Down the Rabbit Hole: Lewis Carroll’s Creative Crossroads in Surrey

Exploring the crossroads between reality and imagination, childhood and adulthood, sense and nonsense lie at the heart of being human. Join us at the Guildford Institute for a unique programme of family-friendly events celebrating Lewis Carroll's connections to Guildford and Surrey.

Discover the hidden stories behind Alice's adventures through an illustrated talk and interactive 'Guildford Wonderland' map. Step into the Mad Hatter's Nonsense Lab to explore wordplay, puzzles and optical illusions. Make your own Wonderland-inspired masks and crowns in our craft workshops, and then strike a pose in a Victorian photo booth inspired by Carroll's photography. Experience the Guildford Shakespeare Company's immersive Alice in Wonderland performances and film installation.

Come along and explore the crossroads of story, place, creativity and human experience. This event is aimed at families and those with an interest in literature, heritage, theatre and creativity. All ages and abilities welcome.

This event is part of Being Human Festival, the UK’s national festival of the humanities, taking place 5-14 November 2026. Led by the School of Advanced Study, University of London, in partnership with the Arts and Humanities Research Council and the British Academy.

For further information, please see beinghumanfestival.org

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