featured his love 

of the countryside and advice for each season 

before making your own seasonal calendar. Cost 


essential. T: 01494 892192 

Aylesbury Comic Con 

Aylesbury Waterside Theatre HP20 1UG 


10am Aylesbury will host its first Comic-Con 

with a host of Actors from Film and TV, Film 

props, Guest Talks, Photo Shoots, Comic Artists, 

Cosplay Competitions. Adults £16.50, children 

over 5 £7.50. 

5 – 6 Aug 

Highwaymen 



10am Living history event. Learn about life in the 

18th Century and meet costumed re-enactors in 

and around the Museum’s buildings and grounds. 

T: 01494 871117 

6 Aug 




12pm, 1.30pm and 3pm Roald Dahl loved to 

watch nature around him and included many 

birds in his stories. Find out more and make 

a birdhouse of your own. Cost £3 per person. 


T: 01494 892192 

Smooth Jazz Sunday 



12pm Help celebrate Milton Keynes’ 50th 

birthday and relax to the velvety voice of jazz 

singer, Alison Carter. T: 01908 640404 



OX39 4ER 



T: 01844 353535 

7 Aug 







T: 0800 0556760 







Parkland Play 

Broughton Brook MK10 9LR 


1pm Join the rangers for a family fun afternoon 

with games and activities. Free event. 

T: 01908 255379 

Pottery Creatures of the 

Deep 


www.qpc.org 

10am Make imaginary creatures from the sea. 

From amazing monster octopus, to weird and 

wonderful shellfish. Suitable for ages 7+. Cost 

£20, members £18. T: 01296 424332 

7 – 13 Aug 

Supreme Superheroes 



10am Marvel as terrible supervillain, Dr 

Mindgame takes on helpful hero Power Gary at 

the daily shows - who will win? Plus, have you 

got what it takes to become a real-life superhero? 

Just remember, with great power comes great 

responsibility. T: 01628 520 188 

8 




8 Aug 

Buckswashling 

Birdspotting with Mike 

Langman 



12.30pm, 1.30pm and 3pm Do you know your 

blackbird from your blue tit? Your seagull from 

your song thrush? If birds are your bag – or 

even if you just want to learn more about them 

and brush up your observation skills – come 

and meet Mike Langman, a bird expert and the 

illustrator of the National Trust’s Complete Bird 

Spotter’s Kit. There’ll be drawing, quizzes and 

much more! Cost £3 per person. Suitable for ages 





11.30am and 2pm See event details 25 July. 

Booking recommended. T: 01494 892192 




11am A family activity day with a ‘How we used 

to live’ theme. T: 01494 871117 





Seed Planting: Drop In 



10.30am Decorate a plant pot and grow your 

own seeds. Suitable for ages 4+. Entry by timed 

tickets on the day. T: 01494 957210 

Garden Guardians 


www.qpc.org 

10am Using offcuts of branches make a gentle 

guardian to live in your garden or flower pot. 

Suitable for ages 7+. Cost £20, members £18. 

T: 01296 424332 

8 – 10 Aug 

Big Camp 



12pm An exciting chance to camp out by the 

Temple of Friendship for 2 nights and immerse 

yourself in the monumental world of Stowe. 

With night and daytime fun including nature 

walks, have-a-go activities, and marshmallow 

toasting. T: 01280 817 156 

9 Aug 

Biffsquiggling Bug Jars 



11.30am, 12.30pm, 2pm and 3pm Find out about 

the insects that Roald Dahl created as characters 

in stories. Then make your own bug jar by 

creating insects in their own home. Cost £3 per 


T: 01494 892192 

Alice! Mad Hatter’s Tea Party 

Hughenden Manor P14 4LA 



afternoon for a Mad Hatter’s tea party on the 

lawn. Free with admission. T: 01494 755573 

Wild Wednesday: Mud 

Glorious Mud 



10.03am Get muddy making mud creations. On 

this workshop, make your own glorious squelchy 

mud pie and decorate with twigs and leaves. 

Cost £2 per child. Booking essential. 

T: 03442 491895 




10am Hands on experience of ponies at a 

working stable. No experience necessary. Ages 

4-12 years. Booking essential. Cost £35. 

T: 01869 320665 

Create! 



12pm Create Goya. Free with admission. 

T: 01494 723700 


Stony Stratford Nature Reserve MK11 


10am and 1.30pm Come and explore the parks 

and the natural world with the education 

rangers. Cost £3 per child. Booking essential. 

T: 01908 255379 

Pottery Sunny Faces 


www.qpc.org 

10am Make a ceramic sunny face to hang on your 

wall. Suitable for ages 7+. Cost £20, members 

£18. T: 01296 424332 

9 – 10 Aug 

Den Building 



10am Have a go at building your own den in 

Langley Park with the Country Park Rangers. 

Bring a picnic along to eat in your newly built 

den! Cost £16 per family. Online booking 

essential. 

10 Aug 

Fables from the Stables with 

Gavin Puckett 



12pm, 1.30pm and 3pm Enjoy the great outdoors 

– indoors with children’s author Gavin Puckett, 

as he shares his ridiculous horsey fables and the 

rather revolting inspiration behind them. There’ll 

be plenty of rhyming fun, tales of nasty smells, 

and audience participation guaranteed. Cost 


essential. T: 01494 892192 



OX39 4ER www.chinnorrailway.co.uk 


T: 01844 353535 

Seed Planting: Drop In 



10.30am Decorate a plant pot and grow your 

own seeds. Suitable for ages 4+. Entry by timed 


Seahorse and the Sea Sprite 


www.qpc.org 

10am Paint and collage a beautiful seahorse, 

then make a little Sea Sprite to travel with him 

on underwater journeys. Suitable for ages 7+. 

Cost £20, members £18. T: 01296 424332 

10 – 11 Aug 

Alice! Crafts 





Tree Climbing 

Cliveden Taplow SL6 0JA 


10.30am Adventurous tree climbing in the woods 

for children and adults alike. T: 01628 605069 

11 Aug 

Science-y Seeds 



12pm, 1.30pm and 3pm Find out more about Roald 

Dahl’s love of growing plants from seed as we 

investigate together how seeds travel and where to 

find them. We’ll plant our own bean seed for you to 

take home too. Cost £2 per person. Suitable for ages 


Parkland Play 

Old Farm Park MK7 8PJ 


1pm Join the rangers for a family fun afternoon with 

games and activities. Free event. T: 01908 255379 

Jet, Set, Go! 


www.qpc.org 

10am Design your own mini organizer, travel game 

and bag to keep everything in. Suitable for ages 7+. 

Cost £20, members £18. T: 01296 424332 

12 Aug 






(frumpkins!), fruit and flowers that he loved to grow 

before making your own clay ones to take home. 

Cost £3 per person. Suitable for ages 4+. Booking 

essential. T: 01494 892192 

12 – 13 Aug 

Ragged Victorians 

Chiltern Open Air Museum Newland Park, 

Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St Giles, HP8 4AB 


10am This is a unique opportunity to learn about 

the less savoury aspects of Victorian life in a fun, 

family-friendly environment. T: 01494 871117 

13 Aug 

Swishwiffling Storytelling 

Walk 



12pm, 1.30pm and 3pm Join Chip Colquhoun on a 

family storytelling walk around Roald Dahl’s home 

village, and up to Angling Spring Wood. There will 

be plenty of swashboggling stories including local 

folklore and stories told to Roald Dahl by his mother 

when he was a chiddler. Cost £3 per person. Suitable 

for ages 4+. Booking essential. T: 01494 892192 

The Swinging Sixties 



12pm Help celebrate Milton Keynes’ 50th birthday 

and dance the afternoon away to the sounds of 

The Sparkling ’66, an exciting tribute band to the 

greatest decade in pop. T: 01908 640404 

Open Day 

Pitstone Green Museum LU7 

www.pitstonemuseum.co.uk 

11am A Rural Life Museum with many exhibits 

relating to farming and country life. 





T: 01844 353535 

Purrfect Sunday Afternoon 




T: 01908 584000 

Orienteering 

Linford Manor Park MK14 


10am Cost £5 per team. T: 01908 255379 

14 Aug 







Parkland Play 

Howe Park Wood Tattenhoe, Milton Keynes 

MK4 3BX 


1pm Join the rangers for a family fun afternoon with 

games and activities. Free event. T: 01908 255379 

14 – 20 Aug 

Perilous Pirates 



10am See event details 22-30 July. 

T: 01628 520 188 

15 Aug 





Dahl on the different types of tracks that you can 

find in the woods and then turn an ordinary plate 

into a map of prints and tracks. Cost £3 per person. 


T: 01494 892192 









11am A farm themed family day of crafts and 

activities. T: 01494 871117 





Saxon Clay Pots: Drop In 



10.30am Find out about some of the cookery 

equipment of the past with the museum’s collection 

of pots, and make your own traditional style coil 

pot. Suitable for ages 4+. Entry by timed tickets on 

the day. T: 01494 957210 

16 Aug 


Roald Dahl Museum 81-83 High St, Great 

Missenden, Buckinghamshire HP16 0AL 










10am Two highly skilled and friendly instructors can 

help all ages reach new heights in a fantastic tree at 

Hughenden. Booking essential. T: 0800 0556760 

Wild Wednesday: Feathery 

Friends 



10.30am Join the wild team to learn more about 

our feathery friends, collect your own bird spotting 

guide and make a bird feeder to take home. How 

many birds will you spot? Cost £2 per child. Booking 

essential. T: 03442 491895 

10 










Create! 



12pm Create Buildings. Free with admission. 

T: 01494 723700 


Caldecotte Lake MK7 





Arts and Crafts Session 

Foxley Copse 


12pm Come and join us at Foxley copse for some 

fun arts and crafts. Drop in anytime and let your 

imagination go wild! Cost £1 per child. Weather 

dependant. 

17 Aug 


Roald Dahl Museum Buckinghamshire 

HP16 0AL www.roalddahl.com 


modelling workshop to make a tree of your own 

– will it be the Giraffe’s tinkle-tinkle tree or the 

great tree hiding Mr Fox’s den. Cost £3 per person. 


T: 01494 892192 





T: 01844 353535 

Saxon Clay Pots: Drop In 



10.30am See event details 15 Aug. 

T: 01494 957210 

17 – 18 Aug 

Alice! Crafts 





18 Aug 

Meet the Minibeasts 



10.30am, 12pm, 2pm and 3.30pm Meet the bug 

experts from The Natural World Experience. Learn 

about all the creepy crawlies found in the Great 

Outdoors, and handle the real live little beauties 

too, if you dare! Cost £3 per person. Suitable for 

ages 5+. Booking essential. T: 01494 892192 

Proms in the Park 



6.30pm An evening of uplifting music and firework 

finale. Tickets £19 adults, £9 children. Concert 

begins at 8pm. T: 01908 255379 

19 Aug 






(frumpkins!), fruit and flowers that he loved to 

grow before making your own clay ones to take 

home. Cost £3 per person. Suitable for ages 4+. 


19 – 20 Aug 

Tudor Courtroom 



10am Come and learn about the intrigues of 

village life and join in to help decide the rights and 

wrongs of each case. T: 01494 871117 

Rhino Weekend 

Cotswold Wildlife Park OX18 4JP 

www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk 

10am Rhino Weekend is aimed at helping raise 

awareness and funds for Rhino Conservation work 

in Africa through fun activities and competitions. 

T: 01993 823 006 

Gala Days 

Didcot Railway Centre OX11 7NJ 

www.didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk 

10.30am A special event commemorating Rails on 

the Western Front, the role of railways in the First 

World War. T: 01235 817200 

Open Air Film Festival 



Various Times Bring a chair, friends and family, sit 

back and enjoy the annual film showings in the 

park. Visit the website for the film programme. 

T: 01908 255379 

20 Aug 

Wondercrump Draw ‘n’ Walk 

with Sue Pownall 



12pm, 1.30pm and 3pm Join artist Sue Pownall 

for a sketch walk as you explore the beautiful 

countryside around the Museum, stopping to draw 

along the route. Sue will help you draw in pencil 

and colour your own versions of Fantastic Mr Fox’s 

wood and other spots that inspired Roald Dahl’s 

stories. You’ll end up with a sketch-story of your 

walk. Cost £3 per person. Suitable for ages 4+. 




OX39 4ER 



T: 01844 353535 

Open Sunday 



10am Join the Friends of Linford Lakes for the 

monthly open day at the nature reserve. Free 

event. T: 01908 255379 

21 Aug 







T: 0800 0556760 







21 – 25 Aug 

Lost Forest: A Play in Five Days 

Stowe House MK18 5EH 

www.stowe.co.uk 

10am During this week the participants will 

explore the woodlands of Stowe Gardens to find 

inspiration for creating their own, self-created 

performance at the end of the week. Suitable for 

ages 8-13 years. T: 01280 818002 

Reptile Safari Trail 

Black Park SL3 6DS www.buckscc.gov.uk 

10am Look up in the trees and all around on our 

trail and see if you can spot all the reptiles hidden 

around Black Park! Complete the quiz and win 

yourself a treat! Cost £6 per trail. Online booking 

essential. 

21 – 27 Aug 

Silly Scientists 



10am See event details 31 July - 6 Aug. 

T: 01628 520 188 

22 Aug 






stories. Find out more and make a birdhouse of 











11am A garden themed family day of crafts and 

activities. T: 01494 871117 

Bunny Business 


www.rrm.co.uk 

10.30am Make a Peter Rabbit scarecrow. Will he 

guard the vegetables or eat the lot?! Suitable for 

ages 4-7 years. Cost £8.50. Booking essential. 

T: 01491 415600 





Crazy Cress Heads: Drop In 



10.30am Create your own crazy character and take 

it home to watch their cress hair grow. Suitable for 

ages 4+. Entry by timed tickets on the day. 

T: 01494 957210 

22 – 23 Aug 

Tree Climbing 

Cliveden Taplow, SL6 0JA 


10.30am Adventurous tree climbing in the woods 

for children and adults alike. T: 01628 605069 

23 Aug 

Wondercrump Draw ‘n’ Walk 

with Sue Pownall 



12pm, 1.30pm and 3pm Join artist Sue Pownall 

for a sketch walk as you explore the beautiful 

countryside around the Museum, stopping to draw 

along the route. Sue will help you draw in pencil 

and colour your own versions of Fantastic Mr Fox’s 

wood and other spots that inspired Roald Dahl’s 

stories. You’ll end up with a sketch-story of your 

walk. Cost £3 per person. Suitable for ages 4+. 


Alice! Mad Hatter’s Tea Party 




afternoon for a Mad Hatter’s tea party on the lawn. 

Free with admission. T: 01494 755573 

Wild Wednesday: Make a Home 

for a Wild Animal 



10.30am In this fun workshop use natural and 

recycled materials to create your own animal home 

to take away with you. Will you choose to make a 

bug hotel, bird box or maybe a ladybird retreat? 

Cost £2 per child. Booking essential. 

T: 03442 491895 







Create! 



12pm Create Metroland. Free with admission. 

T: 01494 723700 


Willen Lake MK15 





24 Aug 









essential. T: 01494 892192 

Under the Sea 


www.rrm.co.uk 

10.30am Dive into our magical underwater world 

this summer and discover the incredible creatures 

that live beneath the surface. Can you catch a crab, 

design a dragonfly and make your own Octopus to 

live in the ocean? Discover fabulous fish and add 

your own mythical water creature to our giant 

watery wall. Free with admission. 

T: 01491 415600 



OX39 4ER 


10.30am See event details 23 July. T: 01844 

353535 

Crazy Cress Heads: Drop In 



10.30am Create your own crazy character and take 

it home to watch their cress hair grow. Suitable for 

ages 4+. Entry by timed tickets on the day. 

T: 01494 957210 

Tropical Forest Handling 

Experience 



11am, 12pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm Ever 

wanted to meet and hold animals from tropical 

rainforests? Learn all about exotic species 

including a tarantula, tree frog, emperor scorpion, 

hissing cockroach, a royal python and more! Cost 

£6 per person. Online booking essential. 

24 – 25 Aug 

Alice! Crafts 





12 


13


25 Aug 

Birdy Finger 

Puppets 



11am Make bird finger puppets while you find 

out more about the RSPB and its work. 

T: 01494 892192 

26 Aug 

Chocolate 

Cattypiddlers 

and Bugs 



11.30am, 12.30pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm Join an 

expert chocolatier to make chocolate bugs and 

caterpillars which will be scrumdiddyumptious 

to eat! Cost £4.50 per person. Suitable for ages 


History and Nature Ride 


OX39 4ER 


10.30am A unique opportunity to see, listen 

and learn something about the history of the 

line and the local area it traverses and to also 

see some of our Chilterns area flora and fauna. 

Children travel for £1. T: 01844 353535 

27 Aug 





Dahl on the different types of tracks that you 

can find in the woods and then turn an ordinary 

plate into a map of prints and tracks. Cost £3 

per person. Suitable for ages 4+. Booking 

essential. T: 01494 892192 

27 – 28 Aug 

Tudor Times 



10am Discover what it was like to live in Tudor 

times and gather with the Militia to oppose the 

Armada in this family-friendly living history 

event. T: 01494 871117 



OX39 4ER 



T: 01844 353535 

28 Aug 

Biffsquiggling 

Bug Jars 



11.30am, 12.30pm, 2pm and 3pm Find out 

about the insects that Roald Dahl created as 

characters in stories. Then make your own bug 

jar by creating insects in their own home. Cost 


essential. T: 01494 892192 

Meet the Beekeepers 



11am Meet the Hughenden beekeepers and 

learn all about the fascinating honey giving 

creatures. There’s even a bee themed trail for 

the kids to follow. T: 01494 755573 

28 Aug – 3 Sept 

Supreme Superheroes 



10am See event details 7 - 13 Aug. 

T: 01628 520 188 

29 Aug 





modelling workshop to make a tree of your own 

– will it be the Giraffe’s tinkle-tinkle tree or the 

great tree hiding Mr Fox’s den. Cost £3 per person. 


T: 01494 892192 









11am A family day of bushcraft themed activities 

and crafts. T: 01494 871117 





Potato Printing: Drop In 



10.30am Suitable for ages 4+. Entry by timed 


Bat Walk 



7.45pm Join a bat enthusiast for an evening walk 

and learn all about bats. Cost £2 per person. 

T: 01908 255379 

30 Aug 

Flying Friend Mobiles 




Dahl’s love of birds and the countryside and make 

a mobile of his (or your!) favourite flying friends. 


essential. T: 01494 892192 

Free Day at Stowe 



10am Take advantage of a free day at Stowe and 

bring the family along for a day of monumental 

fun and adventure as the summer holidays draw to 

a close. T: 01280 817 156 

Wild Wednesday: Wild Art 



10.30am Use nature’s palette to create your own 

wild art masterpieces. Forget crayons, felt-tips 

and colouring pencils. To create your own work of 

art all you need is the great outdoors. Cost £2 per 

child. Booking essential. T: 03442 491895 







Create! 



12pm Create Toys. Free with admission. 

T: 01494 723700 


Stonepit Field MK14 





Lakeside Fair 

Black Park SL3 6DS www.buckscc.gov.uk 

12pm The afternoon will be jam-packed with fun 

activities including giant inflatables, music, crazy 

golf, a petting farm, games, a pocket-money shop 

and plenty of refreshments. 

Pond Dipping 

Bedgrove Park HP21 9TT 


2pm Free pond dipping session from Tring Anglers. 

Suitable for ages 3-10 years. 

31 Aug 

Science-y Seeds 




Dahl’s love of growing plants from seed as we 

investigate together how seeds travel and where to 

find them. We’ll plant our own bean seed for you to 

take home too. Cost £2 per person. Suitable for ages 




OX39 4ER 



T: 01844 353535 

Potato Printing: Drop In 



10.30am Suitable for ages 4+. Entry by timed 


Bucks County Show 

Weedon Park HP22 4NN 

www.buckscountyshow.co.uk 

8am Annual agricultural show for all the family. 


Alice! Crafts 





1 Sept 









1 – 30 Sept 

Family Explorers: What’s 

Growing at Stowe? 



10am Borrow an autumn seed guide and see how 

many you can spot. Can you spot any early conkers, 

or are they still in their prickly shells? Free with 

admission. T: 01280 817156 

2 Sept 

Squishy McFluff with Pip Jones 



12pm, 1.30pm and 3pm Meet Ava and her 

mischievous invisible cat, Squishy McFluff. Help 

author Pip Jones create the ultimate imaginary pet 

and hear some of Ava and Squishy’s adventures. 


essential. T: 01494 892192 

Open Day 


www.qpc.org 

11am Try out a variety of craft activities including 

pottery, needlework and painting & drawing, see 

live demonstrations from our performance arts 

classes, and find out how you can get involved in 

your local arts scene. 

Summer Finale 



10.30am Celebrate the end of the summer season 

in style at Gulliver’s. You can look forward to extra 

hours on park without paying any more on your 

standard tickets. Best of all we’ll have a magical 

fireworks display in the evening. T: 01925 444888 

2 – 3 Sept 

Thomas Weekend 

Bucks Railway Centre HP22 4BY 

www.bucksrailcentre.org 

10.30am A visit from Thomas the Tank Engine and 

friends. T: 01296 655720 

1940s Weekend 

MK Museum Milton Keynes, MK12 5EL 

www.miltonkeynesmuseum.org.uk 

11am See two of the stars of WW2 on the ground 

and in the air at this annual tribute to the sights, 

sounds, people and events of 1940s Britain! 

T: 01908 316222 

3 Sept 









essential. T: 01494 892192 



OX39 4ER 



T: 01844 353535 

Orienteering 

Furzton Lake MK4 


10am Cost £5 per team. T: 01908 255379 

5 Sept 

Bugs and Beasts 



2pm Hunt for creepy crawlies in Black Park with 

the help of the Rangers using a mini-beast kit. 

Cost £5 per family. Booking essential. 

T: 01753 511060 

8 Sept 

Bat Walk 



7.45pm Use bat detectors to convert the 

echolocation of bats around the park as they hunt 

for food. Weather dependant. Adults £5, children 

£3. Booking essential. T: 01753 511060 

9 Sept 

Fete and Fun Dog Show 




T: 01908 584000 

9 – 10 Sept 

Iron Warhorse Centenary 

Leighton Buzzard Railway LU7 4TN 

www.buzzrail.co.uk 

10.30am Two of the locomotives, War Department 

Light Railways 778 and 2182, which served in the 

Great War battlefields and survived, celebrate 

their centenaries. Also rides on WW1 goods 

wagons at Stonehenge Works. T: 01525 373888 

14 



16 



BOX OFFICE 

office 

Your family theatre guide... 

dream comes true, Tracy is transformed 

from social outcast to sudden star. She must 

use her newfound power to dethrone the 

reigning Teen Queen, win the affections of 

heartthrob Link Larkin, and integrate a TV 

network, all without denting her ‘do! 

22 July 

The First Hippo on the Moon 

2.30pm Two big hippos. One ENORMOUS 

dream. Who can make it to the moon first? 

Waterperry Gardens 

OX33 1JZ Box Office: 01844 339254 


12 Aug 

Wind in the Willows 

5pm With Inventive staging, original 

songs and magical storytelling we invite 

you to enjoy this classic tale of adventure, 

friendship and picnics in Boxtree 

Production’s unique and energetic way! 

Aylesbury Waterside 

Theatre 

HP20 1UG Box Office: 0844 871 7627 

www.atgtickets.com 

16 – 19 Aug 

Oliver! 

Various Performances by the Theatre’s Stage 

Experience youth group. 

Blenheim Palace 

OX20 1PP Box Office: 0800 849 6500 

www.blenheimpalace.com 

27 Aug 

Wind in the Willows 

2pm and 5pm Pack your picnics and join the 

boat-loving Ratty, the sensible yet curious 

Mole, wise old Badger and the fantastically 

irrepressible Toad as they embark on the 

adventure of a lifetime to save Toad Hall! 

Cliveden 

SL6 0JA Box Office: 01628 605069 


27 July 

Billionaire Boy 

4pm Come to this outdoor adaptation with a 

picnic, a seat, and a sense of adventure to hear 

the story of how Mr Spud made his millions 

and then lost it all, and how Joe became the 

richest boy in the world. 

24 Aug 

The Secret Garden 

2.30pm and 6.30pm The sour Mary Lennox, 

orphaned in India and sent to live with her 

uncle on his estate on the North York Moors, is 

finding her feet in a new place. Her stubborn 

curiosity leads her down a garden path to a 

locked door, overgrown and forgotten. Behind 

the door the secret garden holds untold 

magic. 

25 – 26 Aug 

Pride and Prejudice 

7pm In a social whirlwind of balls, dinners 

and very eligible officers, Lizzie Bennett and 

Fitzwilliam Darcy stand alone as the only 

sane people - and they hate each other! Or do 

they? Can she see beyond his pride, and can 

he overcome her prejudice, in order to achieve 

their mutual happiness? 

Langley Park Iver, 

SL0 0LS www.old.buckscc.gov.uk 

6 Aug 

The Wind in the Willows 

5pm Pack your picnics and join the boat-loving 

Ratty, the sensible yet curious Mole, wise old 

Badger and the fantastically irrepressible 

Toad as they embark on the adventure of a 

lifetime culminating in a colourful battle 

with the sly weasel to save Toad Hall! 

Online booking essential. 

2 Sept 

Puppets in the Park 

12pm, 2pm and 4pm A fun show filled with 

juggling, music, magic and puppetry. Book 

online at www.jugglepuppet.com 

Milton Keynes 

Theatre 

MK9 3NZ Box Office: 0844 871 7652 

www.miltonkeynestheatre.com 

17 – 22 July 

Wonderland 

Various times. An enchanting musical 

adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s 

Adventures in Wonderland and Through 

the Looking Glass, with a huge heart, 

a medley of magic and a whole lot of 

wonder. 


Grease 

Various times. It’s the original high-school 

musical, featuring all the unforgettable 

songs from the hit movie. 

Stantonbury Theatre 

MK14 6BN Box Office: 01908 324466 

www.stantonburytheatre.co.uk 

8 Jul 

The Jewel of Ancasta 

3pm This epic journey follows the voyages 

of the Prince and Princess of the Galaxy 

as they encounter space pirates, aliens, 

warriors, a tea obsessed genius, the 

Supreme Wisdom Bearers and a space 

whale; all in a bid to save the Galaxzsar, 

ruler of the Galaxy, and stop the sinister 

Senator Remus from taking over the 

Know-verse. 

9 July 

Dogs Don’t Do Ballet 

2.30pm Biff is not like other dogs. He 

doesn’t do dog stuff like weeing on lamp 

posts, or scratching his fleas, or drinking 

out of the toilet. No, Biff likes moonlight 

and music and walking on his tiptoes. You 

see, Biff doesn’t think he’s a dog. He thinks 

he’s a ballerina! 

13 – 15 July 

Hairspray 

Various times. It’s 1962 in Baltimore, and 

the lovable plus-size teen Tracy Turnblad 

has only one desire - to dance on the 

popular Corny Collins Show. When her 

Stowe House & School 

MK18 5EH Box Office: 01280 825710 

www.artsatstowe.co.uk 

9 July 

A Midsummer’s Eve Concert 

7pm Performance by the Brackly Chamber 

Music Club. The theme is Over the Hills and 

Far Away. 

22 July 

Dogs Don’t Do Ballet 

2pm Biff is not like other dogs. He doesn’t 

do dog stuff like weeing on lamp posts, or 

scratching his fleas, or drinking out of the 

toilet. No, Biff likes moonlight and music 

and walking on his tiptoes. You see, Biff 

doesn’t think he’s a dog. He thinks he’s a 

ballerina! 

The Elgiva 

HP5 1HR Box Office: 01494 582900 

www.elgiva.com 

8 July 

Dance Fever 

6pm Talented students from Aylesbury 

Performing Arts Centre will showcase a 

mix of Modern, Tap, Ballet, Commercial, 

Contemporary and Musical Theatre. 

15 July 

Kaleidoscope 

2pm and 7pm Emily’s School of Dance 

presents their annual summer show where 

the students will take you on a journey 

through a colour spectrum, exploring 

emotions and feelings of each colour 

through creative choreography and patterns 

of movement. 

16 July 

Peter Pan Captured Live in Front of 

an Audience 

2pm Captured live at the National Theatre, a 

recorded performance of JM Barrie’s muchloved 

tale screens in cinemas this summer. 

22 July 

The Magic of Treasure Island 

2pm Join us on a magical voyage of fun and 

adventure to the legendary Treasure Island. 

Packed full of puppets, magic, comedy, song 

and illusions, this is a perfect treat for all 

the family. 

4 – 5 Aug 

Robin of Croxley 

Various times. Join in the fun and follow 

Robin and his mate Bateman to an ultimate 

Karaoke competition to win the hand of 

Self-Made Marion against the Evil Agent 

of Oxhey. 

Wycombe Swan 

HP11 2XE Box Office: 01494 512000 

www.wycombeswan.co.uk 

20 July 

Rhythm of the Dance 

7.30pm Rhythm of the Dance celebrates a 

renewed vigour in Irish culture, embracing 

traditional and current to the ancient 

SeanNos dance style. Internationally rated 

as one of the most popular and successful 

Irish Step Dance shows on tour. 

3 – 5 Aug 

Legally Blonde 

Various Legally Blonde the Musical 

follows the transformation of Elle Woods, 

accompanied by her Chihuahua Bruiser, 

as she tackles stereotypes, snobbery and 

scandal in pursuit of her dreams. 

7 – 10 Aug 

Dinosaur World 

Various times. Grab your compass and join 

our intrepid explorer across unchartered 

territories to discover a pre-historic world 

of astonishing (and remarkably life-like) 

dinosaurs. Meet a host of impressive 

creatures, including every child’s favourite 

flesh-eating giant, the Tyrannosaurus Rex. 

8 – 13 Aug 

The Railway Children 

Various times. When their father 

mysteriously disappears with two strangers 

one evening, the lives of Roberta, Peter 

and Phyllis are turned upside down. Forced 

to leave the comforts of their privileged 

London life in exchange for a simple rural 

existence in Yorkshire, this fractured family 

soon discover new friendships and an 

unexpected secret that will change their 

lives forever. 

2 – 3 Sept 

Stick Man 

1pm and 4pm What starts off as a morning 

jog becomes quite the misadventure for 

Stick Man: a dog wants to play fetch with 

him, a swan builds a nest with him, and he 

even ends up on a fire! How will Stick Man 

ever get back to the family tree? T: 01494 

512000 

18 



LDO THROWS AN 

ENGLISH GARDEN PARTY 

London Designer Outlet (LDO) 

in Wembley Park, the Capital’s 

only fashion and lifestyle outlet 

centre, is hosting a ‘Summer 

Garden Party’ to celebrate the 

best of the British summer. 

With a ‘walled garden’ gracing 

LDO’s Retail Square, this is your chance to enjoy a whole host of 

summer fun at LDO. 

Come rain or shine people of all ages are invited to LDO’s 

‘Summer Garden Party’ which is FREE to attend from Saturday 

29th July until Sunday 6th August - 12.00pm to 4.00pm daily. 

Guests can expect an array of FREE, fun activities including a 

strawberry and cream cart, a giant deck chair, face painting, 

flower crown classes and live performances from the hilarious 

Hedge Men. 

Get in the mood for summer and enjoy daily live music in LDO’s 

bandstand, ranging from a string quartet, a jazz band and an 

acapella group. 

LDO is the perfect day-out destination for families or friends, with 

huge savings off retail prices at stores such as Hamleys, Guess, 

and Nike; plus there’s 20 restaurants, bars and cafés; a 9-screen 

Cineworld and a free children’s play park! 

Keep updated by following LDO on Facebook or Twitter, or by 

checking the LDO website: www.londondesigneroutlet.com. 

Alice! comes to Hughenden this summer 

Enjoy a wacky and wonderful summer at Hughenden with 

a range of Alice inspired activities everyday throughout the 

holidays. 

From Saturday 22 July – Sunday 3 September, 10am–5pm. 

you can follow the White Rabbit’s trail into the woods, look 

out for some of your favourite Alice characters along the way. 

On Tuesdays join Wycombe Croquet Club for croquet on 

the lawn with an Alice twist. Friendly instructors are on hand 

to show you how to play from 11am-4pm. We’ll be hosting 

a Mad Hatter’s tea party on Wednesdays 26 July, 9 & 23 

August, 12-3pm. Bring your picnic and join us on the lawn 

for stories and games. Get crafty on Thursdays and Fridays, 

10.30am-4pm, and make a dormouse in a teacup (£2), and 

for older children there’s a one-off Junior jewellery workshop 

on Monday 31 July with local jeweller Elizabeth Callincos on 

hand to help you create a keepsake from metal foils (minimum 

age 8yrs, £20). Normal admission applies to all, see 

Hughenden’s website 

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hughenden for detailed 

information and opening times. Hughenden, High Wycombe, 

Bucks. HP14 4LA 

19


BARRACUDAS 

Barracudas is the UK’s No1 children’s activity 

camp, offering peace of mind for working 

parents during the Easter & summer holidays. 

After a very successful 2016, with 14 

OUTSTANDING ratings from Ofsted, we are 

extremely excited to kick off 2017 with over 35 

camps operating this year. With action packed 

programmes and a choice of varied activities, 

including archery, swimming, fencing and arts 

& crafts, there is plenty to keep your children 

entertained. 

To book and to find out more call on 0845 123 

5299 or visit www.barracudas.co.uk 

Summer Holidays are stress-free 

at Safari MK! 

Every mum and child carer knows that the Summer 

Holidays can be daunting when children need to be kept 

busy every day and the weather may not be suitable for 

that all important energetic outdoor play. There are the 

inevitable rainy days and sometimes it’s just too hot to keep 

the children busy in the garden. Don’t worry Safari MK 

have the answer - their fabulous Jungle themed three tier 

soft play frame is open seven days a week from 9.30am 

in the morning until 6pm in the evening and is designed 

for children from 1 to 12 years old. Check out the website 

to see how Safari MK can support a stress-free Summer 

Holiday and have a great holiday – whatever the weather! 

www.safarimk.co.uk 

Summer Holiday Fun at Wycombe Museum 

We have a lot going on this summer holidays for all the family at Wycombe 

Museum. Come and explore our new special hands-on exhibition: Food: Beer, 

Bacon Badgers and Bhajis, celebrating everything edible and delicious in 

Wycombe District from Prehistory to the present day. Taking inspiration from the 

food exhibition, the museum will be running a series of drop-in events. Starting 

on Sunday 23rd July with Food Glorious Food and every Tuesday and Thursday 

over the summer holidays including: Seed Planting, Saxon Clay Pots, Crazy 

Cress Heads, and Potato Printing, drop-in and make something to take away. 

Come rain or shine this summer then check out Wycombe Museum’s jam-packed 

exhibitions and events programme at www.wycombemuseum.org. 

NEW for Summer at Green Dragon Eco Farm 

We’re introducing more exotic pets to our collection that make 

great, more unusual pets – snakes, stick-insects, lizards, 

tarantulas, scorpions, cockroaches and poison-dart frogs! We’ll 

have a programme of encounters providing fun, engaging, 

informative interaction with these animals that will inspire visitors. 

The ferret and chinchilla enclosures are getting an up-grade too 

and, for our Summer Surprise, we’ll be introducing some new 

babies into the large aviary! Keep an eye on our Facebook Page 

- https://www.facebook.com/greendragonecofarm/ - to take part 

in our ‘Guess the Summer Surprise Animal!’ Photo Competition, 

where you can have a go at guessing what the surprise newbie will 

be! 10am to 5.30pm (Daily) www.greendragonecofarm.co.uk 

www.facebook.com/greendragonecofarm 

www.teachingtalons.co.uk 

The Look Out engages children with the 

natural world 

Want to get your children to engage with the natural world, 

stimulating and entertaining them at the same time? The Look Out 

Discovery Centre has five zones with 90+ exhibits that demonstrate 

principles of gravity, the human body, light and shadow, colour, 

food chains and water as well as mathematical puzzles. For the 

architects among you, they also have a large Build It! Area, where 

you can design and build your very own house. From 22nd July 

join them for the Big Dinosaur show where you can meet their herd 

of stegosaurus and use your senses to navigate the natural and 

carnivorous threats that await them. With acres of forest and play 

areas to explore too, it’s a perfect summer day out. 

T: 01344 354400 W: www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/ 

thelookoutdiscoverycentre 

Giant adventures for the whole family this summer 

Get ready for a summer of non-stop family fun at Gulliver’s Theme Parks. Discover 

incredible rides, attractions and entertainment from the fabulous Gully Gang. There will even 

be special appearances from the Smurfs across the summer so don’t miss out. It’s always 

best to book online at least two days in advance to save even more on your day out. Parking 

is completely free every time you visit plus there’s a fantastic selection of indoor attractions 

to choose from. You can get entry for the whole family for just £59 with the voucher on the 

advert in this issue on page 3. To find out more visit www.gulliversfun.co.uk 

20 


The Parks Trust 

With over 6,000 acres of beautiful parks, woodlands and lakes to 

explore in Milton Keynes, you’re never far from nature. The Parks 

Trust is an independent, self-funded charity and it cares for and 

maintains the green space across the city. 

It organises over 200 events annually from Proms in Campbell Park 

to World Picnic, organised runs to led walks - there’s something for 

everyone. 

If you’re looking for something to do with your children this summer, 

be sure to check out www.theparkstrust.com/whats-on - The Parks 

Trust has 

events and 

activities for 

children of all 

ages, including 

Nature Day 

(1st July), 

World Picnic 

(30th July) 

and Love 

Willen Day 

(4th August). 

360 Play is definitely THE place to 

play this summer! There is so much for 

the family to do – race each other on the 

dodgems, ride the carousel, dress up 

as a princess or superhero character in 

our 360 street – and that’s even before 

the kids have taken on the playframe! 

(also suitable for adults up to 6ft tall) 

360 Play is about creating quality 

memories for families spending quality 

time together – that’s why our playtime 

is unlimited and our entry price is all you 

will need to pay to use all of the facilities. Our centres in Basildon, 

Leicester, Milton Keynes and Stevenage also have outdoor play 

areas including seating for the adults, so you really can have it all 

– whatever the weather! Keep up to date with special offers and 

events at 360play.co.uk. 

History comes alive at Chiltern Open Air 

Museum this summer 

If you’ve not yet been to Chiltern Open Air Museum in Chalfont 

St Giles, Buckinghamshire, then the summer is a great time to 

visit. There are living history events with costumed re-enactors 

and displays every weekend and a return of the Museum’s famous 

‘Terrific Tuesdays’ every Tuesday throughout the school holidays. 

The award-winning Museum is an outdoor museum of rescued 

and reconstructed historic buildings that were the homes or work 

places of ordinary people. The 45 acre site of woodland and 

parkland has over 30 re-erected buildings including a 1940s 

prefab, Victorian toll house, blacksmith’s forge, replica Iron Age 

roundhouse and working historic farm with livestock. The Museum 

site is regularly used for filming most notably; Downton Abbey, 

Call the Midwife, Grantchester and the children’s television series 

Horrible Histories. There is plenty for children to do on-site with 

multiple opportunities to dress up, play with historic games, build 

models of the barns, trails and lots of space to run around and 

discover. The Museum has an adventure playground which is 

inspired by the historic buildings. Children can play in the model 

toll house, shepherd’s living van and Anderson shelter and then 

have fun exploring the real thing! Dogs are welcome on site and 

there is a tea room, gift shop and free parking. www.coam.org.uk 

Stoke Bruerne- An amazing 

day out for families! 

Located in the pretty Northamptonshire 

village of Stoke Bruerne, The Canal 

Museum, is a true hidden gem. With its 

boat trips, pond dipping, flight of locks, colourful narrowboats, 

waterway walks, infamous tunnel, two pubs, shop, events and a 

café it provides a great family day out. In the museum you will 

discover the story of Britain’s canals, from the great engineers 

and navvies who created them to the boat families, leggers and 

lock-keepers who lived and worked on them. You’ll find models 

of working boats, traditional clothing, canal crafts, painted ware, 

a re-creation of a boat builder’s workshop, beautiful historical 

signs and much more. For further information and details of 

events please call 01604 862229 or visit 

canalrivertrust.org.uk/thecanalmuseum. 

THE ROALD DAHL MUSEUM 

The Roald Dahl Museum invites you to enjoy a Buzzyhumming 

Summer! Find out about the creepy-crawlies, animals and birds 

in Roald Dahl’s books, and discover the local countryside that 

inspired the author. Listen to some animal-tastic tales, make Paw 

Print Plates, enjoy Bird and Bug Games and find out about Roald 

Dahl’s love of gardening in the Science-y Seeds workshops. 

Explore the village, woods and fields on guided Village and 

Countryside Trails. Head out on a sketch walk with artist Sue 

Pownall or a storytelling walk 

with Chip Colquhoun from 

Snail Tails. See roalddahl. 

com/museum/whats-on for 

full events listings, prices and 

booking details. #BuzzySummer 

Bricks Britannia: the history 

of Britain in LEGO® bricks 

Bucks County Museum 22 July – 4 September 

The history of Britain in LEGO® bricks is the new 

fantastic exhibition specially for the summer holidays 

at Bucks County Museum of stunning models created 

solely from LEGO® bricks, giving a rundown of British 

history from the Stone Age to the 21st Century. 

Featuring over 30 models created by Bright Bricks, 

the leading company for LEGO creations and using 

over 150,000 LEGO® Bricks. The centrepiece of 

this amazing exhibition is the show stopping 8m 

long model of Flying Scotsman, the world’s most famous steam 

locomotive, with light, sound and smoke effects. Together with famous 

moments from British history, this show is a must for the whole family 

and a treat for LEGO fans. See www.buckscountymuseum.org for 

all charges, times and special Make and Take activities. 

WATERPERRY GARDENS 

Who’s afraid of the big bad wolf? 

Fairy ‘Tail’ Trails is back at Waterperry 

Gardens to delight children throughout the summer holidays. 

Follow the clues and compass directions to find fairy tale 

characters with tails around the gardens. £3 per child with a free 

compass and prize (children must be accompanied by an adult 

for whom the garden entrance fee applies). A lovely Summer day 

out for all the family. Don’t forget the Amphitheatre at Waterperry 

Gardens too which brings you an evening of exciting open-air 

family theatre with The Wind in the Willows on 12 August at 5pm. 



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win!To enter these competitions and more, please go to... 

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WIN! A £50 GIFT CARD FROM LONDON 

DESIGNER OUTLET THIS SUMMER 

Primary Times has teamed up with London Designer Outlet (LDO) in Wembley Park, 

London’s only outlet centre, to offer readers the chance to win a £50 LDO gift card to 

celebrate its Summer Garden Party from Saturday 29th July until Sunday 6th August, 2017. 

At the Summer Garden Party, guests can celebrate the best of British summer with an 

array of FREE, fun activities including a strawberry and cream cart, a giant deck chair, face 

painting, flower crown classes and live performances from the hilarious Hedge Men. 

Get in the mood for summer and enjoy daily live music in LDO’s bandstand, ranging from a 

string quartet, a jazz band and an acapella group. 

LDO is the perfect day-out destination for families or friends, with huge savings off retail 

prices at stores such as Hamleys, Guess, and Nike; plus there’s 20 restaurants, bars and 

cafés; a 9-screen Cineworld and a free children’s play park! 

To WIN tell us where LDO is located?] 

Keep updated by following LDO on Facebook or Twitter, or by checking the LDO website: 

www.londondesigneroutlet.com. Closing date 27th July 2017 

Closing dates may vary 

WIN! one of three family tickets to 

this year’s 150th Bucks County Show 

at Weedon Park, situated on the 

outskirts of Aylesbury town, on 

Thursday 31st August 2017. 

The Main Ring will welcome The Household Cavalry Musical Ride. They will provide a 

breath-taking performance show casing a dazzling display of military horsemanship. 

The mounted section will be dressed in colourful red and blue ceremonial uniforms and 

the troop will stage two performances during the day. They first performed at the Royal 

Tournament in 1882, the musical ride features a series of cavalry drill movements set to 

music something not to be missed. 

For your chance to win a family ticket just answer the following question: 

In what year did the Household Cavalry first perform at the Royal Tournament? 

a) 1982 b) 1882 c) 1782 

Closing date Friday 18th August 2017 

22

Primary Times Buckinghamshire Summer 2017

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