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.
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)A monthly workshop especially for 12-15yr olds. Whether you want to learn new skills, try out new materials, or simply enjoy making art, these workshops offer a fun and supportive space to explore your creativity.
2Free! (worth double-checking)at Portsmouth Natural History Museum
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3Free! (worth double-checking)To celebrate Portsmouth100, create a doll of the person who has made Portsmouth special to you.
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5Free! (worth double-checking)Step back into a world of living heritage at Butser Ancient Farm’s Wood Fayre, held in partnership with the Hampshire Coppice Group. This lively weekend celebrates traditional woodland crafts and skills, bringing together talented craftspeople, hands-on demonstrations, and engaging talks to inspire visitors of all ages.
6Free! (worth double-checking)Bodywork therapist Lucinda Morriss is bringing her magical brand, NOMO, to Meadow for a pop-up.
7Free! (worth double-checking)at The Exchange, Sturminster Newton
CODEBREAKERS – The Story of ENIGMA This show by Dr Mark Baldwin is one of the Second World War’s most fascinating stories is that of the Allied Codebreakers, who deciphered a vast number of German secret messages and used the intelligence so gained to hasten Allied victory. The Germans had entrusted their secret communications to an ingenious ciphering machinethe Enigma, which was portable, easily operated, and could be set up in millions of ways. The codes were used and every one was changed every 24 hours.The Allies gained invaluable information about troop and aircraft dispositions, orders of battle, U-boat movements, technical development, military intentions and tank and artillery strengths. It is generally reckoned that the intelligence from Engma shortened the war by about two years. Dr Mark Baldwin has made a detailed study of the Enigma machine, the code-breaking work at Bletchley Park, and U-boats and has built up a unique collection of slides which illustrate the main features of those important facts of the Second World War. He has prepared an entertaining instructive show on this subject. The show is divided into two parts. It is followed by an opportunity for questions, then a hands-on demonstration of one of the very few surviving Enigma machines. “We had nearly 800 people in the audience who went home having thoroughly enjoyed the evening. I was well satisfied, and wouldn’t hesitate in recommending Dr Mark Baldwin” Cindy Hardy, Prince’s Theatre, Clacton
8Free! (worth double-checking)Join our Ebru for Beginners Workshop (Turkish Marbling) class at Cornerstone Arts Didcot! Credit to Melek Ali Oglou for the images. Minimum age: suitable for children, but all children must be accompanied by an adult at all times Free to attend, but booking encouraged as spaces are limited Ebru, or Marbling Art, is a traditional Turkish art form that involves creating colourful patterns on water, which are then transferred onto paper. These patterns often include flowers, lattice designs, and symbolic motifs such as crescents and moons. Join this interactive workshop to create your own beautiful, marbled patterns using this traditional technique. Once dry, you can take your artwork home.
9Free! (worth double-checking)Join our African Drumming Workshop class at Cornerstone Arts Didcot! Join Kato from Oxford Drum School for a fun, hands-on African drumming workshop. Learn traditional rhythms, develop your musical skills and experience the joy of making music together. Suitable for a range of ages and abilities, these energetic sessions are free to attend, but advance booking is essential. The workshops are free, but reservations are necessary as spaces are limited. Parents/carers must stay with children throughout. Session 1: 10.10am–10.55am (School Years 1–3) Session 2: 11.15am–12pm (School Years 1–3) Session 3: 12.45pm–1.45pm (School Years 4–6) Session 4: 2pm–3pm (School Years 7+)
10Free! (worth double-checking)The Goodwood Festival of Speed is one of the world’s most exhilarating motorsport events, bringing together legendary cars, iconic drivers, cutting‑edge machines and thousands of passionate fans in the beautiful parkland surrounding Goodwood House. Known as the ultimate summer garden party of motorsport, this four‑day festival delivers non‑stop action, innovation and atmosphere for enthusiasts of all ages.
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