Dangerously Entertaining kids’ days out at Fort Nelson this Summer! - Monday, 19 July 2010
Beat the summer holiday blues with the Royal Armouries’ fun-packed programme of kids’ low-cost events at Fort Nelson – featuring pirates, gladiators, commando courses, hunting hawks and even a Victorian flea circus!
Youngsters can see history come alive in a fun but educational way and let off steam in a stimulating environment, with plenty to entertain boys and girls alike. Families can either eat in the Fort’s café or enjoy a picnic, complete with spectacular views.
Museum entrance is free for adults and children and includes a chance to view the nation’s big gun collection, underground tunnels, and daily performances by the Fort’s resident team of actors. The children’s low-cost events are priced at £2.50 per child, £1 for adults, or buy a family ticket for £5 (two adults and up to four children). No need to book – just drop in. The Fort opens at 10am and closes at 5pm.
The programme will run as follows:
Tuesday, July 27 – Animals in War – Discover the role of birds and animals in defending King and Country. From anti-spy falcons, who intercepted German carrier pigeons as they crossed the South Coast, to crime-busting police dogs (subject to operational duties). Complete with humorous stories and “fowl” tales.
Thursday, July 29– Legends of Robin Hood –Be transported to Sherwood Forest with thrilling tales of bravery and action, and get a chance to dress up in medieval outfits, try your hand at real longbow archery and even build Nottingham Castle!
Tuesday, August 3 – Battle of Britain – Train to become a pilot, become fighting fit on the assault course, learn about food rationing and even learn about RAF tactics – all for the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.
Thursday, August 5 – Leeches and Bonesaws – Forget about clean hospitals and friendly doctors! Battlefield surgery was gruesome – see blood-sucking leeches, operate on a medieval soldier and meet Florence Nightingale, as well as a real modern military medic showing first aid techniques.
Tuesday, August 10 – Queen Victoria’s Fleas – Come and see this Victorian flea circus recreate famous battles from history! Plus storytelling and the chance to ride in a hobby horse recreation of the Charge of the Light Brigade!
Thursday, August 12 – Pirates Ahoy! – Avast me hearties! Enjoy fun on the High Seas, with treasure chests, boat battles and piratical Punch and Judy shows. Learn more about the Golden Age of Piracy through story telling.
Tuesday, August 17 – Gladiator Skool – Meet a fearsome Roman legionary, try on real armour, listen to ancient legends at the story-telling sessions, and learn to sword fight with foam swords.
Thursday, August 19 – Raiders of the Lost Fort – Be a movie hero and be part of the action, seeing snakes, scorpions and other exotic bugs and beasties. Also enjoy tales of adventures and exciting escapades. Not for the faint-hearted.
Tuesday, August 24 – Tales from the Tower – Chills and thrills with gruesome, gory tales from the Tower of London, and also get to meet a real ‘Beefeater’. Plus dress up in Tudor clothes and take part in castle-building contests.
Thursday, August 26 – Hunting Hawks and Creepy Crawlies – Experience magnificent birds of prey, horrific creepy crawlies and even handle a real tarantula spider! Definitely not your average day out!
Sunday, 29 August – Monday, 30 August – Super Commando Kids – A truly action-packed day for budding commandos. Burn off energy on the climbing wall and assault course, have a go in the foam dart shooting range or even jump on board a genuine armoured vehicle!
Tuesday, 31 August – Legends of Robin Hood – Be transported to Sherwood Forest with thrilling tales of bravery and action, and get a chance to dress up in medieval outfits, try your hand at real longbow archery and even build Nottingham Castle.
Thursday, September 2 – Battle of Britain – Train to become a pilot, run the assault course, find out about food rationing and even learn about RAF tactics – all on the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.
…Ends…
Media contact
Joss Loader
Primary PR Ltd.
Tel: 07838 379599
Email: info@primarypr.co.uk
Photocall:
You are invited to send a reporter and photographer/camera crew to any of these events at Fort Nelson.
Notes to editors
- The Royal Armouries at Fort Nelson houses the national collection of historic cannon and big guns. The museum houses one of the world’s finest collections with over 350 cannon dating back over 600 years. The collection originated at HM Tower of London and has been on display in Hampshire since 1995.
- The Royal Armouries at Fort Nelson also tells the story of the Palmerston Forts, built to protect Portsmouth from a feared French invasion in the 1860’s.
- Every day, visitors can see one of the big guns fired in salute, watch our resident actors bring to life characters from 1,000 years of history, explore secret underground tunnels and enjoy incredible views from the ramparts. An extensive programme of special event spectaculars takes place throughout the year.
- Fort Nelson is open every day except 24-26 December. April to October 10am –5pm (Wed 11am-5pm), November – March 10.30am – 4pm (Wed 11.30-4pm).
- Admission to the Royal Armouries is FREE.
- Admission charges apply to some events.
- Information line: 01329 233734
- Website: www.royalarmouries.org
- Email: fnenquiries@armouries.org.uk
- The Royal Armouries is the national museum of arms and armour with sites at Fort Nelson, Leeds, HM Tower of London and Louisville, Kentucky, USA.
- The Royal Armouries Museum should not be confused with Royal Armouries International plc, the private sector corporate hospitality business.
Download the PDF press release.