Things To Do - Starry Skies

We aim to make Starry Skies as affordable as possible for families so most activities onsite are free of charge. If you do want to spoil yourself, however, there’ll be a few optional extras available including outdoor activities off site and other little luxuries – it is a holiday after all! See each activities page for more information.

There will be various activities on offer for kids of all ages, but please remember that we cannot accept responsibility for your children and we expect you or your friends to supervise them at all times. Most activities on site are limited in group numbers so you may not always be guaranteed access to the workshops but there will be plenty of activities to participate in throughout your stay at Starry Skies.

Here’s what’s on the bill so far for Edition Five…

SomoS

July 13, 2017

SomoS is an upbeat sound journey to tropical Latin America through its black, indigenous and Spanish musical roots. Expressed through Cumbia, Son, Salsa, Currulao and other mainly Colombian/ Cuban genres, their love for life, culture, party, recocha (play), celebration, philosophy and social justice shine out. Expect sticky songs in Spanish which will get you dancing till … Read more SomoS

Wonders of Wildlife

June 30, 2017

Ever wondered what it’s like to watch and film bears, hyenas or tigers in the wild? Ever thought about what you can do to help wildlife flourish in this ever changing world that we live in? Feast your eyes on the below and come along to listen and discuss these topics (and more) with a … Read more Wonders of Wildlife

Play Radnor

June 29, 2017

This year we’re very happy to be working with a wonderful children’s charity Play Radnor, who will be offering up oodles of fun for the toddlers on site. With dressing up, water play, craft activities, multi-sensory resources, climbing, rolling, banging, swinging and other general shenanigans, their tent will provide a range of rich and challenging play … Read more Play Radnor

Rocktopus

June 8, 2017

What do you get if you cross two music loving, primary teaching, singer songwriting, music lovers? ROCKTOPUS! An interactive, live music experience for children which will entertain, educate and inspire. Check them out HERE and head down to Centre Camp to join in the musical mayhem!

Afro Colombian Drum and Song Sessions

May 31, 2017

Transport your body and soul to the warm Caribbean and Pacific coasts of Colombia and learn to play and dance Afro-Colombian rhythms. You’ll practice your Spanish with some traditional call and response songs that are guaranteed to stick in your head for weeks to come. There’ll also be a chance to play a range of Colombian instruments including the … Read more Afro Colombian Drum and Song Sessions

Mandala Mandala

May 30, 2017

Come and make a woodland mandala from foraged finds in the Starry fields. Collect, craft and create beautiful shapes to channel the cosmic balance in all of us and help inspire some forest-bathing-style tranquility amongst the trees. *Calm and quiet not guaranteed!

Forest Forage

May 24, 2017

Author, forager and sweet enthusiast Adele Nozedar is coming to Starry Skies to show us how to make the most of what the beautiful Welsh countryside has to offer. She’s well seasoned in the ways of the woodlands and will show us a thing or two about making use of treasure you find in the wilderness. Here’s what … Read more Forest Forage

Diggin’ Your Groove

May 19, 2017

Dig out your favourite vinyl record and bring it Starry Skies… a unique event where DJ’s will play your vinyl records. It could be your first 7″ single, that 12″ tune you danced to and just had to buy, or a classic album you played non stop at Uni… The special ingredient is that YOU … Read more Diggin’ Your Groove

Dance Off

May 3, 2017

Can you dance for one whole hour non stop? Can you also limbo, waltz and beat out your competitors for silliest dance, all whilst NOT STOPPING?! Show us what you’re made of and head down to the Starry Skies Dance Off where your stamina, endurance and ingenuity will be tested. Adults are welcome, but no … Read more Dance Off

Bison Kitchen

May 3, 2017

Bison Kitchen is a family run food truck that uses only the freshest of local ingredients to bring a little slice of the US of A to the UK. Their delicious offerings include the ‘Bison Kitchen’ burger, creamy and comforting mac ‘ n cheese with a selection of toppings and the epic salted caramel brownies. All … Read more Bison Kitchen

Wake Up & Wiggle

May 3, 2017

Wiggle like a caterpillar, flap like a butterfly, buzz like a bee and creep like a spider in this immersive music and art workshop that explores the wonders of bugs. Expect puppets, live music and all kinds of silliness. Make a flower; be a flower. Wiggle and stretch your way into the day, mini beast … Read more Wake Up & Wiggle

Tantz

May 3, 2017

A roaring blend of the traditional and the new, they describe their sound as “frenzied hyper klezmer”, which gives you an idea of how much dancing there is to be done when Tantz tear up the stage for our Saturday night slot! Apparently we must “prepare to dance till it nearly does you in” Can’t wait!!!

Kids Swing Workshop

May 3, 2017

This is a high energy, toe tapping, knee jiggling and finger wiggling interactive performance for children. Designed to teach the history of swing, the sounds and roles of the musical instruments in the band, how to direct, improvise and use dynamics and lastly, in a wonderfully chaotic burst of energy: how to swing dance! During a … Read more Kids Swing Workshop

Paper Moon Band

May 3, 2017

Formed from a love of all things swing and led from the front by jazz singer Lucy Moon; Paper Moon is a swinging, vintage-inspired jazz quintet bursting with energetic swing, effortless repartee and classic tunes from the swing era and beyond. Their sound would convince even the most determined of non-dancers to shake a toe… … Read more Paper Moon Band

Thula Mama Singing

May 3, 2017

A Thula Mama singing group designed to nourish the needs of parents of young babies. Learn to sing lullabies, chants, folk and nursery songs from around the world in a Capella harmony. There’ll be morning and afternoon singing sessions in the Bub Hub, a cosy space to relax, feed and change little ones and meet other parents of pre-walkers.

Drum It Up

May 3, 2017

Drum workshops for all ages and abilities run by the folks at Drum It Up. Lets get tribal in the woodlands of Wales and tap into the mesmerising wisdom of ancient rhythms and booming beats. See if you can conjure up some dragons or frighten off some trolls with the help of your fellow musicians.

Baby Yoga

May 3, 2017

Get involved with our baby yoga workshops in the Bub Hub yurt. Our Birthlight trained practitioner will create a safe space for parents and carers of pre-mobile babies to come together and connect, practice some simple holds and gentle massaging moves and to sing and stretch and breath. Sessions will end with a guided meditation while … Read more Baby Yoga

Join the Circus

May 3, 2017

The circus is coming to Starry Skies! Come and drop-in at these have a go workshops, with juggling, diabolo, flower sticks, plate spinning and all manner of crazy skills to amaze your fellow campers and impress your friends back home.

Hand In Hand

March 24, 2017

We’re chuffed to be welcoming Roma Norriss from Hand in Hand Parenting back to Starry Skies this year. Hand In Hand Parenting is a programme which supports parents with the insights, skills and tools to build the meaningful connections that parents and children need to thrive. Roma will be joining us on the Saturday to run … Read more Hand In Hand

Bugs Bugs BUGS

February 21, 2017

Fancy clapping eyes on a giant mantis, cuddling up with a hissing cockroach or stroking the biggest snail you’ve ever seen?! We’ve got big bugs galore for you to explore and our Big Bug expert will be on hand to answer questions, tell you where they live, what they like to eat and how they got so big! … Read more Bugs Bugs BUGS

Star Search

February 21, 2017

Wow, so many stars, where to begin? What’s that bright one over there, Is it a planet? I’ve always wanted to see my star sign, can I? What is there for a beginner to see? Get to grips with infinity and find your way round the night sky in our inflatable planetarium. Learn the myths and … Read more Star Search

Boudica Boogaloo

January 27, 2017

3 sweet old gals, 3 dirty harmonies, 3 stomping strings and a hell of a good old-time good time! We can’t wait to get down and dusty with this bunch of brilliant birds, Nuala Honan (guitar), Glowglobes’ Laura Pocket (double bass) and Claire Northey (violin). Together they create a sound of the South worthy of a … Read more Boudica Boogaloo

Forest School

December 12, 2016

The Starry Skies woodlands are abundant with wild flowers and animals, offering us the chance to learn lots about its inhabitants and how best to harness everything it has to offer. Our fabulous Forest School teachers guide you through an inspirational process that offers children and young people opportunities to achieve and develop their confidence through … Read more Forest School

Den Building

December 12, 2016

Den Building A free play, any time activity hidden in the pine woods near the woodland playground. There you’ll find lots of branches, brush-wood, twigs and leaves for you to forage and construct your very own perfect woodland den, ideal for late night ghost stories or hide and seek. Lets face it, dens are one of the … Read more Den Building

Health & Healing

December 12, 2016

Treatments No family camp would be complete without the option to treat yourself to a super relaxing massage to truly feel like you’re on holiday. We’ve teamed up with Yogacamp to create the best ever offering of treatments yet so look here to BOOK your pamper session now before places get full. Workshops We’ve also got a fabulous programme of workshops for … Read more Health & Healing

Starry Skies Cafe

July 11, 2016

Your Own Dedicated Onsite Cafe The Starry Skies Cafe is coming back for Edition Five and will be better than ever! We’ve taken on board your feedback and will do our best to keep everyone stuffed full of delicious grub during your stay. Sustainability is a priority at Starry Skies and the cafe will be using … Read more Starry Skies Cafe

Adult Fitness Fun

July 6, 2016

Contour Outdoor run lots of brilliant activities for us at Starry Skies, not least these morning and afternoon Adult Fitness sessions! Utilising the tracks and trails to be found around Starry Skies, our experienced trainer will put you through your paces and get you breathing in the freshest of air. No need to book, just … Read more Adult Fitness Fun

The Burrow

June 20, 2016

We’ve bagged a secret spot in the woods for the older kids on site, to create their very own forest hideout! The Burrow needs to be imagined, created and loved by clever minds and willing hearts, helped along by our very own Woodland Guru. The Burrow will also host all manner of amazing adventures including fire, … Read more The Burrow

Pizza Love

June 20, 2016

We are so excited to have this small, family run wood fired pizza company back at Starry Skies this year. They like to use fresh local ingredients where possible to get the tastiest, healthiest vegetarian, vegan and gluten free pizzas for you and your little ones. Their staff are mostly volunteers who also have children running … Read more Pizza Love

Canoeing

February 24, 2016

Ever popular at Starry Skies, this off site activity is for kids aged 8+ and their families. It’s a wonderful chance to explore the UK from the water and is one of the ‘must do’ listed activities in Britain! You’ll meet your guide in Glasbury and head down the river to Hay-on-Wye, a beautiful little market town … Read more Canoeing

Walking and Cycling

February 24, 2016

With so much outstanding countryside on our doorstep, it’s a brilliant opportunity to explore the area on foot or by bike. Marked routes have been set up so you don’t even need to navigate! Just be lead through the great outdoors, past viewing areas and picnic spots expertly positioned along the way. The circuits will interlink and … Read more Walking and Cycling

Animal Orienteering

February 24, 2016

Orienteering has never been so fun! Based on the medium walking circuit around the Starry Skies site, groups will have to follow a pre-marked trail and find the various checkpoints. At each checkpoint there’ll be an animal footprint & clue for an indigenous British mammal for you to identify. The winner is the team that navigates … Read more Animal Orienteering

Wide Games

February 22, 2016

Wide Games are back for Edition Five! Join a tribe and battle it out to cover the most ground, steal the flag, tug the rope, jump over the quicksand steer your team to victory. Who’s up for it?! There will also be night time games for kids aged 8 and over, not for the faint-hearted! Our … Read more Wide Games

Toddle Out

January 11, 2016

Especially for kids aged 2-5 years, we have Toddle Out – big adventures for little people. A wonderful team of parents, play experts and workshop leaders, waiting to wow the wee ones with all manner of magical activities. There’s free flow play everyday in the woods for you to jump into, as well as more structured sessions including … Read more Toddle Out

Little Fluffy Clouds Family Rave

January 11, 2016

Now a firm fixture at Starry Skies, the Fluffy Clouds rave is back for all the family. As ever, it’s a chance for Mum and Dad to relive their hazy raving days with little people joining the party on the dance floor! Bubbles, face paint and classic 90’s tunes will get you bopping with the best … Read more Little Fluffy Clouds Family Rave

Arty Farty

January 11, 2016

The Starry Skies Arty Farty tent runs all day and hosts a variety of hands on activities for creative kids. Using natural resources and scrap to make amazing costumes, toys and sculptures and reusing old junk to make magnificent masterpieces. You’ll be roaming the forests and fields collecting natural wonders and transforming them into exciting … Read more Arty Farty

Sports Day

January 11, 2016

Every year, Sports Day at Starry Skies gets wilder and whackier! An amazing chance to get silly and show off your sporting prowess in this no holds barred contest. We’ll test your skill, stamina and athletic ability and see if you can get your heads and legs around our bizarre and baffling games.

Water Slide

January 11, 2016

Seriously popular with adults and kids alike, the water slide! Grab your towel and togs and keep your fingers crossed for sunshine! See you in a field soon…

Centre Camp

January 11, 2016

The beating heart of Starry Skies is the Centre Camp. Here you’ll find a buzz of social interaction morning, noon and night. Entertainment includes bands, DJ’s, the Starry Skies Family Disco and the Talent Show to name but a few. It’s a wonderful place to kick back and relax whatever the weather and whatever the time … Read more Centre Camp

Field Games

January 11, 2016

Play time is important for everyone, young and old, so we want adults to get really stuck in and remember the joys of this pastime too. We’ll have big group sessions each day, with football, rounders and other team games happening out in the main field. Don’t let the kids show you up!

Woodland Tribe

January 10, 2016

Back again at Starry Skies this year The Woodland Tribe – a free play and construction area for children and adults of all ages. Drawing on the brilliant ideas of ‘bauspielplatz’ (build-play-ground) in Germany, this is a woodland area where children can; build the perfect den, co-construct a play structure, swing with the wind in their … Read more Woodland Tribe

Woodland playground

January 10, 2016

Wander into the woods you’ll find a playground has sprung up! Test your strength and dexterity on all manner of rustic obstacles – from jumping logs to monkey bars, there’s plenty to keep you busy. Don’t forget to tell your friends. FREE

Giant Sandpit

January 10, 2016

As the sheep make way for Starry Skies Edition Five, the giant sandpit makes a come back! Ready for your buried treasure, buried feet and teetering sand castles – how high will your castle go?

Monkey nets

January 10, 2016

Tired of monkeying around? We think not! Somewhere in the woods there’s nets to be found… Parents – whilst our monkey nets are built, maintained and approved by qualified experts, please note that they are not staffed during Starry Skies and it is your responsibility to allow your children use of them.

Starry Skies Talent Show

January 10, 2016

A big favourite with the kids at Starry Skies is the talent show – and what talent there is! In past years we’ve had singers, dancers, clowns, comedians and all sorts of fabulous shenanigans to entertain and delight us. We can’t wait to welcome you onto the stage so we can see what savvy smarts you’ve got … Read more Starry Skies Talent Show

Farm Tours

January 9, 2016

Take a ride on the Starry Skies tractor down to the wonderful Barton Hill Farm. Here you’ll be taken on a tour to see big, muddy pigs, tall happy horses, hungry goats and wise owls, to name a few! Barton Hill Farm is home to many animals – some pets, some farm livestock and some … Read more Farm Tours

The Roundhouse

February 5, 2015

The Roundhouse has been entirely created using timber from the farm! A small and dedicated team of brilliant builders took trees from the wood, lovingly milled and stripped the bark and made a beautiful, natural space for us to play with. Nestled in the Rocky Fold woodland, this amazing structure is a total gem set in amongst the trees. … Read more The Roundhouse

We’re going on a treasure hunt

July 10, 2014

…we’re going to catch a big one! Explore the woods and fields at Starry Skies with the help of clues, riddles, ups and downs & twists and turns; it’s a hunt for treasure, that involves leisure and pleasure… and treasure…

Shepherds Ice Cream Van

July 9, 2014

Every kid needs to visit an ice cream van, especially one as tasty and delicious as this! The wonderful Shepherds van will be returning to Starry Skies for a few afternoons this year, with some seriously scrummy original sheep’s milk ice cream to drip all over your fingers. Start your sun dances now! Check out … Read more Shepherds Ice Cream Van

Inflatafun

April 24, 2014

A firm favourite and one that sends kids a bit doolally… Our inflatable friends are back! For a few hours each day, they’ll be up up and away, just begging to be pushed, pulled, squashed and squished about by little hands and feet. Keep your eyes and ears out for silly screaming and whoops of … Read more Inflatafun

Fancy Dress Disco

April 3, 2014

Ever popular at Starry Skies, the Family Fancy Dress Disco! Returning with a bang for Edition Five, our resident disco DJ will be spinning tunes old and new for you to boogie to. Just looking at the costumes from Edition Four is getting us giddy with anticipation for what you can come up with in … Read more Fancy Dress Disco

Baby Baths

April 3, 2014

The wonderful Baby Baths crew will be on hand to help make your wee ones shiny and clean after a grubby day at Starry Skies. Keep your eyes peeled for when and where it will be happening and don’t forget to bring a towel!

Land Art

April 3, 2014

Taking inspiration and materials from nature, our resident sculptors will be creating magical 3D land art in the woods and they need YOUR help. With plenty for all ages to get involved in, let your imagination roam free and watch the sculptures grow and take shape into a woodland trail.

The Starry Skies Cinema Club

February 21, 2013

The Starry Skies Cinema Club returns for Edition Five and promises to show all manner of treats, from classics to cartoons, to sing-a-longs for all the family. Open each evening, grab a cup of cocoa and get cosy before being transported elsewhere for a few hours.

Fred’s Yurts

February 19, 2013

Stay in a lovely hand made coppiced, bentwood yurt. Fred's Yurts are offering some real home comforts. Kitted out with comfy futon beds, full bed linen.

Firefly Bell Tents

February 19, 2013

Make your camping experience magical and stress free by renting a bell tent with Firefly Camping. Big enough for the whole family, our beautiful British bell tents give you the best pitch at the festival.

Spooky Local Pub!

February 18, 2013

Visit one of the oldest pubs in Wales. Dating back to 1100 the pub is said to be haunted by many ghosts and spectres...prepare to be scared!

Extreme Days Out

February 15, 2013

Monnow Events For Starry Skies campers who make the trip to Kentchurch Farm, Monnow Events comes highly recommended as one way to diversify your day out! Explore the spectacular Monnow Valley on a quad bike or try your hand at clay pigeon shooting. ADDITIONAL COST

Go Deeper Underground

February 15, 2013

CAVING No trip to the Brecon Beacons would be complete without an excursion below ground level. With so many amazing sites to choose from, there are caving experiences for everyone. We recommend Porth yr Ogof in the Brecon Beacons, where you can squeeze through ‘The Letterbox’ or get flushed down ‘The Toilet’! For those looking … Read more Go Deeper Underground

Hay-on-Wye Day Trip

February 15, 2013

The Second Hand Book Capital of the World Hay-on-Wye is widely considered to be the second hand book capital of the world thanks to Richard Booth MBE, esteemed book trader and advocate for boosting the local economy of the town since the 70s. With over thirty specialist and second hand bookshops to choose from you’re … Read more Hay-on-Wye Day Trip

Kentchurch Day Trip

February 15, 2013

Kentchurch Court Immerse yourself in the history and splendor of what is considered to be one of the most historic homes in the UK. Go on a walking tour of the 14th century Grade I listed property with a sumptuous cream tea in the picturesque gardens, or if you need something a little bit stronger, … Read more Kentchurch Day Trip

Trees Trees Trees

February 11, 2013

Starry Skies is lucky enough to be held on Kentchurch Farm which is surrounded by stunning mature woodland. There are loads of paths to follow and explore so you can get lost in the woods and get closer to nature. Why not collect some leaves and pine cones or do some bark rubbings from your … Read more Trees Trees Trees