Free Saxon-Themed Activities at the Royal Armouries Museum, Leeds

About

Families are invited to explore the world of the Saxons during the May half-term holiday at the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds, from 23rd to 31st May.

The museum is offering a full programme of free hands-on activities, live performances and creative workshops designed to entertain children and families throughout the school holiday.

The Royal Armouries’ family-friendly temporary activities, recognised with Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Award in 2023, aim to bring history to life through interactive experiences inspired by the Saxon period.

Saxons Story Hunters Trail

Young visitors can step into the role of trainee archaeologists on the Saxons Story Hunters trail. Families will explore the museum galleries while following clues across a series of interactive dig sites to uncover the identity of a mysterious skeleton.

Children can collect stamps along the way as they discover more about the birth, life and death of a Saxon warrior. The trail has been designed to create an engaging full-day experience for both children and adults.

Hands-On Activities and Creative Workshops

The event programme includes a variety of interactive sessions inspired by Saxon history and storytelling.

• Sword school training sessions
• Live storytelling about everyday Saxon life
• Create-your-own Saxon board game activities
• Design and decorate a Saxon-style brooch to take home

The Saxons Story Hunters event is free to attend, with both morning and afternoon sessions available. Advance booking is recommended due to expected demand.

Supporting Family Events at the Royal Armouries

As a registered charity, the Royal Armouries welcomes donations to help support its programme of family events and educational activities. Contributions help the museum continue to engage visitors of all ages and backgrounds.

Further information and free ticket bookings are available via the Royal Armouries website.

About the Royal Armouries Museum

The Royal Armouries is the United Kingdom’s national museum of arms and armour. Its collection of more than 75,000 objects explores the global impact of warfare, weapons and armour throughout history.

The organisation operates across three sites:

• The White Tower at the Tower of London
• The Royal Armouries Museum at Leeds Dock
• Fort Nelson near Portsmouth

The Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds houses the UK’s oldest museum collection, built over more than 700 years. Today, approximately 4,500 objects are displayed across five floors of galleries.