The newly reopened St Mary’s Guildhall in the heart of Coventry is inviting visitors to delve into 700 years of history with a range of fun hands-on activities over February half term.
Families are invited to become ‘history hunters’ from Saturday, February 18 until Sunday, February 26 with the chance for children to take part in an archaeology ‘dig’ led by the Guildhall’s resident archaeologist, where they will excavate mini sandpits and discover layers of history. Happening daily at 2pm and designed for ages six to eleven, tickets are available to book in advance.
Living history sessions with costumed Tudors will take place in the Guildhall’s medieval kitchen from 10.30am to 4pm where visitors will discover all about the spice trade, identifying spices and mixing their own blends to take home and use to make delicious hot chocolates or flavour their own cooking.
Visitors can explore the Guildhall’s fascinating past with a cutting-edge augmented reality digital tour, or explore the children’s trail, following in the footsteps of royalty and dressing up like historical figures. Children can also enjoy hands on crafts such as crown and coat of arms making, as well as weaving with a hand loom to discover more about one of Coventry’s first major industries.
St Mary’s Guildhall reopened to the public in July 2022 following a £5 million restoration, and visitors can take in a special behind the scenes tour at 11am on Tuesday, February 21, or uncover the history of the Coventry Tapestry at 11am Thursday, February 23.
Abi Moore, Heritage and Venue Manager at No Ordinary Hospitality Management (NOHM), which operate St Mary’s Guildhall, said: “We are thrilled to be launching a wide range of activities this half term that will help youngsters and their families get stuck in to some of the fascinating history that has unfolded at St Mary’s Guildhall.
“We have tried to incorporate as many interactive elements as possible, with our expert team creating some captivating experiences for a range of ages.”
Tickets can be purchased at www.stmarysguildhall.co.uk and discounted rates apply for GO CV members, with free entry for GO+ card members.
The recent major package of restoration and refurbishment at St Mary’s Guildhall has been made possible through the Cultural Capital Investment Fund resourced by Coventry City Council, Arts Council England, and the Government’s Getting Britain Building Fund through Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership, and with the support of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, thanks to National Lottery players.