Britain's Finest - Events

Colchester Zoo's Enchanted Trail of Light is back for 2024!

Experience the wonder of the lights and magical atmosphere! With a host of illuminations along a designated route, dancing fountatins and fairies spreading their magic, Colchester Zoo's light trail event will leave you feeling Enchanted.

In this new community-curated Wisley Gallery exhibition explore the benefits of plants, gardens and green spaces for our health and wellbeing. Included in normal garden admission.

Silverdrake Academy of Witches and Wizards

This Halloween, we invite you to dive into a realm of enchantment and laughter with an interactive theatrical experience blending fantasy with fun.

A family affair, creating unforgettable memories for your little ones, join us as we transport you to a world where every moment sparkles with joy and excitement. Let the adventure begin!

Silverdrake Academy of Witches and Wizards!

Welcome one and all to the open day for the Silverdrake academy for Witches and Wizards. Join professor Scorpius Shufflebottom as they take you through an introduction to the academy. Joining the professor is the top student Gabby and Professor’s nephew Oswald. The professor will be demonstrating magic and there will be an opportunity to get involved in some sorcery yourself.

Suitable for the whole family! Please note that all children must be accompanied by an adult.

Date: Thursday 31st October 2024

Time: 11am - 1pm

Price:

£39 per adult

£23.95 per child

Includes a morning of witches and wizards’ theatre, ghostly arts & crafts, spooky story time followed by a Halloween-themed afternoon tea.

On Saturday 26th October 2024 you'll be able to meet and take pictures with characters from the films as they patrol the park throughout the day.

*Expected to sell out - PRE-BOOKING ESSENTIAL!*

Star Wars fans will be excited to hear that Storm Troopers and other characters from the legendary films are coming to The Milky Way Adventure Park. On Saturday 26 October 2024 you'll be able to meet and take pictures with characters from the films as they patrol the park throughout the day.

There will also be a children's Star Wars fancy dress competition, with a prize of a free family pass for the best dressed! 

All this extra fun is included in the normal entry price and you can look forward to all of the usual attractions on offer at this award-winning day out with rides, slides, shows and activities designed to entertain the whole family.

Whilst you’re there don’t forget to grab yourself a Readmission voucher that will get you in for a reduced price all season! Readmission vouchers are available in the shop on your way out.

This great day is all thanks to The UK Garrison, the world's largest and most accurate Star Wars costume character club, and The Rebel Legion UK. These groups are all volunteers who donate 100% of their appearance fees to charity.

Please note that characters are subject to change.

Located in the historic city of Bath, experience unforgettable moments at The Bath Priory and find the event perfect for you.

INDULGE IN A TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS DAY LUNCH IN THE HEART OF THE HAMPSHIRE COUNTRYSIDE.

Served 12pm - 2pm

This year you can escape the stress of hosting, cooking & cleaning and let our family take care of yours at your home away from home. Our mouth-watering menu has a delicious selection of dishes to choose from. Whether you're wanting to indulge in a traditional Christmas turkey lunch with all the trimmings or opt for something different to try - there's something for everyone to enjoy! Why not stay a little longer after your meal and have family fun in one of our lounges playing board games.

Here's what awaits:

- Sparkling glass of Champagne for each adult
- Your own table with Christmas novelties
- Five course traditional Christmas Lunch with all the trimmings
- Tea, coffee & mince pies
- Live singer
- Pop-up play village for the little ones with a visit from Santa

Whether you're planning to come with your loved one or with the entire extended family, Christmas Day Lunch at Oakley Hall is the perfect setting to celebrate the festivities. Cheers to Christmas with a glass of your favourite tipple and a truly sumptuous lunch, all whilst listening to a sublime live singer. And whilst you're savouring each flavour your little ones will be able to have fun with our pop-up play village and burn off energy in the gardens.

Our grounds are home to over 300 acres of beautiful woodlands and gardens, ready for you to explore. So whether you'd like to build up an appetite before taking your seats or hoping to get a breath of the crisp countryside air after your 5 course lunch, you can take a gentle stroll around our grounds and explore the beauty of the Hampshire countryside in December.

CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS IN STYLE IN DECEMBER AT OAKLEY HALL HOTEL, BASINGSTOKE!

Join us for an unforgettable exclusive Christmas Party Night at our charming countryside hotel. The Garden Pavilion will be exclusively yours, where you can enjoy a sparkling atmosphere with festive theming, a mouth-watering feast created by our award-winning chefs and fantastic live entertainment including casino tables and a DJ!

HERE'S WHAT TO EXPECT:

• Arrival glass of bubbly from 7pm
• Spectacular Christmas decorations & state of the art lighting
• Christmas novelties on your table
• Delicious three course Christmas dinner
• Tea & coffee
• Live entertainment during dinner*
• Casino tables with fun money
• Dancing until 1am* with a live DJ
• Free car-parking & cloak room
• Onsite security*
• Add half a bottle of House Wine per guest for an additional £15 per person

Stay overnight from £139 per room on an Exclusive Party Night date

*Selected party night dates do not include the live entertainment during dinner or security. Selected dates end at midnight.*

Located in the picturesque village of Amberley in the beautiful West Sussex countryside, experience unforgettable moments at Amberley Castle and find the event perfect for you.

This Halloween Half Term at The Milky Way families can enjoy a fabulous family day out with a little extra Halloween-themed fun!

From Saturday 26th October to Sunday 3rd November 2024 there’ll be lots of extra Halloween activities to enjoy – all designed to be fun rather than scary.

Enrol your little horrors at our very special School for Witches and Wizards where they can try spell writing and casting plus potion making, all with the help of our brilliantly fun, larger-than life tutors. Then bump around the Spooky Swamp Dodgems, catch Merlin's themed show filled with his special brand of spooktacular fun, catch a special storytelling session for little ones and enjoy the atmosphere of The Milky Way all decorated in its Halloween Best ...

Of course, as with most special events here at The Milky Way, our visitors get to enjoy all this extra fun in addition to the usual exciting rides, activities and live shows - and it's all included in the usual entry fee.

Whilst you’re here remember to grab yourself an online re-admission ticket that will save you up to 50% on your next visit! Re-admission tickets are available in the shop on your way in or your way out.

Bring out your creative spirit by joining this fun floristry workshop with a demonstration and guidance from talented Margot Gill on making a festive wreath arrangement to take home. The workshop will be followed by a festive three-course luncheon with wine.

10:00am - Arrive for morning coffee and biscuits in the Drawing Room

10:30am - Join the workshop in the Barlow Room where Margot Gill will demonstrate and guide you while you make your own festive wreath.  All materials will be provided.

12:30pm - Return to the Drawing Room for a glass of bubbly.

1:00pm - Enjoy a three-course festive luncheon with wines, coffee and mince pies.

We will be opening up our doors to give you the chance to explore our beautiful manor house wedding venue.  Join us for a glass of prosecco and meet our experienced wedding coordinators, Françoise Gysemans and her team of wedding experts.

Their hand-picked selection of wedding suppliers will be available to answer all your questions and bring those Pinterest boards to life!

No appointment required.

Reconnect with nature and enjoy the autumn colours bringing vibrancy to the gardens. Join our Head Gardener on a guided tour of the gardens pointing out highlights of seasonal interest throughout the year. followed by Afternoon Tea with a glass of bubbly.

Take a guided tour of Middlethorpe's gardens to learn how Head Gardener Andrew Leighton and his team of National Trust volunteers work to create year round colour. Reconnect with nature on this tour of the garden and parkland as Andrew focuses on plants and shrubs for seasonal colour.

The garden tour will be followed an Afternoon Tea with a glass of bubbly.

A change of shoes and outerwear is recommended according to weather conditions.

Arrive 2.00pm for coffee or tea and homemade biscuits 

Garden tour starts 2.30pm

Ends approx 5.30pm