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Here’s our great line-up of events as at January
2009. New activities may be added during the year –
do check our website for updated information. We've
lined up an exciting range of extra events to lure you
back again and again!
But remember - there's plenty to do at Picton Castle
every day! Our 40 acres of woodlands, with nearly 2
miles of paths, are a treasure trove of woodland plants.
And it's worth a visit just to have lunch in Maria's!
Mediterranean salads, hot meals with Spanish style with
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 free; 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.
Download the 2009 Events
Itinerary here.
February
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
FEBRUARY
Sunday 15th to Sunday 22nd - February Half Term Opening
For the first time, Picton Castle opens for February Half Term this year. Take a castle tour. Explore wonderful winter woodlands. Warm up in the Castle's Mediterranean restaurant. You couldn't find a nicer blend of things to do on a winter's day.
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Wednesday 18th - February Family Fun Day
There's fun for young'uns when Karlos and Friends take over Picton Castle, Galleries and Gardens for the day. With games inside or out, depending on the weather, plus nature trail in the woodlands, a traditional maze and adventure playground, there's lots to keeps kids amused. Add face painting, magic show and bouncy castle and you've got the recipe for fun in February. There's a small additional charge for some activities.
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APRIL
Throughout April, in the Picton Art Gallery - Children's Art Exhibition
Our annual children's competition is always a popular way to launch Picton Castle Trust's season of exhibitions in the Picton Gallery. With a prize of £100 going to the winner's school funds, it's a real winner with staff and parents. Come along and see what children make of this year's theme of 'Climate Change'. Normal entry charges apply.
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Wednesday 1st - Open for 2009 Season
Make a date to visit Picton Castle's stunning woodlands and walled garden early in Spring. They are famed far and wide for riotous Rhododendrons, magnificent Magnolias and awesome Azaleas, all showing an incredible array of colour. With around 2 miles of walks, there's lashings of things to see. And there are no 'Keep of the Grass' signs at Picton so you can explore as much as you like.
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Thursday 9th - Garden Club Get-Together
It's the first meeting of the year for Picton Castle's Garden Group. By purchasing an enhanced Season Ticket, Garden Group members get to attend four meetings a year, led by Head Gardener Roddy Milne who picks different seasonal subjects - such as pruning, propagating or wildlife gardening - to focus on each time. It's a great way to share a few hours with like-minded horti-people, learn more about gardening and enjoy Picton's magnificent gardens. And there's always a free cup of delicious free-trade coffee from the Restaurant on every visit for Season Ticket Holders and Garden Group Members. Open only to members holding the combined Season Ticket/Garden Club membership.
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Friday 10th to Sunday 19th - Children's Easter Egg Trail
With clues concealed along the pretty paths that lead through Picton Castle's woodlands, the children's Easter Trail is great fun for kids and keepers alike. Find the clues, solve the riddle, then pick up an easter egg prize in the shop. With the castle's famous rhododendrons, magnolias and azaleas looking spectacular, there's no better time to take a walk at Picton. Normal entry charges apply.
Our Summer Sunday features storytelling by Melissa Holloway, telling tales of fairy folk and forest creatures that appeal to young and old. There will be three sessions, at 11.30, 1.30 and 2.30, each costing £1 per person. If the weather's horrid, stories indoors; if it's fine, Melissa is really looking forward to doing walking stories through Picton Castle's fabulous springtime woods.
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Sunday 12th - Easter Bonnet Competition
This is an exciting first for Picton Castle. Bring the kids along from 11am and Heidi will help them create their own interpretation of an Easter Bonnet, or make your own at home and be in the courtyard by 3pm for judging. While you're at Picton, follow the children's Easter Egg Trail, have fun in the adventure playground and get lost in the traditional maze! Youngsters love a day out at Picton Castle - 40 acres of woodland and walled garden gives them plenty of space to run around and make as much noise as they like. It's a great way to exercise small limbs and big imaginations. Normal entry charge applies. Top of page
Tuesday 14th - RHS: Springtime Woodland Walk with head gardener Roddy Milne
Picton Castle is proud to be an RHS Recommended Garden, hosting guided walks and special talks on the society's behalf. Join Picton's head gardener Roddy Milne for a tour of rambling wooded areas where flamboyant Rhododendrons, Camelias and Magnolias are balanced against a canvas of wild flowers and ancient trees. From 2.00 to 4.30pm, the walk costs £9.95 for RHS Members and £11.95 for non members. The price includes coffee on arrival, and tea & cake midway. Tickets must be booked in advance, by phoning 08456 121253. Top of page
Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th - Spring Plant Hunters' Fair & Indoor Craft Market
Picton Castle's Spring Plant Hunters' Fair gets a boost this year with the addition of an indoor craft market. As well as hundreds of fabulous plants from West Wales plant growers, there will be handmade designer clothing, exclusive jewellery, home produced foods and aromatic cosmetics. With a hog roast in the Victorian courtyard and the gardens looking stunning, this is a great day out for a mere £3.00 per adult and £1 per child aged 5 - 15 years Top of page
MAY
Throughout May - Sculpture Cymru
The Picton Gallery at Picton Castle features an exhibition of sculpture for the first time in May 2009. It will feature works by:
Jane Fox, Jeremy Stiff, Justine Johnson Griffiths, Sue Roberts, John Howes, Deborah, Alun Hemming,. Peter Sainty, Perryn Butler, Robert Booth, Georgina Park, Sophie Wellan and Dilys Jackson.
Though their styles vary immensely, they share a passion for their art and guarantee to stimulate imagination and insight.
Entry included in normal admission to castle and gardens. Top of page
Thursday 7th - Head Gardener Roddy Milne's Woodland Walk
Join Picton Castle's head gardener Roddy Milne for a seasonal meander through glorious woodland that includes ancient trees, a tree fern glade, endangered conifers, unique Rhododendrons and myrtle avenue. What is probably the largest private collection of rare plants in Wales spreads over 40 acres, in tranquil co-existence with native wildflowers and woodland creatures. 2.00pm to 4.00pm. £7.50 per person/free for Picton Castle Garden Group members.
Pre-book by phoning 01437 751369 Tuesday to Sunday or on the day. Top of page
Sunday 10th - Summer Sunday
Watch this space! Sundays are always special at Picton Castle - a great restaurant for scrummy teas and Mediterranean lunches, and a perfect place to walk off ill-gotten calories. Once a month, billed as Summer Sundays, there'll be a little something extra to tempt you out. Perhaps it'll be music in the courtyard or restaurant, craft demonstrations or storytelling for adults and children. Details coming soon. Normal entry prices apply Top of page
Wednesday 27th - Springtime Family Fun
Karlos and the gang take over the galleries and garden for another day's fun and games at Picton Castle. Included in the normal entry prices are organised games, Nature Trail, pictures to paint, adventure playground and traditional maze, not forgetting Karlos' balloon sculptures and fun in the courtyard. Normal entry prices apply, with a small additional charge for magic shows, bouncy castle and face painting. Top of page
Sunday 31st - National Gardens Scheme opening
Few people realise that the National Gardens Scheme does great work for nursing, caring and gardening charities, raising around £2 million each year. Since 1927 they have raised over £40 million (£22 million in the last 10 years). Picton Castle Trust is proud to have supported this very worthy organization for more than 25 years. Do make a date to come along and enjoy our Springtime gardens and make a valuable contribution to a good cause at the same time. Top of page
JUNE
Throughout June - Anne Rees & Linda Carr Art Exhibition of Stitched Textile Artwork
Linda Carr and Anne Rees have worked and exhibited together widely over the past 20 years. They share a lifelong passion for stitching which they combine with mixed media including paint and recycled materials which produce rich and decorative pieces of artwork, each one totally unique and appealing to a broad spectrum of tastes. Do come along and admire their work - and if you like it, the chances are you could buy it! Top of page
Thursday 4th - Head Gardener Roddy Milne's Perennial Walk
Join head gardener Roddy Milne for a summertime stroll around the walled garden and woodlands and find out what's new, what's blooming and what's declining in Picton Castle's 40 acres. Probably the largest private collection of rare plants in Wales, Picton Castle's gardens can only be fully appreciated in a guided tour with Roddy to point out everything that's of particular interest. Top of page
Sunday 14th - Songs for Summer
Sundays are always special at Picton Castle and, once a month, we’ve added something extra to tempt you out. In June, it’s live music by Rosita. This versatile performer owes her popularity to having a great range of songs and music to appeal to all tastes. If it’s a clear day, join her in the courtyard for an al fresco singalong, or find her in the restaurant if it’s dull. She’ll be performing between 11am and 3pm, with the odd break, so make the most of the Restaurant’s scrummy teas and Mediterranean lunches. Afterwards, our glorious gardens are a perfect place to walk off ill-gotten calories. Normal entry prices apply. Top of page
Wednesday 17th - RHS Lecture on Garden Design with Bunny Guiness
Picton Castle is delighted to welcome garden design guru Bunny Guiness to present its annual RHS Regional Lecture in 2009. Known to many for her Chelsea Flower Show success, Bunny's achievements are many. After graduating with a BSc honours degree in Horticulture at Reading University, she went on to qualify as a Landscape Architect at Birmingham Polytechnic (now University of Central England UCE). She then worked for several years as an employed Landscape Architect before setting up her own practice in 1986. Since then she has gained wide experience and recognition as a talented designer, winning 6 gold medals at the Chelsea Flower Show for her innovative and inspirational gardens. In addition, she has published several books with David and Charles Publishing including 'Family Gardens', 'Garden Transformations' and 'Garden Workshop', and jointly authored several books with the Gardeners' Question Time panel.
We strongly recommend you pre-book your tickets. RHS Members £5.00; non-members £6.50. Optional buffet dinner in the Castle Restaurant also available; limited seating makes pre-booking advisable. Phone 01437 751369 to book. Top of page
Sunday 28th - National Gardens Scheme
Few people realise that the National Gardens Scheme does great work for nursing, caring and gardening charities, raising around £2 million each year. Since 1927 they have raised over £40 million (£22 million in the last 10 years). Picton Castle Trust is proud to have supported this very worthy organization for more than 25 years. Do make a date to come along and enjoy our Summertime garden and make a valuable contribution to a good cause at the same time. Top of page
JULY
Throughout July & August - Summer Art Exhibition 'Climate Change'
The West Wales Art Exhibition enters its third year, with the Picton Castle Trust sponsoring a competitive exhibition with £1000 prize kitty. The prize fund may be awarded to a single outstanding entry or to several artists, subject to the judges' decision. This year's theme of 'Climate Change' gives artists a huge range of choice from the causes to the impact of environmental change on people, weather and landscape. Top of page
Thursday 9th - Garden Club Get-Together
It's the summer meeting for Picton Castle's Garden Group. By purchasing an enhanced Season Ticket, Garden Group members get to attend four meetings a year, led by Head Gardener Roddy Milne who picks different seasonal subjects - such as pruning, propagating or wildlife gardening - to focus on each time. It's a great way to share a few hours with like-minded horti-people, learn more about gardening and enjoy Picton's magnificent gardens. And there's always a free cup of delicious free-trade coffee from the Restaurant on every visit for Season Ticket Holders and Garden Group Members. Open only to members holding the combined Season Ticket/Garden Club membership. Top of page
Sunday 12th - Storytelling Sunday
Here’s a Special Sunday for all the family. Storyteller Melissa Holloway will join us from noon to tell tales of folklore, magic and morality, which are always special at Picton Castle – a great restaurant for scrummy teas and Mediterranean lunches, and a perfect place to walk off ill-gotten calories. Our Summer Sundays have a little something extra to tempt you out. In July, it’s storyteller Melissa Holloway, with tales of enchanted woods and fairytale castles. Join her for a walking story if the weather’s fine. Stories at 12 noon, 2pm and 3pm—each lasting around half an hour and costing £1 per adult; 50p per child 5-15 years old. Normal entry prices apply. Top of page
Tuesday 14th - RHS: Summer Garden Guided Walk with head gardener Roddy Milne
Join head gardener Roddy Milne for a tour of Picton Castle grounds, looking at all that's happening in the 40 acre garden, dozens of fern species and varieties (including tree ferns), mid-season flowering shrubs, a walled garden full of herbaceous plants and herbs. 2.00pm to 4.30pm. RHS Members £9.95; non-members £11.95. (Included in ticket price: coffee on arrival, tea and cake midway through.) All tickets must be booked in advance. Ticket line 08456 121253 Top of page
Wednesday 22nd - Open Air Theatre - Romeo & Juliet
You couldn't ask for a more romantic setting for Shakespeare's beautiful romantic tragedy, Romeo and Juliet. Bring your own seating or a rug. Pack a picnic, pick up a pannini in Maria's or book an early supper in the restaurant. Enjoy wonderful outdoor theatre.
Performance starts 7.30pm; gardens & restaurant open from 6.30.
Adults £12; Students and children £8; Families (2 adults and 2 children) £35.
Phone Picton Castle shop to book: 01437 751369 Top of page
Wednesday 29th - Family Fun Day: Wizard Day Out
Merlin the Magician and Friends take over the galleries and garden for another day's themed fun and games at Picton Castle. Included in the normal entry prices are organised games, Nature Trail, pictures to paint, adventure playground and traditional maze, not forgetting Karlos' balloon sculptures and fun in the courtyard. There's a small additional charge for magic shows, bouncy castle and face painting. Dress up as a witch or wizard and win a prize! Top of page
AUGUST
Throughout August - Summer Art Exhibition 'Climate Change'
Picton Castle Trust is delighted to present its Annual West Wales Art Exhibition, this year with the theme of 'Climate Change' to challenge artists living and working in Wales. Make a date to visit and enjoy a wide variety of artistic styles and media. Entry included in normal entrance fee to castle & gardens. Top of page
Wednesday 5th - Family Fun Day: Pirates at Picton
Ahoy there me 'earties. Black Bart and his gang take over the galleries and garden for another day's fun and games at Picton Castle. Included in the normal entry prices are organised games, Nature Trail, pictures to paint, adventure playground and traditional maze, not forgetting Karlos' balloon sculptures and fun in the courtyard. There's a small additional charge for magic shows, bouncy castle and face painting. Dress the part and win a prize! Top of page
Thursday 6th - Head Gardener Roddy Milne's Walled Garden Guided Walk
With the walled garden at its peak, now is the time to really enjoy an eclectic collection of perennials, herbs and climbing roses. A guided walk with head gardener Roddy Milne ensure you don't miss anything in this gloriously busy garden.
£7.50 per person; Garden Group members free. 2.00pm to 4.00pm. Top of page
Sunday 9th - Summer Sunday
Watch this space! Sundays are always special at Picton Castle - a great restaurant for scrummy teas and Mediterranean lunches, and a perfect place to walk off ill-gotten calories. Once a month, billed as Summer Sundays, there'll be a little something extra to tempt you out. Perhaps it'll be music in the courtyard or restaurant, craft demonstrations or storytelling for adults and children. Details coming soon. Top of page
Wednesday 12th - Family Fun Day: UFOs at Picton
Aliens are headed for Picton and who knows what'll happen! Karlos and the gang take over the galleries and garden for another day's fun and games at Picton Castle. Included in the normal entry prices are organised games, Nature Trail, pictures to paint, adventure playground and traditional maze, not forgetting Karlos' balloon sculptures and fun in the courtyard. There's a small additional charge for magic shows, bouncy castle and face painting. Dress the part and win a prize! Top of page
Thursday 13th - Open Air Theatre - Cinderella
What better place to stage a fairytale story than in the grounds of a fairytale castle? Bring your own seating or a rug. Pack a picnic, pick up a pannini in Maria's or book an early supper in the restaurant. Enjoy wonderful outdoor theatre.
Performance starts 6.00pm; gardens & restaurant open from 5.00pm.
Adults £12; Students and children £8; Families (2 adults and 2 children) £35.
Phone Picton Castle shop to book: 01437 751369 Top of page
Wednesday 19th - Family Fun Day: Medieval Merriment
Drake the Dragon Tamer and the gang take over the galleries and garden for another day's fun and games at Picton Castle. Included in the normal entry prices are organised games, Nature Trail, pictures to paint, adventure playground and traditional maze, not forgetting Karlos' balloon sculptures and fun in the courtyard. There's a small additional charge for magic shows, bouncy castle and face painting. Join in with the fun and dress up as a medieval knight or serf, dragon or knave to win a prize! Top of page
Wednesday 26th - Family Fun Day: Teddy Bear's Picnic
Bring your bear to meet our bear. The Picton Bear and Friends gang take over the galleries and garden for another day's fun and games at Picton Castle. Included in the normal entry prices are organised games, Nature Trail, pictures to paint, adventure playground and traditional maze, not forgetting Karlos' balloon sculptures and fun in the courtyard. There's a small additional charge for magic shows, bouncy castle and face painting. Top of page
SEPTEMBER
Throughout September - West Winds Crafts Exhibition
Handmade clothing, homemade foods, unique jewellery and delightful objets d'art, all made using traditional skills and crafts, are on display in Picton Castle's large gallery during September. Come along to admire hundreds of beautifully made items; perhaps do a little early Christmas shopping. Entry included in normal admission fee to castle & gardens. Top of page
Saturday 5th - Autumn Plant Hunters' Fair
With hundreds of plants presented by dozens of West Wales plant growers, the Picton Castle Autumn Plant Hunters' Fair has been a popular event for gardeners for more than a decade. Hog roast in the courtyard and a stunning late summer garden add to the event and make for a grand day out. Admission £3 for adults; £1 children. Top of page
Thursday 10th - Garden Club Get Together
It's the Autumn for Picton Castle's Garden Group. By purchasing an enhanced Season Ticket, Garden Group members get to attend four meetings a year, led by Head Gardener Roddy Milne who picks different seasonal subjects - such as pruning, propagating or wildlife gardening - to focus on each time. It's a great way to share a few hours with like-minded horti-people, learn more about gardening and enjoy Picton's magnificent gardens. And there's always a free cup of delicious free-trade coffee from the Restaurant on every visit for Season Ticket Holders and Garden Group Members. Open only to members holding the combined Season Ticket/Garden Club membership. Top of page
Sunday 13th - Summer Sunday
Watch this space! Sundays are always special at Picton Castle - a great restaurant for scrummy teas and Mediterranean lunches, and a perfect place to walk off ill-gotten calories. Once a month, billed as Summer Sundays, there'll be a little something extra to tempt you out. Perhaps it'll be music in the courtyard or restaurant, craft demonstrations or storytelling for adults and children. Details coming soon. Top of page
Wednesday 30th - Last day of the season - castle, galleries and restaurant close for Winter except for special events.
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OCTOBER
Friday 23rd and Saturday 24th - H.O.P.E. Charity Auction of Arts & Antiques
H.O.P.E. presents its first auction of art and antiques in aid of Multiple Sclerosis at Picton Castle this autumn. Come along on Friday afternoon or Saturday morning to browse through the sales items or come and bid on Saturday afternoon. Take home a treasure and help a very worth charity in the process. Top of page
Sunday 25th - Castle, Gallery and Restaurant open for Half Term
For the first time, Picton Castle opens during October Half Term. It's a great time to take in rich autumnal colours in the 40 acres woodlands, then warm up in the castle restaurant. Top of page
Wednesday 28th - Family Fun Day - Halloween at Picton
Get ready for Halloween by making your ghoulish mask with Heidi, or join Karlos on a haunted castle tour. Included in the normal entry prices are organised games, Nature Trail, pictures to paint, adventure playground and traditional maze, not forgetting Karlos' balloon sculptures and fun in the courtyard. There's a small additional charge for magic shows, bouncy castle and face painting. Top of page
Thursday 29th - Garden Club Get Together
It's the last meeting of the year for Picton Castle's Garden Group. By purchasing an enhanced Season Ticket, Garden Group members get to attend four meetings a year, led by Head Gardener Roddy Milne who picks different seasonal subjects - such as pruning, propagating or wildlife gardening - to focus on each time. It's a great way to share a few hours with like-minded horti-people, learn more about gardening and enjoy Picton's magnificent gardens. And there's always a free cup of delicious free-trade coffee from the Restaurant on every visit for Season Ticket Holders and Garden Group Members. Open only to members holding the combined Season Ticket/Garden Club membership. Top of page
NOVEMBER
Sunday 1st - Last day of October Half Term opening
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Saturday 28th & Sunday 29th - Indoor Christmas Market
Dozens of stallholders crowd into Picton Castle art galleries and medieval undercroft to present what has fast become West Wales' most stylish Christmas market. Designer clothes, handmade jewellery, festive food and unique stocking fillers are all on offer so take a break from ordinary shopping and have fun at Picton Castle!
£3.00 entry for adults includes free mug hot chocolate or mulled wine; children free. Top of page
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