Local families will be able to enjoy a selection of activities at three museums in the city this Easter holiday thanks to the Bath Preservation Trust.
Beckford’s Tower on Lansdown in Bath | Photo © ColinPeachey / Shutterstock.com
Free drop-in activities with entry are being offered at historic museums No.1 Royal Crescent and the Herschel Museum of Astronomy during the holidays, designed to inspire creativity and keep little minds thinking and learning.
Children get free museum entry, but must be accompanied by a paying adult.
While Beckford’s Tower museum remains closed, the team will be running an Easter activity in the Tower’s secret garden.
From 1st – 16th April 2023 (excluding Mondays) at the Herschel Museum of Astronomy, children can create their own planet suncatcher.
A few minutes’ walk from Royal Victoria Park, the Herschel Museum of Astronomy occupies the former home of William and Caroline Herschel.
Visitors can learn all about the talented brother-sister duo, whom between them made several important discoveries. Caroline made history by discovering eight comets and becoming the first female astronomer in the UK to be paid a salary, and William doubled the size of the known universe through his discovery of the planet Uranus in 1781.
Running 1st – 16th April (excluding Mondays), the exhibition gallery at No.1 Royal Crescent will become an arts and crafts space where children can weave an Easter basket with colourful ribbon and wool.
In addition to the Easter fun, No.1 Royal Crescent is running a special Conservator Challenge trail throughout the year to introduce children to the perils of pests and pollution.
The trail will take families around the house to find museum pests and hazards and stop them in their tracks.
This year’s core programme theme across the museums is Conservation In Action, with interactive activities such as the Conservator Challenge introducing the theme to younger visitors in an engaging way.
No.1 Royal Crescent is decorated and furnished just as it might have been during the period of 1776-1796.
Featuring historic furniture, paintings and objects that reveal what life was like for Bath’s fashionable residents, both upstairs and downstairs, in one of the city’s most exclusive and desirable addresses, there is also an award-winning immersive experience that brings the house to life.
Booking is not required to enjoy the family activities, which are free with museum entry. Children will enjoy free museum entry when accompanied by a paying adult.
No.1 Royal Crescent and the Herschel Museum of Astronomy introduced a new annual pass system this year, to simplify the ticketing structure and offer return visitors greater value for money.
The former Day tickets and on/off peak prices have been removed in favour of offering individuals and families a pass valid for a whole year, with children able to enjoy free entry.
Priced at £15 for an individual adult at No.1 Royal Crescent and £12 at the Herschel Museum or £22 for a joint pass, with under-18s going free at both venues, the new annual pass offers holders unlimited visits for 12 months after purchase.
Beckford’s Tower remains closed to the public while it undergoes extensive repairs and updates, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and other donors.
During the Easter Holidays, the team will run an outdoor Easter activity in the Tower’s secret garden: ‘Beckford’s Secret Spring Garden Trail’.
Families can go and find “spring flowers” – created from recycled plastics by a local artist – in Beckford’s Secret Garden, then take home a craft idea to make their own flowers at home.
Claire Dixon, Director of Museums for Bath Preservation Trust said: “Spring is an exciting time of year for families with lots to see and do, so we’re delighted to be providing free fun for children throughout the Easter break.
“As always, our activities are underpinned by learning objectives, to encourage children to learn through play and creativity.
“The new annual passes are also an exciting way for us to bring value, especially for local residents who are best placed to use their passes continually throughout the year, improving on the value of previous Discovery Card discounts and offering everyone a great reason to keep coming back.”
For more information about the free Easter holiday activities (including times and dates) plus their host venues, visit: www.no1royalcresecent.org.uk, www.herschelmuseum.org.uk or www.beckfordstower.org.uk.
