Knucker Dragons Unveiled at Aldingbourne's #aMAYzing Half Term

May Half Term at Aldingbourne Country Centre was nothing short of #aMAYzing! The sun shone throughout, setting the stage for an unforgettable week of family fun.

The holidays started with a visit from 'Tom's Talking Reptiles.' Everyone gathered under our new outdoor marquee to get up close and personal with various reptilian friends, including slithering snakes, sleek lizards and even giant snails! Next, we transformed our event field into a paradise of bouncy castles for one of your favourite events: BounceAbout! Everyone revelled in the thrill of non-stop bouncing. What better way to knacker out the children?!

Brent Lodge Wildlife Hospital hosted 'Make your own bird feeder' sessions, where families tapped into their creativity and crafted bird feeders from scratch using natural materials like pinecones and nut-free/vegan bird food. These bird feeders not only attract a diverse range of bird species but also play a vital role in supporting their well-being, fostering biodiversity in the process!

Throughout the week, visitors were treated to enchanting AR (Augmented Reality) adventures accessible across the site. And to satisfy appetites, we welcomed 'The Ginger Tosser' for the first time, whose stone-baked and hand-stretched pizzas filled the air with a simply irresistible garlicky aroma. To beat the heat, 'Pinks Ice Cream Van' served the creamiest and most refreshing ice cream and lollies. There were big smiles as families took shade under our big oak tree.
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Among the week's highlights were the highly anticipated Knucker Dragon Days. Since the Easter holidays, Knucker Dragon eggs have been carefully incubated in our woodland walk. Visitors finally had the incredible opportunity to meet the baby Knucker Dragon and their parent, expertly cared for by our dedicated handlers. The encounter left an indelible mark on the hearts of all who met these spectacular creatures. 

We were also thrilled to welcome BBC Radio Sussex's Sophie Cobby, who spent a day with us, capturing the essence of the week. As part of their May Half Term tour around the region seeking family-friendly, affordable fun, it was an honour to share our 'Great Day Out' experience with a broader audience and showcase the magic of making a difference at Aldingbourne Country Centre.

The summer holidays are fast approaching, so stay tuned for more adventures! We can't wait to see what unveils next from within our Knucker Woods... #ItsBeenAMAYzing #SummerSoon

​Written by Lizzie Williams