Events

Taking inspiration from all the different outdoor theatre shows at Norton Priory this year and the historical periods they are set in, we're making our very own costume pieces!

Become a swashbuckling, hook-handed pirate from the Pirates of Penzance by making your own sword. Get ready to sneak off to a ball in disguise with a mask inspired by Romeo & Juliet. Steal the crown and assume the role of a king like Claudius in Hamlet. Tell you own story "as you like it" with character puppets, or act it out yourself with some dress-up. 

Come and join in any time between 11am - 3pm.

Come and celebrate one of our favourite minibeasts at Norton Priory - the honeybee!

Learn all about the life cycle of honeybees and customise your own bee life cycle chart. Make your own bee bopper headband to show appreciation for all the bees here and everywhere.

Come and join in any time between 11am - 3pm.

Come and learn about toys through time - from the first toys to the 20th century. Get a closer look at how children have played for thousands of years and take home your own customised Victorian illusion toy - a thaumatrope!

Come and join in any time between 11am - 3pm.

Historia Normannis presents a siege special at Norton Priory. See an exciting battle on the event field where medieval knights and soldiers attack the palisades with siege engines and 12th century weaponry.  

There will also be family friendly crafts in the classroom, trails around the museum and gardens, and why not take your photo trying on some of our medieval fashions!  

This event is included with General Admission, with up to 3 children free per paying adult! Book online ahead of time for a discount. Pre-booing closes at 11.45pm the night before your visit. Or pay General Admission on arrival. 

Come and get ready for National Wildlife Day with us! 

The woodlands at Norton Priory are full of creatures great and small - owls, badgers, foxes, bats - so we're giving them the spotlight this week. 

Make animal masks, pom-pom hedgehogs, and paper birds and bats - everything you need to celebrate the local wildlife this year.

Come and join in any time between 11am - 3pm.

The Autumn Orchard Festival sets to celebrate the harvest from Norton Priory’s extensive orchards, including the National Collection of Tree Quince, the only one of its kind in the UK.

Visitors can enjoy an artisanal market in the museum building with gifts and treats from local suppliers, as well as lots of produce from Norton Priory’s orchards and the Walled Garden. A pop-up bar selling mulled cider and other seasonal drinks can be found in the atmospheric setting of the medieval Undercroft. There will also be live performances from local bands.

Find fun outdoor games and activities on the croquet lawn in the Walled Garden including pumpkin ring toss and skittles. You can also take part in an autumnal trail around the garden.

*NEW for 2026* Don’t miss out on the very first Norton Priory Bake-Off at the Walled Garden where a grand selection of homemade apple and quince cakes will compete for the title of Best Bake. More details to come.

The Christmas Gift Fair returns to Norton Priory Museum & Gardens for 2026!

Begin your festive season by finding the perfect gift for a loved one. Browse local suppliers and crafters selling gifts that you won't find on the high street. Enjoy performances throughout the day from choirs and brass bands. Grab a mulled wine and a mince pie in the Wine Cellar. 

TICKETS COMING SOON

In partnership with Heathfields Orchards, Norton Priory offers a practical and theory-based workshop on winter fruit tree pruning. The workshop uses the Norton Priory orchards to provide practical hands-on experience, with expert tuition and guidance. The workshops are designed to be both educational and enjoyable, making them an excellent choice for anyone looking to enhance their knowledge and skills in fruit tree care.

All equipment will be provided, although you may like to bring aling your own gardening gloves. 

TICKETS COMING SOON!