May Half Term Activities
Step Into the Saxon World This May Half Term
Travel back 1,000 years and experience history like never before.
This May half term, embark on an unforgettable, hands-on adventure into the Saxon age at the Weald & Downland Living Museum. From mysterious riddles to ancient crafts, thrilling storytelling to real archaeological discovery—there’s something to spark every imagination.
Riddles in Runes Trail – available everyday during the May Half Term
Think you are clever enough to crack the code?
The Saxons loved riddles and now it’s your turn to solve them. Follow the trail, decode ancient runes, and uncover the answers to all 7 puzzles and collect a Saxon coin rubbing at each stop along the way! Perfect for curious explorers of all ages.
Toys and Games at Hambrook barn – available everyday
Have fun with a range of traditional toys and games in our Hambrook Barn play area.
Half Term Activities (Tuesday to Thursday)
Live the Saxon Life
10:30am to 4pm
Step into the woods and meet our Saxon folk as they demonstrate how people lived, worked, and survived a millennium ago.
Try your hand at:
- Weaving and grinding corn
- Exploring Saxon weaponry
- Dressing in authentic Saxon clothing
- Learning essential survival skills
Get Creative with Saxon Crafts
11am – 4pm
Roll up your sleeves and create your own Saxon-inspired keepsakes:
- Craft a brooch
- Sculpt a clay pinch pot
- Make ‘knuckle bones’
Try lucetting to weave a Saxon braid
Additional special activities and encounters:
Discover the Magic of Plant Dyeing – Tuesday 26 & Wednesday 27 May
10.30am to 4pm
Join Kit from Osthryth Sews and uncover the secrets of natural dyes, where plants transform into beautiful colours before your eyes.
Meet the Cunning Woman – Wednesday 27 & Thursday 28 May
10.30am to 4pm
Experience a lively, theatrical encounter with The Historic Cunning Woman, who will share curious cures and ancient remedies for all manner of strange ailments.
Become an Archaeologist – Tuesday 26 & Thursday 28 May
10.30am to 4pm
Dig into the past with our Saxon Archaeological Experience. Unearth replica artefacts, then record and analyse your discoveries just like a real archaeologist.
Tales of Dragons & Norse Gods – Tuesday 26 & Thursday 28 May
11.30am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm
Gather round for captivating storytelling with Dawn Nelson, filled with epic quests, mythical creatures, and ancient legends.
Between stories, try Runes Fortune Telling, roll the dice and glimpse what fate has in store!
Step into the Classroom
10:30–12:30 & 13:30–15:30 (Dates TBC)
Visit our Victorian School to explore Saxon spirit animals and craft your own origami companion to take home.
“We had a fantastic day at the museum during May half term the Saxon trail was brilliant and kept the kids engaged from start to finish. The themed activities were fun, hands-on and really brought history to life for the whole family. We had a memorable day out, we will be back again soon!”
Don’t Miss This Time-Travel Adventure
From hands-on activities to immersive storytelling, this is history brought vividly to life. Perfect for curious minds, adventurous families, and anyone ready to step into the past.
Join us this May half term and make history your adventure!
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Information for Visitors
Discover 40 acres of history, nature, and countryside charm at the Weald & Downland Living Museum near Chichester, West Sussex. Explore our collection of historic buildings, working farm animals, and heritage gardens, and experience what rural life was like in centuries past.
Come Rain or Shine You Can Explore and Enjoy
Stroll through our beautiful open-air museum, where you can see authentic period homes, workshops, and barns set within the stunning South Downs landscape. Enjoy peaceful woodland walks, spot wildlife, or visit the woodland play area — perfect for children to explore and learn through play.
Meet Our Working Animals
Look out for our Heavy Horses, Sheep, and Ducks, who help bring the Museum to life. Visitors can even feed the ducks on the mill pond — grain can be purchased in the Museum shop.
Relax and Refuel
Take a break at our waterside café, serving delicious breakfast, brunch, and lunch options. You’re also welcome to bring a picnic, with plenty of scenic spots around the site to enjoy. During the warmer months, Shepherd’s Hut kiosks offer takeaway drinks and snacks around the Museum.
Useful Visitor Information
- Dogs on short leads are very welcome across the site.
- Free parking is available for all visitors.
- Please note: the Museum is a no-smoking site.
- Visitors with accessibility needs can find detailed information on our Accessibility page.
Please note that all activities and demonstrations are subject to change and may vary depending on the weather or season.
