Visitors to a 14th century Coventry venue will be transported to the medieval world of knights, magic and folklore this Easter – including how to battle against mythical creatures and track down fairies.
St Mary’s Guildhall is hosting ‘Fairy Folk and Fearless Knights’ activities from Saturday, March 23 until Sunday, April 7, featuring a fairy door trail open every day allowing visitors of all ages to hunt for the fairy doors hidden around the Guildhall.
The activities are funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund thanks to National Lottery players as part of a £2m+ investment transforming access to the site and the famous unique Coventry tapestry. The funding allows the Guildhall to be open all year-round as a heritage attraction, telling the story of its importance in the city and encouraging a wider range of people to have access to this wonderful medieval building and the centuries of history hidden within. Activities, events, and community engagement are designed to appeal to all ages and interests.
The guildhall’s resident knight is on hand to train aspiring warriors in traditional swordplay and strategic defence against mythical beasts, with sessions at 10am, 11.30am and 2.30pm every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday throughout the holidays.
The Grade 1-listed attraction, which is operated by No Ordinary Hospitality, is also hosting craft activities where youngsters can create peg dolls and decorate a knight's shield.
Tudor living history experience days will run each Monday and Friday of the Easter holidays from 10am to 4pm.
The sessions, curated by historical experts featuring hands-on activities and fascinating insights, will take place in the guildhall’s medieval kitchen – one of the oldest parts of the building.
After delving into tales of both benevolent and mischievous fairies, visitors will have the chance to craft an enchanting fairy plate as an offering – with a butter-churning demonstration also on offer.
Tickets for one adult and up to three children can be booked online for £16 with discounts for GO CV members.
Abi Moore, Heritage and Venue Manager at St Mary’s Guildhall, said: “There is a huge variety of activities and spectacles for all ages to enjoy this Easter, from learning about knights and fairies, to fascinating living history and even butter churning.
“Beyond these exciting sessions, the guildhall has so much to offer visitors with interactive exhibits, the famous Coventry Tapestry and our acclaimed afternoon tea in our Tales of Tea restaurant, and we are looking forward to welcoming visitors in what is due to be a jam-packed couple of weeks.”
For more information visit stmarysguildhall-tickets.ticketsolve.com