February Half Term activities at the official royal residences
Release date: Tuesday, 4 February 2020
From learning to draw like Leonardo da Vinci to dressing up in a 1,000-year old Castle, families visiting the official residences of The Queen in London, Windsor and Edinburgh this February Half Term can enjoy a host of fun activities.
Windsor Castle
Bonnets, Bustles and Top Hats
Daily, Saturday, 15 February – Sunday, 23 February, 11:00–15:00
Every day this Half Term, families visiting Windsor Castle can create their own flamboyant Victorian accessories, such as bonnets, pocket watches and fans. On Saturday, 22 February children will have the exciting opportunity to try on replica Victorian costumes and hear from storyteller Olivia Armstrong about Queen Victoria’s wedding day, which took place 180 years ago this month.
The Royal Mews, Buckingham Palace
Cars, Carriages and Crafts
Monday, 17 February, 11:00–15:00 and Tuesday, 18 February, 11:00–15:00
A storyteller will lead families though the Royal Mews, revealing the hidden histories of the spectacular royal carriages. Families will then be invited to work together to design their own royal coach or car, drawing inspiration from those they have seen.
The Queen’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace
Crowns and Coronations
Thursday, 20 February, 11:00–15:00 and Friday, 21 February 11:00–15:00
Inspired by George IV’s spectacular coronation regalia currently on display, budding designers can create their own glittering crown and decorate a commemorative medal. Handling sessions with weighted objects will give children the chance to discover just how heavy the crown worn by Her Majesty The Queen is.
George IV: Art & Spectacle Sensory Day
Wednesday, 19 February, 11:00–15:00
In a session particularly suited to families with additional needs, visitors to The Queen’s Gallery can explore the extravagant world of George IV through sensory objects. An expert storyteller will guide families through the exhibition, followed by an arts and crafts session in the quiet of the Millar Learning Room.
George IV: Art & Spectacle
A lavish exhibition looking at the monarch's life through the art that enriched his world
Palace of Holyroodhouse
Courtly Capers
Daily, Monday, 10 February – Sunday, 16 February, 11:00–15:00
Visitors to the Palace of Holyroodhouse are invited to pop into the family room throughout Half Term to dress up in replica historical costumes, play 16th-century games and handle objects that reveal the fascinating history of the Palace.
The Queen’s Gallery, Palace of Holyroodhouse
Make a Masterpiece: Hidden Pictures
Saturday, 15 February, 13:30–15:30
Families can delve deeper into the world of Renaissance genius Leonardo da Vinci, whose drawings are currently on display at The Queen’s Gallery. Following an introductory tour of the exhibition, families can create their own masterpieces with the help of award-winning artist Gemma Coyle. Gemma will demonstrate how fluorescent paint can be used to make artworks come to life under ultra-violet light.
Leonardo da Vinci: A Life in Drawing
A nationwide exhibition of drawings to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Leonardo's death
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