Summer funset to take centre stage at Royal Armouries with host of activities and demonstrations

Combat demonstrations, dramatic performances and have-a-go workshops for all ages will take place at the national museum.

Every week day (Monday-Friday) of the holidays there will be sessions where kids can learn useful skills and fancy footwork. These fun workshops are suitable for ages 5 – 11, with parental supervision. Each workshop is £3.50 per child; visitors can book at the museum on the day.

The fun includes an Elizabethan sword school, until August 3, where young visitors can learn the art of fencing from a true Elizabethan gentleman sword-master and his less genteel assistant.

Or young visitors can train as a squire in Sir William’s household, August 6–10; learn the martial art of Bartitsu from Sherlock Holmes and his partner Watson, August 13-17; Swordplay with style will be on the agenda on August 20–24 and it turns oriental on August 28-31 with the Samurai School where attendees will learn about the Bushido Code.

Mark Jackson, Events and Informal Learning Manager, said: “There is certainly something to keep all the family entertained this summer holidays.

“Our workshops will give kids a chance to get hands-on and learn about the development of arms and armour through a variety of historic periods and cultures.

“There will also be opportunities to see the amazing SMJ Falconry in our outdoor arena.”