History for children in Devon

 

 

This spring, indulge curious young minds with tales, re-enactments, artefacts and stories from days gone by.

Luckily, Devon boasts an abundance of historical properties, museums and attractions that will have a gravitational pull on any young history hunter.

Read on to find out more about what Devon has to offer…

 

 

Living History In Devon

Being fully immersed in an historical setting actively captures a child’s imagination in a way that is both engrossing and educational.  Young visitors to the authentic re-created surroundings of Morwellham Quay (www.morwellham-quay.co.uk) can truly enjoy an enlightening time travellers experience by trying on Victorian costumes, playing Victorian school games and chugging along the copper mine railway.

Similarly, many National Trust properties across Devon host seasonal living history events where children can wear historical costumes and re-act scenes from days gone by.  Take a look at www.nationaltrust.org.

Families can also sample living history in the Anglo-Saxon Village at Escot.  Visitors are welcome to experience the day-to-day life of our ancestors as part of a Saxon Experience Day which features fun activities such as using ancient tools to shape wood, foraging, cooking, and making fire by friction. Visit www.escot-devon.co.uk/living-heritage

 

British History

From the Stone Age to the Iron Age, from the Anglo Saxons to the Vikings, to the impact that the Roman Empire had on Britain, children are already taught the fundamentals of British History at primary school.  To re-enforce this understanding of British history, parents can direct their children to view the website www.show.me.uk which is packed with games, collections, videos, stories and homework help from museums and galleries.

 

 

Fossil Hunting and Archaeology

The Jurassic Coast, starting in the south east corner of Devon in Exmouth, is mighty rich with ammonites, brachiopods and fossilised fish. 

Creeping along the coastline, evidence of the Cretaceous period such as chalk fossils can be found at Hooken Cliff, Beer Head and Pinhay Bay. Yet, the vast majority of the rocks in other parts of Devon are of Devonian age, and thereby contain very few fossils. Discover more at www.ukfossils.co.uk/devon and don’t forget to follow the appropriate safety guidelines when fossil hunting.

Young fossil explorers can join the Go Jurassic club, which is designed for children aged 4 to 11 years, and run by the Jurassic Coast Trust.  By joining the club the ‘Go Jurassic’ rangers are treated to a pack brimming with fun goodies such as an ammonite t-shirt, fact cards, stickers and a badge.  Regular events such as a fossil day at Lyme Regis and a museum sleepover add interest. Visit www.jurassiccoast.org – and search for Go Jurassic rangers. 

The Young Archaeologists’ Club (YAC) is suitable for youngsters who are interested in archaeology. Across the UK there is a network of local clubs where 8–16 year olds can indulge in a spot of real archaeology. Find a Young Archaeologists Club at www.yac-uk.org

 

 

Local history

Everywhere you go in Devon, there’s physical evidence of a region shaped by its history.  From the crumbling ruins of Okehampton Castle, to the pre-historic settlements of Merrivale and Grimspound on Dartmoor.

History enthusiasts will really to need to pay a visit to one of the county’s museums.  The Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Gallery in Exeter (www.rammuseum.org.uk) houses permanent displays on Devon’s rich history and boasts a diverse range of temporary exhibits.  In particular, there’s a Young RAMM section on the website which is packed with exciting ideas on fun things to do.

The Museum of Dartmoor Life in Okehampton (www.museumofdartmoorlife.org.uk) is an Aladdin’s Cave of fascinating collections and interactive displays.  Highlights include a reconstructed Bronze Age Hut and farming exhibits.

Visitors to the North Devon Museum in Barnstaple (www.barnstaplemuseum.org.uk) will be treated to the story of the natural and human history of this beautiful part of the county.

Highlights include the Tarka Gallery and the history of north Devon.  Torbay has four historic properties, namely Torquay Museum, Kents Cavern, Torre Abbey and Brixham Heritage Museum (www.torbaymuseums.com).  Each caters for families and offer interesting creative activities and workshops.

With so much on our doorstep it can be difficult to know where to start.  Take a peek at what Devon has to offer collectively at www.devonmuseums.net which has a map to help you locate all the museums near you.

 

 

Read more: Horrible Histories

History is never boring! In support of this statement and to demonstrate its sizable interest, the Horrible Histories compendium has flourished as the fascinating tales of wonderment and woe seemingly appeal to a child’s natural curiosity.

Children simply adore soaking up the dangerous and disgusting stories, about the foul food, the terrible toilets, the bloody battles and the fearsome fighters. It’s a great way to engage a child’s intellect in history. Read more at www.horrible-histories.co.uk

 

 

Museums at Night: Wednesday 11 to Saturday 14 May

Over four days in May, an array of museums, galleries and historic spaces all over Cornwall will be hosting fantastic night-time events for the springtime Museums at Night festival.

During this UK wide annual after-hours festival of arts, culture and heritage, thousands of delighted visitors will enjoy the chance to experience culture and heritage in a totally unexpected way. Visit www.museumsatnight.org.uk

 

 

Visit world class Museums in London

The fervent history hunter will relish a day trip to the capital as there is so much on offer to appease a curious mind.

The British Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum of Childhood, the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, the Bank of England Museum and Imperial War Museum, to name a few, are furnished with historical treasures and artefacts that are sure to engage a young history enthusiast’s attention.

Plus, the great news is that entry to these museums continues to be free of charge. Visit www.visitlondon.com

 

 

Visit Seaton Jurassic for an experience like no other

At Seaton Jurassic you’ll be an explorer, travelling through time!  Just, take to the controls of the time ship, set the course, fix the destination and it’s all systems go! On arrival - 250 million years ago - you’ll come face-to-face with Jurassic creatures, some friendly, some not so friendly.

You’ll also be able to witness the geological forces that have created today’s Jurassic Coast and take a trip to a re-created Seaton rockpool, that will shrink you so that you’re in a fight for survival battling against the tides and the attentions of predators. Seaton Jurassic also has its calmer side. 

There’s a wildlife garden where there’s space to run and explore the Seaton Jurassic ponds, plants and play areas. To plan your adventure at Seaton Jurassic visit www.seatonjurassic.org

 

 

Step back in time at Kents Cavern

Kents Cavern is an extensive labyrinth of caverns with spectacular natural formations, widely used by prehistoric people.  The human archaeology discovered in the cave is the most ancient found in Britain, some over 500,000 years old, making it Britain’s premier prehistoric cave. The most significant artefact is a 38,000 year old human jawbone; Europe’s oldest human fossil.

Tours of the cavern are led by entertaining guides concluding in an underground exhibition chamber.

Plenty goes on outside for the family with a Stone Age themed woodland trail, a kids’ archaeological dig, hands-on cave art walls and regular appearances by Cavog-the-Caveman during the school holidays.  There are also spectacular coastal walks, along the South West Coast Path, beginning and ending at the caves. For details ring 01803 215136 or visit www.kents-cavern.co.uk