Britain's Finest - Events

Did you know... the Aldabra Giant Tortoise can live up to 150 years!

Join Colchester Zoo as thy share all things smooth and scaly with a range of reptile inspired activities. From the humid habitat of the Komodo Dragons to the brightly coloured Emerald Tree Monitor Lizard, find out more about these incredbile animals and how the Zoo cares for them.

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!

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.

This is probably the most popular course we run here. The May course is sold out so this course is your final oppourtunity to create your own wire hen with Chris Moss.

Wire sculptor, Chris Moss, will be leading this day long course and will expertly guide you through making your own wire hen. It is a perfect step-up for people who have made smaller wire sculptures on the half-day workshops and now wish to make something more challenging, but also suitable for beginners

All materials are provided. Please bring a packed lunch.

The day will be full of fun for all ages and packed with a programme of all sorts of activities, entertainment, and games throughout the day.  Watch the exciting Clovelly Cup yacht race across the bay, starting at 12pm.  Enjoy live music, street entertainments, event-themed arts & crafts, mermaid storytelling, Punch & Judy, face painting and stalls selling delicious food.  Free entry for under 16s who come in maritime-themed fancy dress costumes!

Stillingfleet Lodge's annual wildlife day will be on the 30th June 2024, part of National Insect Week. Local wildlife charities join us to make this a day packed  with activities and information about the wildlife across Yorkshire. Activities include pond-dipping, bird-ringing and owl- pellet dissection plus a chance to meet bats and reptiles - there is always something for the whole family.

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.

Enjoy a afternoon tea with a quintessentially English theme including a selection of sweet treats crafted by our pastry chefs in celebration of the all England lawn tennis tournament. 

Discover mysterious Dartmoor tales as we explore the beautiful village of Gidleigh on Dartmoor. Walking directly from the hotel, our circular route passes the picturesque church and ruined castle, along an ancient holloway, picturesque country lanes, and lush woodlands.

Following your moderate exploration, experience an exquisite three-course lunch created by Executive Head Chef, Chris Eden.

In May the garden is full of colour and wildlife. This is your opportunity to visit as part of the National Garden Scheme. Entry fees and 10% of plant sales are donated to the NGS. Pre-booking is NOT required.

The National Garden Scheme is a registered charity which opens gardens of quality, character and interest to the public. Since 1927 they have raised funds to support nursing and caring charities, and over £25 million in the last 10 years.

Enjoy wandering through the different parts of the garden and gain inspiration for your own garden. Many of the plants you will see are available to buy in our  plant nursery and we can help you choose the right plant for your garden. The tearoom will be open with proceeds going to the local chur

A three-day relaxed weekend VW Festival. With all the elements of the shows we all know and love! Quarter mile track action features Doorslammer Drag Racing, alongside Show & Shine, Traders, Fun Fair and Bar meaning you can enjoy the later evenings camping with friends!

“Join us for an enchanting celebration of wedding bliss, with our Wedding Showcase, offering Canapes and Fizz upon your arrival, carefully selected suppliers, live DJ and much more!

A perfect opportunity to plan your special day, discuss ideas with our award winning experts and see our Beautiful Function suites fully dressed”