February half term brings a welcome break from the usual routine and a chance to spend some quality time with the family. The winter weather doesn't always play ball, but whether it is rain or shine, we have plenty of ways for you to entertain the kids in Shakespeare's England.
Spectacle of Light at Compton Verney
Explore the beautiful grounds of this stunning Warwickshire gem, transformed by clever light installations that capture your imagination and transform your surroundings into a fairy lit wonderland. As you explore the historic Compton Verney estate, you can enjoy a tasty selection of award-winning street food from the Digbeth Dining Club. The perfect way to bring some colour to a dull winter's evening! Spectacle of Light runs evenings until Sunday 18th February.
For tickets and booking information, tap here.
Take part in the Twitchers adventure at Shakespeare’s Schoolroom & Guildhall
Swooping into Shakespeare’s Schoolroom & Guildhall this February half term is a bird watching adventure and a bird crafting activity. Both will take place from Saturday 10 February to Sunday 25 February as part of the award-winning attraction’s Family Friendly fun.
The Twitchers Museum Adventure is organised by Kids in Museums and Walker Books to celebrate the release of Feather, the latest book in the Twitchers Series from bestselling children’s author M. G. Leonard. The story’s setting is a museum which is why Shakespeare’s Schoolroom & Guildhall is one of 50 museums across the UK that is helping to bring the themes of the book to life for visiting families.
Eagle-eyed visitors will be challenged to help Twitch and his friends to find some missing bird exhibits, with the hunt taking place in the Court of Record, Georgian Classroom, Tudor Schoolroom and Master’s Chamber. There is a free Kids in Museums activity sheet to complete and a free Twitchers sticker for every young visitor.
Find more information here.
Party with Dippy at the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum!
The Herbert Art Gallery and Museum are celebrating a year of their much-loved resident, Dippy the Diplodocus with a fun-filled birthday party on Wednesday 14th February. Join the fun between 10am and 4pm when families will have the chance to see Dippy up close, handle fossils, meet guests from the world of wild learning, take part in crafts activities – and of course, enjoy a spot of birthday cake!
For more information on joining the party, click here.
Discover Enthralling Energy at the British Motor Museum
Inject some energy and innovation into your half term adventures with a visit to the British Motor Museum for a glimpse into how we will power the cars of the future! Get stuck into some hands on activities, including crafting your own car of the future to take home with you, and join the Museum's resident scientists for a not so sneaky peek into their Science Lab to discover a range of experiments that put alternative energies to the test! There's also a fun family trail and an interactive energy themed family tour of the museum.
Activities are included in your general admission, and do not need to be pre-booked.
For full details on times and dates of individual activities, visit the British Motor Museum website here.
Make Friends with a Chilean Rose Tarantula at Stratford Butterfly Farm
Swap the February chill for the tropical 25 degree surroundings of the Stratford Butterfly Farm where a host of colourful butterflies and mini beasts are waiting to greet you - including their newest arrival, the Chilean Rose Tarantula.
Meet the Mini-Beast handling, Pupae and Beetle demonstrations will be held daily from 10-18th February in the Discovery Zone at 11:00am.
Plan your visit via the Butterfly Farm website here.
Enjoy live performances in the gardens of Shakespeare's Birthplace
The gardens of Shakespeare's Birthplace will come alive during February half term with the words of the great Bard himself as the talented team from 'Events from History' are return to perform some of his most famous scenes.
This year, in celebration of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust’s multi-year theme, The Women Who Made Shakespeare, actors will be performing a range of duologues from some of Shakespeare’s most famous, female characters.
From Lady MacBeth and Cleopatra to Juliet and Rosalind, sit and listen to performance of scenes from some of these much-loved characters in the place where Shakespeare was born.
‘All The World’s a Stage’ will be in the gardens of Shakespeare's Birthplace every 20 minutes throughout the day during the school holidays and is included in your admission ticket.
Book your tickets here.
Party like it’s 1559 at the Market Hall Museum
Travel back in time to a proper Tudor party at the Market Museum where your young royals can dress up like a King or Queen, make decorations, and try their hand at juggling! The party will take place on Wednesday 14th February between 10am and 2.30pm.
For admission prices and tickets click here.
Join the Festival of Archery at Warwick Castle
Aim high and watch the arrows fly as Warwick Castle's Festival of Archery takes over the castle grounds for February half term.
The castle’s expert archers put their skills to the test in a series of exhilarating performances as bows bend and arrows soar right in front of your eyes. Featuring live shows, daring challenges, interactive quizzes, have-a-go archery, and a grand finale shoot-off, Festival of Archery is sure to put the family fun into your February Half Term plans.
Plus, why not explore the Zog Playland, uniquely designed for Zog superfans, get lost in the Horrible Histories Maze, marvel at the Winter Birds of Prey display taking place twice a day, uncover Warwick Castle’s rich history in the Great Hall, State Rooms and Royal Weekend Party and visit the Princess Tower.
Visit the Warwick Castle website to book!
Become a History Maker at Kenilworth Castle
Join characters from the past for historical hijinks and hands on shenanigans at Kenilworth Castle this half term.
Think you know all about Medieval Life? Think again! Be transported back in time through interactive stories to discover more about what it takes to become a medieval knight in our Squire to Knight activities.
After mastering knightly etiquette, learn skills to become a mighty warrior through our sword school. Upon successful training, the king will then bestow the prestigious title of knight upon you!
Delve into a Fantasy 'WonderWorld' at Magic Alley
In the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon lies an intriguing WonderWorld just waiting to be discovered. Step into the enchanting realm of WonderWorld, an extraordinary event unfolding in the heart of Magic Alley. This unique puzzle-based adventure is perfectly tailored for children over 6 and adults, promising an unforgettable journey through a fantasy world where imagination knows no bounds.
Book your visit via the Magic Alley website.
Enjoy a Muddy Welly Wander at Charlecote Park
Pull on your wellies, wrap up warm and head to National Trust's Charlecote Park for a wonderfully muddy wander around the beautiful parkland! Grab a hot chocolate from the cafe, and follow the family-friendly activity trail around the grounds. It might be winter time but signs of spring are peeping through and a day in the fresh air is the perfect way to enjoy a break from school and routine.
Visit on Wednesday 14th February for Craft Wednesday!
Purchase a timed ticket when you arrive to join in and make some fun crafts to bring home. Craft Wednesday tickets are in half-hour slots, between 10am - 12pm and again from 1pm - 3pm. This activity is purchased separately from the Family Trail.
Full details can be found here.
Travel Back to Tudor Times at St Mary's Guildhall
Welcome in Spring this February half term with an enchanting daily 'Power to the Flower' family-friendly trail at St Mary's Guildhall in Coventry as you embark on a quest to uncover the beauty of spring flowers scattered throughout this wonderful, historic venue.
Enjoy daily children's craft activities and delve into the world of Tudors in the medieval kitchen as you help to prepare for the upcoming Spring festivities. (Tudors are available daily from 10th to 16th February from 10am to 4pm.
Find full details and book your visit via the St Mary's Guildhall website.
Follow the Royal Shakespeare Company's Free Winter Trail of Stratford-upon-Avon
Explore Stratford-upon-Avon and have fun with the whole family as you discover the Royal Shakespeare Company's free winter trail around the town!
The Town of Imagination winter trail is inspired by the themes of the RSC's winter family show The Box of Delights and their upcoming 2024 production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Created by Hannah Moore and designed by Ruby Pugh, in collaboration with local community groups including the new Stratford Youth Hub with Escape Arts and patients and staff at the Shakespeare Hospice.
Pick up your free trail pack with everything you need, from the Royal Shakespeare Theatre entrance, open daily from 11am.
Should you wish to take part in the trail without collecting a full pack from the theatre, download the trail booklet. Please note, there will be some activities that you can't complete without the pack.
The trail is available until 30 March 2024 and depending on how much you choose to follow can last from 30 - 90 minutes.
With so many things to do this February Half Term, why not turn your visit into a short break?
Embark on an unforgettable family escapade with Coombe Abbey's exclusive Big Adventure Family Package, especially crafted to create lasting memories for you and your loved ones during the school holidays. Priced at just £399.00 for 2 Adults and 2 Children, this package is a gateway to excitement, relaxation, and family bonding.
Your family will enjoy a comfortable 2-night stay with breakfast in a spacious Family bedchamber at this historic hotel, and the package includes an amazing Family Pass to The Wave Waterpark in Coventry City Centre, a Family Pass for Go Ape Tree Top Adventure, free entry for 2 children to Hermit’s Hollow (Coombe Abbey's new adventure play park), and free entry to St Mary's Guildhall (T&Cs apply)! For information on this amazing offer, and to book your stay visit the Coombe Abbey website here.
There is a wide choice of accommodation in Shakespeare's England, from pretty and peaceful country retreats, and chic boutique town centre hotels to cosy bed and breakfasts, and self-catering stays. Find a place to stay in Shakespeare’s England here.
Keep an eye on our What's On pages for a full calendar of events and activities taking place in Shakespeare’s England this Christmas.
Wishing you lots of half term fun in Shakespeare’s England - don’t forget to share your stories and adventures with us on social media – #MyShakespearesEnglandStory.