The summer holidays are here, and the annual challenge of keeping everyone amused is about to begin. Here, to get you started, is a selection of the summer’s events and activities, shows and places to go, some of them on the doorstep, others a little further afield.

 

July 20 to September 1

Summer Fun Trail - Goodrich Castle. 

Explore the castle grounds and find the hidden clues. Solve the challenge and a special reward awaits. Tickets available on the day.

More details at englishheritage.co.uk/daysout.

July 20

Meet the Animals - Blists Hill Victorian Town, Ironbridge.

Find out about the town’s animals and chat to their keepers as well as meeting the townsfolk in their shops and cottages.

Find out about curious remedies in the Pharmacy, see traditional skills in action at the printers, candle makers and decorative plasterers and join in the sing-along in the New Inn Pub. Call 01952 433424 or visit ironbridge.org.uk for more information.

July 20-21

The Leominster/Hereford Kite Festival

It’s a laid-back friendly festival showcasing some of the best sport and single line kites. It’s for kite enthusiasts and for the public to come along and watch – and to bring along a kite and join in. The festival is at its new location, Berrington Hall, near Leominster.

July 19-21

Festival at the Edge Stokes Farm, Much Wenlock.

FatE is the oldest storytelling festival in England and has something for everyone. There is an exciting adult programme, late night stories around the bonfire, a dedicated programme for children, and practical workshops throughout the weekend to help improve your skills.

For a booking form, visit festivalattheedge.org.

July 20 to September 1

Enginuity

Find out about the science and technology behind our weather. See wind turbines generating electricity, find out how a rainbow is made and see a hurricane created in front of you! You will also get the chance to make some fun weather-inspired creations including kites, rain sticks and windmills at our daily drop-in workshops.

Contact 01952 433424 or visit ironbridge.org.uk for more information.

July 20-21

Much Marcle Steam Rally

Steam traction engines, vintage tractors, vintage commercial vehicles, vintage motor cycles and cars, stationary engines, fairground organs, fun fair, models and crafts, as well as trade stands, shire horses and displays of rural activities at Rye Meadows, Much Marcle July 21 Eagle and Vulture Flying Spectacular Join Trevor Hill at Hampton Court Castle for one of the largest and most varied falconry displays.

Call 01568 797777 or email ticketoffice@hamptoncourt.org.uk

July 21-25

Children’s Nature Trail Eastnor Castle.

Take part in the Little Snail Nature Trail and explore the magical castle grounds with the opportunity to win a prize when completing the fun trail. Visit eastnorcastle.com for more information.

July 24

Pride and Prejudice

Heartbreak Productions present a classic story in the open air at Hampton Court Castle. Call 01568 797777 for details and tickets.

July 26

The Pantaloons present Sherlock Holmes at Croft Castle

Dynamic detective duo Holmes and Watson tackle their most fiendish case yet in a delightfully inventive and hilarious show for all ages. Call 01568 780246 or visit thepantaloons.co.uk.

July 27-28

Treasure Island Weekend

Come along to Blists Hill Victorian Town and watch Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island come to life. A cargo boat which operated along the River Severn in the 1800s will be transformed into the story’s famous vessel, the Hispaniola, where there will be a fancy dress competition judged by Long John Silver and Jim Hawkins.

Call 01952 433424 or visit ironbridge.org.uk for more information.

July 28 – August 1

Puppetree Puppets at Eastnor Castle

Enjoy the fantastic world of Puppetree Puppets, who will be entertaining children with amazing shows each day. In between each show children will have the chance to do balloon model making. Tickets (grounds admission only) are priced at £4 for children (aged three-15), £6 for adults and £16 for a family. Visit eastnorcastle.com for more information.

July 28

Museum Gala Day

Vintage, veteran and classic vehicle cavalcade through Hereford and lineup in Waterworks Museum courtyard, where Hereford Concert Band performs.

For details, call 01432 357236.

July 29

Milkshake!

At The Courtyard. Starring all of Milkshake’s television favourites: Little Princess and Scruff, Noddy and Tessie Bear, Roary and Big Chris, Fifi and Bumble and B1 and B2 – the Bananas in Pyjamas – this musical spectacular is sure to have children tapping their toes, clapping their hands and singing at the top of their voices. Call 01432 340555 or visit courtyard.org.uk.

July 31

Exotic Animal and Bird Encounters with Trevor Hill

Hampton Court Castle offers the chance to get up close and personal with the meerkats, skunks, spiders, lizards and many more!

There is something for everyone, from armadillos and tarantulas, to chinchillas to snakes. Call 01568 797777 or email ticketoffice @hamptoncourt.org.uk.

July 31 and August 1

Time Travellers Go...

Knights and Princesses At Goodrich Castle, transform into a noble lord, learn about etiquette and have a go at making a shield in Goodrich’s own academy for budding knights and princesses.

Tickets available on the day with prices at £3.70 for children (aged 5-15 years), £6.70 for adults and £16.10 for a family ticket.