Take a walk on the wild side at Floors Castle this summer

Young adventurers wanted for the brand-new Animal Encounters series of events, bringing the wonders of the animal kingdom to life!

Article Source: Floors Castle
Last Updated: 6 June 2024 12:28

This Summer, Borders’ stately home Floors Castle, invites all young adventurers to explore a brand new series of captivating events that bring the wonders of the animal kingdom to life, all set against the background of the stunning Walled Gardens of this historic castle, a truly beautiful setting with superb views.

In collaboration with animal handling experts, ZooLab, this beautiful venue will host a variety of interactive sessions where children can get hands-on with exotic critters and delve into fascinating stories from history. From the eerie enchantment of medieval witchcraft to the local beauty of native species, these events promise an educational and thrilling experience for the entire family.

Speaking on the upcoming series of educational events, Sarah Laird, Marketing Manager at ZooLab, said: “Expect something a little wilder at Floors Castle this summer as we bring our animal encounters to the Gem of the Scottish Borders. Where history meets wildlife, you’ll get up close with fascinating creatures in the estate’s enchanting surroundings. It's an extraordinary experience that promises excitement, education, and unforgettable moments for the whole family!”

Beginning on Saturday, June 29, Floors Castle will play host to a series of themed events set to inspire, starting with The Animal Explorer Experience, giving visitors the chance to meet and interact with exotic animals the likes of snakes, tarantulas, and giant snails. Guided by your very own ZooLab expert, this session offers fun and intriguing insights into the lives of these remarkable creatures.

In July, Floors Castle will be hosting three events; on Saturday, July 6th, ZooLab’s Witchcraft and Wizardry event is inviting guests to step back in time to the medieval era at Floors Castle, where witches and wizards were famous for their animal companions; on Saturday, July 20th, visit the Native Species event, celebrating the UK's rich wildlife by learning about animals native to the UK and their exotic cousins; and on Saturday, July 27th, learn about Weapons and Armour by exploring the ancient battlements of the castle while comparing human weaponry and armour to the natural defence mechanisms of animals.

If you’re looking for some educational fun to phase out the Summer holidays, Floors Castle will be hosting two further events in August: on Saturday, August 10th, The Zagaro: A Storytelling Session, will take guests through a deep, dark wood where the hero of the story meets an array of weird and wonderful creatures and fulfils a quest; and for the final event of this series, on Saturday, August 24th, ZooLab is hosting Creepy Castle Critters, guiding visitors on a historic tour of this wonderful venue, meeting the creepy critters that might once upon a time have roamed its halls.

Additionally, the Floors Castle team and the Duke and Duchess of Roxburghe are keen to continue to support the creation of an inclusive experience for children with Additional Support Needs (ASN).

This year’s planned ASN sessions will create a calm and engaging environment where children can interact with a variety of animals, from unusual invertebrates, to reptiles, and amphibians, and experienced rangers working to reduce anxieties and ensure a positive experience for all participants.

Annabel Roxburghe, the Duchess of Roxburghe and Patron of charity Meeting of Minds commented on the unique series of events: “As a patron for Meeting of Minds in the Borders, a local charity supporting local families raising children with complex or additional support needs, I am wholeheartedly looking forward to the upcoming ZooLab event here at Floors castle!

“We will ensure designated times and specific sessions tailored to enable children, including those with special needs, to engage with and learn from the animals from ZooLab. Our commitment to inclusivity drives us to provide as many opportunities as possible for children with complex or additional support needs, to participate in enriching experiences and not have to miss out on any of the fun.

“These events aim to foster joy and learning for all participants and reflect our dedication at Floors Castle to creating inclusive spaces for diverse communities in the Borders and beyond.”

Standard entry tickets per child are £12, with this price including one accompanying adult ticket. For additional adults, tickets are £10. Booking is recommended to avoid missing out.

For more information and full details, please visit: www.floorscastle.com

The ASN sessions can be selected at checkout.

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Take a walk on the wild side at Floors Castle this summer

Young adventurers wanted for the brand-new Animal Encounters series of events, bringing the wonders of the animal kingdom to life!

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