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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.
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.
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
Friday 3rd Sept to Thurs 30th Sept
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.
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.
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
2nd & 3 3rd
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 3rd October
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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