Half term mayhem at Powderham Castle

Join the Mad Hatter at Powderham Castle for a week of mayhem and madness in the magical American Garden

Whilst the Big Weekend may be over, the fun at Powderham Castle has not ceased.

Between Monday 30th May and Sunday 5th June (including Saturday 4th), visitors can take an exciting trip down the rabbit hole to join the Mad Hatter for some May half-term mayhem at Powderham Castle’s Wonderland Week. The Pocket Watch Theatre Company will be resident with a host of their favourite characters including Alice, the Mad Hatter, March Hare, White Rabbit and the Queen of Hearts for the half term week that promises to be the most mischievous fun and frolics to be had in Devon.

The exciting activities will take place in the American Garden within the Woodland Garden, where young visitors will enjoy a thrilling treasure hunt with the Mad Hatter. Equipped with a fishing net, children will search out hidden trinkets around the American Garden, before meeting the foreboding Queen of Hearts. Make sure to keep an eye out, she has a reputation for chopping off people’s heads.

A day with the Mad Hatter would not be complete without a tea party straight from the pages of Alice in Wonderland. There will be a table laid up with tea cups and pretend cakes in true Wonderland spirit. After all the fun activities, refreshments will be in need and the Courtenay Café won’t disappoint with a wide variety of food on offer and delicious Devon Cream Teas.

Throughout the half-term, Powderham Castle will be open as usual and visitors can enjoy an entertaining guided tour of the Castle through secret doors and across a haunted landing. Families can visit the Walled Garden Play Area, with a wooden fort, mini zip wire and Pets Corner, home to Powderham’s resident ponies, pigs, tortoises and all manner of fowl. Visitors can also take a fun ride on the recently opened Woodland Garden Safari and discover how this part of the Estate has developed over the years. The Woodland Garden Safari costs £1 and is available daily throughout the half-term. 

The Wonderland Week sessions take place at 12.30pm and 2.30pm each day and run for approximately 45-60 minutes. They are aimed at children between 5-11 years of age, but enjoyed by everyone. The event is included in a child’s Castle & Gardens admission price, £9.50.  Children under 4years or those visiting with a ‘free return’ ticket are welcome to take part for a small fee of £3.

For further information, please visit www.powderham.co.uk