West Cheshire Museums announce host of half-term activities

From making clay pots based on Roman designs, to creating collages, winter landscapes, bug boxes and 'mosaic' t-shirts, there is a wealth of free and interesting activities across each site.

There is also a new self-guided Rows trail guide available at Chester’s Grosvenor Museum that coincides with the Museum’s fascinating, free Rows exhibition.

Grosvenor Museum, 27 Grosvenor Street, Chester, CH1 2DD

February 18-24, self-guided Rows Trail

To celebrate its fascinating Rows exhibition, the museum is offering everyone a chance to explore the unique Chester Rows with a free self-guided trail guide. Visitors simply step out of the museum and it is a short walk to the Rows.

Anyone who returns their completed trail to the museum’s reception desk will receive a certificate. A wheelchair-accessible version of the trail is also available.

February 21, 10.30am - 12.30pm, Curious Collages

Young visitors to the museum can release their inner artist by creating their own curious collage using a range of different materials.

February 22, 10.30am - 12.30pm, Make a Bug Box

At this drop-in, young visitors can make a weird and wonderful bug box using paper and recycled materials and find out why bugs matter.

February 23, 10.30am - 12.30pm, Mosaic T-shirt

All around the Grosvenor Museum there are some wonderful mosaics and in this fascinating drop-in activity, young visitors are encouraged to explore and be inspired by these shapes and colours to design and print their own colourful ‘mosaic’ t-shirt. Please note, visitors need to bring their own plain white T-shirt.

Mosaic at the Grosvenor Museum. (Image: West Cheshire Museums)

February 23, 17.30pm - 19.00pm, Ghost Walk

Join Chester tour guide Ann Coward for this family friendly spooky trail for children under 12, accompanied by an adult. Meeting at Chester’s Visitor Information Centre (near the Town Hall), two children go free with each paying adult (tickets cost £10 per adult). Payment to the guide is on the night and places must be booked in advance on 01244 972197.

Ghost tour guide, Ann Coward. (Image: West Cheshire Museums)

Lion Salt Works Museum, Ollershaw Lane, Northwich, CW9 6ES

February 21 - February 22, 12pm to 3pm, Winter Landscapes

Using paper and salt, young visitors can let their imaginations run wild and create their own winter landscapes at this fun drop-in session. Inspiration can be from their imaginations or the winter landscape just outside the museum’s front door or at nearby Northwich Woodlands, just a short walk from the Museum.

Weaver Hall Museum and Workhouse, 162 London Road, Northwich, CW9 8AB

February 22 - February 23, 10am - 1pm, Clay-making activity - create a Roman dish, 'face' pot or plaque

Young visitors are encouraged to get inspiration from Roman history by making something in clay, such as a pot decorated with a face. This 30-40 minute activity may require adult help for younger children and everyone should bring either an apron or wear clothes they do not mind getting messy. All children can take their clay creations home. Donations to support event are encouraged and most welcome.

A Roman-style 'face' pot. (Image: Cheshire West Museums)

Councillor Louise Gittins, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council said: "Fun, exciting and free children’s activities are available in Chester and Northwich and I hope as many children as possible enjoy these drop-in activities. Thanks to the creative talents of West Cheshire Museum staff, children will also learn about history, the environment and the power of imagination. I am particularly excited by the Rows Tour self-guided walk that will really bring to life the history and stories of the unique Chester Rows on the museum’s doorstep."

None of the half-term events requires booking and are all free, though donations are gratefully received. Visitors do not have to pay to go into any of the West Cheshire Museums to take part in these activities.