Float like a butterfly to A la Ronde

From a tiny egg, via a crawly caterpillar to a beautiful butterfly, come and celebrate the butterflies and moths that are native to Britain on 5 and 6 July at A la Ronde, near Exmouth.

The Big Butterfly Weekend, which runs from 11am–4pm, will have experts on hand to help you discover all sorts of interesting facts about these fascinating creatures. You will be able to take a guided walk in the wildflower meadow to find out how to spot and identify some of our native species (take your own binoculars); and you can learn about the plants that attract butterflies.

This year, there will be a special focus on moths and a chance to see them in real life close up.

Knowledgeable helpers will be able to tell you all about conservation issues and some of the challenges that currently threaten the butterfly and moth populations. There will be plenty of family friendly fun too, so be prepared to get creative with lots of butterfly and moth themed activities - and don’t forget to pot up a butterfly friendly seedling to take home

There’s even more to see and do at A la Ronde so why not make a day of it by playing garden games on the lawn or maybe trying your hand at brass rubbing or the nature and buildings spotter sheets. The tea-room which serves coffees, lunches and afternoon teas is open from 10.30am to 5.30pm (last orders are at 5pm); or, if it’s a lovely day, perhaps bring a picnic and relax in the orchard. Dogs on leads are welcome in the grounds too.

There’s a family trail to follow in the house and a Discovery Room with dressing up, silhouette and shell activities. There’s also a super second-hand book room to browse through with lots of titles for all ages and interests.

A la Ronde is a unique and quirky sixteen sided house, built under the instructions of the two cousins Jane and Mary Parminter in the eighteenth century. It is full of unusual craft and art work, which was collected by the cousins during their ten year European tour.

Normal admission charges apply for entry to the house which is open from 11am-5pm with last admissions at 4pm. The grounds and tea rooms are free to enter.