One of Coventry’s most historic venues has launched new Tudor-inspired and hands-on activities for families to enjoy this February half term.
St Mary’s Guildhall, which dates back to 1342, is inviting youngsters to be immersed in the 16th century with activities exploring what life was like for Tudor families during the spring.
The award-winning venue, which completed a £6m renovation in 2022, is hosting "Blooms and Tudor Spring Traditions" from Saturday, February 10 until Friday February 16 daily between 10am and 4pm
Tudor experts will be in the medieval kitchen to reveal quirky spring-cleaning traditions and the secrets to maintaining an early modern household. Visitors can get hands on the Tudor way and help clean pewter dishes with ground eggshells and dust with goose wings. Spring cleaning will never seem the same again!
Tudor food is also on the menu as families are invited to step into the midst of Lent when Tudors are using up the last of their winter resources and counting down the days until their Easter feast. Help them candy flower petals and decorate eggs as they shake off the winter gloom and prepare for their Easter celebrations.
Continuing all things floral, follow the ‘Power to the Flower’ family-friendly trail to find and learn about spring flowers hidden around the venue. Homemade arts and crafts will also be taking place in the stunning Great Hall, with the chance to make your own spring flowers. The trail and craft activities will run from February 10 up to and including February 18.
Abi Moore, heritage and venue manager of St Mary's Guildhall, which is operated by No Ordinary Hospitality, said: “There will be a huge amount for families to explore at St Mary’s Guildhall this half term, with hands-on activities and fascinating history to be uncovered going back hundreds of years.
“The transition from winter to spring was an important time for Tudor families, and we have taken inspiration from that, with the help of our Tudor experts, to put on some immersive and engaging activities.
“Visits can also be combined with a stop at our Tales of Tea restaurant for a quick lunch or afternoon tea with children’s options also available in another unique space in Coventry city centre.”
For more information visit www.stmarysguildhall.co.uk
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.