Things to do & Events
Halloween & The Story Master’s Tales: The Curse of Dracula, 30th & 31st October
Halloween returns to Picton! There will be a stocks in the courtyard, scary doors in the woods, a mummy in the mortuary and a witch’s lair in the castle. Learn how to make a wand with our resident witch and enjoy some halloween themed fun.
At 2.30pm & 4.30 pm, is the The Storymaster’s, Curse of Dracula. This is a family interactive storytelling adventure where the audience will control the fate of the hero they create. Brought to life by best-selling author and games designer Oliver McNeil, this multi-media activity will engage all ages in a world of vampires, werewolves and unforgettable characters. Perfect for thrill-seekers aged 7 to Adult.
All activities are included in your admission
Christmas Fair: 23rd & 24th November 2024
Browse for gifts from a wide variety of stalls located in and around the castle, enjoy a glass of mulled wine and soak up the truly festive atmosphere
Open from 10am, last entry 3pm.
Admission – Adult £8.00, Children (Up To Age 15) Free
Father Christmas Comes to Picton
This year Father Christmas will be visiting Picton Castle and we cannot thinking of a more enchanting location for your child or grandchild to meet him. Walk through our winter wonderland, with elf doors to discover. The castle will be beautifully decorated and you will be greeted by Mother Christmas by a roaring fire. There will be festive games for you to enjoy before you meet Father Christmas.
Tickets for Father Christmas are £15 per child and include a gift and access to the castle and gardens.
Accompanying adults and seniors will need to purchase day admission (winter prices).
Annual Season pass holders accompanying paying children are admitted under their pass.
Please be aware that all children will need to purchase a ticket for Father Christmas, including children holding annual season passes either in their own name or under family season pass. Children under 2 are free but will also receive a small chocolate gift.
Father Christmas will be wearing his favourite traditional green cloak. Mother Christmas and some of her helpers will also be in Victorian costume.
Dates:
14th December & 15th December, 12 pm until 5 pm
21st December & 22nd December, 12 pm until 5 pm
23rd December 12 pm until 5 pm
Tickets will be on sale soon.
Wreath Making Workshop, Saturday 7th Dec at 11am and 1pm
If you would like to take a piece of Picton home this Christmas, then why not come along to our wreath making workshop. Our assistant head gardener Matt will be on hand to guide and advise as you create your wreath using cuttings from the garden.
£25 per person.
Annual Pass holders enjoy a 10% discount.
Tickets will be on sale soon.
Christmas Candlelight Tours, Tuesday 17th & Thursday 19th December, 6pm-8pm
Once again, we will be hosting our ever-popular candlelight evenings. These evenings allow you the chance experience the charming atmosphere of the castle after hours, with twinkling lights, a roaring log fire, mulled wine and festive treats.
Tickets are £14.50 per person.
Annual Season Pass holders enjoy a 10% discount.
Tickets will be on sale soon.
Christmas Carols with Goodwick Youth Brass Band, 7th Dec 1.30pm
We are delighted that the young musicians from this local brass band will be having their Christmas concert here at Picton Castle. The youngsters will be playing in the Great Hall. We are pleased to welcome them and you hope that you will come along to support these young musicians.
There is no charge to hear them play but usual winter day admission applies.
Nature Walk in Peep-in Woods
Take a stroll through Peep-in Woods on a family friendly nature walk and learn about the wildlife in these woods. We have brass plaques of animals along the walk to help you solve the nature puzzle. Capture your memories by making rubbings to take home with you.
Adventure Playground, Jungle Board Walk and Maze
Younger visitors will find lots to do in the exciting adventure play area and adjacent jungle garden. The jungle boardwalk allows children and adults alike to take an exciting journey through the Gunnera and woodland plantations and the whole family can have a go at finding their way around the maze!
We had a lovely day exploring the grounds of the castle. The castle is surrounded by some pretty well established woodlands with lots of little natural areas for children to explore. The playground was brilliant. It was all built from wood and blended effortlessly into the surroundings. My toddler thought he was in a real castle with a slide and loved balancing his way around the jungle and going through the maze.
Trip Advisor September 2019
Seasonal Activities
We have a variety of different seasonal activities available for families throughout the year. From Welly Walks in the Winter, to puzzle days and lawn games in the Summer. Many of our activities have wildlife or historic themes and can be shared by the whole family at your leisure. Activities are always offered within your admission and never involve any additional cost to take part.
Geocaching
Geocaching is a type of worldwide online and real world treasure hunt. We have 4 caches in the gardens for you to find. You will need to download the geocache app onto your phone or other GPS enabled device and then can search out the treasure. They are disguised as simple items you might find in any woodland and inside you will be able to record your discovery and note on the website online if you wish.