Half term fun on the horizon

Young visitors will have the chance to help track down the escaped gnomes on a trail around the historic abbey ruins and grounds.

The free gnome trail takes place each day from Tuesday, May 31 until Sunday, June 5, 10am-3pm, and is one of a programme of activities for young people taking place at Leeds Museums and Galleries sites over the school holidays.

Councillor Brian Selby, Leeds City Council’s lead member for museums and galleries said: “The May half term holidays are always a fun and exciting time at our sites, when visitors can take part in some activities that will fire children’s imaginations and get them thinking about culture and history.

“This half term we’ve got a colourful and varied programme of events that will give children and families the chance to learn a lot, have some fun and really make the most of the break.”

Lotherton Hall in Aberford will also be joining in with a week of fairytale fun from May 28 until June 5.

From 11am until 3pm each day, the estate will be hosting storytelling, storybook crafts and dressing up. A Fairytale Picnic will also take place on June 2 from 11am–3pm including traditional games and music in the gardens.

Taking part is free but usual estate admission applies.

Little heroes will be getting to grips with Abbey House Museum’s Crime and Punishment exhibition from May 30 until June 3, with activities running from 10am-noon and 2-4pm.

Events will include murder mysteries, disguise making, science experiments and crafts, all inspired by the exhibition and popular superheroes. The events are free but usual museum admission applies.

Leeds Discovery Centre will also be giving visitors the chance to explore its spectacular collection of more than a million objects.

Every Thursday during the holidays from 11am until noon and 2-3pm, the centre will be offering the chance to go behind the scenes and explore the dress and textile, social history, natural science, geology, archaeology and world cultures collections. Tours are free, but must be booked in advance.

And art lovers can also take advantage Leeds Art Gallery’s popular picture library when it returns to the gallery on Friday, May 27 until Sunday, May 29 from noon-3.30pm.

Guests can choose from hundreds of original works of art to borrow and take away that day. Visit thepicturelibrary.org for more information or to register.

For more details or a full programme of events, please visit: leeds.gov.uk/schoolholidays