Fun (and affordable) things to do this 'Twixmas'

The turkey's been eaten, presents have been opened and the out-of-office (hopefully) remains firmly in place.

Now the time between Christmas and New Year, affectionally known as Twixmas, has officially begun.

There's only so much Pictionary you can play so, if the family are in need of some entertaining, we have compiled a list of some of the fun and affordable events happening in the West this week.

Bibury Duck Race

26 Dec

What better way to celebrate Boxing Day then to watch almost 3,000 rubber ducks race down the River Coln.

The annual Bibury Duck Race returns to the picturesque Cotswold village for its 36th year, raising money for local charities.

You can sponsor a duck to win prizes including hotel stays and restaurant meals.

Cost: Free

Club Kids - (early) NYE Party

30 Dec

Bristol's Lost Horizon is hosting an early New Year's Eve party especially for children and parents.

Expect house, disco, 90s classics and UK garage from Bristol DJs (and parents) Felix Joy, Milly on Air and Femmes On Decks, as well as a soft play area, balloon drop, face painting and inflatables and, of course, a pretend countdown to the new year.

"I’m excited to be bringing a new family rave to Bristol that puts the focus on high quality music and production whilst supporting our brilliant local DJs who are also parents and raising money for charity," said DJ Milly on Air, aka Milly Chowles.

Cost: £5-7, with reduced prices for those on universal credit or low income

12 Days of Christmas

Until 5 Jan

We all could do with a bit of fresh air after Christmas Day and Bath's stunning Prior Park offers a tranquil spot to blow away the cobwebs.

The National Trust site is hosting 12 Days of Christmas, a series of fun installations interpreting the traditional carol.

Not only will the Palladian bridge be dressed for the occasion, the park's Tea Cabin will be stocked with festive treats for the family to enjoy.

"All you need do is brush up on your lyrics," said a spokesperson.

Cost: £5-10

Window Wanderland

Until 31 Dec

You still have a few days to take in the festive window displays of residents of Ladden Garden Village in Yate.

For every household that takes part in Window Wanderland, Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes will donate £20 to local youth charity Off the Record.

Bea Bradley, from the Ladden Garden Village Community Group, who organised the event, said: "Each year, more residents get involved, transforming their windows into beautiful displays that brighten up the community, bring people together and raise money for charity."

A similar event will take place in Wotton-under-Edge in February.

Cost: Free

Un/Common People

Until 8 March

A fascinating free exhibition is running at Museum and Art Swindon, displaying folklore, art and customs of the Wessex area from the past 100 years.

The objects have been collected from several museums and private collections.

Catch the display before it moves to the Wiltshire Museum in Devizes next year, then Poole Museum before finishing in Salisbury.

Cost: Free

The Matthew

28/29 Dec

Bristol's harbour offers an array of free activities, including wondering around Spike Island, the MShed and checking out the shops and restaurants along Wapping Wharf.

But if you haven't yet, why not go for a snoop onboard The Matthew? The ship - a modern reconstruction of the original Matthew that John Cabot sailed to Newfoundland in 1497 - is usually free to look around when moored up.

It's open Saturdays and Sundays throughout winter, so you can take in the view of the city from the water and learn more from one of their knowledgeable guides.

Cost: Free

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