Activities for young and old
Welcome to the Hive! A kaleidoscopic kids’ hub and evolving playspace where, together with you, we create a cauldron of fun, get silly and sandy, build friendships and blow our imaginations.
What to expect?
A rambunctious range of games and activities: Arts and craft workshops for all to try, a chance to dabble in robotics, juggling and fabric printing. Not forgetting: face painting, Wacky Races, nature stuff and making bibbidybop beats with recycled treasures… all under one cosy, colourful and covered canvas.
There will games for adults too (because play is for everyone) and seating for those tired, dancing feet. There’ll also be entertainment a-plenty while you’re keeping an eye on those in your care, as they interact with the awesome and skilled Hive facilitators.
The area has been made using ethically sourced timber from a sustainably managed woodland with all of the off cuts from production repurposed in the design and creation of the play materials and decorating the space. Come and check out our interactive play structures using art, nature and the elements to inspire our play.
You can find us next to the Dragonfly pub, see what’s on and book your weekend of wonderful workshops.
From morning to late afternoon, bring your good vibrations to The Hive!
Our Space
Available to play at all times – Sandpit, Drawing Wall, Sound Sculpture, Three Throw, Head Body Legs game, block play, chess and backgammon.
The idea for a free-flowing play space that offers provocations to inspire creative play, such as wooden blocks for construction play, a drawing wall to excite the budding artists and a sound sculpture to make music with each other. Spontaneous sounds using scrap materials, this piece has captivated the interest of our smallest to our largest guests. The big games can be used on your own or can be play with others such as our large Head Body and Legs face hole board and Three Throw play piece. Challenge someone else or challenge yourself. We prepare an environment that allows for individuals to take ownership over their play, they have choice and flexibility in what they use making for happy children and in turn happy parents!
What's on at the hive?
Scrap play
Large scale items for a mega loose parts play activity. What will you build with tubs and tubes and fabric and rope? The idea with loose parts is that there is no set purpose, it is the children’s inventiveness and creativity that makes for endlessly different and imaginative journey of play. Play is a process,…
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Clay Creations
See where your imaginations take you, using clay and nature craft to unlock your creative flow. A beautiful, sensory workshop to begin your day, calming and reflective. We look forward to seeing the myriad or treasures you make.
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Scrap craft for the Hive Olympics
Think Wacky Racers does the Olympics with fabrics to adorn ourselves and outfits to create before competing in as many activities as we can sign you up for! Make a team or join together with other competitors on the day. Let the Hive Games be on your ‘must do’ list for the weekend.
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Show and Tell
A chance for you to perform on our Hive stage. Be it a song or a dance, a trick or a treat, we welcome all performers big and small to share what they wish. A polished piece or an improvised moment, you’ll get an encouraging audience and a boost of confidence to boot. Expect a…
Read moreMost people I explained the concept to were amazed that the whole area, (including decorations, workshop equipment and structures) is zero waste...the fact that everything is repurposed scrap delighted the masses... it really sets you apart from other more wasteful kids projects, it's always in the back of my mind, especially at festivals, how much waste there is in order for my kids to have fun...this feels guilt free!
"Vides games" - battle to get them off them! Just been here for five hours totally engaged and not mentioned them once.
Thank you so much. This is an amazing space. We've booked our tickets next year because of it.
You guys have been great! You have made it possible to enjoy the festival as a family, the day times have been a delight, my kids wake up and want to see what's on at The Hive immediately!
Wild Swimming
A short walk through the forest takes you to our lake. Simply the perfect way to start the day
The Hive – A kaleidoscopic kids’ hub
An evolving playspace where, together with you, we create a cauldron of fun, get silly and sandy, build friendships and blow our imaginations. What to expect? A rambunctious range of games and activities: Arts and craft workshops for all to try, a chance to dabble in robotics, juggling and fabric printing. Not forgetting: face painting,…
The History of Winnie The Pooh
The Ashdown Forest is home to both Good Vibrations Society and everyone’s favourite honey connoisseur.
Ecstatic Dance
Ecstatic Dance is a freeform movement journey, held in a safe and sacred container, & facilitated by a professional DJ. It’s a place where we can be our unique selves, while commented by music.
Wild Spa by the Enchanted Glade
Travel down the high street and past the Root, trough our peace garden you will find the Wild Spa. With stunning views over the Ashdown Forest, the Spa will boast Hot-Tubs, a Sauna, Massage and a plunge pool.
Scrap craft for the Hive Olympics
Think Wacky Racers does the Olympics with fabrics to adorn ourselves and outfits to create before competing in as many activities as we can sign you up for! Make a team or join together with other competitors on the day. Let the Hive Games be on your ‘must do’ list for the weekend.
Clay Creations
See where your imaginations take you, using clay and nature craft to unlock your creative flow. A beautiful, sensory workshop to begin your day, calming and reflective. We look forward to seeing the myriad or treasures you make.
Show and Tell
A chance for you to perform on our Hive stage. Be it a song or a dance, a trick or a treat, we welcome all performers big and small to share what they wish. A polished piece or an improvised moment, you’ll get an encouraging audience and a boost of confidence to boot. Expect a…
Scrap play
Large scale items for a mega loose parts play activity. What will you build with tubs and tubes and fabric and rope? The idea with loose parts is that there is no set purpose, it is the children’s inventiveness and creativity that makes for endlessly different and imaginative journey of play. Play is a process,…