February Half Term at Ripon Museums
Looking for creative, hands-on fun this February half term? Join us at Ripon Museums for a week packed with playful activities, messy making and interactive challenges for the whole family — all inspired by fascinating Victorian stories.
From crafting mini theatres and cheeky Valentine’s cards to solving courtroom mysteries and sketching suspects, there’s something happening every day from Saturday 14th – 22nd February across our three museums: the Workhouse Museum & Garden, Courthouse Museum and Prison & Police Museum.
What’s on this Half Term?
Make Your Own Match-Maker Theatre
Step into the Victorian love of theatre and create your own miniature stage with paper puppets. Cut, colour and craft your theatre, then decide your characters’ romantic fate — will it be true love or a dramatic disaster?
Daily, 14–22 February
Ripon Workhouse Museum & Garden
St Valentine’s Generation Game
Someone’s eaten all the Valentine’s chocolates… but who? Put your memory skills to the test as you examine the evidence and decide whether the accused is innocent or guilty before the clock runs out.
Daily, 14–22 February
Ripon Courthouse Museum
Sketch The Suspect
Discover how Victorian police solved crimes without modern technology. Listen carefully to witness descriptions and see if you can draw a suspect to match our rogues’ gallery.
Daily, 14–22 February
Ripon Prison & Police Museum
The Master’s Valentine’s Card – A Very Messy Story
A lively, sensory storytelling session full of squirty paint, bad singing and lots of giggles. Help the Workhouse Mistress create the perfect Valentine’s card — Victorian style — before enjoying free play.
14 & 21 February, 11:00am and 1:30pm
Ripon Workhouse Museum & Garden
Vile Victorian Valentine’s Cards
Victorians loved Valentine’s cards — some sweet, some surprisingly rude! Drop in and make your own, choosing whether to send a loving message or a cheeky Victorian-style insult.
18 February, 10:30am and 1:00pm
Ripon Workhouse Museum & Garden
Plan Your Visit
All activities are included with your museum entry or annual pass, giving you access to fun across all three museums.
For some drop-in sessions, you can also choose to pay £2 per child on the day if you don’t wish to purchase a pass.
Activities are generally suitable for children aged 4+, and all children must be accompanied by an adult. Some sessions involve glue, scissors or paint, so messy clothes are recommended for certain activities.
For full details, timings and any updates, please email [email protected] or call us on 01765 690799.
We look forward to your visit.