5 things to do with the kids in Wiltshire over half term

Despite flooding across the town in the recent few days, it appears that this bad weather will subside before Monday.

So, with that in mind - get planning! Here is a little help:

Things to do in Wiltshire with the family

Witchcraft and pumpkin magic trail (Saturday 21st – Tuesday 31st October 2023)

Collect a booklet on arrival at admissions, and find everything needed to complete Ramona’s magic rhyme to break the spell that the ghosts and ghouls have cast over the Bowood Estate.

Dressing up is welcomed and the trail is included in the price of a House & Gardens day ticket.

Well, we tried out new walk today - through some fields to Bowood Estate. Plenty of sniffs an some off-lead bits for me, so I’m happy. Mum had fun with one of the stiles - but will help improve her flexibility! 😉 Even saw some bluebells an found a couple of gud stumps! 👍😁😁😁 pic.twitter.com/yj0PgHRPoq

— Pebble PR Terrier (@PebbleTerrier) April 18, 2020

Roves Farm

Roves Farm near Swindon has plenty to keep all the family amused, from exciting play areas including wobbly bridges, a giant zip wire and sandpits, to pedal and electric tractor driving, petting cute animals, browsing the gift shop and visiting the all-important cafe. Activity booking is essential.

Go for an autumn stroll

The Wiltshire Wildlife Trust has plenty of free nature reserves for you to walk through this Summer like the Devizes and Roundway Orchard, which is brilliant for butterfly spotting thanks to the wildflower meadows, Cloatley Meadows near Malmesbury or Coombe Basset down near Salisbury.

Lovely day coppicing hazel at Cloatley Meadows with @WiltsWildlife! Saw some funky fungus (blue elf cups and turkey tails) and heard a tawny owl hooting on the other side of the woodland. Are they usually out during the day at this time of year? pic.twitter.com/NRAQKLq2Ag

— Lucy Mortlock (@lucy_mortlock) October 19, 2021

Active VR Reality - Swindon

Active Reality specialises in group Virtual Reality. It promises mind-blowing experiences that your kids will likely never forget.

Their website states: "Our state-of-the-art VR technology allows groups of friends, families, and colleagues to fully immerse themselves into virtual worlds using free roam VR (no wires or cables)."

You can have up to parties of 12 people with 6 playing at any one time.

Bowood House & Gardens

There are only a few weeks left to enjoy Bowood House & Gardens before it closes for the winter and does not reopen until April next year.

Until November 1, enjoy the spectacular autumn colours by walking through the Arboretum. Expect bright crimson shades, majestic gold and burnished yellow throughout the grounds.