Toys Through Time – Summer Holiday Activities
Schools out for summer and the bell has rung for playtime.
Six Weeks of Play, Imagination & Discovery
The school bell has rung for the last time this term – now it’s playtime!
Join us this summer for “Toys Through Time” – a six-week celebration exploring how toys and games have evolved from the Medieval era to the Victorians.
Set across our stunning 40-acre site, children and families can take part in a Toys Through Time Trail, hands-on activities, dress-up fun, and craft workshops inspired by the past.
What’s On This Summer:
22 July – 3 August: Medieval Mayhem
- Step back into the Middle Ages for a fortnight of historic fun:
- Play with toys from the past like wooden dolls, clay marbles, hobby horses, and more.
- Discover traditional games like Nine Man’s Morris and quoits.
- Get creative with medieval toy-making and craft sessions.
4 – 17 August: Terrific Tudors
- Travel through Tudor times and experience life as a young noble or commoner:
- Try your hand at Tudor pastimes and traditional games.
- Dress up in authentic Tudor-style clothing.
- Make and take home your own Tudor-themed crafts.
18 August – 2 September: Victorian Toys
- Wrap up the summer by discovering the charm of the Victorian toy box:
- Play timeless favourites like cup and ball, and explore optical illusion books.
- Step into the past with Victorian costumes.
- Craft your own Victorian games to take home.
Toys Through Time Trail
Throughout the summer, take part in our interactive trail across the site. Find clues, solve puzzles, and learn how playtime has changed through the ages!
Come Rain or Shine...
From energetic outdoor games to cosy craft corners, we’ve got plenty of activities to keep kids of all ages entertained—whatever the weather.
Crafts, costumes, games, trails, and hands-on fun every week!
Book online and save!
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 Museum shop and feed the hungry ducks on the mill pond. Whilst enjoying the great outdoors and fresh air, look out for our working animals, which can include the Heavy Horses, Sheep and Ducks. There are a number of lovely woodland trails, including a woodland play area for children to explore.
Why not enjoy breakfast, brunch or lunch at our waterside café? Visitors can also bring a picnic as there are plenty of picnic areas available on site. Takeaway refreshments will also be available from our seasonal Shepherd’s Huts located around the Museum.
Dogs on short 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.
