A Very Victorian Half Term

Tuesday 17 – Thursday 19 February

Step back in time in a Very Victorian half term and experience what life was really like for children in rural Victorian England. From strict school lessons to household chores and traditional games, families can enjoy a full programme of hands-on Victorian activities across three immersive days. Expect to work hard—after all, Victorian children were to be seen and not heard!

Daily Activities over these three days will include:

A Very Victorian Photography Studio

• The Victorians loved a souvenir portrait—and now it’s your turn! Learn about the invention of photography, then visit our period-inspired photo studio. Choose a backdrop, select props and costume, and pose for your very own Victorian family photograph.

The Daily Victorian Drill

• Join us on the lawn for traditional Victorian exercises designed to build stamina, discipline and coordination. Adults are welcome to join in too! Drill times: 11.30am, 1pm and 2pm.

Very Victorian Arts & Crafts

• Get creative with hands-on Victorian crafts. Stitch your own sampler, make a peg doll, and explore the mesmerising world of Victorian optical illusions.

A Very Victorian School Lesson

• Take part in a delightfully strict Victorian school session where you’ll learn the 3 Rs and discover what happens if you misbehave. A Victorian penny is required to join each lesson (collected from the shop when signing up). Lesson times will be available on arrival for you to sign up to.

What a Chore!

• Roll up your sleeves as there is work to do in Whittaker’s Cottage! Help Mrs Filkins with real Victorian household tasks including washing, rug-beating, chamber pot emptying, bed-making and shoe-polishing.

I Spy Victorian Artefacts

• Pick up an activity sheet and hunt for authentic Victorian objects around the Museum artefacts store. Spot them all to earn a special reward sticker.

Very Victorian Games

• Play with traditional Victorian toys and games in Hambrook Barn. Try your hand at stilt walking, hoop rolling, skipping and cup-and-ball challenges, fun for families of all ages.

Victorian Tales with The Bard Dawn (Tues & Thurs)

• Wind down with captivating storytelling inspired by Victorian folklore. Enjoy immersive, family-friendly tales held at: 11.30am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm and 2.30pm on Tuesday and Thursday.

You can also take part in our Revoltingly Victorian Trail

Step back in time and uncover the gruesome side of Victorian life on our interactive Museum trail. Get hands-on as you: Evict pesky bed bugs, sweep grimy chimneys, splat mischievous rats and discover what Victorians did before the invention of the flushing loo! Is it a trail… or a trial? You decide! Perfect for families, children, and curious history buffs, this fun and educational experience brings the darker Victorian world to life.

Half term activities are included in an annual Museum membership, no need to pre-book just present your valid membership on arrival.

Information for Visitors

Explore our 40 acre site with over 50 historic buildings, historic gardens, and open-air exhibits at our Museum near Chichester, West Sussex. Immerse yourself in rural history, enjoy the fresh air, and discover hands-on family-friendly experiences across our beautiful site, come rain or shine.

Explore the Outdoors

Walk along scenic woodland trails. Spot our working animals, which may include Heavy Horses and Sheep, and you can also purchase grain in our Museum shop and feed the ducks at the mill pond.

Eat, Drink & Picnic

Enjoy breakfast, brunch, or lunch at our waterside café, or you can bring a picnic to relax in one of our many picnic areas. We also have our seasonal Shepherd’s Huts around the site offer takeaway refreshments.

– Dogs are welcome at the Museum but must be kept on short leads at all time.
– With Free parking available on site.
– Although we are a large open air site, the Museum is a no-smoking & no-vaping site – this is only permitted in our car park areas on arrival.
– Visitors with accessibility needs can consult our Accessibility page in advance or contact the Museum on 01243 811363 for further information.

Please note: All activities are subject to change due to weather or seasonal programming.