Expand your children’s horizons over the October half term with some truly out-of-this-world activities at the stellar Herschel Museum of Astronomy in Bath, with other voyages of discovery and wonder to be enjoyed at the most historic address in the city, a fascinating countryside retreat and the place devoted to Bath’s original grand designs.
If you’re children are always asking about ‘needing more space’, here’s the chance to give them an entire universe’s worth at the Herschel Museum of Astronomy! The museum is located in the very house that pioneering siblings William and Caroline Herschel lived, worked and made a series of remarkable discoveries – the most famous of which was the very first ever sighting of the planet Uranus in 1781, from the back garden and using a homemade telescope. You too can stand on that very same spot when you visit, while half term visitors are also invited to create a pinhole camera for free in the museum gallery.
There will also be a special planetarium show on Monday 24 October at Bath Central Library where visitors can marvel at the wonders of the solar system and discover more about the amazing discoveries of the Herschel family.
On 29 October (between 6:15 and 10:30pm) there’s a chance to get in the Halloween mood early with a series of talks about the myths and legends surrounding the night sky at this spellbinding time of year, as well as learning about the Moon itself. If the skies are clear, telescopes will be available to observe the stars and distant planets, with some spooky astronomers on hand to guide you across the galaxy. Tickets for this event are priced from £30.
Over at No.1 Royal Crescent, the magnificently restored townhouse museum where you can explore and experience fashionable life in 18th-century Bath, a special workshop will introduce you to a key aspect of Georgian society – entertaining. Or, more specifically, dining.
Visitors can see superb examples of the various types of kitchen and tableware used for such occasions at No.1 and, on 26 October it is hoped that the display of fine Regency porcelain will inspire visitors to design their own plate in one of the free workshops on the day.
If you have ever wondered what the physical result of a ‘towering imagination’ looks like, then a visit to Beckford’s Tower in the lush countryside just outside the city centre is a must.
Built by William Beckford between 1826 and 1827 and funded by the wealth he gained from the ownership of plantations and enslaved people, it is an iconic building that once housed one of the greatest collections of books, furniture and art in Georgian England and now stands as the only surviving example of his great architectural vision. It would also make a superb location for a whodunnit drama on TV.
With this latter point in mind, join self-styled detective (and professional artist, outdoor educator plus brilliant storyteller) Holly Dabbs on 27 October (between 11am and 3pm) on a mission to find out the truth behind a series of perplexingly puzzling events! Precious objects have gone missing and strange noises have been heard… Can you follow the clues to work out what’s going on? As members of Detectives Dabbs’ team of trainee sleuths, you’ll find and follow clues that will send you on a trail of discovery around the Tower, before creating your own, very special memento of your day.
From Roman origins and a small medieval town, to becoming a world-famous Georgian city, the rich architectural heritage of Bath is fascinating.
Telling the history of Bath through its buildings, architecture and the tools used to shape it, the Museum of Bath Architecture reveals how 18th-century architects and craftsmen helped to create the destination of choice for Georgian high society, and how they contributed to Bath becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site city.
Amongst the many highlights of the museum’s collection is a 1:500 scale model of Bath, affording visitors a miniature birds-eye-view of the whole city.
On 25 October, surrounded by these curios and architectural treasures, youngsters can have fun using modelling and craft materials to create their own Georgian-inspired wallpaper and plasterwork designs.
Claire Dixon, Director of Museums for Bath Preservation Trust, said, “Taking part in Museums Week and being able to offer such a rich programme for families during this school holiday is a very important part of our work. We really value the opportunity to welcome younger audiences and find creative ways to ensure our collections and stories are accessible for everyone. This is also why we offer free participation for local families with Discovery Cards so do look out for those opportunities if you live in Bath.”
For more information about the free Half Term activities (including times and dates) plus their host venues, visit:
www.herschelmuseum.org.uk or for updates in other dimensions follow @HerschelMuseumofAstronomy on Facebook, @herschelmuseum on Twitter, @herscehlmuseum on Instagram and Herschel Museum of Astronomy on Tripadvisor
www.no1royalcresecent.org.uk and follow @No1museum on Twitter, @no1royalcrescent on Instagram, @No1RoyalCrescent on Facebook and No.1 Royal Crescent on Tripadvisor.
www.beckfordstower.org / Twitter @BeckfordsTower / Facebook @beckfordstower / Instagram @beckfordstower and Beckford’s Tower on Tripadvisor.
www.museumofbatharchitecture.org.uk / Twitter @MuseumBathArch / Facebook @MuseumBathArchitecture / Instagram @batharchitecture and Museum of Bath Architecture on Tripadvisor.