Hundreds enjoy half term events

There was something for everyone across the half term at the garden centre on Brighton Road, giving children (and their parents) something to do. With something different happening every day many families visited more than once.

On the Monday, the Shopfest Craft Den did a day of free crafts where children of all ages got to enjoy making and creating. Stacey from Horsham, went with her children, she said: “We had a fab time today, all the ladies were so helpful.”

Tuesday saw Animazing arrive and with it, many people to see the animals which included a tarantula, stick insects, cockroaches and a python. Steve, from Animazing, said: “Wow! What an event. By far the busiest that we have ever attended! The crowds just kept coming, not sure how many people that we spoke to but must have been in the high hundreds.”

Wednesday was Pirate Day with many children making an effort to dress as pirates. Many got to see one of the three shows put on by Potty the Pirate, and enjoyed a treasure hunt to find the parrots.

Tammy, a parent from Horsham, said: “Thank you for putting on the great activities for half term, my daughter loved the pirate and his magic! We enjoyed searching for his parrots and the free crafts. Shame we couldn’t stay for the face painting but will next time.”

On Thursday, Huxleys Birds of Prey came to visit the garden centre and again, many people came out to visit the birds. Anna, a parent from Horsham, was with her two children to see the birds, she said: “It was great to see these birds up close, it was brilliant, the fact we were able to stroke the owl was incredible and the children just loved seeing them all.”

To kick off the end of half term party at Hillier on the Friday, children’s entertainer Tomfoolery came to perform three shows, all of which were incredibly packed out. He said, “It was brilliant, such a blast. Three packed shows – what more do you need?”

With free parking, changing facilities on site and a great café offering everything from coffee to child friendly lunches, families can enjoy a fun day out at Hillier Horsham. Easter activities to be revealed soon. Follow facebook.com/hilliergardencentres or @hillierhorsham on Twitter for more information.

Report and pictures contributed by Hillier Horsham.