From arts and crafts to adventures into Bath’s past, there’s lots going on for families at the Roman Baths and Victoria Art Gallery this summer. Young history hunters can join in with different activities inspired by the museum collections and exhibitions each week of the holidays.
Kids can learn to weave with paper, create a coin decorated with a horse, make a colourful statue at the Roman Baths or visit the Victoria Art Gallery to design a vibrant quilt or quirky mirror like those in the current Kaffe Fassett and Candace Bahouth exhibition.
Plus, 7-11 year olds can join the Heritage Hunters Museum Club at the Roman Baths Clore Learning Centre, a weekly holiday club where they’ll explore the history of the Roman Baths and surrounding area, try out new skills and make crafts to take home.
Councillor Paul Roper, Cabinet Member for Economic & Cultural Sustainable Development, said, “Admission to the Roman Baths is free for local Discovery Card holders, but it’s advisable to book your free tickets in advance. The activity sessions at the Victoria Art Gallery are free for everyone – just drop in and enjoy.”
Roman Baths
Explore the Roman Baths and have a go at crafts inspired by objects in the museum.
All sessions run from 10am-12.30pm and 1.30pm-4pm.
Suitable for children aged 3+. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Celtic Creations
Monday 24 July to Friday 28 July
Investigate Iron Age coins and stencil a special coin decorated with a horse.
Wacky Weaving
Monday 31 July to Friday 4 August
Use a paper weaving technique to add decoration and colour.
Statues with Style
Monday 7 August to Friday 11 August
Admire the statues on the terrace and create a colourful statue.
Standard and Deliver
Monday 14 August to Friday 18 August
Learn about the flags featured on Roman coins, and create a flag to take home.
Potty about Pots
Monday 21 August to Friday 25 August
Create a collage inspired by pots at the Roman Baths.
Included in Roman Baths admission. Free for local Discovery Card holders. No need to book activity sessions. Advance booking recommended for Roman Baths admission at www.romanbaths.co.uk.
Heritage Hunters Museum Club
Wednesdays from 26 July to 23 August, 2pm to 4pm
Roman Baths Clore Learning Centre
Become a heritage hunter this summer! Children aged 7 to 11 are invited to join us on Wednesday afternoons between 2pm (drop off) and 4pm (pick up). Investigate the Roman Baths’ exciting collection of objects and explore the history of Bath and the surrounding area. You will take home something that you made at each week.
£6 per session. Ticket price does not include admission to the Roman Baths.
Victoria Art Gallery
Enjoy family craft activities inspired by the Gallery’s vibrant Kaffe Fassett and Candace Bahouth exhibition.
All sessions take place between 10.30am-12.30pm and 1.30pm-3.30pm.
Suitable for children aged 3+. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Flower Flutters
Tuesday 25 to Friday 28 July
Create a flower pin badge and add to our paper quilt inspired by Kaffe Fassett.
Crafty Candles
Tuesday 1 to Friday 4 August
Use patterned paper and templates to create a candle design like Candace Bahouth’s.
Quirky Quilts
Tuesday 8 to Friday 11 August
Design a quilt using coloured strips of paper.
Mirror Mirror
Tuesday 15 to Friday 18 August
Make a quirky mirror design using flowers, jigsaw pieces and leaves – just like Candace Bahouth.
Perfect Pots
Tuesday 22 to Friday 25 August
Use coloured papers and vase shapes to create a special design inspired by Kaffe Fassett.
Activities at the Victoria Art Gallery are free for all, and advance booking is not required. Tickets required for admission to the Kaffe Fassett and Candace Bahouth exhibition – book at www.victoriagal.org.uk.