1Free! (worth double-checking)Nomo Pop-Up
Bodywork therapist Lucinda Morriss is bringing her magical brand, NOMO, to Meadow for a pop-up.
8.8 milesSat 11 Jul
Top Picks
Free Things This Weekend
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.
11–12 July Near Smannell
Not every listing gets a golden ticket
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.
Happening Saturday 11 July to Sunday 12 July.
Picked for Smannell, not somewhere halfway across the county.
Only Local Gems and Curated venues make the cut, because standards are still a thing.
Listings with proper descriptions get bumped up the list. Three words and a shrug will not do.
Our 10 picks near Smannell
1Free! (worth double-checking)
2Free! (worth double-checking)Ebru for Beginners Workshop (Turkish Marbling)
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.
27.1 milesSat 11 Jul
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3Free! (worth double-checking)African Drumming Workshop
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+)
27.1 milesSat 11 Jul
4Free! (worth double-checking)Codebreakers
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
42.7 milesSat 11 Jul17:00
5Free! (worth double-checking)Limitless Family Cycling
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
28.1 milesSat 11 Jul16:00
6Free! (worth double-checking)Ruby’s Vintage Fair
Saturday 11th & Sunday 12th July Ruby’s are fabulous Vintage & Retro Fairs in the South East and will be returning to Millets Farm this July with their Vintage Village! Stalls will be showcasing all things vintage and retro including…Vintage costume jewellery & accessories, Vintage clothes, Kitchenalia & linens, Vintage decorative items, Retro clothes & […]
29.5 milesSun 12 Jul
7Free! (worth double-checking)Youth Sundays
at One Planet Abingdon Climate Emergency Centre
Adults with children, families and young people are welcome!Lots of skills to learn and share! Come and enjoy the company of like minded young people. Let’s connect over board games,arts and crafts, food, music and an opportunity to discuss what matters to you in a safe and motivating space!No charge, all welcome!
30.7 milesSun 12 Jul
8Free! (worth double-checking)Magical Malmesbury – Lace Making Day
Rausing Building FREE – donation appreciated Booking not required but numbers may be limited. The Museum is NORMALLY open 6 days per week: Monday – Closed, Tuesday – FRIDAY open 10.30am – 4.30pm, SATURDAY OPEN 10.30AM – 4.00PM, Sunday open 11.30am – 3.30pm, See ALSO… bank Holiday OPening Hours See our Online Shop to get items by post.
36.5 milesSat 11 Jul11:30
9Free! (worth double-checking)Magical Malmesbury – Victorian Ragged School History Fun for Children
A special History Club workshop day for Magic Malmesbury! Our FREE History Club interactive workshops for 4-11 year olds (accompanied by an adult) usually runs on the last Sunday of each month. See Whats On for details of future History Club dates, times and topics. Come along and join the fun whilst learning about our …
36.5 milesSun 12 Jul
10Free! (worth double-checking)Fashionable Faith Displays
Glamour and glory! Back by popular demand, Fashionable Faith will give you an expert guide through the history and meaning of Christian dress. Admire the detail of our embroidery, be dazzled by the array of colour, understand the rich symbolism and meaning of Church-wear in today's world.
37.5 milesSun 12 Jul12:30
More Top Picks
Keep the good ideas rolling
If this page has done the trick, there is more where that came from.
Round-upFamilies This WeekendTen family-friendly picks with proper details, decent venues, and no mystery listings that leave you guessing.Round-upRainy Day Picks This WeekendA shortlist for damp weekends: likely-indoor plans, cosy venues, and fewer reasons to pretend your coat is more waterproof than it is.All PicksBack to Top PicksSee all our curated round-ups in one place.