Midsummer Celebrations

Midsummer is one of the quarter days in the ritual year calendar. It has been celebrated for thousands of years, with roots in both pagan and religious traditions. It is a time when food and nature are in abundance, so the festivities often focus on the fertility and life-giving powers of the sun and reconnecting with nature and trees.

Join us over this weekend as we celebrate the magic and merriment of midsummer at the Museum. You can:

• Explore our Midsummer Market, where the Tudor group will be will be showcasing and demonstrating activities that would have taken place at a traditional midsummer celebration.
• Learn about divination and downtime in Bayleaf Farmstead.
• Enjoy summertime games and maypole dancing in the Market Square.
• Hear Saxon tales from the Museum story teller.
• Try freshly baked Fairings biscuits at the bakehouse.
• Have a go at making your own floral crown to wear during your visit,
• and there will be an array of hands on activities for all ages to enjoy.

Please note: This weekend will showcase the Midsummer celebrations from the past with demonstrations around the 40 acre site. There will not be a craft market/fair with items for sale over this weekend.

Information for Visitors

The Museum’s 40 acres site, historic gardens and buildings are fascinating places to learn about rural history. Visitors can purchase grain from the Shepherds Hut (coffee cart) and feed the hungry ducks on the mill pond. Whilst enjoying the great outdoors and fresh air, look out for the heavy horses and other traditional breed farm animals including pigs, chickens and geese. There are a number of lovely woodland trails, including a woodland play area for children to explore.

Our waterside café will be open or visitors can bring a picnic as there are plenty of picnic areas available on site. Takeaway refreshments will be available from our Shepherd’s Hut (coffee cart) located near the Stables. Dogs on leads are welcome and there is ample free parking. Please note that the Museum is a no-smoking site. Visitors with access needs are advised to read our accessibility page in advance of their visit.

All activities are subject to change.