Summer of Play at Dapdune Wharf
Enjoy games and family-friendly activities every day in August this summer at Dapdune Wharf. Try a new sport, book a water sport taster session or go pond-dipping or bug-hunting. Or why not bring out your creative side and book on an art, drama or photography workshop? We look forward to seeing you this summer!
Festival of sport
Every Fri, Sat, Sun & Mon in August, 11am-5pm
Challenge your friends and family, or beat your best with archery, badminton, table tennis, frisbee, mini golf, balance bikes and more. Each week we’ll add something different so no two visits will be the same. If you’re close by, pop back and play something new or just master that one sport you’ve grown to love.
It’s free to take part, all you have to do is say hello at our sports village on the island, then you’re ready to go.
Watersports taster sessions
Water Explorers
Tue 23 & 30 Jul, Wed 7, Thu 15, Tue 20 & Thu 29 August 9.30am-4.15pm
Join Water Explorers and spend a day on the water with trained instructors from Surrey Outdoors Learning (SOLD) and discover canoeing and paddleboarding. Suitable for 10-13 year olds. £50 per child. Booking essential
Canoe and Paddleboarding taster sessions
Fridays 2, 9, 16, 23 August
Have a go at canoe and paddleboarding with experts from Surrey Outdoors Learning on these 50 minute taster sessions. Suitable for 6 years+ and accompaning adults. £8.50 per child. Booking essential
Multi-sports fun
Thu 25 July , Thu 8 & 22 Aug, from 11am
Join ROAR outdoor for multi-sports fun. No need to book, just turn up. A small activity fee applies
Bushcraft
Thu 1 & 15 Aug, from 11am
Brush up your survival skills with ROAR outdoor. No need to book. just turn up. A small activity fee applies
Explore nature
Every day throughout August 11am-5pm
There’s so much wildlife to discover at Dapdune Wharf. Borrow an explorer backpack complete with nets, magnifying glass and ID sheets and go on a minibeast hunt, or why not try your hand at pond dipping?
On Wed 7, 14, 21 & 28 August you can get hands on and discover more about the land and geography of the River Wey with the River Wey Trust’s amazing augmented reality sandbox.
All children’s nature activities are free, no need to book.
Creative play
Discover your creative flair with new art and drama workshops. Have a go at gel painting or making friendship bracelets at our drop-in sessions or book your place on ARTventurers, a drama workshop or a photography course. Scroll down for more details.
Mythical creatures crafts
Wed 31 July and every Wed in August, from 11am
Enter the world of mythical creatures with our free trail and crafts every Wednesday. From dragons and fairies to mermaids and nuggles, will they be your friend or foe? No need to book, just turn up.
ARTventurers
Tues 6, 13, 20 August
Join us for fabulous art, crafts and sensory play from the award-wining ArtVenturers. Be inspired by mythical creatures, pirates, princesses and summer festival themes. The afternoon sessions include T-shirt decorating and creating your own grafitti name canvas. Booking essential.
- 11am-12pm: 6 months - 5 years, £12
- 1.30-2.30pm: 6 -10 years, £14.50 ( 50% discount for 2nd sibling)
Drama workshops with Guildford Shakespeare Company
Thu 15 August, A Midsummer Night's Dream & Thu 22 August, As You Like It
Award-winning Guildford Shakespeare Company return to Dapdune this summer for more exciting drama workshops. With games, story-telling workshops and rehearsals culminating in a mini-performance for families at the end of day! A great way to build confidence and explore the wonderful world of Shakespeare in the glorious setting of Dapdune Wharf.
11am-1pm: Ages 6-10 years; 2pm-4pm: Ages 11-15 years. £12.50 per child. Booking essential.
Gel plate printing
Drop in sessions on Mon 29 & Tue 30 July & Thu 8 August from 11am
Discover the art of gel plate printing with Alison Saunders. No need to book, just drop in. Suitable for all ages. £5 for 30 min, £10 for 1hr.
Make and take art
Thu 22, Tue 27 and Thu 29 August, from 11am
Get creative with paints and brightly coloured beads. Try your hand at painting with watercolours, or acrylics or make your own unique friendship bracelet.
No need to book. Just turn up and pay as you go. Friendship bracelet £3, watercolour painting £4, acrylic painting £7
Photography fun with Sam Ivin
Photo trail challenge
Wed 14 August, from 11am
Can you capture all the objects, animals and scenes on the Dapdune Wharf photo trail? Hire a camera, become a photographer and complete the challenge and receive your own photo print or lucky dip prize. 5 years +. £4 per child. No need to book, just turn up.
Slightly silly portraits
Wed 28 August, 12.30-3.30pm
Create your own family or standalone portrait, fancy dress is encouraged! You'll receive two small prints and a digital copy of your portrait. £6 per session. No need to book, just turn up.
An introduction to photography: Colour lucky dip
Wed 28 August, 10.30-11.30am
A fun way to learn basic photography and composition skills while capturing bold, colourful images in a unique setting. Suitable for 7 years +. £5 per session. Booking essential.