17 Family-friendly School Holiday Ideas in Wiltshire

1. Become an archaeologist for the weekend

The first weekend of the Wiltshire school summer holidays, bring out your inner archaeologist at the Festival of Archaeology at The Salisbury Museum. Unearth replica relics in the sandpit challenge and learn about all things archaeological. Great for all the family. 

2. Take part in some hands-on history at Old Wardour Castle

Have a go at archery, build your own castle or have fun enjoying your own swash-bucking battles in the romantic ruins of Old Wardour Castle, near Tisbury. Events take place every day of the school holidays. Why not combine your visit with a spot of cake at nearby Beaton’s Tea Rooms?

3. Journey to the Lost World with Illyria Open-Air Theatre

The grounds of Marlborough College will play host to The Lost World on 25 July. This performance promises prehistoric thrills, monster laughs and life-size dinosaurs on the Leaf Block Lawn. 

4. Ink up those fingers

Get messy and ink up your fingers and print adorable finger puppets with the education team at Salisbury Cathedral on various dates during the summer holidays. 

5. Learn the looks of the 1920s in a hair and makeup workshop

The American Museum will be running a special event for teenagers, a 1920s hair and makeup workshop. On 29 July learn about the look of the era and try it out on each other. Pre-booking is essential. 

6. Animate your own short film

In this fun workshop at Wiltshire Music Centre on 31 July, create your own animation with top tips to fool the camera into believing your model is really alive! 

7. Learn how to play golf at a summer camp

Bowood Golf Resort will be opening its doors between 31 July-2 August for a juniors golf coaching camp. Suitable for ages 6-16.

8. Party at the Wyvern Theatre

Party pony style with your My Little Pony and friends at Swindon’s Wyvern Theatre. Enjoy a DJ, party games and a colourful lunchbox for every pony. 

9. Get crafty at Old Sarum

Over 12-13 August, Old Sarum will be running craft activities for the younger visitor.

10. Get close to some fantastic aircraft

Boscombe Down Aviation Collection Museum will hold a Model Show on 6 August. Come along to see professional and hobbyist modelling plus craft stalls. You can also enjoy sitting in some of the fast jet cockpits, a great idea for wannabe pilots! 

11. Join in with The Festival of Flight

Wiltshire Wildlife Trust’s Blakehill Farm Nature Reserve will be holding a Festival of Flight on 19 August. Activities include a tethered hot air balloon, giving aerial views of the reserve, WW2 re-enactment, crafts and activities plus a static falconry display. The event is free however donations to Wiltshire Wildlife Trust are welcome. 

12. Bounce about in Westbury’s Grassacres Park

Inflatable Fun Dayz will be heading back to Westbury’s Grassacres Park over the weekend of 19-20 August for some more inflatable fun (weather permitting). 

13. Head to Bowood

Have a wonderful half term exploring the beautiful gardens at Bowood. 

14. Head to Malmesbury for festival season

Games and quizzes, a funfair and more. Just some of the things that will be happening in Malmesbury during festival season. Events begin from 5 August and ends with a colourful carnival procession on 2 September. 

15. Try your hand at weaving

Join Trowbridge Museum for a session inspired by wool and the wonders of weaving on 23 August. This event is free although tickets are required. Suitable for ages 5+.

16. Battle it out in Devizes

The town centre of Devizes will be at war on 30 August as the annual Confetti Battle takes place. This colourful battle will see confetti canons fire and you can buy your own bags of confetti from stallholders to throw at your friends. The event is usually finished with a firework display. 

17. Check out Longleat’s Marvellous Monsters

The grounds of Longleat are playing host to a swarm of colossal bugs this summer. How many of these bugs can you spot on your travels around the park? 

These are just some of the fantastic family-friendly events that are taking place during the summer holidays. Keep an eye on our what’s on pages for other events that are coming up. 

If you fancy making a break of it then watch out for our last minute summer offers on places to stay around the county and don’t forget to share your images with us using #timeforwiltshire on social media.