OK,  so everyone is always unbelievably busy up to Christmas and the New Year, but if you get the opportunity to take some time out, what’s there to do in and around Trowbridge?
Everyone loves getting out in the fresh air, so why not take in a bracing walk along the Kennet & Avon Canal towpath, with its sights and sounds of nature, the smell of woodsmoke coming from the burners on the narrowboats, and stop for a hot chocolate at one of its pubs or cafes?
Within Trowbridge itself, there’s Biss Meadows Country Park: this natural, ecological haven situated just behind the County Way Tesco Extra celebrated its twenty-fifth anniversary in 2018, and is home to many species and varieties of insects and birds, including waterfowl (and don’t forget, you can buy ‘Quack Snacks’ duck food from the Information Centre* for just 50p per 100g bag – the ducks and swans who live in the Town Park lake also love these!).
The Town Park is a great place for the kids to let off steam, with a fantastic play area and plenty of green space – and why not download one of Trowbridge Ted’s Trails from the Town Council website, or pick one up from the Information Centre*? There’s one with lots of fun facts about the natural environment in the Town Park, and Trowbridge Ted’s Terrible Town Trail has lots of horrible stories about the town’s past. After your visit to around the town, why not re-fuel with a warming drink and a gingerbread man or mince pie at Leykers in White Hart Yard? There’s also Party & Play in the centre of Trowbridge – another great place for excited youngsters to run riot(!).
Just outside of Trowbridge, there is of course Southwick Country Park, with its acres of open space, and walking and running paths (why not find out more about their Saturday morning parkruns here?). Also, the park is dog-friendly, and the park is home to the Hope Nature Centre, and Santa Claus is looking forward to meeting everyone up until Sunday 23rd (because the day after, he gets really busy!) – he’s also got his Santa Train there – find out more here.
Here’s a great way of getting over the guilt of over-indulging . . . Why not visit Trowbridge Sports Centre for a few lengths of the pool? Opening times can be found at this link.
For something more genteel, Trowbridge Museum’s traditional Father Christmas will be back in his parlour again over the season at Trowbridge Town Hall – this truly magical treat will be taking place on Saturdays 15th and 22nd of December, and Friday 21st. At £10 per child and with timed sessions throughout each date, Father Christmas will be joined by a Victorian storyteller and an old-fashioned photographer. The cost includes a traditional gift, storytelling, a Christmas craft activity, and a splendid sepia photograph. Full details can be found here.
Palmer Gardens also has a grotto and is open Saturdays and Sundays to all, yet is the only one around that is specifically designed for people with special educational needs and disabilities – each visit can be specifically designed for each visitor. You can call to book on 01225 760346 and to discuss any special requirements. Visit their Facebook page here.
Town Hall Arts is also hosting two seasonal treats for all the family: on Wednesday December 19th, there is a dramatisation of the well-loved Christmas story The Little Match Girl, and on Saturday 22nd, little ones and their families are invited to the dreamy world of the Land of Nod… Full details can be found at Town Hall Arts website.
Finally, everyone loves a trip to the movies at this time of year, especially when it comes to seasonal blockbusters. Odeon Trowbridge is bound to be showing films for all tastes, for example ‘The Grinch’ and the sequel to the Disney classic, ‘Mary Poppins Returns’.
* Please note that the Information Centre will be closed from 5pm Friday December 21st, re-opening on Wednesday January 2nd.