Summer Holiday Activities In Chippenham

If the thought of entertaining your rabble this summer holiday is already filling you with dread then fear not, because you live in Chippenham and there is plenty going on in and around the town to keep them out of trouble.

As well as the usual summer holiday activity clubs there are lots of events taking place throughout the summer months, with many free or cheap enough not to dent your pocket too much.

For starters, if you'd like to keep the little ones (or teenagers) busy for a whole day of entertainment then the Olympiad is running the usual programme of summer activities. A day costs £23 and includes lunch and snacks and gives you peace of mind that they'll be entertained with swimming, rounders, arts and crafts, roller blading, sports and much more. 

For the younger kids there are drop in sessions available from £3 that will provide activities for a couple of hours. The weeks sessions are themed and range from science, showtime and nature.

But if you're not looking for full time care then there are some workshop based activities being run by Chippenham Museum. These include a Deadly Dinosaurs Workshop, where kids can handle real fossils and bones. A tapestry workshop, vikings and saxons and even photography. These are all taking place throughout July and August and no booking is required.

But if you need more information call the museum on 01249 705020 or email on heritage@chippenham.gov.uk

If you're prepared to venture further afield then Lacock, the picturesque village just a stones throw away from Chippenham, has a host of activities available.

With ‘James and the Giant Peach’ being performed by Illyria on the 29th of July. The National Trust property also has ‘Bat Watch’ on the 20th of July where you can see the small mammals for yourself. Booking for both these events is essential and the number to call is: 01249 730459.

The abbey will also be starting a ‘Plant Hunter Quest’ from the 1st of August to the 31st where children can become an intrepid 19th Century plant hunter, discovering new and exotic plants from around the globe with the help of a self-led trail. 

It’s also worth mentioning the ‘Bee and Honey Day’ on the 8th of August where visitors can take part in activities, enjoy refreshments and quiz Dr Drone on the art of bee-keeping. 

Lacock Abbey is a historic little village with medieval rooms at the abbey and the famous cloisters which have appeared in many a film. Another activity to keep the kids entertained is the Harry Potter trail around the village and abbey.

And for a great day out Swindon Mela on July 31 is more than music and dance with food an essential ingredient of the annual multicultural day. The Swindon Mela hosts food stalls from a variety of caterers offering Punjabi, Gujerati and Halal food as well as delicious Indian ice creams and sweets.

There are plenty of ways to delve into and enjoy Asian inspired activities including all day arts and crafts workshops, Carrom tournaments, sari and turban tying plus walkabout street theatre and entertainments.

For more information visit www.swindonmela.com.

But if you're looking for back to basics fun the check out some of the cyle routes available in Wiltshire. Take the Chippenham to Lacock cycle trail along the Wilts and Berks Canal or head towards Calne on the cycle path.

And don't forget Chippenham's wealth of parks and play fields. Monkton Park, John Coles and Stanley Park Sports Ground are all great places to enjoy some good weather (wishful thinking perhaps) 

Keep checking back for more events and entertainment ideas over the coming weeks and do let us know if we've missed anything important!