Enjoy a fun & inspired half term in Shakespeare Country
Celebrate spring half term in Shakespeare Country from 19 – 27 February with a range of fun inspired activities.
From award-winning performances of King Lear & Hamlet, secret invasions at Warwick Castle and new born lambs to seeing original costumes from Star Wars, E.T. Harry Potter & Superman, mud safaris, toasting marshmallows, go-karting and clay shooting, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
From 23 February the first Royal Shakespeare Company performances begin in the recently re-opened Royal Shakespeare Theatre (RST) and Swan Theatre. King Lear begins performances in the RST from 23 February, and a Young People’s Shakespeare production of Hamlet (designed for schools and family audiences) can be seen in the Swan from 24 February. On 21, 22 & 23 February young people can get involved in a series of ‘Play In A Day’ activities, where those aged 8 years and upwards can create their own versions of Hamlet. The public can also enjoy a range of different exhibitions including one about the recent transformation of the theatres. Enjoy visits up the RSC’s new Tower with views across the countryside, and meals in the new Rooftop restaurant.
Join in feasting inspired activities and follow the new Quiz Trail through three of Shakespeare's Houses with clues at the Birthplace, Nash’s House & New Place and Hall’s Croft. Discover what Shakespeare’s Birthplace was like when it was a hostelry and find out how beer is made. At Nash’s House & New Place find out what the archaeological dig tells us about diets in Shakespeare’s day. Get creative at Hall’s Croft and design your own artwork using fruit and vegetables whilst the ‘Food of Love’ will tempt visitors at Anne Hathaway’s Cottage.
Have every one of your five senses teased, tantalised and assaulted at the interactive Sensation Invasion at Warwick Castle. Follow a trail around the grounds, tasting mediaeval gruel and identifying smells the Ratcatcher has collected from his travels. Meet Castle characters from the Knight in Shining Armour to the Mad Professor and Maggie the Cook. Catch the Warwick Warriors, showcasing their weapons and teaching the art of mediaeval battle, or watch the Raising of the Portcullis. Meet the Falconer in the amazing Flight of the Eagles Show who will showcase the elegance, grace and intelligence of these beautiful birds. Plus travel back to the time of the plague and meet some of Warwick’s horrifying characters in the Castle Dungeon.
Kenilworth Castle & Elizabethan Gardens are calling out for all wannabe knights and princesses. Take part in an exciting medieval half-term quest, search the castle grounds and find all the clues to receive your prize!
Take part in an Elizabethan Spy Quiz at The Falstaff Experience and be transported into the world of Queen Elizabeth I and her secret service which was overseen by the most ruthless spymaster of them all, Francis Walsingham! Will you be able to get around the Elizabethan museum before cracking the secret code?
See original artefacts, replica models and costumes from past and present Science Fiction movies at the Heritage Motor Centre. ‘Sci-Fi at the Movies’, which runs from 19 February – 4 September, will showcase some of the most popular and iconic superheroes and villains from films such as Star Wars, E.T. Harry Potter, Aliens, Batman, Spiderman and Superman. .All the rare artefacts are from a private collection and would not normally be available to view. Each day during half term there will be a number of special Sci-Fi activities including themed family craft activities from 11am - 3pm in the Education Room on 24 February.
Experience the thrill of go-karting at Mr Karting in Leamington Spa with a 3 x 10 minute ‘Arrive & Drive’ session during half term. The 3 sessions, which cost £20 per person instead of the usual £25, are available weekdays between 10:00am – 6:00pm.
Honesberie Shooting School is hosting a fun day for young shots on Tuesday 22 February with clay & air rifle shooting as well as archery. Children can also learn about sporting rules, etiquette, gun safety, cleaning of guns and dates in and out of season.
Fall in love with nature at the Stratford Butterfly Farm with an array of beautiful butterflies, insects, giant millipedes and snails during half term. Learn all about 'Animal attraction' from an animal’s perspective - how to attract a mate and what to do when you have. Hear tips taken from a praying mantis and tarantula on how to be romantic!
Take part in ‘Meet the Mini-beast’ sessions at the National Herb Centre on 22 February at 11.30am, 1.00pm & 2.30pm. Following a talk from their expert, visitors will have the chance to handle some of the mini-beasts such as stick insects, millipedes, a tarantula and Boa Constrictor. Children can also build a bird box on 24 February or paint a pot on 25 February.
Hatton Farm Village will be hosting its popular February Frolics during half term. Join Little Bo Peep at the annual lambing event where around 50 woolly mums-to-be can be seen giving birth and nursing their new arrivals. Families can also meet other friendly farmyard animals, watch falconry displays and enjoy Mad Science family shows. Children will also love the brand new Snorty’s Bouncing Barnyard – a 12,000 sq ft indoor play arena with three spectacular giant slides, a ball pool splash and an abundance of soft play.
Enjoy a Snowdrop display and take part in a garden walk at Hill Close Gardens in Warwick on 19 & 20 February whilst on the Saturday listen to a talk on snowdrops with the chance to buy plants. Children can also take part in ‘New life in the gardens’ on 24 February.
Ragley Hall is opening its gates from February half term for the Great Outdoors Week with plenty of outdoor activities. Ragley's Mud Safari returns so bring your wellies for a walk around the woods on the hunt for wildlife! Toast marshmallows around the campfire and enjoy running craft activities plus there’s the Adventure Playground and Gardens to enjoy.
Upton House & Gardens will host Kids Kitchen Klub from 19 – 23 February. Discover what’s cooking in the 1930s kitchen plus wander around the trail in the gardens. Blow away the winter cobwebs at Baddesley Clinton with ‘family fun days’. Wrap up warm and join in the family outdoor trail with take home crafts and activities. Rain or shine, pull on your wellies and explore the parkland with an adventure map at Packwood House in Lapworth.
Visit Sulgrave Manor for ‘Presidents’ Day’ on Monday 21 February. Children can dress up as they did in the 16th century and experience how children lived and played at the Manor in Tudor times. Meet Mr Washington to find out about unusual objects, write with quill pens, play traditional games, follow the trails and take part in the ‘President’s Challenge’. You can even take home a brass rubbing!
Wander around a special exhibition about the fascinating life of Gladys Deacon, the second wife of the 9th Duke of Marlborough and her time as Duchess of Marlborough at Blenheim Palace. This special exhibition featuring photographs, costumes of the era, personal letters, artworks and Royal invitations will reveal the early years of her upbringing within a Belle Epoch family, to high society life at the Palace, to her reclusive years in later life.
For accommodation, special offers and more information visit the official website: Shakespeare-Country.co.uk
