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 Here’s our great line-up of events for 2010. We've lined up an exciting range of extra events to lure you back again and again! More may be added during the year – do check this page periodically for updated information.
But remember - there's plenty to do at Picton Castle every day! Our 40 acres of woodlands are a treasure trove of wild plants thriving alongside showy exotics to delight gardeners.
There’s nearly 2 miles of paths, with strategically placed benches so you can take a brisk walk or a leisurely stroll and enjoy the birdsong and views. There are no ‘keep off the grass’ signs at Picton Castle so you can stray where you will, enjoying the wonders of Nature as you wish.
For many of our regulars, it's worth a visit just to have lunch in Maria's! Mediterranean salads, hot meals with Spanish style and a glass or two of wine and beer, or really awesome homemade cakes and delicious coffee are a great reward after a brisk woodland walk.
The children's woodland trail is fun; all they have to do is find the clues, solve the riddles and win a mini prize! The real maze is a challenge for all the family and the adventure playground is brilliant fun.
(see visitor information for
opening times).
For further information about our events,
phone us during office hours (Mon - Fri, 10am to 5pm)
on 01437 751 326 or email info@pictoncastle.co.uk.
February
Saturday 13 – Sunday 21
February Half Term Opening
First Signs of Spring Walk –
a self-guided walk to find the first snowdrops, sings of early flowering rhododendrons and other seasonal highlights.
Normal admission and Opening Times apply.
Wednesday 17
Potty Pancake Family Fun –
pancake crafts, pancake race and eat pancakes too! Karlos the Clown larks about in the courtyard and presents shows in the lecture theatre; there’s face painting, crafts, balloon modelling and more make this a great day out for youngsters. There’s plenty of room indoors so fun whatever the weather. Dress the part and you could win a prize – fancy dress parade at around 3.30pm. Normal admission applies, with small additional charges for some activities and craft materials.
March
Monday 29
Castle, gardens and restaurant open for the 2010 season.
April
Wed 1 to Wed 22
‘Recycled Art’ - Children’s Art Exhibition
For the first time, the rules allow 3-D art as well as painting and drawings so expect weird sculptures and collages made of all sorts of materials. If nothing else, this exhibition should prove that one man’s rubbish is another’s inspiration. Entry included in the normal admission price.
Fri 2 to about Fri 9
A Springtime Celebration Inside and Out.
Inside, enjoy vibrantly colourful flower displays in the castle’s state rooms and the dining room laid for a seasonal luncheon. Entry included in the normal admission price for gardens and castle tour.
Children’s self-guided Easter Egg Trail
A great favourite with our regular visitors – follow the trail in your own time through our stunning springtime woods with our famous Rhododendrons in flower. Available until Easter eggs run out!
Normal admission applies.
Sunday 4
Children’s Easter Bonnet Parade
A lovely Easter day out for all the family. Make your bonnet (or cap if you prefer) at home or get help from Jackie and Elsa. From 11.30, with parade at 2.30pm.
Normal admission applies, with £1 charge for Easter Bonnet craft materials.
Sat 24 and Sun 25
Plant & Crafts Fair.
Plant growers and craft makers from all over West Wales converge on Picton Castle to present inspiration for gardeners and anyone wanting to update home décor or wardrobe.
Special entry of £3 adults; under 15s free
May
Sat 1 to Fri 28
“Light & Shade” - pictures in oil and watercolour from the studios of Susie, Clare and Nicky Philipps. A unique chance to see works by this family of professional artists, all exhibiting in fine art galleries nationally. Nicky recently painted the first official portrait for the National Portrait Gallery of the Princes William and Harry.
Entry included in the normal admission price; for an invitation to the Opening Night soiree, phone the office with your contact details.
Sunday 9
Summer Sunday –Music by Sandalwood in the courtyard and a spectacular Springtime self-guided walk taking in the most awesome Rhododendrons, Azaleas and Magnolias.
Normal admission applies
Thursday 18
RHS Springtime Walk of wild flowers and rare rhododendrons with head gardener Roddy Milne.
From 2.00pm to 4.30pm. RHS Members £9.95; non-members £11.95. (Included in ticket price are coffee on arrival, tea and cake midway through.) Please book in advance – phone Picton Castle Trust Office on 01437 751 326.
Sunday 23
National Gardens’ Scheme Opening .
Support this excellent charity by popping along to admire our fabulous spring gardens.
June
Tues 1 to Wed 30
Plattertudes & Other Stories – stunning platters, chargers and narrative works by surreal ceramicists Paul Roche and Mick Morgan.
Entry included in the normal admission price; for an invitation to Opening Night soiree, phone the office with your contact details.
Wednesday 2
Wizard Day Out Family Fun Day
Themed family fun aimed at young ‘uns. Wizard Merlin and his team conjure up a day full of fun for young ‘uns. Activities include courtyard games, shows in the lecture theatre, face painting, crafts, balloon modeling and more. There’s room indoors so fun whatever the weather. Dress the part and you could win a prize – fancy dress parade at around 3.30pm. Activities from about 11am to 4pm. Normal admission applies, with small additional charges for some activities and craft materials.
Sunday 13
Summer Sunday – launch of National Picnic Week with al fresco nibbles by Maria, Sandalwood in the courtyard and croquet on the tennis lawn.
Normal admission applies.
Wednesday 16
RHS Regional Lecture – Anna Pavord presents her RHS Growing for Success lecture on “Hidcote & The Edwardian Garden”, followed by an optional buffet supper in the Castle Restaurant.
Lecture tickets: RHS Members £5.50; Non-Members £7.00. Supper tickets £12.50 for two course buffet.
This event usually books up quickly so we strongly advise you pre-book. Phone the Trust Office on 01437 751326.
Sunday 20
National Gardens Scheme Opening, with Fathers’ Day and Classic Cars at Picton.
Support a worthy charity and come along to admire the lovely old cars on the castle forecourt, then enjoy lunch in the licensed restaurant.
Normal admission applies. To book a table in the restaurant, telephone 01437 751346.
Wednesday 30
Outdoor Theatre – Pride & Prejudice
Theatre on the tennis lawn, presented by Chapterhouse Productions. Gates open at 6.30pm; performance starts 7.30. Bring a picnic; pick up a pannini from the restaurant or book your table for a pre-performance meal.
Tickets £12 per adult; £8 students and £35 families. Phone the Trust Office to book – 01437 751326
July
Fri 2 to Tues 27
Pembrokeshire Craft Makers in the Picton Gallery
The Picton Gallery features a rolling programme of exhibitions. Come along and admire different arts & crafts; perhaps buy for someone special. Entry included in the normal admission price; for an invitation to Opening Night soiree, phone the office with your contact details.
Saturday 3
Cookery Masterclass with QVC TV Chef Simon Brown.
A Fish Week special with delicious fishy dishes demonstrated, followed by lunch with wine. Places limited so please pre-book. £25 per person (£20 for Season Ticket Holders). Starts 11.00am.
Sunday 11
Summer Sunday with Samba crafts and kids’ parade. Join the exuberant Samba Doc’s drumming exhibition and workshop. Get the rhythm and be ready to shake it all about at this summer’s carnivals!
Included in normal admission; small charge for craft materials.
Tuesday 13
RHS Summer Guided Walk: Hidden Secrets of the Walled Garden with head gardener Roddy Milne.
From 2.00pm to 4.30pm. RHS Members £9.95; non-members £11.95. (Included in ticket price are coffee on arrival, tea and cake midway through.) Please book in advance – phone Picton Castle Trust Office on 01437 751 326.
Wednesday 28
Yellow Brick Road Family Fun.
Get out those ruby shoes and make a date with your scarecrow friends to meet at Picton for themed family fun for young ‘uns. Our talented children's entertainer Karlos become the Big Wiz. There’s face painting, crafts, balloon modeling and more make this a great day out for youngsters. There’s room indoors so fun whatever the weather. Dress the part and you could win a prize – fancy dress parade at around 3.00pm. Activities from about 11am to 4pm. Normal admission applies, with small additional charges for some activities and craft materials.
August
Fri 30 – Wed 1
“Fragments and Imagery” Anne Rees & Linda Carr Textile Art
An exhibition of textile images, each created in the artist’s unique style using mixed media. Back by popular demand – word of last year’s exhibition spread fast and attracted many new visitors to the Picton Gallery. Words alone cannot describe these sumptuous works of art.
Entry included in the normal admission price; for an invitation to Opening Night soiree, phone the office with your contact details.
Wednesday 4
Family Fun Day – UFOs land at Picton Castle.
Aliens and space heroes gather at Picton Castle for another day’s fun for kids. Karl heads up the Space Academy to provide fun inside and out, with games, face painting, crafts, balloon modeling and more. There’s room indoors so fun whatever the weather. Dress the part and you could win a prize – fancy dress parade at around 3.00pm. Activities from about 11am to 4pm. Normal admission applies, with small additional charges for some activities and craft materials.
Sunday 8
Summer Sunday – Storyteller Melissa Holloway leads walking stories about 'Food, Fairies and Talking Fish - Tales to Sustain the Earth' in our Walled Garden as perennials, herbs and climbing roses come into their summertime prime. What better way to stretch the imagination and enjoy the Great Outdoors at the same time?
Normal admission applies.
Wednesday 11
Pirates Storm Picton Castle Family Fun
Black Bart and his dastardly team of pirate pals take over the castle and provide great fun for kids. There’s games in the courtyard, face painting, crafts, balloon modeling and more. There’s room indoors so fun whatever the weather. Dress the part and you could win a prize – fancy dress parade at around 3.00pm. Activities from about 11am to 4pm. Normal admission applies, with small additional charges for some activities and craft materials.
Wednesday 18
Family Fun Day – Knights of Olde take over Picton Castle
Drake the Dragon Tamer and his trusty serfs present themed family fun aimed at young ‘uns. With larking about in the courtyard, face painting, crafts, balloon modeling and more make this a great day out for youngsters. There’s room indoors so fun whatever the weather. Dress the part and you could win a prize – fancy dress parade at around 3.00pm. Activities from about 11am to 4pm. Normal admission applies, with small additional charges for some activities and craft materials.
Tuesday 24
Outdoor Theatre - Midsummer Night’s Dream
Theatre on the tennis lawn, presented by Chapterhouse Productions. Gates open at 6.30pm; performance starts 7.30. Bring a picnic; pick up a pannini from the restaurant or book your table for a pre-performance meal.
Tickets £12 per adult; £8 students and £35 families. Phone the Trust Office to book – 01437 751326
September
Fri 3 to October
West Winds Craft Circle exhibit in the Picton Gallery
The Picton Gallery features a rolling programme of exhibitions. Come along and admire different arts & crafts; perhaps buy for someone special. Entry included in the normal admission price; for an invitation to Opening Night soiree, phone the office with your contact details.
Saturday 4 and Sunday 5
Autumn Country Fair and Plant Sale.
Our popular Autumn Plant Sale is growing every year, now to include country stalls and fun. Watch this space for news...
Special entry of £3 per person; under 15s free.
Sunday 12
Summer Sunday – time to enter the world of painted faces, rag coats and rough sticks! Carreg Las Welsh Border Morris Dancers present an exuberant teach-in.
Normal admission applies.
Saturday 18
Lecture & Lunch – “The Picton Castle Library” by Tom Lloyd
Popular local historian and TV pundit Tom Lloyd shows and talks about a selection of the fascinating books collected by the Philipps family in the 18th Century.
£30 per person (£25 for season ticket holders) includes coffee on arrival, lecture and two course lunch with glass wine. Starts 11.00am. Optional special tour of the castle in the afternoon.
Sunday 26
Picton Castle Workshop – On Trend Handcrafted Cards
Jane Preddy presents a workshop on simple and stylish ideas in good time for Christmas.
£25 per person (£20.00 for season ticket holders) includes coffee on arrival and lunch. Additional charge for materials in some workshops. Starts 9.30 for 10am. Limited places – please pre-book.
Thursday 30
End of Summer Season – open weekends only until Sunday 12 December, except for October Half Term when open daily from Saturday 23 to Sunday 31.
October
Sunday 4
Cookery Masterclass – How to Eat Spanish Style.
Maria Grimwood shows how to make even simple food exciting, and teaches Spanish foodie phrases too! Come along for the fun and great food. Places limited so please pre-book. £25 per person (£20 for Season Ticket Holders) includes demonstration and 2 course lunch with wine. Starts 11.00am.
Sunday 10
Picton Castle Workshop – Autumn Leaf Wreaths.
Capture the colours of Autumn by making spectacular wreaths under the guidance of Jackie Rodea. Limited places – please pre-book.
£25 per person (£20.00 for season ticket holders) includes coffee on arrival and lunch. Additional charge for materials in some workshops. Starts 9.30 for 10am.
Saturday 16
Lecture & Lunch– Trust Director Dai Evans presents ‘The Art of Collecting Antiques’.
If you would like an item identified (but not valued – insurance issues prevail), bring it along for discussion after lunch. Optional special tour of the castle included.
£30 per person (£25 for season ticket holders) includes coffee on arrival, lecture and two course lunch with glass wine. Starts 11.00am.
Sat 23 – Sun 31
October Half Term Opening
Hunt the Pumpkin Trail. Find painted pumpkin faces lurking in our lovely autumnal woodlands and walled garden. Normal admission applies
Tues 26 & Wed 27
Halloween Family Fun, with Haunted House Tours, scary maze, crafts in the gallery.
Themed family fun aimed at young ‘uns. Games, face painting, crafts, balloon modeling and more make this a great day out for youngsters. There’s room indoors so fun whatever the weather. Dress the part and you could win a prize – fancy dress parade at around 3.00pm. Normal admission applies, with small additional charges for some activities (including Haunted House Tour) and craft materials.
Saturday 30
Murder Mystery.
Shocking events take place during cocktails in the castle; adjourn to the restaurant to solve the mystery over supper. To book, telephone the Trust Office on 01437 751326
Sunday 31
The Lunch Club’s Spanish Fiesta
Maria presents gutsy regional specialities to excite the palate.
Please book in advance. £17.50 per person (£15.00 for Season Ticket Holders) includes three course lunch, glass wine and optional special tour of the castle.
November
Sunday 7
Picton Castle Workshop - Baltimore Christmas Table Runners –
come along and make a quilted patchwork runner for your Christmas table under the guidance of Trixie Nuthall. Limited places to please pre-book. Bring your own sewing machine.
£25 per person (£20.00 for season ticket holders) includes coffee on arrival and lunch. Additional charge for materials in some workshops. Starts 9.30 for 10am.
Saturday 13
Lecture & Lunch– Matthew Williams, curator of Cardiff Castle, presents ‘A Royal Rescue: The Saving of Dumfries House’ Optional special tour of the castle included. £30 per person (£25 for season ticket holders) includes coffee on arrival, lecture and two course lunch with glass wine. Starts 11.00am.
Sunday 21
The Lunch Club’s French Fantasy. Maria presents fabulous French cuisine.
Please book in advance. £17.50 per person (£15.00 for Season Ticket Holders) includes three course lunch, glass wine and optional special tour of the castle.
Sat 27 and Sun 28
Christmas Market - entry includes entry to decorated rooms in Castle, free mulled wine or hot fruit punch. Juniors under 15 free.
December
Christmas at the Castle
Start the festive season by visiting our state rooms decorated for a Victorian Christmas. Open weekends until Sunday 12 December
Saturday 4
Picton Castle Workshop – Karen & Elsa present their popular Christmas Wreath Making workshop. Limited places – please pre-book.£25 per person (£20.00 for season ticket holders) includes coffee on arrival and lunch. Additional charge for materials in some workshops. Starts 9.30 for 10am.
Storytelling by the Frost Fairy from 2.00 to 4.00
Normal admission, plus £1 per story session (approx 20 minutes)
Saturday 11
Picton Castle Workshop – Karen & Elsa present a Christmas table decorations workshop. Limited places – please pre-book.
£25 per person (£20.00 for season ticket holders) includes coffee on arrival and lunch. Additional charge for materials in some workshops. Starts 9.30 for 10am.
Christmas Classics in the Great Hall. Back by popular demand, The John S Davies Singers present their spellbinding Christmas Concert. A sell-out last year – entry only by pre-booked ticket. Phone the Trust Office on 01437 751 326 to book.
Sunday 12
Cookery Masterclass. Maria presents Christmas Canapes with Mediterreanean flair. Don’t miss it – book now! Places limited so please pre-book. £25 per person (£20 for Season Ticket Holders) includes demonstration and 2 course lunch with wine. Starts 11.00am.
Storytelling by the Frost Fairy from 2.00 to 4.00
Normal admission, plus £1 per story session (approx 20 minutes)
Monday 13
Closed until February Half Term 2011.
Wishing you a very merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year!
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