Half term fun in Shakespeare Country
Celebrate Spring Half Term in Shakespeare Country from 13 – 21 February with a range of fun inspired activities, ideal for those struggling to find exciting and informative things for children to do.
From new born lambs to life-size iconic Dr Who and Star Wars characters to mud safaris and toasting marshmallows, there’s something for all the family to enjoy!
Enjoy an award-winning performance by the Royal Shakespeare Company at The Courtyard Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon. King Lear starts on 18 February and runs until 26 August. Toppled by pride and stripped of all status, King Lear heads into the wilderness with a fool and a madman for company. Shakespeare’s great tragedy peels away the trappings of society to reveal the unforgiving truth of the human condition.
Find out how a Tudor child might have entertained themselves without television and the internet at Hall’s Croft, the Jacobean Doctor’s house from 11am - 4pm. From Tuesday 16 – Wednesday 17 February, join Shakespeare experts at The Shakespeare Centre and be inspired to write your own sonnet then attach to the railings of Shakespeare’s Birthplace.
Join ‘The Jungle Explorers Club’ at the Stratford Butterfly Farm and get up close with a number of creepy crawlies. Talks and handling sessions take place every day at 11:30am and 2:30pm. Children of all ages can hold and learn more about Giant Stick Insects, Giant Millipedes and Giant African Snails.
On 21 February, children can enjoy 'Who Wars' at the Heritage Motor Centre. ‘Who Wars’ will see life size iconic characters from Dr Who and Star Wars roaming the museum in between the world’s largest historic collection of British cars. Fans will have the chance to meet their beloved screen characters and have their photographs taken plus the chance to buy official merchandise from specialist trade stands.
Enjoy Ragley Hall’s ‘Great Outdoors Week’ and have a go at their Mud Safari – an exciting and messy walk through the woodlands on the hunt for Wildlife. Visit the outdoor classroom and learn how to build a fire and toast marshmallows, make bird feeders, fairy gardens and animal masks in the craft tent. Meet the Animal Woman who will be showing off her collection of creepy crawlies and take part in demonstrations and activities led by the RSPB.
Kenilworth Castle offers a great place for children to spend their half term break, from exploring the Castle grounds, playing hide and seek amongst the ruins and listening to history come alive through their audio tour.
Enjoy a visit to the Roman Alcester Heritage Centre where entry is free. Families can buy a copy of the Town Trail which starts and finishes at the museum and answer questions about Alcester`s High Street. Warwickshire County Council’s Heritage Education is running some great family activities this half term. At King, Queens and Me, children can discover images of royalty from the Warwickshire County Record Office archives plus make and decorate their own crown. Kings, Queens and Me will visit Bidford-on-Avon Library on Tuesday 16 February from 10.30am – 12.30am, St John’s Museum in Warwick from 10.30am - 12.30pm and 2.00pm – 4.00pm on Tuesday 16 February and the Roman Alcester Heritage Centre from 10.00am - 12noon on Thursday 18 February.
Experience a scenic flight over Stratford-upon-Avon with Avon Air Centre. Children over 6 can fly for free if accompanied by an adult ticket holder. A 20 minute flight costs £49 for half term week only. Join the award winning Stratford Town Walk and walk in Shakespeare's footsteps from his birthplace to his grave to uncover the facts about his life. See the Shakespeare Houses, Grammar School, Theatres and more. Or listen to terrible tales of ghosts, witches, murder and misery with a magical ghost walk around historic Stratford with the Stratford Town Ghost Walk.
See new born lambs at Hatton Country World in their Lambing Marquee with Little Bo Peep and Pete the Shepherd. Plus new arrivals in Farmyard Favourites, a Mad Science Farming Show, adventure play and frolicking fun all day long. ‘Kids Cooking Capers’ takes place at Upton House near Banbury from 13 - 17 February from 12 - 3pm. Children can join in with what they’re cooking that day in the 1930s kitchens.
Take the family to watch a performance at the Royal Spa Centre. Watch Chuckle Brothers on Monday 15 February at 2pm & 5pm or Postman Pat on Friday 19 February at 1pm. Stand up - Chris Addison takes place on Tuesday 16 February at 7.30pm. Chris Addison of Bafta award-winning comedy The Thick of It, In the Loop, Skins and Lab Rats is back with a brand new show of his critically acclaimed stand-up. Chris has been described by The Observer as “The best stand-up I’ve seen” and The Sunday Times as “Downright hilarious. His stories reduced a packed crowd to tears of helpless laughter.”
For theatre and attraction tickets, accommodation, brochures, special offers and more information visit the official website: shakespeare-country.co.uk
