Vikings at the Castle Museum – photos supplied

Norfolk Museums Service has put together a packed events programme for the summer season. From talks, tours and trails to special event days and hands on activities, there’s something to keep all ages entertained.

Here’s a taster of the range of things on offer in museums across the county.
For details of the full programme of events, times, admission and to check if you need to book, visit www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk

Norwich Castle

Last chance to see the exhibition Viking: Rediscover the Legend which runs until
8 September. The show features some of the most significant treasures ever discovered in Britain, including star objects from the British Museum and Yorkshire Museum.

A changing programme of Viking themed family activities runs from 29 July to 31 August, including performances of Hiccup the Viking, storytelling and Warriors – a thrilling demonstration of Viking combat and sharp tactics.

Museum of Norwich at the Bridewell

On show until 5 October, Norwich in ’59 is an exhibition marking 60 years since Norwich twinned with Rouen. It looks back at the city in 1959 and showcases contemporary photos of both cities. Families can swing into the Fantastic Fifties and enjoy a programme of activities throughout the summer.

There are guided tours of the fine vaulted medieval undercroft on Saturday 27 July and Saturday 31 August.

Strangers’ Hall

Get a fascinating introduction to this beautiful historic building on a Mini Taster Tour Every Sunday from until 25 August, 2pm.

Live Like your Great-Granny is a family drop in event where you can try making natural remedies, beauty preparations and household crafts. Wednesday to Friday and every Sunday throughout August.

Gressenhall Village at War

Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse

Once Upon a Time is an exhibition celebrating children’s books – from familiar classics to strange new worlds. Visit the Reading Forest and Story Den, filled with interactives, stories and multi-sensory toys. On show until 27 October. There are Schools Out family activities linked to the exhibition from 12 August to 3 September (excluding 25 and 26 August).

The ever popular Village at War special event takes place on 25 and 26 August. Find out what life was like during World War Two, see military and civilian vehicles, meet costumed characters from GI’s to Land Girls and join in a wartime tea dance.

Time and Tide

Find out about Medieval Medicine at this fascinating exhibition which looks at the methods of an apothecary, cunning woman, religious healer, barber surgeon and physician. On show until 22 September.

There’s a Seaside Family Fun day on 31 July and a Science Day exploring Boils, Bones and Body Bits on 7 August. For a full list of activity days on offer during the holidays, visit www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk

Elizabethan House and Tolhouse Gaol

Themed event days at the Elizabethan House this summer include Culinary Conquests (29 July), A Civil War Conspiracy (12 August) and Daring Dressing Up (26 August).

Double Bumper History Days give admission to Elizabethan House and the Tolhouse so visitors can enjoy activities at both museums. Themes this summer are School-time and Playtime: Victorian Games (5 August) and Prisons and Parlours (19 August).

Cromer Museum

Cromer Museum’s guided walks are very popular. There’s a Ghosts and Legends history walk (4 August), a Cromer History walk (18 August) and a Cromer at War walk (25 August).

Handle fossils at the Fossil Roadshow (30 July) and bring your own for identification. Become a palaeontologist for the day at Fossil Finders (27 August) and discover fossilised creatures from the sand.

For details of more themed summer holiday activities including Roll into the Stone Age (6 August) and Monsters and Mini-beasts (22 August) visit www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk

Ancient House, Museum of Thetford Life

As part of the Festival of Norfolk and Punjab, discover the amazing story of Princess Sophia Duleep Singh (3 August) at this free special event. Handle objects, meet costumed characters and try crafts.

Themed family events this summer include Romans (6 August), Toys and Games (13 August), Victorians (20 August).

Lynn Museum

Last chance to see the Snettisham Treasure – a special display of three items on loan from the British Museum. Until 1 September.

Journeys, Pilgrimage, People and Places is a new exhibition exploring Norfolk’s rich history of pilgrimage and the many types of journeys people made and continue to make. Journeys of faith, of trade and exploration, migration and settlement and journeys for fun. On show until June 2020.

Themed family event days include Romans and Celts (1 August), 1953 Floods (8 August), Anglo-Saxons and Vikings (15 August), Seahenge (22 August) and Pilgrimage (29 August).

Norfolk Museums Service (NMS) is a multi-award-winning service comprising ten museums and a study centre. It is a partnership between Norfolk County Council and Norfolk’s district councils, funded through council tax, earned income and grants.

NMS is now regarded as one of the leaders in the museum sector and in 2017 was successful in its bid for continuing major investment from Arts Council England. From April 2018, NMS has been a National Portfolio Organisation for Arts Council England, one of only 45 out of 845 heritage and arts organisations in England to be awarded the highest level of support.