A 14th century historic hidden gem in the West Midlands has launched a pair of exciting festive adventures to entertain visitors this Christmas – with activities inspired by real history and a beloved tale.
St Mary’s Guildhall, located in the heart of Coventry’s Cathedral Quarter, will transport guests to days of Christmas past this December, with Tudor-inspired activities and Victorian tales to captivate all ages.
On December 4 and 12, Scrooge’s Spirit – a one-man performance of A Christmas Carol complete with mulled wine and minced pies – invites guests to witness the timeless tale told from Scrooge’s perspective.
Bookings for groups of 10 or more are now open and include the chance to explore the Grade-1 listed attraction which is home to the 16th century Coventry Tapestry, thought to be the oldest in Britain still hanging in its original location.
Christmas Tours and Tudors follow on December 11 and 17. The experience includes a guided tour of the 700-year-old venue, which will be adorned with festive decorations, with knowledgeable guides on hand to talk about Christmas traditions from the centuries.
Daily visits are also available, with all guests invited to marvel at real 18ft Christmas trees and twinkling festive lights.
The Guildhall Tudors will also be in action in the medieval kitchen, as they begin preparations for the 12 days of Christmas and explain all about the seasonal feasts and games that would have brought families together in the late 15th century.
The events are designed to help day-trippers and budding historians get in the festive spirit, explore a unique historic venue and discover more about the history of Christmas – and be entertained along the way.
Across its 700-year history, St Mary’s Guildhall has played host to royalty including Mary Queen of Scots and Henry VII, and underwent a variety of uses for the city’s merchants and communities, including as a Victorian soup kitchen.
The historic attraction, which survived the November 1940 blitz which affected many other city centre buildings, offers a unique window into hundreds of years of British history from royal power struggles to Tudor and Victorian life.
The venue is also open throughout the festive season for private tours, visits and activities, as well as festive lunches in the Tales of Tea restaurant, located in the Guildhall’s atmospheric undercroft.
Abi Moore, Heritage and Venue Manager at St Mary’s Guildhall, said: “We have two absolutely brilliant themes lined up for our group travel guests this year, designed to both educate and entertain drawing on two of the most iconic periods in British history.
“It’s hard to believe we are already looking ahead to our third Christmas since completing our major renovation at the guildhall, which as well as preserving some of the oldest parts of the building, has helped us find new ways to hold exciting experiences for visitors from far and wide.
“It’s set to be another festive season to remember, and with our calendar already filling up, we are looking forward to welcoming allcomers this December with so much to see and do at St Mary’s Guildhall.”
Advance booking is required and visitors are encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment. For more information visit www.stmarysguildhall.co.uk or email traveltrade@noordinaryhospitality.com