Visitors to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard discover history, culture and scary ‘goings on’ during half term

News release issued: 15th October 2007

Visitors can get to know Nelson, celebrate Africa and find out why the Mary Rose sank during half term at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. Activities will also test visitor’s nerve with spooky storytelling, creepy crafts and petrifying poetry to coincide with Halloween.

Highlights of October half term include:

Daily from Saturday 20 - Sunday 28 October:
• Why did the Mary Rose sink?  Draw your own conclusions
at the Mary Rose Museum, 11 – 12pm & 2 – 4pm. This drawing activity for all the family is inspired by the ‘Cowdray engraving’, the contemporary panorama of the sinking of the Mary Rose. Free with a valid attraction ticket.
• Help with your Tudor project, 10am – 4.30pm at the Mary Rose Museum. Pupils studying the Mary Rose can find information and resources on the Mary Rose and Tudor life from our costumed guides and shop. Free entry to classroom and shop.
• Pumpkin Trail aboard HMS Warrior 1860, 10am – 4.30pm. Free with a valid attraction ticket.

Saturday 20 October
• Get to know Nelson at the Royal Naval Museum, 11am – 1pm & 2pm – 4pm. Fascinating facts, crafts and activities in celebration of Nelson’s victory at the Battle of Trafalgar. Free drop in workshop, all ages welcome.
Sunday 21 & Monday 22 October
• Ghost Story aboard HMS Warrior 1860, from 11am. Interactive ‘spooky’ storytelling. Free with a valid attraction ticket.

Tuesday 23 & Thursday 25 October
• Hands-on Halloween aboard HMS Warrior 1860 11am – 1pm & 1.30pm – 4pm. Creepy crafty days with a Halloween theme. Free with a valid attraction ticket.

Wednesday 24 October
• Booking signing by Children’s author, Sandy Norris at the Mary Rose Museum. The author will also read extracts from the book. Free with a valid attraction ticket.

Black History Month
Wednesday 24 October
• Celebrating Africa at the Royal Naval Museum, 11am – 1pm & 2pm – 4pm. Follow in the footsteps of maritime explorers to discover African art. Learn about symbols and make a shield or necklace inspired by Africa. Free drop in workshop, all ages welcome.

Thursday 25 October  
Petrifying Poetry aboard HMS Victory, 1030am-1230pm. Create some spooky Halloween poetry based on terrible tales from the high seas and HMS Victory. Ages 7-11years. Tickets: £5 per child, accompanying adult is free.