This summer Sudeley castle is hosting a range of activities aimed at keeping the kids keen through the whole of the summer. It is located in the heart of the Cotswolds, on the edge of Winchcombe. Fort Sudeley is a specially constructed adventure playground set in the gardens of Sudeley Castle. For the over-fives with a sense of adventure, there is the opportunity to sail in Boteler's Boat, cross the swinging bridge, climb high into the trees along Siege Tower Walk or hide in the tunnels and dungeons lurking beneath the castle. There is also a small play area for toddlers and a dedicated picnic area for the whole family. A Sense of History The activities reflect the history of the Castle and are aimed at giving the children a sense of what it would have been like to be a medieval knight. They can create medieval scrolls, design and colour their own personal shields or make their own crown jewels. For the more energetic there is even a dragon treasure hunt. Kids can also take part in clay modelling, flower pot painting and making special gifts with pressed flowers. Royal Residents If you are planning in visiting Sudeley Castle then you might be interested to know that it was once the home to Queen Katherine Parr who was one of Henry VIII's six wives and has also been visited by Anne Boleyn, Queen Elizabeth I and Charles I's nephew Prince Rupert of the Rhine. After being destroyed by Cromwell, Sudeley Castle remained derelict for two hundreds years before restoration plans were made by John and William Dent in 1837. Today it is the home of Lord and Lady Ashcombe and the Dent-Brocklehurst family who continue to regenerate and restore the castle and its gardens. Secret Garden There are ten smaller gardens surrounding the castle amounting to fourteen acres of land which are managed using organic techniques. Each garden has its own name and theme, including the White Garden that is filled with tulips and the Secret Garden, which uses the walls and yew hedges to create a Mediterranean style planting. Ghostly Sudeley Castle is also the home of a haunting housekeeper, known as Janet, who was devoted to the castle. She is said to be wearing a long dress and mob cap, and she has been seen by several visitors. It is also rumoured that the castle is haunted by Prince Rupert's favourite hunting dog who was killed during the castle's first three sieges. For further information contact Sudeley Castle on 01242 602308 or visit the website.
| Sudeley Castle's Activity Programme | | Venue | Fort Sudeley, Sudeley Castle, near Winchcombe. | | Admission | £1.50 over 5's, free for accompanying adults & under 5's. | Opening Times | The adventure playground is open daily between 10.30am and 5.30pm until 1st October 2004. | | Times for Activities | Between 2.30pm and 3.30pm. | | Contact | For further information contact Sudeley Castle on 01242 602308 or visit the website. | Schedule For Activities August 2004 | Monday
August 2 | Clay Modelling - create your own masterpiece | | Wednesday August 4 | Dragon Treasure Hunt - find the hidden dragons and save the day | | Monday August 9 | Medieval scrolls - design your own and imagine yourself in times past | | Wednesday August11 | Crown & Jewels - design you own royal accessories fit for Kings & Queens | | Monday August 16 | Flower Pots - paint your own pot and plant it with your very own flower! | | Wednesday August 18 | Jigsaw Puzzle Treasure Hunt - discover the hidden pieces then colour the picture. | | Monday August 23 | Pressed flower, bookmarks and cards - create a gift for someone special. | | Wednesday August 25 | Shields - paint, stick and colour your own design. |
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If you have any young children in your family and they are looking for something to do this summer then the activities at Sudeley Castle may be what you are looking for.
