News release
For Immediate Release
Monday 22 July 2024
This summer, Hartlebury Castle is bringing the fun of the seaside to the Worcestershire countryside, where visitors can enjoy seaside-themed crafts, activities and trails.
Celebrate the summer by decorating a tealight-holder lighthouse, creating a seagull puppet, and making a kite and flying it at the Castle (wind permitting!) Activities are on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 30 July to 22 August.
A holiday-themed family trail will take visitors on a trip around the site, bringing them to the brilliant brand-new sandpit where they’ll find toys and games to play – as well as deckchairs for the grown-ups.
The Bishop’s Palace, Worcestershire County Museum, and beautiful grounds – including the fantastic woodland play area – are waiting to be explored. Discover the story of the county and the place the Bishops of Worcester called home for 1,000 years. Step back to Victorian times in the schoolroom and scullery, take a tour of the 1950s, enjoy three centuries of fashion and more.
Visitors can walk around the historic moat to enjoy picturesque views and see the 280-year-old mulberry tree. The wooden boardwalk alongside the water leads to the wonderful woodland playground where children can climb, slide and have a go on the zip wire! Make sure to stop off at the bird hide to see what wildlife can be spotted along the way.
“We can’t wait to see lots of families enjoying seaside-inspired magic at Hartlebury Castle this summer!” Pippa Ashmore, Events and Visitor Services Coordinator at Worcestershire County Museum, Hartlebury Castle.
Refuel with refreshing drinks and homemade food at Hayley’s Kitchen café or settle into the Orchard Picnic Area which has accessible benches as well as games for children to play.
Hartlebury Castle is situated just off the A449 between Kidderminster and Worcester. Parking is free. Visitors can book in advance and can plan their visit on Hartlebury Castle’s website: hartleburycastle.com.
ENDS
Notes to editors
Image attached shows: a lantern tealight holder that families can make this summer, with Hartlebury Castle in the background.
Opening hours
Tuesday – Friday: 10am – 5pm. Weekends and bank holidays: 11am – 5pm.
Event listings
Summer Craft Activities
Celebrate the summer by making holiday-themed crafts including decorating a lighthouse, creating a seagull puppet, and making a kite and flying it at the Castle this summer (wind permitting!)
Each week there will be a different fun craft for children to make and take home:
Decorate your own lighthouse tealight holder | Tuesday 30 July – Thursday 1 August
Beach pebble art | Tuesday 6 August – Thursday 8 August
Make a seagull puppet | Tuesday 13 August – Thursday 15 August
Create your own kite | Tuesday 20 August – Thursday 22 August
Drop in, 11am – 4pm. Whole-site admission + £3.50.
New this year – Sandpit Fun!
Get stuck into the brand-new sandpit sheltered under the wooden gazebo in the Orchard Area. There’ll be sand toys and games to play with alongside deckchairs for grown-ups. Grab an ice cream and relax while the kids play… The sandpit is included in whole-site admission to Hartlebury Castle, so just delve in.
Family Summer Trail
Families can enjoy a holiday-themed trail around the Castle site. The trail will finish at the sandpit in the Orchard Area. The trail is included with craft activities or 50p by itself.
Find out more and plan your visit at hartleburycastle.com.
For more information or further images please contact Alice Benbow, Museums Marketing Officer: alice.benbow@worcester.gov.uk / 01905 361828.