Newport will play host to a range of special themed activities this October half-term, as families are invited to uncover mysterious tales, follow hidden clues and get creative at 2 Isle of Wight museums.
With plenty of opportunities to learn about the past while having fun, these events offer a hauntingly good day out for curious minds of all ages.
On Wednesday 21st October and 28th at Newport Roman Villa, visitors can explore the villa with a themed trail, learn about the fascinating Roman art of skeleton mosaics, and create their own Roman-inspired Halloween mask to take home.
Combining archaeology, creativity and a touch of seasonal spookiness, the activities will reveal how images of skeletons were used in Roman times and what they can tell us about life nearly 2,000 years ago.
Newport Roman Villa is now closed for the winter season, but is opening up exclusively for the special events on 21st and 28th October.
On October 20th, 22nd, 27th and 29th at the Museum of Island History at the Newport Guildhall, families can follow a trail of secret clues to uncover winged beasts from history and mythology.
These sessions will take place between 10:00 and 13:00.
From legendary beasts to creatures featured in stories from the past, there will be plenty of beasts for families to discover before getting hands-on and making a fiendish flapping creature of their own!
There is no need to book, and both museum entry and activities are just £1 per person for these special events, organised by the Isle of Wight Heritage Service.
Corina Westwood, heritage and libraries service manager at the Isle of Wight Council, said:
“We are delighted to be offering these special half-term activities at Newport Roman Villa and the Museum of Island History.
“These trials will provide a fun and engaging way for families to explore the past, uncover fascinating stories and get creative together. Costing just £1 per person, we hope lots of local families and visitors will take the opportunity to enjoy a hauntingly good day out with us this October.”
For further information, please contact our museums team at [email protected] or visit our website: www.iow.gov.uk/museums
Lord Louis Library will also host a range of arts and crafts activities during the half-term. Booking is essential for the following activities.
On 19th October from 14:30 to, children aged 6-plus can get creative and imaginative by making their own “silly sock puppets”.
A week later on 26th October, the library will host Halloween rock painting for ages five and over, allowing children and teens to get stuck in between 14:30 and 15:30.
Finally, on 30th October between 14:30 and 15:30, children aged nine to 13 can create their own sugar skull masks, perfect to be taken “trick or treating” the following day on Halloween.
These activities must be booked by contacting the Children’s Library on 01983 823823.
