A Himalayan Summer at Riverhill: 20th July - 1st September

This summer in the Gardens we are trying something a little different…..

Join us on an exotic staycation as we turn to the Himalayas for inspiration for our 6 weeks of craft activities. We have created an activity for each of the 5 countries that border the Himalayas. Plus a yeti themed finale week, obviously!

As so many of you are Season Ticket holders and like to come to each week, we have also made a little Himalayan Passport. Collect yours on the first week and then collect the stamps each week when you visit. We have even had a special yeti stamp made for week six.

Passports are free, just collect from the ticket office when you arrive. They have quite a homemade, rustic vibe, but I had so much fun making them, and they are designed to be coloured in and personalised by our intrepid explorers. I would love to see the results, please do share images on social media, or email me: kate@riverhillgardens.co.uk

With our Season Tickets paying for themselves after only three visits, it is still very worth getting one of these before the summer - you can enjoy all six weeks of activities, plus, don’t forget, we still have the all important Pumpkin Festival to come before we close at the end of October.

You can purchase Season Tickets online through our website here. Or come for the day, try us out, and when you LOVE it, you can upgrade your day ticket to a Season Ticket at the Ticket Office.

2024 Season Ticket Prices are…

Adult £34

Child £22

Family £93 (2 adults, 3 children, or 1 adult and 4 children, if you’re feeling ambitious)

Below is the handy lineup for all six weeks…….

Wk 1: Prayer Flag Making - Make a string of flags to take home, plus an extra one to add to the Riverhill Collection, which we will be proudly displaying for the rest of the Summer.

Wk 2: Jinzo Clay Sculpture - Jinzo, or clay sculpture, is one of the oldest crafts in Bhutan and has been practiced and passed down over the centuries. Design and make your own magical creature to watch over you.

Wk 3: Paper Plate Mandalas - Mandal means ‘circle’ in the ancient Sanskrit language and is used to help create balance and harmony. It is also a mediative and relaxing process, so take your time.

Wk 4: Dream Catcher Weaving - Symbolising oneness and said to protect the sleeper from bad dreams, enjoy using bamboo and wool to create one unique to you.

Wk 5: Shadow Puppets - Make your own shadow puppet with paper fasteners and sticks and then lets put on a show!

Wk 6: Make your own Yeti - We couldn’t have a whole Himalayan summer without including this guy!

As always; all our activities are included in our normal entry price. They are all drop-in, no need to pre-book and they run from 10am until 4pm.

We are open 10am - 5pm, Wednesday to Sunday (Still closed on a Monday and Tuesday, with the exception of the BH Monday).

All activities will take place in our Summer Activity Tent, located in the Old Orchard. Except for Shadow Puppets - we are going to make these in the Garden Room, we are making a theatre and need to try and get it as dark as possible!

Here’s to a lovely, happy Summer…..See you in the Gardens!