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Archives: Events

Birdwatch Morning

Join our warden on their morning rounds to see how many birds you can add to your 2011 wild bird list. Must be pre-booked on 01453 891223 or email eleanor.wise@wwt.org.uk
Start 8:00 a.m., lasts 3 hours and includes a cup of tea and a bacon roll or scrambled egg on toast.
Cost: £15.00


Wildbird feeds

Wild Bird Feeds from autumn to spring watch the magical spectacle of our daily commentated bird feeds as Bewick’s swans return to Slimbridge after their long journey from Arctic Russia. You may see Crinkly our much-loved swan with a crooked neck or Dario and Dorcus, who are always among the first to return.
The talks are given every day from the Peng Observatory at 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.


Floodlit swan feeds -Saturdays and Sundays only

Floodlit swan feeds: See our beautiful Bewick’s swans in a whole new light with a floodlit bird feed. Enjoy the warmth of the heated Peng Observatory as you learn about the amazing journey these swans make to reach us here at Slimbridge.

Time: Saturday and Sunday at 6.30 p.m. to 7.15 p.m

Cost: £5 per adult and £3 per child. Pay the warden on arrival at this event.


Christmas shopping days

Browse an array of stalls selling everything from beautiful and unusual gifts and decorations for the home to the very best in local festive produce.

Times: Saturday 3 December and Sunday 4 December 09:30 to 17:00

Cost: Free to browse stalls – Admission to centre as normal


Breakfast with Father Christmas

Father Christmas is paying an early visit to Slimbridge this year and is hoping your family will join him at an exclusive event.

Enjoy a delicious breakfast and wait to see Father Christmas as he sweeps through the restaurant on his way to his cosy grotto. When finished your family will be taken to meet Father Christmas, who will have a special gift for your child.

After meeting santa help our friendly elf spread the joy of Christmas to all creatures by taking part in a special bird feed around Swan Lake.

After the event enjoy being amongst the earliest to visit our foyer packed with Christmas shopping stalls. Browse among the stalls for unique and interesting gifts which you won’t find on the High Street.

Event costs £16.50 for children (includes breakfast with Santa, toy and birdfeed) and £12 for adults. There are limited spaces on this event.


Breakfast with Father Christmas

Father Christmas is paying an early visit to Slimbridge this year and is hoping your family will join him at an exclusive event. Enjoy a delicious breakfast and wait to see Father Christmas as he sweeps through the restaurant on his way to his cosy grotto. When finished your family will be taken to meet Father Christmas, who will have a special gift for your child. After meeting santa help our friendly elf spread the joy of Christmas to all creatures by taking part in a special bird feed around Swan Lake. After the event enjoy being amongst the earliest to visit our foyer packed with Christmas shopping stalls. Browse among the stalls for unique and interesting gifts which you won’t find on the High Street. Event costs £16.50 for children (includes breakfast with Santa, toy and birdfeed) and £12 for adults. There are limited spaces on this event.


Enchanted Christmas 2011 – Westonbirt Arboretum

With an enchanted wood, choirs and crols, Christmas shopping, seasonal dining and an appearance from Father Christmas himself, 2011’s Enchanted Christmas at Westonbirt Arboretum is sure to be a festive favourite with the whole family.  Visitors from across Gloucestershire and beyond will once again be able to walk the famous one-mile illuminated trail through the arboretum, enjoying the beauty of the toweing trees lit by thousands of eco-friendly festive lights, complete with special effects, this winter.

Open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening from Friday 25 November to Sunday 18 December 5pm – 8.30pm with last entry at 7.15pm.

Tickets cost £9 for adults, £8 for concessions and £5 for children.


Bibury Duck Race

The annual Bibury Duck Race is another of Gloucestershire’s more unusual traditions, pulling in the crowds from far and wide each year on Boxing Day and 2011 is no exception.

Every year at 11am on Boxing Day the small, picturesque and tranquil village of Bibury is transformed as thousands of spectators wrap up intheir woolly hats and scarves tro gather along the the River Coln which runs through the village.  While it’s hard to imagine what could attract so many people away from the comfort of their homs – with warm fires to sit by, Christmas presents to enjoy and tins of Roses sweets to indulge in – it soon becomes clear when as many as 100 decoy ducks are realeased to race down the river in a unique spectacle.


National Trust: Snowshill Manor and Garden

Ho, ho, ho!  Our very special Snowshill guest Santa Claus will be coming in to meet boys and girls and find out what they are wishing for this Christmast.  Have you been good?

1.30 – 3.30pm.  Booking not needed.  Normal admission charges apply.  All tickets £3.50


National Trust: Snowshill Manor and Gardens

Join us in the restaurant for a wonderful winter warming lunch followed by the chance to have a go at making seasonal treats.  12pm – 2.30 pm.  Booking not needed.  Normal admission charges apply.