Monarch Butterflies and Day of the Dead at Stratford Butterfly Farm

Discover the remarkable journey of Monarch butterflies

From 24 October to 1 November, Stratford Butterfly Farm will celebrate the extraordinary migration of the Monarch butterfly and its special connection to Mexico’s traditional Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations.

Every year, millions of Monarch butterflies travel up to 3,000 miles from Canada and the USA to the forests of central Mexico. Their arrival in early November coincides with Day of the Dead, when families remember and celebrate loved ones who have passed away.

In many Mexican traditions, Monarch butterflies are believed to represent the returning souls of deceased loved ones, making these beautiful insects an important symbol of remembrance.

Visitors can see Monarch butterflies flying freely in the Butterfly Farm’s tropical Flight Area and discover more about their fascinating lifecycle and incredible migration.

Half-term activities for families

Throughout the celebration, visitors can enjoy a range of activities, including:

• Monarch butterfly demonstrations: Discover the butterfly’s lifecycle and extraordinary migration journey with daily demonstrations at 11:30am in the Discovery Zone.
• Meet the Minibeasts: Get closer to some fascinating creatures with the Butterfly Farm’s friendly team of experts.
• Monarch Migration Trail: Explore the outdoor gardens, follow the trail and enter for a chance to win return tickets to the Butterfly Farm.
• Papel Picado crafts: Create colourful decorations inspired by traditional Mexican paper crafts to take home or display in the Discovery Zone.

Meet the newest resident of Rainforest Realm

Visitors can also discover a stunning emerald-green Tree Python, the latest arrival at the Butterfly Farm’s Rainforest Realm.

Native to parts of New Guinea, Indonesia and northern Australia, this striking reptile is known for its vivid green colouring and distinctive resting position, coiled around a branch with its head tucked in the centre.

Alongside the new arrival, visitors can explore the Butterfly Farm’s tropical environment and encounter hundreds of butterflies, insects, reptiles and spiders.

Plan your visit

The Day of the Dead celebration takes place from Saturday 24 October to Sunday 1 November 2026, during the October half-term holiday.

Opening hours: 10am – 5:30pm daily, with last admission at 5pm.

For further information, visit www.butterflyfarm.co.uk or telephone 01789 299288.