We absolutely love Seale-Hayne! Run by Hannahs at Seale-Hayne, not only is it a wonderful place of support, integration, innovation and employment for young people with disabilities and their families, it is a fantastic place for the community to enjoy with amazing facilities and a varied programme of activities.

The calendar of events runs all year round but the school holidays always bring extra fun and entertainment. The theme for this summer is ‘Looking in Wonderland’ and incorporates a free photography and art exhibition, The White Rabbit’s Treasure Hunt around the quad (£2.50/child, prize included) and giant garden games (free) and flamingo croquet on the lawns (£2 each). No booking is required for any of these and you can enjoy them in your own time and pace with no pressure – great for groups with mixed ages of children!

There are bookable activities too. We were really lucky to take part in a performance by Pocketwatch Theatre Company of The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, which was brilliantly madcap and full of surprises, and ended with some yummy treats at The Queen of Heart’s Birthday Party. Unfortunately there are no further performances this summer but we will be keeping a close eye to see what they’re doing next!

There is a different Arty Tea Party being run by the Creation Station on Sunday 23rd. (This is a bookable event and costs £5 per child) and a charm bracelet workshop for older children 10+. The icing on the cake is an open air performance of Alice Through the Looking Glass by Quantum Theatre.

The grounds at Seale – Hayne are extensive and can be explored on foot. There’s a free ‘Discovery Trail’ – maps and quiz sheets can be picked up from the reception area, or you can simply follow the coloured way markers and look at the info boards. Theres a wheelchair/buggy accessible route, which takes you round the beautiful sensory gardens, and a more rugged extension to the trail which takes you over rougher ground where outdoor play opportunities can be found.

In the main buildings you can have a proper meal, hot drinks, cake or cream tea at The Bistro or lighter snacks and takeaway food from The Pantry. We have had some delicious food from Hannahs and whilst the Bistro is formal enough to feel like a treat, it is also very family friendly with a great children’s menu.

There are art and crafts on sale, a second hand bookshop and, for the summer, a themed ‘Looking in Wonderland’ shop, complete with old fashioned sweet shop (pick n mix £2/cup).

With so much to see and do, Hannahs is an absolutely brilliant place, and you have the pleasure of knowing that any money spent there is going to a fantastic cause. It truly is a favourite of ours and we hope you enjoy exploring it too!