News release

For Immediate Release

Monday 21 July 2025

Families can enjoy a brilliant summer outing to Hartlebury Castle in the summer holidays, being immersed in Worcestershire’s fascinating history as it comes to life.

In a museum experience with a twist, visitors of all ages can roll up their sleeves and get involved with Hands-on Summer Fun. Get dressed up and try butter patting, boot cleaning, and rag rugging, following in the footsteps of the Castle’s historic inhabitants. The laundry and kitchens will be buzzing with life as real historical objects can be handled and stories told. Activities will be varied on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 29 July to 28 August.

There’s more beyond the scullery door… explore the Bishop’s Palace, the County Museum’s fascinating collections, the scenic moat walk, and more. Younger visitors will love dressing up as Castle-inspired characters, following the Summer Family Trail – a “Whodunnit” mystery to be solved (£1, 26 July – 31 August) – and delving into the Orchard Sandpit.

There are views of the Castle to be enjoyed and time to be spent in the bird hide to see what wildlife is also enjoying the scenery. The moat walk brings families to a woodland play area – the perfect place to use up that last bit of energy.

“We’re excited to be bringing Hands-on Summer Fun to visitors for the first time this summer! It’ll be a brilliant opportunity for families to handle real objects from the past,” Pippa Ashmore, Events and Visitor Services Coordinator at Worcestershire County Museum, Hartlebury Castle.

Refuel with an ice cream 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.

There is no need to book ahead for summer activities, just drop in. Hands-on Summer Fun and the Orchard Sandpit are included in the price of whole-site admission, and parking is free. Hartlebury Castle is situated just off the A449 between Kidderminster and Worcester. For full details and to plan your visit, visit hartleburycastle.com.

ENDS

 

Notes to editors

Image attached shows: Hands-on history

 

Opening hours

Tuesday – Friday: 10am – 5pm. Weekends and bank holidays: 11am – 5pm.

Event listings

Hands-on Summer Fun

Tuesdays and Thursdays from 29 July to 28 August, 11am – 4pm.

Be immersed in the Castle’s past! How would you have got along as a historic inhabitant of Hartlebury Castle?

Find out as you handle real objects from history and get dressed up, have a go at rag rugging, try boot cleaning, butter patting and more as the scullery and laundry are brought to life.

What’s on offer will vary on Tuesdays and Thursdays through the summer, so the whole family can come back again! You can enjoy exploring the Bishop’s Palace, Worcestershire County Museum, the beautiful grounds and historic moat walk, and have fun on the woodland playground.

Drop in, included in whole-site admission.

 

Summer family trail – Whodunnit?

Tuesday 29 July to Sunday 31 August (closed Mondays), 11am – 4pm.

Follow the summer family trail as you experience Worcestershire’s history in the Bishop’s Palace and the County Museum in the holidays! It’s a “whodunnit” trail – can you figure out who stole the jewels from the Castle?!

You can enjoy also exploring the Bishop’s Palace, Worcestershire County Museum, the beautiful grounds and historic moat walk, and have fun on the woodland playground.

Drop in, £1 + whole-site admission.

 

For more information or further images please contact Alice Benbow, Museums Marketing Officer: alice.benbow@worcester.gov.uk / 01905 361828.