Join us this May half-term for an unforgettable educational and thrilling experience as you witness the battles of our Roman Gladiators. Prepare to be amazed as provincial gladiators take the stage and engage in fierce combat.
Our gladiators come from a variety of backgrounds, including criminals, barbarians, prisoners of war, disgraced soldiers, and thrill seekers. Each fighter will put their lives on the line, fighting not only for their own survival but also for the entertainment of the crowds and the Emperor.
Step back in time and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of ancient Rome as you cheer for your favourite gladiator and witness their incredible skills and bravery. Marvel at the strategies, strength, and agility displayed by these skilled warriors.
But remember,... Read more

A stunning breath of fresh air
Sunday 25th May

Our doors are opening, or should we say - gates, for a tour of our breathtaking grounds with a fascinating historical tour hosted by Amber, one of our talented gardeners.

Bring family and friends to stroll together, then relax and indulge together in a traditional treat of afternoon tea.

Garden tours last around 45 minutes and start at:

11.30am
1.00pm
2.30pm
Tables for afternoon tea bookable between 12.30pm and 4pm.

£42.50 per person, £20 under 10s
Call to book 01920 460 511. Limited number of spaces available.

Milkshake! Live is back with a brand-new show!
Join your favourite Milkshake! friends on holiday with Dora, Pip and Posey, Blue from Blues Clues and You! Milo, Milkshake! Monkey plus two of your Milkshake! presenters for an all-new adventure!
Pack your bags and jump aboard the Milkshake! train as we go on an all singing, all dancing holiday together! It's a family show not to be missed!
Adults £18, Child £16

Join us this May half-term for an unforgettable educational and thrilling experience as you witness the battles of our Roman Gladiators. Prepare to be amazed as provincial gladiators take the stage and engage in fierce combat.
Our gladiators come from a variety of backgrounds, including criminals, barbarians, prisoners of war, disgraced soldiers, and thrill seekers. Each fighter will put their lives on the line, fighting not only for their own survival but also for the entertainment of the crowds and the Emperor.
Step back in time and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of ancient Rome as you cheer for your favourite gladiator and witness their incredible skills and bravery. Marvel at the strategies, strength, and agility displayed by these skilled warriors.
But remember,... Read more

Come to Chiltern Open Air Museum on 27 May for a fun-filled half term event!
No need to worry about entertaining your children during the school holidays! We have you covered with special themed family activities on Tuesdays during Bucks school holidays.
Our fun-filled activities, games, and crafts can be enjoyed without having to pay any extra, as they are included in our admission price.
Get ready to unleash your creativity and make some delightful crafts.
But that's not all - get ready to be enchanted by our storytellers as they transport you to magical worlds through their captivating tales.
If clay is your thing, then you're in for a treat! The Dacorum and Chiltern Potters Guild will be hosting a fabulous clay creation workshop, where you can mould... Read more

The Dinosaur that Pooped a Rock Show!

When Danny and Dino's favourite rock band are playing their last ever concert, they go on a quest to get the last two tickets. But with a villainous band manager lurking, nothing goes to plan. Will the band perform? Will Danny rock-out? Or will Dino's rumbling tummy save the day?

Adapted from the number 1 best-selling books by Tom Fletcher and Dougie Poynter, the whole family will have a poopy good time enjoying a brand, new story for the stage. Featuring new songs by Tom and Dougie, a lot of laughs and a whole lot of pool.

Adult £18, Under 16s £17, Family of 4 (2+2) £66

Come and join local artist and art club teacher, Keeda, for an exciting workshop inspired by Finnish artist Marimekko!

You will be creating your own abstract flower illustrations and bringing them to life with watercolours, before turning them into a wonderful sculpture"

Keeda is a new tutor to Southern Maltings, but with plenty of experience of teaching children art with local group Art Explorers. She is also a local artist and sells her prints on Etsy under her brand of Kiki Wren Designs.
She says "I grew up in an exceptionally creative family. Full of architects, artists, landscape designers and art teachers, so naturally I have loved art and creating from a young age.
I was always encouraged artistically as a child, which is where my passion... Read more

Come and join local artist and art club teacher, Keeda, for an exciting workshop inspired by pop art and cats! Looking at world famous pop artist Andy Warhol, we will be exploring his early series of artworks of Sam the cat! We will then create our very own pop art, cat mono print!

Keeda is a new tutor to Southern Maltings, but with plenty of experience of teaching children art with local group Art Explorers. She is also a local artist and sells her prints on Etsy under her brand of Kiki Wren Designs.

She says "I grew up in an exceptionally creative family. Full of architects, artists, landscape designers and art teachers, so naturally I have loved art and creating from a young age.

I was always encouraged artistically as a child, which is where... Read more

Welcome to the Wonderland Hat Shop!

Listen and watch the Hatter as he tells the story of Alice's journey in Wonderland through puppets, beautiful painted scenery, music, song and of course hats!

Along the way meet some strange and magical creatures, get to wear one of the Hatter's special hats, join in the songs and the lobster dance.

At the end of the journey meet the puppets and make one of your own at the puppet making workshop.

Show is 40 minutes long followed by a workshop between 30 and 60 minutes long.
Doors 12:30pm. Performance 1pm.

The naughtiest, funniest, most revolting science show in the world.

Brace yourselves for BBC Gastronaut Stefan Gates' revolutionary, high-tech, highly-explosive new show, packed with outrageous science stunts. On the surface it's a riot of disgusting experiments built to delight young audiences but under the bonnet it's a brilliantly-constructed curriculum-driven adventure designed to inspire Britain's kids with a lasting fascination for science.

Expect enormous bottoms, f*rt machines, snot cocktails, vast whoopee cushions, pee-powered fireworks and ear-wax-oozing mannequins in this celebration of the fascinating bodily science essential to life. The show transforms complex biology, physics and chemistry into educational hilarity using Stef's signature stunts and... Read more

FOODIES FESTIVAL - the UK's biggest touring celebrity food and music festival series - returns to St Albans with a high profile line-up and new features!

FOODIES FESTIVAL will visit Oaklands College, St Albans, from 30th May - 1st June, serving up a star-studded line-up of celebrity and award-winning chefs, and chart-topping music stars.

Known as Gastro-Glastonbury, the three-day event will feature live cooking demonstrations from TV celebrities and chefs drawn from the ranks of MasterChef, Great British Bake Off and Great British Menu, plus many of the regions most-highly acclaimed Michelin and award-winning chefs.

Early star announcements in the live theatres include: MasterChef champion, Chariya Khattiyot, Great British Bake Off 2024 finalist,... Read more

Children's Craft Carousel - Get your crafting in at Southern Maltings this May Half Term.

Younger children can choose from different craft stations set up with a selection of craft activities - going from one to the next like a carousel!

This week the theme is Fantasy and Wonder. From dragons, aliens, fairies and more....get all your holiday crafting in at Southern Maltings.

We will also have playdough and small world play.

Get crafty and have lots of fun and leave the mess for us to clear up!

The craft activities are suitable for ages 3-7; however older children are welcome to come along and enjoy the offerings. £4 per child. Children under 1 are free. We are running the May Half Term Children's Craft Carousel... Read more

Step back in time and immerse yourself in the grandeur of the Napoleonic era at this special Napoleonic Living History Weekend this June.
Witness the military encampments of Wellington, Blucher, and Napoleon's armies, each meticulously recreated to offer a glimpse into the past. Engage with passionate reenactors who will share the untold stories of the men and women behind the armies - the unsung heroes who kept them fed, clothed, marching, and loved.
Watch spectacular displays and thrill at the musket, cavalry, and artillery displays that will transport you to the heart of Napoleonic warfare. Feel the ground shake as cannons roar, horses charge, and muskets fire - an experience that brings history alive before your very eyes.
This event will be brought to you by around... Read more

Back by popular demands, the Hertfordshire Steam & Country show is a fun-filled day full steam and entertainment! Join us for a huge display of full size and miniature steam engines, vintage tractors, classic cars, fairground, beer tent, live entertainment, working displays, arena events and much much more!

Experience the smell of steam and excitement of raw steam power which helped to get Britain's haulage and agriculture where it is today.

​A full day's entertainment will be available for everyone. In addition to the old engines and farm equipment there will be stalls, a fairground and refreshments including a licensed bar.

The Herts Steam Club Ltd runs our annual steam show on behalf of the society to bring steam and vintage vehicles to the... Read more

Our Walled Gardens will be transformed into a magical enchanted garden, filled with wonder at every turn. Enjoy storytelling, follow the trail of fairy houses, visit the fairy queen and try your hand at magical fishing with Eric the Gnome. A wide range of activities is included with the entry fee. A child focused outing for all ages.

Our charity partner is Plant Pots and Wellies who have helped make the event happen and £1 from each ticket will go to them.

Bring along a picnic.

£6 / child. Adults do not need to book

EARLY BIRD PRICING: Tickets purchased by April 30th will be at the reduced rate of £5 / ticket.

FOODIES FESTIVAL - the UK's biggest touring celebrity food and music festival series - returns to St Albans with a high profile line-up and new features!

FOODIES FESTIVAL will visit Oaklands College, St Albans, from 30th May - 1st June, serving up a star-studded line-up of celebrity and award-winning chefs, and chart-topping music stars.

Known as Gastro-Glastonbury, the three-day event will feature live cooking demonstrations from TV celebrities and chefs drawn from the ranks of MasterChef, Great British Bake Off and Great British Menu, plus many of the regions most-highly acclaimed Michelin and award-winning chefs.

Early star announcements in the live theatres include: MasterChef champion, Chariya Khattiyot, Great British Bake Off 2024 finalist,... Read more

Step back in time and immerse yourself in the grandeur of the Napoleonic era at this special Napoleonic Living History Weekend this June.
Witness the military encampments of Wellington, Blucher, and Napoleon's armies, each meticulously recreated to offer a glimpse into the past. Engage with passionate reenactors who will share the untold stories of the men and women behind the armies - the unsung heroes who kept them fed, clothed, marching, and loved.
Watch spectacular displays and thrill at the musket, cavalry, and artillery displays that will transport you to the heart of Napoleonic warfare. Feel the ground shake as cannons roar, horses charge, and muskets fire - an experience that brings history alive before your very eyes.
This event will be brought to you by around... Read more

Back by popular demands, the Hertfordshire Steam & Country show is a fun-filled day full steam and entertainment! Join us for a huge display of full size and miniature steam engines, vintage tractors, classic cars, fairground, beer tent, live entertainment, working displays, arena events and much much more!

Experience the smell of steam and excitement of raw steam power which helped to get Britain's haulage and agriculture where it is today.

​A full day's entertainment will be available for everyone. In addition to the old engines and farm equipment there will be stalls, a fairground and refreshments including a licensed bar.

The Herts Steam Club Ltd runs our annual steam show on behalf of the society to bring steam and vintage vehicles to the... Read more

FOODIES FESTIVAL - the UK's biggest touring celebrity food and music festival series - returns to St Albans with a high profile line-up and new features!

FOODIES FESTIVAL will visit Oaklands College, St Albans, from 30th May - 1st June, serving up a star-studded line-up of celebrity and award-winning chefs, and chart-topping music stars.

Known as Gastro-Glastonbury, the three-day event will feature live cooking demonstrations from TV celebrities and chefs drawn from the ranks of MasterChef, Great British Bake Off and Great British Menu, plus many of the regions most-highly acclaimed Michelin and award-winning chefs.

Early star announcements in the live theatres include: MasterChef champion, Chariya Khattiyot, Great British Bake Off 2024 finalist,... Read more

Get ready for an unforgettable day out at DogFest Knebworth! Join us for a tail-wagging celebration filled with amazing activities, live entertainment, shopping, and plenty of fun for the whole family - including your four-legged friends!

At the heart of DogFest are our fun filled dog activities, designed to bring out the best in your four-legged friend - including fan favourites like the Fun Dog Show, Big Dog Walk, and Breed Meet-Ups, all in partnership with Agria.

Meet our canine professionals who bring expert advice on a wide range of topics. Get great tips on taking good care of your dog.

Performances by canine entertainment specialists and their talented dogs - prepare to be entertained!

Soak up the festival vibes and watch sets... Read more

Get ready for an unforgettable day out at DogFest Knebworth! Join us for a tail-wagging celebration filled with amazing activities, live entertainment, shopping, and plenty of fun for the whole family - including your four-legged friends!

At the heart of DogFest are our fun filled dog activities, designed to bring out the best in your four-legged friend - including fan favourites like the Fun Dog Show, Big Dog Walk, and Breed Meet-Ups, all in partnership with Agria.

Meet our canine professionals who bring expert advice on a wide range of topics. Get great tips on taking good care of your dog.

Performances by canine entertainment specialists and their talented dogs - prepare to be entertained!

Soak up the festival vibes and watch sets... Read more

Discover everything you need for pregnancy, babies, and toddlers at the Bumps Babies Tots Show, happening 21st-22nd June 2025, at the Hatfield Galleria. This family-focused event brings together leading brands, local businesses, and expert workshops under one roof. From the latest baby gear to engaging activities for little ones, it's the perfect day out for families, friends, caregivers and everyone in-between.

Or if you are Interested in showcasing your brand? Don't miss this chance to connect with hundreds of families. Contact us at [email protected] to learn more about exhibiting.

Save the date for a fun and inspiring event!

Instagram: www.instagram.com/weddingexhibitionsuk/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/WeddingExhibitions/... Read more

Join us for a reading of Auden's poems, followed by a discussion of Moore and Auden's relationship.

In 1972, Henry Moore and the writer W.H. Auden began collaborating on an illustrated portfolio of poems from across Auden's career. Moore said of the visual component of the project, that he decided not to illustrate, but to complement and create contrasts to Auden's words.

The resulting publication, Auden Poems, Moore Lithographs, was completed after Auden's death in September 1973. It contains some of Moore's finest, but also most mysterious graphic work: figures and architectural forms veiled in darkness, and cracked, barren landscapes.

In this event, introduced by Tom Laver (Digital Collections Assistant, Henry Moore Studios & Gardens ), readings... Read more

Discover everything you need for pregnancy, babies, and toddlers at the Bumps Babies Tots Show, happening 21st-22nd June 2025, at the Hatfield Galleria. This family-focused event brings together leading brands, local businesses, and expert workshops under one roof. From the latest baby gear to engaging activities for little ones, it's the perfect day out for families, friends, caregivers and everyone in-between.

Or if you are Interested in showcasing your brand? Don't miss this chance to connect with hundreds of families. Contact us at [email protected] to learn more about exhibiting.

Save the date for a fun and inspiring event!

Instagram: www.instagram.com/weddingexhibitionsuk/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/WeddingExhibitions/... Read more

TAYLOR SWIFT ERAS TRIBUTE CONCERT

An award-winning extravaganza that plays tribute to one of the leading contemporary recording artists of our time. Katy Ellis a self obsessed 'Swiftie' with an incredible live band and dancers promises to deliver the most authentic recreation of a Taylor Swift show you will ever see.

The show has already taken 'Swiftie' fans across the world by storm and features all of Taylor's much loved hits including ; Shake It Off,

Blank Space, Love Story, You Belong With Me, Look What You Made Me Do, I Knew You Were Trouble and many, many more Not to be missed TAYLORMANIA is coming to a theatre near you in 24/25

TAYLOR SWIFT ERAS TRIBUTE CONCERT

An award-winning extravaganza that plays tribute to one of the leading contemporary recording artists of our time. Katy Ellis a self obsessed 'Swiftie' with an incredible live band and dancers promises to deliver the most authentic recreation of a Taylor Swift show you will ever see.

The show has already taken 'Swiftie' fans across the world by storm and features all of Taylor's much loved hits including ; Shake It Off,

Blank Space, Love Story, You Belong With Me, Look What You Made Me Do, I Knew You Were Trouble and many, many more Not to be missed TAYLORMANIA is coming to a theatre near you in 24/25

Campo Sancho, the beloved boutique festival from London party pioneers Sancho Panza, returns this July with an eclectic lineup of world-class DJs alongside an immersive weekend of activities for the whole family.

Taking place just one hour from London at Walkern Hall, Hertfordshire, this three-day celebration of music, creativity, and community is designed for both serious music lovers and festival families alike.

An Unmissable Lineup
With its roots deep in the underground, Campo Sancho 2025 features a diverse mix of artists spanning house, disco, soul, funk, and electronica, with performances from Optimo, Crazy P (DJ set), Luke Una, Lisa Loud, Tia Cousins, Aroop Roy, Tigerbalm, Grace Sands, Pete Herbert, and many more.

With extended... Read more

Join us for a night camping under the stars and connect with nature as the nocturnal wildlife awakens on the reserve.

The Big Wild Sleep Out is a unique opportunity for families to spend a night out in the wild!

Arriving late in the afternoon there will be time to pitch your tent before heading out for pond dipping. After dinner (bring your own or join us for a fish and chip run!) we'll have a walk around the reserve with bat detectors as the sun sets and learn all about the nocturnal wildlife of Rye Meads. Weather permitting we will stargaze before falling asleep to the sounds of night-time nature. After breakfast there may be time for a bird ringing demonstration or an early morning walk to our Kingfisher Viewing Hub. Finally we will check the moth trap to see... Read more

Campo Sancho, the beloved boutique festival from London party pioneers Sancho Panza, returns this July with an eclectic lineup of world-class DJs alongside an immersive weekend of activities for the whole family.

Taking place just one hour from London at Walkern Hall, Hertfordshire, this three-day celebration of music, creativity, and community is designed for both serious music lovers and festival families alike.

An Unmissable Lineup
With its roots deep in the underground, Campo Sancho 2025 features a diverse mix of artists spanning house, disco, soul, funk, and electronica, with performances from Optimo, Crazy P (DJ set), Luke Una, Lisa Loud, Tia Cousins, Aroop Roy, Tigerbalm, Grace Sands, Pete Herbert, and many more.

With extended... Read more

Join us for a night camping under the stars and connect with nature as the nocturnal wildlife awakens on the reserve.

The Big Wild Sleep Out is a unique opportunity for families to spend a night out in the wild!

Arriving late in the afternoon there will be time to pitch your tent before heading out for pond dipping. After dinner (bring your own or join us for a fish and chip run!) we'll have a walk around the reserve with bat detectors as the sun sets and learn all about the nocturnal wildlife of Rye Meads. Weather permitting we will stargaze before falling asleep to the sounds of night-time nature. After breakfast there may be time for a bird ringing demonstration or an early morning walk to our Kingfisher Viewing Hub. Finally we will check the moth trap to see... Read more

Campo Sancho, the beloved boutique festival from London party pioneers Sancho Panza, returns this July with an eclectic lineup of world-class DJs alongside an immersive weekend of activities for the whole family.

Taking place just one hour from London at Walkern Hall, Hertfordshire, this three-day celebration of music, creativity, and community is designed for both serious music lovers and festival families alike.

An Unmissable Lineup
With its roots deep in the underground, Campo Sancho 2025 features a diverse mix of artists spanning house, disco, soul, funk, and electronica, with performances from Optimo, Crazy P (DJ set), Luke Una, Lisa Loud, Tia Cousins, Aroop Roy, Tigerbalm, Grace Sands, Pete Herbert, and many more.

With extended... Read more

Join us for a night camping under the stars and connect with nature as the nocturnal wildlife awakens on the reserve.

The Big Wild Sleep Out is a unique opportunity for families to spend a night out in the wild!

Arriving late in the afternoon there will be time to pitch your tent before heading out for pond dipping. After dinner (bring your own or join us for a fish and chip run!) we'll have a walk around the reserve with bat detectors as the sun sets and learn all about the nocturnal wildlife of Rye Meads. Weather permitting we will stargaze before falling asleep to the sounds of night-time nature. After breakfast there may be time for a bird ringing demonstration or an early morning walk to our Kingfisher Viewing Hub. Finally we will check the moth trap to see... Read more

Join us for a night camping under the stars and connect with nature as the nocturnal wildlife awakens on the reserve.

The Big Wild Sleep Out is a unique opportunity for families to spend a night out in the wild!

Arriving late in the afternoon there will be time to pitch your tent before heading out for pond dipping. After dinner (bring your own or join us for a fish and chip run!) we'll have a walk around the reserve with bat detectors as the sun sets and learn all about the nocturnal wildlife of Rye Meads. Weather permitting we will stargaze before falling asleep to the sounds of night-time nature. After breakfast there may be time for a bird ringing demonstration or an early morning walk to our Kingfisher Viewing Hub. Finally we will check the moth trap to see... Read more

Join us on 15th February, 12 - 4pm at Event Island for an afternoon of fun, including face painting, balloon modelling, singing, dancing, games, and more!

? New for 2025: The Kid Zone Loyalty Card! Collect stamps at every event to enter our year-end prize draw.

? Event dates: 15th February, 24th May, 22nd August, and 6th December (all 12-4 PM).

Ask SBC staff for your card and stamp!

Our Big Wild Pyjama Party is back for 2025!

Join us for a party with a difference and experience the sights and sounds of nature as it settles down for the night. Don your favourite PJs, grab a teddy bear and a blanket, pop on your wellies and take part in a family-friendly evening in the great outdoors!

We'll start near the visitor centre and take part in evening pond dipping and minibeast hunting to see what small creatures lurk nearby as the sun fades. Bring a picnic of your favourite foods to fuel you, before we head out onto the reserve by torchlight and use our bat detectors to hunt the nocturnal wildlife of Rye Meads! There'll be time for hot chocolate and marshmallows, before sleepy heads can get back home to their nice comfy bed!

Rye Meads... Read more

Our Big Wild Pyjama Party is back for 2025!

Join us for a party with a difference and experience the sights and sounds of nature as it settles down for the night. Don your favourite PJs, grab a teddy bear and a blanket, pop on your wellies and take part in a family-friendly evening in the great outdoors!

We'll start near the visitor centre and take part in evening pond dipping and minibeast hunting to see what small creatures lurk nearby as the sun fades. Bring a picnic of your favourite foods to fuel you, before we head out onto the reserve by torchlight and use our bat detectors to hunt the nocturnal wildlife of Rye Meads! There'll be time for hot chocolate and marshmallows, before sleepy heads can get back home to their nice comfy bed!

Rye Meads... Read more