Autumn adventures
A golden glow across the rolling hills, the crunch of fallen leaves underfoot…
Autumn’s welcoming embrace is keenly felt here in the heart of the South Downs, and with the changing of the seasons comes a change of focus when it comes to the events on offer for visitors to the local area.
From wizarding wonders to spooky discoveries, Halloween is the theme, with a whole host of activities to keep the family busy here in the heart of Hampshire - and Woodlands Retreat B&B is the perfect place from which to start your autumn adventure.
These are just a few of the Halloween-themed happenings we’re looking forward to…
Halloween fun at the Pumpkin Patch
When: Friday 18 October - Sunday 3 November
Where: Rogate Pumpkin Patch, GU31 5EG
Distance from Woodlands Retreat B&B: 13 miles
The ever-popular Rogate Pumpkin Patch is celebrating its 10th anniversary in style, with a whole host of spooky fun on offer for the whole family.
Of course, it all starts with picking a perfect pumpkin, and there’s no shortage of choice - with an array of different colours and sizes of pumpkins, squashes and gourds available.
But there’s much more to explore - from magically themed spooky playhouses and pumpkin games and activities to encounters with the Bubble Witch and stories with the Pumpkin Princess.
And for the youngest visitors of all, there are carefully curated pumpkin-themed spaces perfect for family time and sensory play, offering a perfect chance to take photos and meet up with friends and family.
Boo at the Zoo
When: Saturday 26 October - Thursday 31 October
Where: Marwell Zoo
Distance from Woodlands Retreat B&B: 15 miles
Already home to a vast array of exotic and endangered species, Marwell Zoo’s newest resident takes the form of a wizard, heading up the half-term activities at this popular local attraction.
Join Lowedolf in the broomstick flying area to learn how to fly and earn your level one broomstick flying badge.
And that’s just the start of the spooky activities - become a ghost, a skeleton or even a pumpkin for the day with spooky face painting, or enjoy some firepit fun by toasting marshmallows or tucking into s’mores.
There are also seasonal treats on offer at Café Graze, including pumpkin spiced latte, Halloween cupcakes and pumpkin soup.
These themed activities add some extra spooky fun to what is an already action-packed family day out at the zoo.
Wizard Week
When: Saturday 26 October - Sunday 3 November
Where: The Watercress Line, Alresford
Distance from Woodlands Retreat B&B: 15 miles
Magic and mischief take centre stage at The Watercress Line, with a spook-tacular week of activities to keep the family entertained.
Children of all ages are invited to dress up as their favourite scary character, with prizes on offer at the daily fancy dress competition.
There’s the opportunity to take a ride on the Wizard Express heritage train, and walk in Harry Potter’s footsteps over the famous railway footbridge where he received his Hogwarts Express ticket in the film.
Meanwhile, Professors Slugwind and Apricus will be welcoming visitors to the slime laboratory, with the chance to create your own slime to take home.
Circus skills, magic tricks, creepy crafts and spooky storytelling are among the other attractions during an action-packed week on the heritage railway line.
Skeleton Secrets
When: Saturday 26 October - Sunday 3 November
Where: Butser Ancient Farm, Chalton
Distance from Woodlands Retreat B&B: 4 miles
Join a journey of discovery this autumn within the striking surroundings of Butser Ancient Farm, searching for ancient skeleton bones and learning what they can tell archaeologists.
Find out how these bones can reveal secrets about the past and see what you can discover in the archaeology pits.
You can also get hands-on with craft activities - including making a pottery feasting cup and crafting an ancient sun disc pendant - and gain a glimpse of some bronze casting in action, with swords, knives and axes being made.
These activities are included with normal admission, with some activities taking place only on certain days during the week - further details can be found on the Butser Ancient Farm website.