THERE is plenty to entertain families over the summer holidays at Haslemere Museum with lots of family drop in events to keep the children entertained.

Last Thursday, the museum celebrated the 150th anniversary of one of our country’s most loved children’s author – Beatrix Potter – with a fun-filled morning of activities from storytelling by the Haslemere Bookshop and lots of arts and crafts.

Children took part in a garden trail to find some of Miss Potter’s favourite characters hidden throughout the grounds. Afterwards families enjoyed a picnic in the gardens.

On Thursday, August 11, there is the chance to take part of a new creative community project and create your very own decorative craft square taking inspiration from the museum’s diverse European Peasant Arts Collection using everyday materials.

All the squares will be assembled together for the final piece which will be proudly displayed in the museum during September.

On Monday, August 8, there will be a special session aimed at families with children who have autistic spectrum conditions to come along and enjoy the museum away from the hustle and bustle of the general public.

The museum, which is not normally open to the public on Mondays, will open from 11am-1pm where families can explore the galleries at their own pace and in a calm, relaxed environment.

There will also be the opportunity to handle special objects too. Families can also enjoy making a decorative craft square for our community project and stay to enjoy a picnic in the grounds.

Places are limited for the session so booking is essential.

For further details, contact Kay Topping, education officer at the museum by emailing education@haslemeremu seum.co.uk.

The following week, on the afternoon of Thurday August 18, there will be a teddy bears’ picnic and mini-fete in the gardens.

There will be games, face painting, stalls and much more. Do not forget to bring your favourite furry best friend for a photo with the museum’s famous mascot Arthur the Bear and enter the “best dressed teddy” competition.

There is an opportunity to meet the bee-keepers on Tuesday, August 23, – find out all about the fascinating world of the museum’s bees and how to look after them.

There’s even more fun to be had when the Museum Explorers meet each Tuesday throughout the summer holidays with lots of hands-on craft activities. The sessions run from 10.30am until noon and are suitable for children aged five-11 years. Parents do not need to stay but booking is advisable.

Throughout the summer months, young visitors can enjoy gallery quizzes and trails available every day as well as backpacks offering a variety of activities for children to do while exploring the galleries and gardens.

For full details visit www.haslemere museum.co.uk.