Abbey Museum

Abbey Museum of Art and Archaeology provides a unique opportunity to be fully immersed in history for a day.

It is an engaging educational destination which is guaranteed to keep adults and children entertained, especially during the annual Medieval Festival which takes place every July.

The museum display is a journey through the centuries, beginning with prehistoric hunters, before exploring the Bronze Age, Roman Empire, European Renaissance, Industrial Revolution, as well as Ancient Egypt, China and the world of Islam. The museum is home to a priceless collection of 4,000 artefacts - including a rare armored shoe from Olympia, a Cypro-Archaic amphora (dated 700-600BC), Medieval stained glass, and an Egyptian death mask.

Every school holidays, the Abbey Museum of Art and Archaeology runs the Kids Dig It junior archaeology program, with guided kids' activities throughout the day. Fun, hands-on activities include archery, heraldry, loom weaving, stained glass window making and more. 

A highlight for the children is actually learning how to dig like a real archaeologist, complete with brushes, trowels and shovels. 

Nice to know - There is a small cafe located within the museum grounds serving sandwiches, hot dogs, drinks and ice blocks. 

Good to know - The museum shop is filled with unusual gifts and historic souvenirs available for purchase.

By Lucy Hordern