Three New Family Events at Chester House Estate This May Half Term

Three Brilliant New Events Coming to Chester House Estate This May Half Term

If you’re starting to think about what to do with the kids over May Half Term, I’ve got something really exciting to share with you. Chester House Estate has put together a brand new programme of family events across the break — and honestly, it sounds like a really varied, well-thought-out line-up. There’s something for the curious ones, something for the adventurous ones, and something for the ones who just want to dance and have a brilliant time. Read on, because you’ll want to get these dates in the diary sharpish — spaces are already filling up.

Families looking for something exciting and a little different this May Half Term are invited to discover an exciting programme of activities at Chester House Estate, full of unforgettable moments that children will be talking about long afterwards!

Running across the school holidays, the Estate’s packed line-up includes animal encounters, interactive outdoor adventures and themed family entertainment designed to keep children entertained throughout the break.

Reptile Encounter — 23rd & 24th May

Kicking off the half term celebrations is the exciting Reptile Encounter on 23rd and 24th May, where visitors can meet a fascinating collection of reptiles and enjoy hands-on educational experiences — learning all about these fascinating creatures and their habitats from expert handlers.

Get up close and personal with a variety of reptiles, touch and handle some of the animals (if you’re feeling brave!), and discover how these incredible creatures live, eat and survive in the wild. The live animals are brought to the Estate by Andrea’s Animals, a fantastic local business.

On the day, you may meet snakes, a Bearded Dragon, Hermann’s Tortoise, Crested Gecko, Giant Land Snails, Giant Hissing Cockroaches, Stick Insects, Giant Millipedes, African Pygmy Hedgehog and Tarantulas — subject to availability. Three sessions are available each day.

Smartphone Discovery Walk — 25th May

On 25th May, families can take part in the Smartphone Discovery Walk, a fun-filled interactive workshop around the Estate grounds — learning the tips and tricks for capturing the incredible moments of everyday life through just their smartphone camera.

Led by artist Graham Fudger, this 90-minute workshop begins with a 20-minute presentation covering tips for setting up your camera app, composition and framing, using light to the best effect, the ten modes of filming, adding filters for effect and a selection of apps to explore. The group then moves outdoors for a guided walk at a relaxed pace, taking in the scenic views and abstract details that make the Chester House Estate so unique.

No prior technical experience is required — just bring along a fully charged smartphone, weather-appropriate clothing and footwear suitable for the grounds. Recommended for ages 7 and up. Each session is limited to 15 children with an accompanying adult, and there are two sessions available: 11am or 1pm, each lasting 90 minutes.

Under The Sea Party — 29th & 30th May

The week concludes with the vibrant Under The Sea Party on 29th and 30th May, where the Estate will be taken over by pirates, mermaids and plenty of under the sea fun — including an immersive disco, crafts, games and nautical themed entertainment for an unforgettable underwater adventure.

For two days only, the large marquee will transform into a very special Under The Sea experience. Fancy dress is optional but encouraged — come dressed as your favourite pirate, mermaid or sea creature! As well as the children’s disco, there’ll be a giant ball pit to plunder, face painting and photo opportunities including the pirate jail stocks, and an arts and crafts station where children can make and decorate a jellyfish and crab to take home. Outside, there’s a giant sandpit and nautical themed outdoor games on the lawn. Recommended for children aged 12 months to 12 years. Two sessions are available each day: 10am to 12pm or 1pm to 3pm.

With free parking, beautiful open spaces, on-site food and drink, and activities designed for all ages, Chester House Estate offers the perfect destination for families during May Half Term.

Visitors are encouraged to book early as these sessions are expected to be popular, and spaces are filling up quickly. For full event details and booking information, visit chesterhouseestate.org.

There’s so much packed into just one week, and I love that each event brings something completely different to the table — whether your child is a nature-obsessed mini scientist, a budding photographer, or someone who just absolutely lives for a themed party.

If you’re looking for more inspiration for the half term ahead, don’t forget to sign up to the weekly newsletter — I pull together the best local events every week so you don’t have to go hunting. And if the weather doesn’t play ball on any of the other days, grab a copy of the rainy day ideas pack — it’s packed with things to keep the kids busy indoors. Enjoy the break!

The events listed in this guide are run by third-party organisers, and all details were correct at the time of publication, based on information from their official websites. However, changes or cancellations can happen at short notice. To avoid any disappointment, we recommend double-checking the event information on the official websites before making plans.