May Half-Term in Shakespeare's England offers an array of enchanting adventures and educational experiences. From exciting detective quests and creative exploration backpacks to immersive historical trails and fantastical farm experiences, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
A Mummified Murder at Magic Alley
Step into a world where history meets mystery with "A Mummified Murder" at Magic Alley this May half-term! This interactive adventure invites detective enthusiasts to unravel a shocking tale: a freshly delivered mummy for a new Egyptian exhibit turns out to be a victim of a crime committed just two weeks ago.
This quest takes you through ten mesmerizing rooms filled with puzzles and riddles, including the halls of Camelot, the lost city of Atlantis, and a prehistoric palaeontology exhibit. Don't miss the enchanted forest excavation that promises to uncover the final pieces of this intriguing puzzle.
The event runs until the 23rd June, and due to the complexity of the quest, it's suitable for adults and children over 6.
Adventure Awaits with Explorer Backpacks at Shakespeare's New Place and Anne Hathaway's Cottage
Prepare for an outdoor adventure like no other this May half-term. Starting on the 25th of May, young pioneers can embark on a journey of discovery with Explorer Backpacks at Shakespeare's New Place and Anne Hathaway's Cottage. The Explorer Backpacks are included in your admission, but there are a limited number, so they are on a first-come, first-served basis.
At Anne Hathaway's Cottage, your little ones can use a Nature Explorer Backpack, filled with butterfly nets, tweezers, bug jars, and animal footprint guides, to delve into the gardens' rich biodiversity. Meanwhile, budding artists can unleash their creativity at Shakespeare's New Place with a Creative Explorer Backpack.
Also, discover the site where Shakespeare penned many of his famous works. Use magnifying glasses to inspect sculptures or sketch your interpretations of Shakespeare's home on portable chalkboards found in the backpack.
Discover Patterns at the British Motor Museum
The British Motor Museum invites you to explore patterns of all kinds this May half-term! From elegant detailing on car bodies to charming upholstery designs, patterns are everywhere in the world of cars. Each day, join a costumed character for the Character-Driven Family Tour at 11:30am, where you'll explore shapes and patterns across the museum's collection.
Get creative in the Learning Hub with the Make Your Own Pattern Paper activity, using wood-carved stamps and washable paints to design your own wrapping paper or greeting cards. Plus, embark on the Find the Fastest Car Family Trail to discover the speed champions of the museum's impressive collection of over 400 historic British cars.
Celebrate May the Tudor Way at St Mary's Guildhall
Experience the merriment of Tudor May Day at St Mary's Guildhall, where the end of winter and the return of warmth and sunlight are joyously celebrated!
From Monday, the 27th of May, to Friday the 31st of May, step into the Medieval Kitchen and delve into Tudor May Day traditions. Discover how this festival marked the first day of summer with feasting, dancing, and the crafting of willow crowns to honour the new season.
May Day was significant for the Tudors, symbolizing fertility and rebirth. The festivities included collecting flowers and making garlands with green men, or foliate heads, prominently featured in medieval art and architecture. Follow a special trail to find these green men hidden throughout the building, decipher their meanings, and win a prize.
Additionally, enjoy making pipe cleaner flower bouquets and green men's masks, ensuring a fun and creative family-friendly day out.
Enchantment Awaits at Fairytale Farm
From the 25th of May to the 2nd of June, Fairytale Farm in Chipping Norton transforms into a land of enchantment with their "Once Upon a Unicorn and Dragon" event. Dress in your most imaginative costumes and step into a storybook world filled with mythical crafting activities, dragon encounters, and fairytale face paints. Meet the regal Unicorn Queen, take a memorable unicorn ride (additional charge), and participate in the Mythical Top Trumps Trail Quest.
Enter the Fantasy Fable Competition for a chance to win a family annual pass. This event promises a week of unforgettable magical moments for the whole family.
Embark on a Stratford Town Walk
Join the award-winning Stratford Town Walk this May half-term for a fascinating guided tour of Stratford's history and its connection with William Shakespeare. Hear stories of fire, flood, plague, old-fashioned sayings, and medieval medical cures. The walk starts at 11am daily from the Swan Fountain on Waterside and lasts up to 2 hours.
It's a wonderful way to explore the town's rich heritage, and the fee includes exclusive discounts at selected shops, restaurants, pubs, coffee shops, and attractions.
Adult tickets are £10, children (8-15yrs) £5, and under 8s go free. The walk is accessible and dog-friendly.
Crack the Code at Coventry Transport Museum
Celebrate the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings with "Crazy Code Contraptions" at the Coventry Transport Museum. Learn about the vital role of code breakers during the Second World War and test your coding skills with a micro:bit coding machine.
Engage in hands-on activities to create non-tech coding contraptions and take home a mechanical coder for continued fun. This activity, designed for children aged 5 and up, is available for £3 per child (cash only) and takes place in the Community Space (Exhibition 7, Black Taxi) from the 27th of May to the 31st of May.
Splash into Fun at The Wave in Coventry
For a day of aquatic adventure, visit The Wave in Coventry! This water park features thrilling slides, a lazy river, and a wave pool. It's the perfect place to splash, slide, and swim together!
Check their website for more details on timings and tickets.
This May half-term, Shakespeare's England is brimming with captivating activities that promise to entertain and inspire visitors of all ages.
Keep an eye on our What's On pages for a full calendar of events and activities taking place in Shakespeare’s England this half-term.
Don’t forget to share your stories and adventures with us on social media using the #MyShakespearesEnglandStory hashtag.