About

Join the Charlton House & Gardens for a fun-filled series of family craft sessions during the summer holidays. The sessions take place every Friday during the summer holidays from 31st July until 28th August.

These in-person events are perfect for children to explore their artistic side and enjoy summer crafts. Make up to four different crafts during your session – come along once or come each week and experience a different theme to the crafts you make.

Programme:

Tree-mendous! [31st July] - Book Now
Did you know the ancient mulberry tree at Charlton House is one of the oldest in England? And have you seen the oak leaves decorating the walls of the grand staircase?

If your children are keen to explore more, come and join in for fun outside/inside inspired craft sessions where they can make:
- Caterpillar or ladybird crawling up a leaf (they actually move!)
- Clay oak leaf coaster or hanging decoration
- Acorn mask
- Paper roll tree creation
After the session see if you can find trees in our grounds on our tree trail!

Lions, Unicorns and Crowns! [7th August] - Book Now
Have you seen the royal coat of arms on the ceiling of the Grand Salon? It shows a lion (for England) and a Unicorn (for Scotland).
This is because when the Charlton House was built, the King was James I who was already King James VI of Scotland. Before his time the Tudors ruled England and their coat of arms showed a lion and a dragon, or sometimes a greyhound. The first family to live at Charlton House were Scottish and loyal supporters of King James I. Having his coat of arms on the ceiling of their grandest room would show their guests how loyal they were!

Crafts include:
- Make your own royal crown
- Create a lion mask
- Make a paper roll unicorn

Gods, Goddesses and Myths [14th August] - Book Now
The original owners of Charlton House decorated their home with fashionable statues and pictures from the Ancient world.
Have you seen the story of Perseus defeating Medusa in the People’s gallery room? Or the life sized statues of Vulcan and Venus in the Grand Salon? They survived being bombed in WW2! Come and join in for a fun Ancient Greek and Roman inspired craft session where you can make:
- A Perseus helmet
- A Medusa Mask
- A baby winged Pegasus

All About Africa (week 1) [21st August] - Book Now
All About Africa (week 2) [28th August] - Book Now
The collection is bursting full of weird and wonderful objects from all around the world!
A brand new exhibition showcasing some historical African artefacts, and before they go on display we will be showing some of them to YOU for crafting inspiration at this craft day! The objects include a zulu shield, horsemen sculptures, a Ugandan drum, zulu beads. What can you create? 

* Suitable for ages 5-12