Summer family fun at York Minster
Children are invited to get creative this summer at York Minster with arty activities inspired by 2000 years of history.
The fun filled family activities will run every Wednesday during the summer holidays for youngsters aged five and above.
From getting potty about the Romans by crafting a clay lamp, to designing a Norman soldier’s helmet or creating an Anglo Saxon inspired illuminated 3D letter - there’s different activities each week to keep youngsters entertained.
In addition to the Wednesday workshops, families can enjoy a range of activities while exploring the Minster every day of the holidays. As well as being the inspiration for the crafty activities, the new Revealing York Minster in the Undercroft attraction offers young adventurers a labyrinth of chambers to explore beneath the Minster.
Open seven days a week, children can follow in the footsteps of Roman soldiers, see the 1000 year old Horn of Ulf gifted by a Viking lord and use interactive displays to explore the 2000 year history of the Minster, right up to the present day.
Back at ground level, young explorers can pick-up a discovery backpack filled with new gadgets to help them explore the Minster, including binoculars, a magnifying glass and torch.
Youngsters can follow Monty the Monkey’s discovery trails to find things to see, hear, and touch around the Minster, including hunting dragons, spotting Monty among the faces in the Chapter House and finding the Minster’s regal creatures.
After a few hours exploring, families can relax by reading the new books in our Story Chest, or if you visit on a Wednesday morning, enjoying the cake and refreshments at the York Minster Community coffee morning – run every week between 10am and 1pm.
Kate Whitworth, Learning Manager at York Minster, said: “There’s lots happening at York Minster this summer for children of all ages to enjoy. Our Wednesday craft activities give kids the chance to get creative while exploring stories from the Minster’s 2000 year history, while the discovery back packs and Monty trails provide an added element of fun for youngsters exploring this magnificent cathedral.”
The different activities taking place at each Wednesday workshop are:
- 24 July: Get potty about the Romans – create a clay lamp inspired by our collection of Roman artefacts.
- 31 July: Become an Anglo-Saxon artist – create a 3D illuminated letter inspired by the York Gospels.
- 7 August: Be Viking stylish – find out about York Minster during Viking times and create a bejewelled brooch.
- 14 August: Know your Normans? Discover York Minster’s past and make a Norman soldier’s helmet to take home.
- 21 August: Create a show-off shield – make your very own medieval-style shield, inspired by the colourful heraldry at York Minster.
- 28 August: Become a Richard III heraldry detective – discover the Richard III window and the secrets behind its symbols, before creating your own personalised version to take home.
The Wednesday workshops cost £2.50 per participant (plus normal admission charges), with six sessions for the price of five when booked in advance. Entry to the Undercroft, discovery backpacks, Monty the Monkey discovery trails and the Story Chest are included in normal admission prices. (Your admission ticket to York Minster is valid for 12 months and admission is free to York residents).
For more information, visit www.yorkminster.org.
ENDS
For further media information or images, please contact:
Leanne Woodhurst / Pamela Anthony
Tel: 0844 939 0014 ext 2480
Email: leannew@yorkminster.org or pamelas@yorkminster.org
Jay Commins
Tel: 01904 500698
Mob: 07810 546567
Email: jay@pyperyork.co.uk