Britain's Finest - Events

Join Colchester Zoo as they celebrate their charity, Colchester Zoological Society and the vital conservation work that they undertake in the UK and worldwide.

From meeting members of the Animal Care Team, to learning how to be a ranger on UmPhafa Private Nature Reserve, there will be lots of chances to find out about their work.

They will also be hosting their very own Conservation Festival on 29th May where you'll be able to find out more about conservation efforts around the world and in the UK.

As symbols of mystery, desire, danger and wealth, orchids have inspired countless works of art, literature, film and fashion. Their complexity, diversity and rarity have fascinated scientists and obsessed the rich.

In this Old Laboratory exhibition at RHS Garden Wisley, discover beautiful botanical artworks and rare books from the RHS collections, and find out how our different perceptions of orchids - as aphrodisiacs, carnivorous predators, and mass-market commodities - have evolved over time. Included in normal garden admission.

Celebrate Father's Day at Gidleigh Park and join us for an unforgettable experience—an indulgent A la Carte lunch that promises culinary delights amidst the beauty of nature. As an extra touch, every dad will receive a thoughtful gift, making this day a memorable for all.

Join us as we celebrate Father's Day, a time to honour and appreciate all dads. Indulge in a scrumptious four-course meal, each dish crafted to delight the taste buds.

As a token of our gratitude, every father will take home a special gift, marking this day as a cherished memory.

Our civil ceremony & wedding breakfast rooms will be dressed and will be available to view as well as the luxury Garden Pavilion, outdoor Woodland Pavilion and our beautiful bedrooms & suites!

Join us for a blooming afternoon of creativity, delectable treats, and sparkling conversations amidst nature's finest offerings. Enjoy a glass of sparkling wine on arrival and discover the art of crafting a beautiful floral arrangement using the freshest spring blooms with local florist the Flower Shop. Following the workshop, indulge in a delightful afternoon tea.

Celebrate Father's Day with a special treat. Join us for a delightful experience exploring our local casked beers and craft ales paired perfectly with mini pies.

Enjoy a beer flight featuring a range of flavours alongside a taster board of delicious mini pies, each paired to enhance your tasting experience. Treat Dad to a memorable day filled with exceptional brews, delectable bites, and the joy of savouring these delightful pairings together.

We are delighted to welcome artist Jerry Scott to our exhibition space in our tearoom, here at Stillingfleet Lodge Gardens in May 2024. His paintings, collages and prints  aspire to be a feast for the eye: a distillation of all the fulsome sensations and emotions which I experience in response to the colours and textures of the world about me.

Admission to the tearoom and exhibition is free during regular opening hours 1pm to 5pm on selected dates. The art displayed will be available to purchase.

Bring the family to Wisley this half term and see the garden in its early summer splendour. There will be planting and daily activity sessions and a family garden trail to follow. Included in normal garden admission.

The Gidleigh Park Estate Team takes immense pride in their Kitchen Garden, while Executive Chef, Chris Eden, champions the use of all its produce.

Your day commences at 10.00am with a welcome coffee before embarking on a guided tour of the Kitchen Garden. Following this, savour a glass of wine and indulge in a delightful vegetarian three-course lunch crafted from the garden's fresh vegetables and herbs. Finally, conclude with coffee and petits fours to round off the experience.

Join Vanessa for a garden walk when she will show you the highlights of the garden in June. This will be an informal tour with the garden owner, Vanessa who will provide you with plenty of tips on the best plants to grow to give you beautiful borders throughout the year. You will also learn how the garden is managed for wildlife and Vanessa will highlight some of the many ways she has blended stunning planting with being wildlife-friendly.

The walk is included in the garden admission for the afternoon, but is on a first-come-first-served basis. There will only be 12 places, so make sure you get on the list when you arrive at the hut!

Start is at 2:00pm prompt and will last about an hour, so plenty of time afterwards for refreshments and a visit to the plant nursery.

Round 1 of the FIA/FIM European Championships is one of Santa Pod's most prestigious Drag Race meetings. This hugely popular extravaganza features over 200 teams and 17 classes of cars and bikes including the sports F1 class – 11,000bhp Top Fuel Dragsters accelerating 0-100mph in less than 1 second, making this event unrivalled for both the quality and quantity of racing.

As well as the Drag Racing there's fun for all the family with a full line up of entertainment suitable for kids and adults alike, this is the ultimate family day out! Camping available onsite so come for the weekend.

New for 2024 - The Main Event will host a Live Music Stage with Bands playing after racing on Friday, Saturday & Sunday evenings! Day Tickets will be valid until midnight!