News & Views
The Peter RabbitTM Garden Adventure a live immersive experience
In the appropriately historic surroundings of Blenheim Palace, Beatrix Potter’s Peter Rabbit is celebrating his 120th anniversary through a magical mix of storytelling, live performance, and puppetry, on a journey around the grounds of this beautiful location. Developed in association with Frederick Warne & Co. (brand owner and part of Penguin Random House Children’s), this is the first time Peter Rabbit has appeared in this way, and is also a first for World Heritage Site Blenheim Palace which has allowed unprecedented access for families trying to save Peter Rabbit from ending up in Mr. McGregor’s rabbit pie. This summer, young Beatrix Potter invites you to join her on an adventure to find her mischievous friend Peter Rabbit, as she leads guests through never-before-seen spots in the Palace’s walled garden. Moving from flower and vegetable gardens to greenhouses and potting sheds, you’ll get a glimpse of the estate no-one else has seen, whilst meeting friends Jemima Puddle-Duck, Squirrel Nutkin, Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle and Mr. Jeremy Fisher along the way. Watch out for many more surprises on your journey! This 50 minute immersive adventure should be the star in the calendar of any child who loves to explore the great outdoors, any family who treasures spending time together in nature, and any fan of the most beloved rabbit in children’s literature which has sold over 250 million copies since he first appeared at the start of the 20th century. A must-visit summer attraction for all ages looking to combine history, adventure and education. www.PeterRabbitGardenAdventure.com
Explore a woodland adventure play area
Located in the heart of Witney, Cogges is a historic Cotswold farmstead with a beautiful 13th century Manor House, enchanting walled garden and 17 acres to enjoy. Children love meeting the animals, exploring the woodland adventure play area and discovering wildlife with a Cogges tracker pack. Under 3s are free and particularly enjoy the toddler play area with sandpit and ride-on tractors. Hear stories from the past as you explore the child-friendly Manor House and look out for special activities during the school holidays. Hungry tummies can be refuelled in Cogges Kitchen café or bring a picnic. Cogges also provide a range of events throughout the year ranging from outdoor theatre, a beer and cider festival, Apple Day, the Witch’s House and their popular Christmas programme. Cogges is open every day from 9.30am – 4.30pm until 1st November 2022 then check the website for winter opening hours. It’s an easy ten-minute walk from the centre of Witney, or you can park in their free carpark (postcode OX28 3FR). Dogs are very welcome too if kept on a short lead and in control of an adult. Book tickets online at cogges.org.uk
2022 Summer Reading Challenge - Gadgeteers The Summer Reading Challenge encourages children ages 4 to 11 to read six library books during the long summer holiday and collect rewards, such as stickers, on their way to receiving their challenge certificate and medal. Children’s reading can decline during the holidays if they don’t have regular access to books or encouragement to read for pleasure. This year’s science-themed challenge called ‘Gadgeteers’ will inspire children to discover the amazing science and innovation behind the world around you. The Challenge will launch in libraries in England on 9th July. More info: www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk
Take nature’s pulse in the Big Butterfly Count
The Big Butterfly Count (15th July to 7th August) is a UK-wide survey aimed at helping the Butterfly Conservation charity assess the health of the environment by counting the amount and type of butterflies. According to the Butterfly Conservation charity, counting butterflies is essential because they play a vital part of the ecosystem as both pollinators and components of the food chain. The data gathered by the public will be used to assess where conservation efforts should be targeted. Taking part in the Count is easy: just spend fifteen minutes counting the butterflies you see and then submit sightings online or via the free app. There’s also a handy free downloadable butterfly chart to use. More info: www.bigbutterflycount.org
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