This September, Midsummer Place is proud to host Bus to the Future. A FREE, family-friendly event that takes you on a journey through the past, present, and future of bus travel in Milton Keynes.

Join Midsummer Place on Saturday 13 September, where the city’s transport story will come to life through hands-on activities, interactive displays, and exciting experiences. Delivered by Get Around MK and supported by UK Government funding, this is your chance to see how buses have shaped our past, and where the next stop will be.

Step Into the Past

• Climb aboard a classic Routemaster bus
• Browse fascinating photographs from Milton Keynes’ transport history
• Enjoy free children’s activities to join in on the day – plus something special to take home

Ride the Present

• Capture the moment in our 360° photo booth
• Chat to local bus specialists and get expert travel planning support
• Pick up maps and guides to explore routes and events across MK

Imagine the Future

• Experience a ride on an advanced driverless bus
• Enter our prize draw for the chance to win exciting rewards
• Discover Get Around MK’s bold vision for sustainable travel

“We’re thrilled to bring Bus to the Future to Midsummer Place. It’s a chance for families and residents to celebrate Milton Keynes’ unique transport story while also looking ahead to the innovations that will shape how we all travel tomorrow,” said Simon Martin, Centre Manager at Midsummer Place.

For updates on all the latest news, visit Midsummer Place or follow us on social media and visit
https://midsummerplace.co.uk

A day packed with fun for families, transport enthusiasts, and curious minds of all ages. Admission is free, and everyone is welcome (children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian).

This event is funded by UK Government and presented by Get Around MK, Milton Keynes City Council’s dedicated website for travel information.

For further information visit https://getaroundmk.org.uk/

Get ready, demigods! The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical is set to embark on an electrifying UK tour this autumn, bringing the hit stage adaptation of Rick Riordan’s bestselling novel to audiences across the country. The tour will come to Milton Keynes Theatre from Wed 3 – Sun 7 Sep.

Leading the charge (and wielding the lightning bolt!) is Vasco Emauz (Back To The Future: The Musical) as the one and only Percy Jackson, joined by Kayna Montecillo (Starlight Express) as the wise and fearless Annabeth, and Cahir O’Neill ([title of show]) as everyone’s favourite satyr sidekick, Grover.

They will be joined by Simone Robinson (Coming to England) as Sally Jackson, Niall Sheehy (Miss Saigon) as Mr Bruner, Aidan Cutler (Back to the Future: The Musical) as Mr D, Ellie-Grace Cousins (Mamma Mia!) as Clarisse, Paolo Micallef (who was cast following open auditions) as Luke with Alex Anderton (making his professional stage debut), Abe Armitage (The Wizard of Oz), Joseph Connor (Sister Act), Ellouise Delooze (making her professional stage debut), Becca Francis (Iolanthe at ENO) and Amy McEvoy (making her professional stage debut) as the ensemble, Camp Half-Blood is officially open for more adventures!

Paul Taylor-Mills (Producer) said: “We’re thrilled to bring Percy Jackson’s epic journey to more UK audiences following the success we’ve had in London. This show is full of energy, humour, and heart—whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the world of Camp Half-Blood, you’re in for an unforgettable adventure.”

Based on the beloved book series (with over 180 million copies sold worldwide), Percy Jackson’s story has been adapted into both films and a major hit TV series for Disney+. The musical first premiered off-Broadway in 2014 to rave reviews and went on to have two US tours, another off-Broadway run in 2017 and a 16-week limited run on Broadway in 2019. The Lightning Thief made waves in the West End during its critically acclaimed, record-breaking run at The Other Palace.

When New York City teenager Percy Jackson discovers that he is the half-blood son of the Greek god, Poseidon, his life takes a dramatic turn as he is plunged into a world much bigger than he could possibly have imagined.

With newly discovered powers he is unable to control, an unwanted destiny and a whole textbook’s worth of mythical monsters on his trail, Percy must learn what it means to be a hero.

The future of the world hangs in the balance as Percy and his friends embark on an epic adventure that will have you on the edge of your seat.

This dynamic musical adaptation of Rick Riordan’s bestselling The Lightning Thief has a book by Joe Tracz (Be More Chill), music and lyrics by Rob Rokicki (Monstersongs) and is directed and choreographed by Lizzi Gee (Groundhog Day). Set and costume design is by Ryan Dawson Laight (Burlesque), lighting design by Tim Deiling (SIX), sound design by Dan Samson (Heathers The Musical), video design by Matt Powell (Chess), musical supervision is by Jeremy Wootton (Heathers The Musical) with musical direction by Will Joy (Cruel Intentions – The 90s Musical), illusions by Richard Pinner (Ghost) and fight direction by Lisa Connell (Heathers). Associate Director & Choreographer is Libby Watts (Wicked) and Associate Set & Costume Designer is Christophe Eynde (Your Lie In April).

Book your tickets now at ATGTICKETS.COM/MiltonKeynes

LISTINGS

The Lightning Thief
Performances: Wed 3 – Sun 7 Sep 2025
Access bookings: 0333 009 5399
Group bookings: 0207 206 1174
Online Booking: ATGTICKETS.COM/MiltonKeynes*

*Fees may apply. Calls cost up to 7p per minute, plus your phone company’s access charge

The Parks Trust is delighted to announce a £213,000 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund that will enable improvements in the River Great Ouse Valley around Milton Keynes, for both nature and people.

As the River Great Ouse Valley Wetland Arc project commences, it will initiate work on improved access, habitat enhancements and a masterplan for a sustainable future of this unique parkland.

The Wetland Arc stretches across the north of Milton Keynes and is made up of 355 hectares (about 500 football pitches!) of linear parkland, nature sites and floodplain meadows along the course of the River Great Ouse. The Wetland Arc is home to some of the area’s most important biodiversity sites, and this Heritage Fund grant enables The Parks Trust to create a forward-thinking plan to ensure it remains abundant with wildlife whilst being accessible for people.

Chief Executive of The Parks Trust, Victoria Miles MBE, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to receive this support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, a significant grant that will enable our expert team to expedite and expand our nature-focussed initiatives. Our aim is to create city landscapes that deliver more for both nature and people in Milton Keynes, forever.”

Lewis Dickinson, Nature Services Manager at the Trust added: “As wetland habitats are being lost globally, it’s more important than ever to raise awareness of and plan for a sustainable future of our lakes and floodplains, and for the river corridor itself.”

The Parks Trust will create a community-led masterplan for the Wetland Arc, fusing the views of local people with ambitions for nature restoration, and protecting the natural heritage of the Wetland Arc for future generations.

To encourage more people to play a part in Milton Keynes’ natural heritage, local residents, schools, and volunteers will be invited to take part in community events, ideas fairs, practical volunteering activities and citizen science projects.

Outputs from this project will contribute to a new online Nature Hub being developed by The Parks Trust. In a bid to further knowledge and understanding of local biodiversity, the Nature Hub will enable residents and researchers to access data about species and habitats gathered from across the city’s green spaces.

The grant includes funding the Trust to recruit a Project Officer whose role will focus on engaging new audiences and embedding local ideas into the future of the landscape.

Stuart McLeod, Director of England – London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, commented: “Supporting our green spaces is something we’re really passionate about at The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Projects like this not only help nature thrive, restoring important habitats but also allow people to connect and access the natural heritage on their doorstep.”

To find out more, visit theparkstrust.com/wetlandarc

Super early bird tickets for this year’s Land of Lights festival at Gulliver’s Resort, Milton Keynes are now on sale!

The tickets, which start from just £10 per person, have gone on sale for a limited time only TODAY Monday 1 September at www.landoflights.co.uk.

The highly anticipated event, which is back in Milton Keynes for the fourth year running, features all new lanterns and will open its gates on selected dates from November 2025 and run until January 2026.

Land of Lights 2025 promises to be a breathtaking spectacle, featuring new lanterns covering 12 dreamworlds including an array of incredible dinosaurs.  In addition, there will be music, entertainment and street food with thousands of visitors expected once again.

Darren Hoy, festival manager, said: “For the fourth year running, we are so excited and proud to be bringing the Land of Lights festival back to Gulliver’s resort in Milton Keynes.

“We get such good feedback from our customers year after year who come to enjoy the lights and sparkle and we know they won’t be disappointed with what we have in store this time!

“Our super early bird tickets are a real bargain but you have to hurry as these discounted rates are only available for a limited time so make sure you don’t miss out!”

The one-mile trail will showcase a huge array of amazing lanterns and displays, creating a wonderous, wild, and magical atmosphere suitable for all ages.

The Land of Lights festival will also take place at two other Gulliver’s resorts in 2025 – Gulliver’s World in Warrington and, for the first time, at Gulliver’s Valley in Rotherham.

Milton Keynes Museum will be turning back the clock with the return of its 1940s weekend over 6th & 7th September, and while there will be plenty of talk of rations, the entertainment certainly won’t be limited.

Visitors will be able to step right into history, with all of the sights, sounds and events from the decade.

Home front reenactors will help younger visitors get hands on with some of the games from the era (not an iPad in sight), and over in the stables, you can settle back with fabulous 40s films and check in with newsreels, Pathe style.

Storyteller Neil Storey will be in uniform and sharing ‘Tommies Tales’, joining Desert Rats re-enactors and USA GI’s, giving an insight into training for conflict.

Make-do-and-mend was standard during the thrifty decade, and in the Street of Shops, the cobbler will be fixing up shoes, while the grocer and butcher will show you just how much, or rather how little, rations entitled households to.

The sweet shop will be open for business too, for those sweet-toothed cravers among you, no ration book required there!

Over in the Museum’s cottage, Peggy Skivvy will explain what life was like for the home-makers while their husbands and sons were off fighting for King and Country.

A steam engine, and selection of smaller agricultural examples will be in the Museum grounds, where a small number of WWI military lorries and transport trucks will also be parked up.

The railways at War exhibition is also on track, and kids will be kept busy following the clues found throughout the Museum to locate Guy the Spy!

A selection of wedding dresses will show parachute silk in a new light, and fans of vintage fashion will be able to treat themselves with traders selling ’40s fashion for the ladies, including shoes and handbags, and vintage jewellery.

If military gear is more your style, you’ll be in luck, and the ‘latest’ in ornaments and nick-nacks will be ready to find new homes.

Animals and birds played a significant part in the wartime effort, and the Museum will be shining a light on the wonderful work completed by our feathered friends – many pigeons received the Dickin Medal for their bravery in delivering important messages which saved many lives, and some of those brilliant little birds completed tasks while injured.

The ever-popular Lola Lamour will invite you to go with the flow on the dancefloor, and Johnny Victory will sing for you from the bandstand.

If the weather stays fine, visitors will be eyes to the sky for a fabulous flyspast by a BBMF Lancaster (Sunday only) which is one of only two still flying.

With so much to see and do, you’ll need to top up your energy levels, and the Granary Tea Room will banish hunger pangs with a range of hot and cold savoury and sweet snacks.

The Museum bar will be serving a selection of beers and ciders, and while a pint won’t be at 1940s prices, you’ll not find a cheaper one for miles!

“Wartime was notoriously difficult, but there was also much to celebrate as people pulled together in the face of the troubles and uncertainty,” said Museum director Bill Griffiths, “There is so much more to learn about the Warring Forties than simply the conflict – join us and prepare to be surprised,” he added.

Get tickets: www.miltonkeynesmuseum.org.uk

Smoke & Pepper is now officially open, and it’s already making waves as one of Midsummer Place’s hottest new dining destinations.

With bold smoky flavours, seasonal ingredients, and a laid-back but elevated vibe, it’s fast becoming a go-to for locals and visitors. From flame-grilled signature mains to indulgent desserts, everything’s packed with flavour but two dishes are stealing the spotlight online.

The Viral Flying Dutchman Burger is making waves on TikTok and Instagram stacked with flame-grilled patties, cheese, and our secret dutchman sauce sandwiched between two caramelised onions as a substitute for burgers.

The Kunafa Dream Cake is another showstopper. A Middle Eastern-inspired dessert layered with crunchy Kunafa, Bruce cake, smooth velvety mouse and topped with a thin layer of chocolate to smash through.. It tastes incredible, and it looks even better on your feed.

Sara Ibrahim, Executive Director of Smoke & Pepper, said:

“From day one, the welcome from the Milton Keynes community has been incredible. We set out to create somewhere people could enjoy both outstanding food and a great atmosphere, and seeing the restaurant buzzing every day has been so rewarding.”

Simon Martin, Centre Manager at Midsummer Place, added:

“Smoke & Pepper has brought a real buzz to the centre. It’s great to see such a dynamic new dining concept become a hit so quickly – it’s proving to be a real destination for food lovers in Milton Keynes.”

Simon Martin, Centre Manager at Midsummer Place, added: “Smoke & Pepper has brought a real buzz to the centre. It’s great to see such a dynamic new dining concept become a hit so quickly, it’s proving to be a real destination for food lovers in Milton Keynes.”

Located in the former Michael Kors unit, Smoke & Pepper offers the perfect setting for everything from post-shopping lunches to celebratory dinners. The menu is anchored by smoky grilled mains, fresh salads, and artisan sides, all complemented by a curated drinks list featuring craft mocktails, and locally sourced beverages.

For updates on all the latest news, visit Midsummer Place or follow us on social media and visit:
https://midsummerplace.co.uk

VisitEngland’s August bank holiday trip tracker survey, published today, shows that 11.2 million Brits are definitely planning an overnight holiday trip in the UK this bank holiday weekend, bringing an estimated £4.1 billion boost to the economy.

The figures are just up on last year, when 11 million Brits planned to take an overnight trip in the UK during the August bank holiday weekend. Looking back at 2023 the figure was 9.7 million. This would give a much needed boost to the industry which has seen year-to-date domestic overnight trips decrease by 5% from 32.6 million in 2024 to 31.1 million in 2025 at the end of May.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said:

“From Cornwall and Cumbria to The Gower and Glasgow, Britain is blessed with so many fantastic destinations.

“The tourism industry is a vital part of the economy and it is great to see that this year, even more people are planning to make the most of the August bank holiday weekend by heading off on an overnight trip. This will not only provide millions with fantastic days out, but will also help create jobs and drive economic growth across the country.”

VisitEngland Chief Executive Patricia Yates said:

“It is very encouraging to see many of us are planning a domestic break for the August bank holiday weekend. From our globally renowned museums and art galleries to our buzzing food and music scene, from our great pubs to our beautiful coast and countryside, there is a destination to suit all tastes and budgets.

“Businesses will be looking to the long weekend for a critical late summer lift after what has been a very mixed year for many destinations. We can also see from our latest consumer research that the cost of living remains a concern. Brits are still keen to take their breaks however many are booking last minute, making it difficult for businesses to plan in advance, and wanting to save on accommodation, activities, eating out and searching for good value options. So do please get out and support our amazing destinations, first class attractions and local events this long weekend and beyond.”

The survey also showed that a further 7.3 million people were undecided about whether to take an overnight holiday trip in England during the bank holiday weekend. The top reasons are ‘waiting to see if I can afford it’, ‘waiting to see what the weather will be like’ and ‘waiting to see if there are any deals / special offers’.

Tourism is one of England’s largest and most valuable industries, delivering economic growth right across the country.

The full VisitEngland August bank Holiday trip tracker survey can be accessed here: Domestic Tourism Bank Holiday Trips Data | VisitBritain.org.

For ideas on what’s on this August Bank Holiday across England, from food festivals to live music by the sea, please visit: VisitEngland’s 2025 Summertime News | VisitBritain.org.

Bill Kenwright’s award-winning production of the international smash hit musical, Blood Brothers will continue to captivate audiences old and new later this year when the 2025 Autumn tour opens at Milton Keynes Theatre on Wed 27 Aug.

Blood Brothers tells the moving tale of twins separated at birth, who grow up on the opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with tragic consequences.   

Vivienne Carlyle leads the cast as Mrs. Johnstone. Her performance earned her nightly standing ovations in the West End and has garnered widespread acclaim since she joined the national tour last year.

Continuing as the twin brothers, Mickey and Eddie, are Sean Jones and Joe Sleight, with Gemma Brodrick reprising her role as Linda.

Making a welcome return after time away from the production are Kristofer Harding as the Narrator, Paula Tappenden as Mrs Lyons and Danny Knott as Perkins.

Joining the cast for the Autumn 2025 tour are Michael Gillett (Sammy), Francesca Benton-Stace (Donna Marie/Miss Jones), and Latesha Karisa (Brenda).

Also continuing with the tour are Tim Churchill (Mr. Lyons), Dominic Gore (Neighbour), Alex Harland (Policeman/Teacher) and Graeme Kinniburgh (Postman/Bus Conductor).

Written by award-winning playwright Willy Russell, few musicals have been received with such acclaim as the multi-award-winning Blood Brothers. Considered ‘one of the best musicals ever written’ (Sunday Times), Bill Kenwright’s production surpassed 10,000 performances in London’s West End, and it has been affectionately christened the ‘Standing Ovation Musical’, as inevitably it “brings the audience cheering to its feet and roaring its approval” (Daily Mail). The production has also achieved global success with sell-out seasons in the U.S., Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Japan. It has won 4 awards for Best Musical in London and received 7 Tony Award nominations on Broadway.

This epic tale of Liverpool life started as a play, performed at a Liverpool comprehensive school in 1981, before opening at the Liverpool Playhouse in 1983. In March this year, Bill Kenwright’s production returned to the city of its birthplace for a two-week run, marking the 100th anniversary of the Liverpool Empire Theatre, in a record-breaking season.

The superb score includes Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe , and the emotionally charged hit Tell Me It’s Not True.

Willy Russell is one of this country’s leading contemporary dramatists. His countless credits include Educating Rita and Shirley Valentine. Educating Rita, originally commissioned by the Royal Shakespeare Company, enjoyed a two-year run in the West End and was made into a movie starring Michael Caine and Julie Walters. Shirley Valentine also made the move from stage to screen in an enormously popular film starring Pauline Collins and Tom Conti.

Book your tickets now at ATGTICKETS.COM/MiltonKeynes.

LISTINGS

Blood Brothers
Performances: Wed 27 Aug – Sat 30 Aug 2025
Access bookings: 0333 009 5399
Group bookings: 0207 206 1174
Online Booking: ATGTICKETS.COM/MiltonKeynes*

*Fees may apply. Calls cost up to 7p per minute, plus your phone company’s access charge

Gulliver’s Land in Milton Keynes is gearing up for a dazzling fireworks display that will bring the summer season to a close in style.

The Summer Sparks Spectacular takes place on Saturday, August 30, when visitors can enjoy more ride time with opening hours extended to 8.30pm ahead of the fireworks display at around 8.45pm.

Now a regular event in the Gulliver’s diary, it gives visitors extra time to enjoy the 50+ magical rides, attractions, shows and activities at the resort.

Among the exciting rides at Gulliver’s Land are The Runaway Train, Dragon Siege 360-degree pendulum, and the Grand Prix Racers rollercoaster.

Sue Conway, resort director at Gulliver’s Land, said: “Our end of summer spectacular is always incredibly popular with families, and we want to make sure they are truly dazzled with a magical display! It’s lovely to have the park open longer hours into the evening, giving visitors young and old more time to enjoy as many rides as possible.

“It’s also a way to thank the fantastic Gulliver’s team for all their hard work during the season as we now look ahead to our jam-packed programme of activities over Autumn and Winter which is set to bring even more fun to the resort.”

Day tickets to Gulliver’s Land’s Summer Sparks Spectacular cost £24 per person, with free entry for children under 90cms tall.

You can always turn the trip to Gulliver’s Land into a special treat for the family by booking in for an overnight stay. The park has a variety of family accommodation options to choose from, including Princess Suites, Dinosaur and Unicorn themed lodges, and Woodland Lodges.

For more information and to book your tickets, visit: www.gulliverslandresort.co.uk

*Please note that the fireworks display may be subject to modification or cancellation without prior notice, particularly in the case of severe weather conditions.

The highly anticipated Big Kid Circus 20th anniversary show ‘Kingdom of Kong’ returns to Xscape Milton Keynes. With its brand-new and acclaimed show, it will take guests on a journey through the Kingdom of Kong!

Big Kid Circus is making its return to Xscape Milton Keynes (MK9 3XS) for a 4-Day Special circus extravaganza from Thursday 28th August to Sunday 31st August – bringing its electrifying new show for 2025: KINGDOM OF KONG.

Big Kid Circus has been making its way around the UK this year, on the 20th Anniversary of the company, and they want thrill-seekers to come, celebrate, and join in the fun of the brand-new show  making its return to Milton Keynes!

“Kingdom of Kong” is an entirely new show for 2025 and exhibits a whole new cast of artists and performances. Big Kid Circus welcomes everyone, from the very young to the young at heart, so get ready for an incredible spectacle from international artists, featuring thrilling acrobatics, exciting choreography, hilarious comedy from the Clowns, Europe’s first ever All-Female Globe of Death riders and expect more incredible performances that will immerse you into the Kingdom of Kong throughout the show.

For the first time ever in the UK, the star of the production, a 30-foot-tall King Kong, will tower over the stage and take audiences to a whole new journey through theatrics and circus artistry at the same time.

The 2025 Big Kid Circus anniversary production is more than just another circus show; it’s an unmissable spectacle extravaganza. A true celebration of global artists and performances from all corners of the world ready to entertain all audiences and leave you in awe as the circus takes on its 20th year on the road and brings it to Xscape in Milton Keynes.

Dan Murphy, Centre Director at Xscape Milton Keynes, said, “Xscape Milton Keynes is thrilled to welcome back family favourite Big Kid Circus as they kick off the tour of their spectacular 20th anniversary show.

“Big Kid Circus is guaranteed to deliver incredible performances, awe-inspiring stunts, and plenty of family-friendly fun – exactly what Xscape Milton Keynes is all about. With their return, our guests can enjoy an action-packed and memorable day out at Xscape this summer.”

Big Kid Circus will officially kick off Kingdom of Kong in Milton Keynes on Thursday, 28th August with the opening show at 7PM. The showtimes and dates for the following days are listed below:

Opening day tickets are priced at £9.99 special offer. The following days, tickets range in price from £13.99 for adults, £12.99 for children and OAPs*, and children under two can come free.

The Big Kid Circus box office is open on site at Xscape Milton Keynes (MK9 3XS) 10AM – 8PM from Tuesday, 26th August, but to avoid any disappointment of sold-out shows, tickets can be booked in advance via the Big Kid Circus website: https://www.bigkidcircus.co.uk/tickets/

Wheelchair users and visitors with disabilities should call 07766552211 to discuss access arrangements and to book tickets in advance.

Terms and conditions about tickets and the event itself are also available via the Big Kid Circus website:
www.bigkidcircus.co.uk/events

*Adults are 16+, OAPs are 60+, and children are between 2 – 16 years old.

** Wheelchair access and carer tickets (plus one) may be purchased in person at the box-office in advance.

If you’ve ever been lucky enough to spot a Red Admiral fluttering past on a summer’s day, you’ll know there’s something quietly magical about butterflies. But here’s the bad news: 2024 marked one of the worst years on record for Britain’s butterflies, with numbers plummeting across the board. So, what’s being done about it?

Horwood House, just outside Milton Keynes, has taken matters into its own (beautifully rewilded) hands.

Nestled in 38 acres of countryside the hotel has launched the UK’s first-ever ‘Butterfly Resort’ – and it’s every bit as whimsical and wonderful as it sounds. Picture this: a whole village of brightly painted butterfly houses, a teeny football pitch, a pint-sized park, and even a pond. It’s like a holiday camp for pollinators.

But there’s purpose behind the play. Designed with sustainability, education and—yes—a touch of childlike joy in mind, the Butterfly Resort is part of Horwood House’s broader commitment to protecting the UK’s delicate biodiversity. And it’s a team effort.

Students from Winchester House School, Stowe School and Swanbourne School brought the butterfly houses to life, using bold colours and creative flair to charm young visitors and grown-up nature lovers alike. It’s joyful. It’s eye-catching. And it’s also got a “Butterfly Butler” on staff—yes, really.

Each day, this honorary winged concierge pops out with a tray of overripe fruit from the hotel’s kitchens, offering up sweet treats to their fluttery residents. (Spoiler: butterflies love bananas.) It’s not just adorable—it’s vital. These regular feedings help attract and support eight native British butterfly species that already frequent this corner of the estate.

“We created the Butterfly Resort to not only enhance our gardens and grounds,” says Leighton Reid, Hotel Manager at Horwood House, “but to engage children and visitors in conversations about conservation. Butterflies are stunning and vital pollinators that are currently in a significant state of decline. Through a playful yet meaningful initiative, we’re hoping to raise awareness and foster curiosity, while also inspiring stewardship in future generations.”

And it doesn’t stop there.

Horwood House has also teamed up with Urban Bee-lievers, a social enterprise that’s all about championing pollinators and people. Beehives have been installed across the grounds, with young people supported by the group getting hands-on experience alongside Horwood’s chefs—whipping up honey-based dishes while learning why bees matter (hint: it’s not just the honey).

It’s all part of a broader green mission: from tree planting to organic gardening and ongoing rewilding efforts, this hotel isn’t just talking about the environment—it’s getting its hands dirty.

At the Butterfly Resort’s official unveiling, Hugh Ellerton, Trustee at Butterfly Conservation, put it plainly: “British butterflies are in crisis. The Butterfly Resort at Horwood House is a wonderful initiative that combines conservation, education and creativity—helping inspire future generations to care about nature.”

He’s right, of course. We all have a part to play. Whether it’s planting pollinator-friendly flowers in your own garden or taking part in the Big Butterfly Count (running right now, by the way), there are countless small steps we can take.

Because once you’ve seen a butterfly land gently on your sleeve—or met a Butterfly Butler handing out bananas—you’ll understand: these tiny creatures are worth every ounce of effort.

Want to visit the Butterfly Resort or get involved?

Find more info, resources and a peek at the butterfly village here:
www.horwoodhouse.co.uk/the-butterfly-resort