Forest Fables at Mottistone Gardens

Person looking at small people with a magnifying glass.

This was about our Christmas event in 2020 which has now finished. This Christmas, inside the ancient walls of Mottistone Manor, families can discover the wonders of the natural world, in all its seasonal splendour. Produced by Naiads Foundry theatre company, the immersive event will ignite the imaginations of little ones as they come across curious creatures full of tales of folklore and nature, inspired by the magical Isle of Wight setting.

Where

Mottistone Manor, Mottistone, Isle of Wight, PO30 4ED

Dates

Friday 11 - Thursday 24 December (not Mondays, various times)

Duration

Approx. 1 hour (15 minute arrival window, 45 minute show)

Tickets

Bubble of up to six people - £65 (£50 during previews)

An enchanted winter's journey......

This magical journey is made for bubbled families and designed with Covid-19 in mind. The story draws on the beauty of the historic manor, the sweeping landscape setting and the Neolithic Longstone that watches over the ancient site.

Following a route through the manor, mini explorers will discover the characters concealed within each enchanted room and go on a journey of discovery, learning about the hidden forces at work within nature. Stories told of the tree roots, of majestic forests and landscapes, and the creatures who serve them, are designed to inspire each child to be a custodian of the land. 

The Longstone, Mottistone, Isle of Wight
The Longstone, Mottistone, Isle of Wight
The Longstone, Mottistone, Isle of Wight

Keeping safe

The safety of our visitors, staff and volunteers is of utmost importance, so to help keep everybody safe, we’ll have special precautions in place. In line with government guidance, all audience members over the age of 11 will be required to wear a mask, unless they are unable to do so for medical reasons. There will also be temperature checks on arrival, and we ask that bubbles should not attend if anyone in their household has been unwell in the last 14 days. A socially distanced performer or volunteer will accompany each bubble, following a clear, one-way system through the house.

The company

Naiads Foundry is a company of makers, creators and doers, who come from across the creative and theatre sectors. Amongst the team are Emmy, Olivier and Golden Globe nominated artists who want to show that, even in these unusual times, theatre can still be done safely and beautifully in an unconventional and thrilling way.

Useful information

  • There is a free car park located next to the gardens. From here there is a short, 2 minute walk to Visitor Reception along a gravel path and down a few steps.
  • Toilets are located within the ancient entrance barn
  • Baby changing facilities are available in the accessible toilet which is located in the entrance barn.
  • During daylight hours, you are free to explore the gardens
A small door at the base of a tree

The adventure continues 

Fairy houses have cropped up across our Isle of Wight places. From Borthwood Copse to Compton Bay, can you and your little ones spot them? Once you do, don’t forget to take a picture and tag us on Instagram at @ntisleofwight.