Your at-a-glance guide to activities and events across the Chilterns. Check organisers’ web pages to ensure events are still going ahead after March’s coronavirus lockdown. Click on the month for details. Let us know about your events by email, contacting editor@thebeyonder.co.uk.
Scroll down to the bottom of the page to see venues offering regular activities throughout the year.
april, 2020 Event Type: Event Type Culture Fairs and Shows Family Fun Sports and Outdoors County: County Bedfordshire Berkshire Buckinghamshire Hertfordshire Oxfordshire Apply Filters 01apr04:4530(apr 30)08:00DAWN CHORUS04:45 - 08:00 (30) 1 (Wednesday) 04:45 - 30 (Thursday) 08:00
YOU have to be up early to catch the dawn chorus, but in late April, May and June, the volume reaches its peak.
Find out how to 01apr06:0030(apr 30)23:59WOODLAND WALKS06:00 - 23:59 (30) 1 (Wednesday) 06:00 - 30 (Thursday) 23:59
TAKE some time away from the hustle and more TAKE some time away from the hustle and bustle and enjoy a tranquil springtime walk through one of England’s most beautiful bluebell woods. Check out the National Trust and Woodland Trust websites for some of the most stunning displays. 01apr06:0030(apr 30)22:00WATERSIDE WANDERS06:00 - 22:00 (30) 1 (Wednesday) 06:00 - 30 (Thursday) 22:00 THE Chilterns may be a fair distance from the sea, but that's no excuse for not getting down to the waterside for a ramble this month.
With the Thames rushing down more THE Chilterns may be a fair distance from the sea, but that’s no excuse for not getting down to the waterside for a ramble this month. With the Thames rushing down to London from Oxford and the slightly more sedate Grand Union Canal linking Paddington Basin in West London with Aylesbury, Milton Keynes and Birmingham, there’s no shortage of towpaths and cosy canalside cafes to explore. Out in Berkshire, the Kennet & Avon Canal strikes west for a hundred miles from Reading, towards Newbury and Hungerford on its way to Bath and Bristol. For wintry walks and an escape from traffic, the network provides a glorious break from office routine, with a stroll promising the opportunity to spot birds and wildlife, study industrial landmarks or just become a lazy “gongoozler” watching canal life from the towpath. On its way through Reading, Henley, Windsor and Hampton Court, the Thames offers countless different vistas, while a canalside ramble can also leave you feeling happier and healthier. Visit the Canal & River Trust website for maps and downloadable regional guides, as well as tips about nature spotting and details of open days and special events.
Canal & River Trust
01apr07:0030(apr 30)23:00KIDS GO WILD07:00 - 23:00 (30) 1 (Wednesday) 07:00 - 30 (Thursday) 23:00 FROM building Eeyore dens to playing Pooh sticks, it's time to prise the kids off their computers and smartphones and get them outdoors having fun.
April is the month when many more FROM building Eeyore dens to playing Pooh sticks, it’s time to prise the kids off their computers and smartphones and get them outdoors having fun. April is the month when many attractions reopen for the year with a plethora of special Easter holiday events, so check out our What’s On pages for dozens of local destinations for a great day out – and if money’s tight, our article about outdoors activities might just give you a few ideas for free options. The Chilterns boasts an outstanding array of parks, woods and walks for all the family, so arm yourself with a couple of nature guides and set out hunting for bugs, butterflies or other wildlife. There are plenty of free museums on our patch too which can help bring the past to life, along with local nature reserves and more challenging circular rambles for older teenagers. 01apr19:0030(apr 30)22:00LIVE ON STAGE19:00 - 22:00 (30) 1 (Wednesday) 19:00 - 30 (Thursday) 22:00 WE normally only feature specific events on What’s On pages which have a direct wildlife or nature theme, but are blessed in the Chilterns to have a vibrant network of more WE normally only feature specific events on What’s On pages which have a direct wildlife or nature theme, but are blessed in the Chilterns to have a vibrant network of local theatres offering a first-class programme of live events. Many of the venues offer a mix of theatre, music and even arts and crafts, combining gallery spaces with community cafes, educational classes and special half-term and school holiday entertainment and courses. Among our favourites is the Norden Farm Centre in Maidenhead, a thriving arts centre built on the site of an ancient farm which hosts 150 events a season and opens seven days a week. Other popular local venues include the Swan in High Wycombe, Elgiva in Chesham, Kenton in Henley (the fourth oldest in the country), the Aylesbury Waterside, the Hexagon and Progress Theatre in Reading, the MIlton Keynes Theatre , Watford Palace Theatre, and Colosseum, Abbey and Maltings Arts Theatre in St Albans, Grove in Dunstable and Watersmeet in Rickmansworth – to name some of the best-known ones. 01apr21:0030(apr 30)00:00STARGAZING21:00 - 00:00 (30) 1 (Wednesday) 21:00 - 30 (Thursday) 00:00
BIG skies are a defining feature of the countryside and on a clear night you can see thousands of stars.
more BIG skies are a defining feature of the countryside and on a clear night you can see thousands of stars. Although light pollution is a growing issue for amateur astronomers, there are still plenty of places where you can get away from the streetlights for a wonderfully clear view of the night sky. See the National Trust’s Top Tips for Stargazing for inspiration about ways of introducing youngsters to the most common seasonal constellations. 05apr14:0017:30ASHBROOK HOUSE14:00 - 17:30 Blewbury Oxfordshire OX11 9QA (Sunday) 14:00 - 17:30 EXPLORE the garden where Kenneth Grahame read Wind in the Willows to local children and where he took inspiration for his description of the oak doors to Badger's House.
more EXPLORE the garden where Kenneth Grahame read Wind in the Willows to local children and where he took inspiration for his description of the oak doors to Badger’s House. Come and see, you may catch a glimpse of Toad and friends in this 3½ acre chalk and water garden, where in spring the banks are a mass of daffodils. This garden has evolved over 30 years under the present ownership and includes many interesting features including a bog garden, fruit orchard, herbaceous borders and a large glass house and vegetable plot. The stream arises in the garden and a small lake stocked with trout, ducks and moorhens completes the scene. In the last few years there have been exciting changes to the landscape as a new dwelling was constructed into the hill in the northeast corner and the site of a saxon dwelling was discovered. Home-made teas. Adult £5, children free. (Monday) 10:30 - 11:30 CELEBRATE Easter with some cool decorations.
Make some unique mosaic decorations. £4 CELEBRATE Easter with some cool decorations. Make some unique mosaic decorations. £4
Colne Valley Regional Park
Denham Court Drive, UB9 5PG Denham, Buckinghamshire
06apr(apr 6)10:3019(apr 19)15:30LEAFING ABOUT10:30 - 15:30 (19) 6 (Monday) 10:30 - 19 (Sunday) 15:30 GET out and about at Denham Country Park this Easter.
What leaves can you find at the park? Pick up the activity sheet and craft card at the Visitor Centre and GET out and about at Denham Country Park this Easter. What leaves can you find at the park? Pick up the activity sheet and craft card at the Visitor Centre and go exploring around the park for the leaves and other natural materials. When you find a leaf stick it to your craft card to create your own nature artwork. Free. All children must be accompanied by an adult. 07apr10:0012:30EARLY YEARS MORNING10:00 - 12:30 Slough Road, Iver SL0 0EB (Tuesday) 10:00 - 12:30 A MOSTLY self-led, exploratory morning aimed at children aged 5 and under.
Play in the mud kitchen or come into the classroom to do a craft. The centre and gardens will A MOSTLY self-led, exploratory morning aimed at children aged 5 and under. Play in the mud kitchen or come into the classroom to do a craft. The centre and gardens will be open from 10am to 12.30pm for families to explore, do some crafts and have a cup of tea from our pop-up tuck shop. Entry is £3 per child. This is a drop in event and doesn’t need to be booked in advance.
Iver Environment Centre
Slough Road, SL0 0EB Iver
07apr13:0014:00RIVER DIPPING13:00 - 14:00 Denham Court Drive, UB9 5PG Denham, Buckinghamshire (Tuesday) 13:00 - 14:00 GET your wellies on and come and learn how to find wildlife under the water - nets and trays supplied.
Discover some of the amazing creatures that live in the River GET your wellies on and come and learn how to find wildlife under the water – nets and trays supplied. Discover some of the amazing creatures that live in the River Misbourne and create your own fish that you might imagine swimming in the river. Don’t forget to wear outdoor clothes. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets £4
Colne Valley Regional Park
Denham Court Drive, UB9 5PG Denham, Buckinghamshire
07apr(apr 7)17:0008(apr 8)07:00APRIL FULL MOON17:00 - 07:00 (8) 7 (Tuesday) 17:00 - 8 (Wednesday) 07:00
STARGAZERS and nature photographers will be hoping for a clear night to capture images of April's Pink Moon, particularly after the January full moon gave rise to STARGAZERS and nature photographers will be hoping for a clear night to capture images of April’s Pink Moon, particularly after the January full moon gave rise to so many memorable and dramatic pictures. Full moon at 2.35am on April 8 according to space.com. (Wednesday) 10:30 - 11:30 BREAKFAST will never be the same...
Let your imagination run wild painting your own egg cup. All children must be accompanied by an adult. £4.76 BREAKFAST will never be the same… Let your imagination run wild painting your own egg cup. All children must be accompanied by an adult. £4.76
Colne Valley Regional Park
Denham Court Drive, UB9 5PG Denham, Buckinghamshire
(Thursday) 10:30 - 12:30 CELEBRATE springtime by creating a mobile blooming with paper and felt plants and the insects that help them grow.
Encourage nature
River & Rowing Museum, Henley
Mill Meadows, Henley on Thames, Oxfordshire RG9 1BF, UK
09apr10:3011:30MINBEAST HUNT10:30 - 11:30 Denham Court Drive, UB9 5PG Denham, Buckinghamshire (Thursday) 10:30 - 11:30 PUT ON your detective hat and go exploring for minibeasts at Denham Country Park.
The session starts with building your own bug hotel for you to take home. Then we will PUT ON your detective hat and go exploring for minibeasts at Denham Country Park. The session starts with building your own bug hotel for you to take home. Then we will venture off in the woods in search of minibeasts. What creepy crawlies will you find? This is a lead session with viewing pots provided. Don’t forget to wear outdoor clothes. All children must be accompanied by an adult. No charge for adults accompanying children. This event is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund £4.76
Colne Valley Regional Park
Denham Court Drive, UB9 5PG Denham, Buckinghamshire
09apr13:0014:00MINBEAST HUNT13:00 - 14:00 Denham Court Drive, UB9 5PG Denham, Buckinghamshire (Thursday) 13:00 - 14:00 PUT ON your detective hat and go exploring for minibeasts at Denham Country Park.
The session starts with building your own bug hotel for you to take home. Then we will PUT ON your detective hat and go exploring for minibeasts at Denham Country Park. The session starts with building your own bug hotel for you to take home. Then we will venture off in the woods in search of minibeasts. What creepy crawlies will you find? This is a lead session with viewing pots provided. Don’t forget to wear outdoor clothes. All children must be accompanied by an adult. No charge for adults accompanying children. This event is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund £4.76.
Colne Valley Regional Park
Denham Court Drive, UB9 5PG Denham, Buckinghamshire
10apr10:0017:00EASTER LAMBING10:00 - 17:00 Newland Park, Gorelands Ln (Friday) 10:00 - 17:00 Chiltern Open Air Museum Newland Park, Gorelands Ln COME and meet the gorgeous spring Oxford Down lambs born at the museum.
Explore the traditional Chilterns farm and lambing fold and learn about the lambing traditions of the Victorian Chilterns.
The COME and meet the gorgeous spring Oxford Down lambs born at the museum. Explore the traditional Chilterns farm and lambing fold and learn about the lambing traditions of the Victorian Chilterns. The special Easter event includes fun family crafts, Easter trails and activities. Standard admission prices apply. Free entry for annual pass holders.
Chiltern Open Air Museum
11apr10:0017:00EASTER LAMBING10:00 - 17:00 Newland Park, Gorelands Ln (Saturday) 10:00 - 17:00 Chiltern Open Air Museum Newland Park, Gorelands Ln COME and meet the gorgeous spring Oxford Down lambs born at the museum.
Explore the traditional Chilterns farm and lambing fold and learn about the lambing traditions of the Victorian Chilterns.
The COME and meet the gorgeous spring Oxford Down lambs born at the museum. Explore the traditional Chilterns farm and lambing fold and learn about the lambing traditions of the Victorian Chilterns. The special Easter event includes fun family crafts, Easter trails and activities. Standard admission prices apply. Free entry for annual pass holders.
Chiltern Open Air Museum
12apr10:0017:00EASTER LAMBING10:00 - 17:00 Newland Park, Gorelands Ln (Sunday) 10:00 - 17:00 Chiltern Open Air Museum Newland Park, Gorelands Ln COME and meet the gorgeous spring Oxford Down lambs born at the museum.
Explore the traditional Chilterns farm and lambing fold and learn about the lambing traditions of the Victorian Chilterns.
The COME and meet the gorgeous spring Oxford Down lambs born at the museum. Explore the traditional Chilterns farm and lambing fold and learn about the lambing traditions of the Victorian Chilterns. The special Easter event includes fun family crafts, Easter trails and activities. Standard admission prices apply. Free entry for annual pass holders.
Chiltern Open Air Museum
(Sunday) 14:00 - 17:00 ARTISTIC chalk garden on two levels at a cottage which was a 17th-century fever house for Missenden Abbey.
Reminiscent of the late Margery Fish’s garden at East Lambrook Manor in more ARTISTIC chalk garden on two levels at a cottage which was a 17th-century fever house for Missenden Abbey. Reminiscent of the late Margery Fish’s garden at East Lambrook Manor in Somerset, the cottage garden is carved out of an old chalk quarry and features popular flowers and herbs of the 17th & 18th centuries, inclduing auriculars, hellebores, spring bulbs, pulmonarias, geraniums, peonies and antique roses. See Julia Stafford Allen’s The Garden Gate is Open blog for more details. Features incl a garden studio with painting exhibition (share of flower painting proceeds to NGS). Cream teas at parish church. Refreshments in aid of St Peter & St Paul’s Parish Church. Adults £4, children free. 13apr10:0017:00EASTER LAMBING10:00 - 17:00 (Monday) 10:00 - 17:00 Daws Hill Vineyard COME and meet the gorgeous spring Oxford Down lambs born at the museum.
Explore the traditional Chilterns farm and lambing fold and learn about the lambing traditions of the Victorian Chilterns.
The COME and meet the gorgeous spring Oxford Down lambs born at the museum. Explore the traditional Chilterns farm and lambing fold and learn about the lambing traditions of the Victorian Chilterns. The special Easter event includes fun family crafts, Easter trails and activities. Standard admission prices apply. Free entry for annual pass holders. 14apr10:3011:30MINBEAST HUNT10:30 - 11:30 Denham Court Drive, UB9 5PG Denham, Buckinghamshire (Tuesday) 10:30 - 11:30 PUT ON your detective hat and go exploring for minibeasts at Denham Country Park.
The session starts with building your own bug hotel for you to take home. Then we will PUT ON your detective hat and go exploring for minibeasts at Denham Country Park. The session starts with building your own bug hotel for you to take home. Then we will venture off in the woods in search of minibeasts. What creepy crawlies will you find? This is a lead session with viewing pots provided. Don’t forget to wear outdoor clothes. All children must be accompanied by an adult. No charge for adults accompanying children. This event is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund £4.76.
Colne Valley Regional Park
Denham Court Drive, UB9 5PG Denham, Buckinghamshire
14apr13:0014:00MINBEAST HUNT13:00 - 14:00 Denham Court Drive, UB9 5PG Denham, Buckinghamshire (Tuesday) 13:00 - 14:00 PUT ON your detective hat and go exploring for minibeasts at Denham Country Park.
The session starts with building your own bug hotel for you to take home. Then we will PUT ON your detective hat and go exploring for minibeasts at Denham Country Park. The session starts with building your own bug hotel for you to take home. Then we will venture off in the woods in search of minibeasts. What creepy crawlies will you find? This is a lead session with viewing pots provided. Don’t forget to wear outdoor clothes. All children must be accompanied by an adult. No charge for adults accompanying children. This event is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund £4.
Colne Valley Regional Park
Denham Court Drive, UB9 5PG Denham, Buckinghamshire
15apr10:0011:30FAIRY HOUSE WORKSHOP10:00 - 11:30 Black Park Road, Wexham, SL3 6DS (Wednesday) 10:00 - 11:30 Black Park Country Park Black Park Road, Wexham, SL3 6DS CREATE a magical fairy house at Black Park.
After a short walk in the park to forage for materials, we will head back to the Beech Hut to put your house CREATE a magical fairy house at Black Park. After a short walk in the park to forage for materials, we will head back to the Beech Hut to put your house together. There will be music and refreshments and at the end you will be able to take your fairy house home and see who comes to stay. This event is suitable for children 5 years and above, all children must be supervised by a responsible adult. Meeting point: The Beech Hut – just past Go Ape. 15apr10:3011:30SCAVENGER HUNT10:30 - 11:30 Denham Court Drive, UB9 5PG Denham, Buckinghamshire (Wednesday) 10:30 - 11:30 TAKE a guided walk around the site with your leader on a star craft scavenger hunt amd find the materials you need to make your magic clothes.
Don't forget your wellies TAKE a guided walk around the site with your leader on a star craft scavenger hunt amd find the materials you need to make your magic clothes. Don’t forget your wellies and outdoor clothes. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets £4.76
Colne Valley Regional Park
Denham Court Drive, UB9 5PG Denham, Buckinghamshire
15apr13:0014:30FAIRY HOUSE WORKSHOP13:00 - 14:30 Black Park Road, Wexham, SL3 6DS (Wednesday) 13:00 - 14:30 Black Park Country Park Black Park Road, Wexham, SL3 6DS CREATE a magical fairy house at Black Park.
After a short walk in the park to forage for materials, we will head back to the Beech Hut to put your house CREATE a magical fairy house at Black Park. After a short walk in the park to forage for materials, we will head back to the Beech Hut to put your house together. There will be music and refreshments and at the end you will be able to take your fairy house home and see who comes to stay. This event is suitable for children 5 years and above, all children must be supervised by a responsible adult. Meeting point: The Beech Hut – just past Go Ape. (Thursday) 10:30 - 16:00 MEET the magnificent birds from Millets Farm Falconry in Abingdon and get up close to hawks, eagles and owls on this family fun day.
Enjoy nature-themed art and craft activities and MEET the magnificent birds from Millets Farm Falconry in Abingdon and get up close to hawks, eagles and owls on this family fun day. Enjoy nature-themed art and craft activities and enjoy a range of talks and other activities, mainly suitable for 7yrs and older. Free with admission to the museum.
River & Rowing Museum, Henley
Mill Meadows, Henley on Thames, Oxfordshire RG9 1BF, UK
17apr10:3011:30DECORATE A BIRDHOUSE10:30 - 11:30 Denham Court Drive, UB9 5PG Denham, Buckinghamshire (Friday) 10:30 - 11:30 USING the paint provided, make a birdhouse that your feathered friends will love.
All children must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets: £4.76 USING the paint provided, make a birdhouse that your feathered friends will love. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets: £4.76
Colne Valley Regional Park
Denham Court Drive, UB9 5PG Denham, Buckinghamshire
17apr13:0014:00DECORATE A BIRDHOUSE13:00 - 14:00 Denham Court Drive, UB9 5PG Denham, Buckinghamshire (Friday) 13:00 - 14:00 USING the paint provided, make a birdhouse that your feathered friends will love.
All children must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets: £4.76 USING the paint provided, make a birdhouse that your feathered friends will love. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets: £4.76
Colne Valley Regional Park
Denham Court Drive, UB9 5PG Denham, Buckinghamshire
23apr19:0022:00ART AND WINE19:00 - 22:00 (Thursday) 19:00 - 22:00 Daws Hill Vineyard ENJOY a unique evening of wine and art with Daws Hill host Holly Morgan and professional artist and award- winning tutor Jay Nolan–Latchford for a painting workshop.
You'll be using watercolours ENJOY a unique evening of wine and art with Daws Hill host Holly Morgan and professional artist and award- winning tutor Jay Nolan–Latchford for a painting workshop. You’ll be using watercolours and gouache for a beautiful red kite painting. The striking birds make a beautiful subject and with demonstrations and 1:1 guidance everyone will leave with a finished painting mounted and ready to frame. Materials and refreshments provided. Suitable for beginners upward. Cost £35. 26apr11:0016:00MEDIEVAL FAYRE11:00 - 16:00 Church St, Aylesbury HP20 2QP (Sunday) 11:00 - 16:00 CELEBRATE St George's Day with a visit to a medieval fayre in Aylesbury that's steeped in history and fun.
Meet St George and his trusty steed, learn trades of the time more CELEBRATE St George’s Day with a visit to a medieval fayre in Aylesbury that’s steeped in history and fun. Meet St George and his trusty steed, learn trades of the time including fletching, tile making, medicine making and even cathedral building techniques and skills. Meet the terrifying executioner and learn how to avoid the plague. See how a long bow is made and pots are formed. Witness the lifesaving skill of maile making and listen to tales from the lyrical yarn smith. The stories of Robin Hood will be brought to life by the talented team from Unbound Theatre. With music and dancing along the way, there really is so much to see and do. And to make it even better the event is entirely free of charge. There is no parking at the venue, so please use the town centre car parks. Then witness a spectacular parade leaving Bucks County Museum and Roald Dahl Children’s Gallery at 3pm, led by St George on horseback, Amersham Marching Band, parading dragon, fire dancers from Susan Diane School of Dance and robed dignitaries, pipers and drummers.
Bucks County Museum
Church St, Aylesbury HP20 2QP
Time
Event Details
Time
Event Details
Event Details
Time
Event Details
Event Details
Organizer
Time
Event Details
Event Details
Time
Event Details
Event Details
Time
Event Details
Event Details
Time
Event Details
Event Details
Organizer
Time
Event Details
Event Details
Organizer
Time
Event Details
Event Details
Time
Event Details
Event Details
Organizer
Time
Event Details
Event Details
Organizer
Time
Event Details
Event Details
Time
Event Details
Event Details
Organizer
Time
Event Details
Event Details
Organizer
Time
Event Details
Event Details
Organizer
Time
Event Details
Event Details
Organizer
Time
Location
Event Details
Event Details
Organizer
Time
Location
Event Details
Event Details
Organizer
Time
Location
Event Details
Event Details
Organizer
Time
Event Details
Event Details
Organizer
Time
Location
Event Details
Event Details
Organizer
Time
Event Details
Event Details
Organizer
Time
Event Details
Event Details
Organizer
Time
Location
Event Details
Event Details
Organizer
Time
Event Details
Event Details
Organizer
Time
Location
Event Details
Event Details
Organizer
Time
Event Details
Event Details
Organizer
Time
Event Details
Event Details
Organizer
Time
Event Details
Event Details
Organizer
Time
Location
Event Details
Event Details
Organizer
Time
Event Details
Event Details
Organizer
Check out our Facebook group for upcoming events, along with our Twitter feed: @TheBeyonderUK.
