Top Picks
Good local plans needn't cost the earth. This page keeps an eye on the stronger free events nearby, so you can skip the faff and get straight to the promising stuff.
10 picks around Coates, from 8 local venues. The map pin is doing actual work here.
We don't just scoop up anything with a £0 next to it. These picks still need to be nearby, useful, and properly explained, because 'free' is lovely but 'free and baffling' is less of a selling point.
1Free! (worth double-checking)4 Elements Clothing offers high quality outdoor, countrywear and hunting clothing in the UK, designed for performance, comfort and classic rural style. Waterproof jackets, waterproof boots, mens and ladies country clothing. Well known brands such as Hoggs of Fife, Deerhunter, Ariat, Harkila, Treksta, Redback
2Free! (worth double-checking)This month we’ll be thinking about keeping cool in the Walled Garden. Join us as we discover how plants, insects and other wildlife cope with the summer heat. At 12pm, we’ll head out on our Garden Observation Walk to look for signs of nature adapting to hot weather. Which flowers are still blooming? Where are the butterflies hiding? How do bees keep cool? Back at Buzz Club we’ll record our discoveries in our Year in the Walled Garden diary through drawings, observations and our own nature notes. All welcome, for children and adults, free entry, donations welcome.
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3Free! (worth double-checking)It’s James ‘ LONG BLACK COAT’ 70th birthday and to celebrate this he’s not is having a party but we have a performance from his seminally brilliant band ‘ the red propellors ’ too. So come join us celebrate with him. Free entry, and serving food all day until 9.30pm .
4Free! (worth double-checking)Join an inclusive, fun-filled community bike ride and help raise funds to buy more adapted cycles for the Limitless Swindon inclusive cycling programme, which helps hundreds of disabled people every week experience the joy of cycling. Everyone is encouraged to take part and set their own goals to cycle as many laps as they can on our traffic-free, enclosed, tarmac cycle track. It’s free to enter, we just ask that all participants aim to collect a minimum of £25.00 sponsorship. The event is organised by the Rotary Club and supported by Swindon Cycles. To find out more and sign up Click Here
5Free! (worth double-checking)Limitless Family cycling, is our session exclusively for SEND families. Enjoy cycling together on our enclosed, traffic-free track. Adapted cycles & helmets included.£4.50 per child (One adult goes free with every child) £4.50 per child (One adult goes free with every child) £5.50 Extra adult* Book online
6Free! (worth double-checking)Bring your own bike and enjoy cycling round our track Price per hour: Adults: £5.00, Children: £4.00 , Family group £16.00 Book online at https://centralswindonnorthpc.xnlcloud.com/LhWeb/en/public/Home
7Free! (worth double-checking)Following a record-breaking 2025, the Calne Bike Meet™ is back for 2026! We’re returning to our traditional slot on the last Saturday of July, turning the heart of Wiltshire into a haven for petrolheads and the local community alike.
8Free! (worth double-checking)Music for a Summer’s Evening to celebrate St Anne’s Day at Wyre Piddle Church Occurring Sunday 26 July 2026 at for 1 hour Venue Wyre Piddle Church - FIVE ALIVE PARISH Address WYRE PIDDLE CHURCH Church Lane Wyre Piddle Pershore, WR10 2JD, United Kingdom Moira and Peter Gutteridge will entertain us with a selection of songs and various instruments, including the harp. No charge, but a retiring collection for “Music in Hospitals and Care”. To be followed by wine and snacks. Event held in a Church Community event Music Patronal Festival
at The Heart of England Forest
Workshop Reading the Forest: Identifying Trees in Summer Saturday 25th July, 10:00 - 12:00 Enjoy a beginner‑friendly tree identification experience in the Heart of England Forest, starting with a short indoor introduction to key features such as leaves, buds, bark and tree shape. You’ll then head out on a guided walk through the woodland at Middle Spernal to put your new skills into practice. As you explore young plantations and mature trees, you’ll discover how many of the Forest’s broadleaf species you can spot. A relaxed and engaging way to learn more about the natural environment. From £15 plus fees More information and booking
10Free! (worth double-checking)Join our Art Buffet (Summer 2026) class at Cornerstone Arts Didcot! Monthly on Saturdays, 10.30am-12.30pm These 2 hour playful art sessions are aimed at adults who want to explore their creative side in a completely informal and pressure- free setting! Each session focuses on a particular process or material: 30 May: Monoprinting 27 Jun: Mini weavings 25 Jul: Unexpected paintbrushes Select what you’d like to use from the ‘art buffet’ and let’s create! This is art for art's sake; no predetermined outcomes, no expectations, and no judgement - just time for you to unwind and leave your to-do for expressing yourself, creative self-care, and giving yourself a break. Zero art skill or experience is needed
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