Events

Inspired by the characters of Norton Priory's 900-year history, award-winning character designer and cartoon illustrator Stu Harrison will help you to craft your very own cartoon creations.

This workshop will teach you all about how to build a striking and memorable character, producing a marvellous piece of artwork to take home.

Recommended for children aged 8+. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Suitable for all skill levels. All equipment will be provided.

This free workshop has been made possible by a Culture 26: Made in Halton Aspire Grant, providing accessible and inclusive cultural events to the borough of Halton.

Animal Teach return to Norton Priory this month for another fantastic hands-on animal encounter experience at their monthly Zoology Club! This is sensory-led workshop where children can meet fascinating animals in a calm, supportive environment. 

There are three different sessions to choose from based on your age:

10:15am - 11:15am - Mini Zoologist (ages 4 - 7yrs)

11:45am - 12:45pm - Young Zoologist (ages 8 - 11yrs)

1:15pm - 2:15pm - Junior Zoologist (ages 12 - 15yrs)

Join Merseyside Ringing Group at Norton Priory this October for a fascinating demonstration of bird ringing!

Visitors will have the opportunity to learn the science behind this important conservation work: how birds are safely caught, identified, measured and fitted with a lightweight ring before being released unharmed. Bird ringing provides valuable information about migration, survival and population trends.

The Merseyside Ringing Group have been studying and ringing birds here for over 30 years - some birds ringed at Norton Priory have been recovered across Europe. One remarkable example was a Redwing that was later found near Archangel, Russia, just short of the Arctic Circle, highlighting the extraordinary journeys these birds undertake.

This event takes place outdoors so please dress appropriately for the weather.

Telling ghost stories is one of humanity’s oldest traditions, found in every culture around the world. This spooky season at Norton Priory, we are keeping up with tradition and invite you to a special storytelling event where the peculiar tales of the paranormal from this 900-year-old site will be recounted, including recent staff testimonials. Everyone in attendance will also have the opportunity to share their own eerie experiences.

Whether you’re a believer or a sceptic, seen a full body apparition or just heard an odd noise, we’d love to hear your encounters with the spooky and strange.

This is an interactive event, and we encourage everyone who is comfortable to tell a story, as well as expect all attendees to be respectful of each other, ask questions, and be curious with no judgement.

What’s included:

• A guided ghost tour of Norton Priory’s museum building and medieval ruins.
• Storytelling session including paranormal testimonials of Norton Priory and a fictional ghost story reading.
• Open discussion segment with the opportunity to share your own spooky stories, whether real or made-up.
• Hot drinks and sweet treats.

Please note that this event is not suitable for children younger than 16.

Spindly legs, fur and fangs, scales and exoskeletons… prepare to be amazed by a host of strange and wonderful creatures this Halloween!

Join Animal Teach for a fun, interactive workshop where you’ll get to learn about and meet snakes, toads, and other spooky friends.

Timeslots:

10:30am - 11:30am

12:00pm - 1:00pm

1:30pm - 2:30pm

All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Every child ticket includes a Grumpy Pumpkins trail sheet!

Head to The Brooke Cafe this Halloween for a fun evening of painting and spooktacular cocktails! 

You'll be guided by Laura from Paint And Craft With Laura to create your own spooky masterpiece whatever your skill level. 

All painting materials are included, as well as your first cocktail. 

Book via the link below or you can reach Laura:

by phone - 07898 974484

by email - paintwithlaura@outlook.com

During this Japanese painting workshop, we'll be using traditional materials including bamboo brushes, sumi ink, Gansai Tambi 顔彩耽美, gold leaf and rice paper, 

This workshop will be led by local artist and experienced painting teacher Ula Fung, beginning with a painting demonstration and after which you will create your own painting overseen by Ula.

Suitable for Beginners:
No previous experience is needed. Whether you're a complete beginner or have some painting experience, Ula will guide you throughout the session and answer any questions throughout the session.

All materials plus tea & coffee will be provided.

The low ticket cost of this workshop has been made possible by a Culture 26: Made in Halton Aspire Grant, providing accessible and inclusive cultural events to the borough of Halton. (workshops provided by Floating Art typically range between £30-£55 per person)

Animal Teach return to Norton Priory this month for another fantastic hands-on animal encounter experience at their monthly Zoology Club! This is sensory-led workshop where children can meet fascinating animals in a calm, supportive environment. 

There are three different sessions to choose from based on your age:

10:15am - 11:15am - Mini Zoologist (ages 4 - 7yrs)

11:45am - 12:45pm - Young Zoologist (ages 8 - 11yrs)

1:15pm - 2:15pm - Junior Zoologist (ages 12 - 15yrs)

Begin your festive season with this fun and creative workshop where you will create your own wooden house scene and a hanging decoration that will make the perfect additions to your Christmas decs or two wonderful homemade gifts.

You will be given support and guided through the workshop with simple instructions suitable for all - no prior experience is needed.

The class is run by Becci Moore from Quill Paper Scissors who has been running wooden house workshops for 10 years across Cheshire and the Wirral. As a former primary school teacher, Becci is able to run these classes on a level that suits all abilities.

Workshop runs for 2 1/2 hours with a short break in the middle. All materials plus tea & coffee will be provided.

This free workshop has been made possible by a Culture 26: Made in Halton Aspire Grant, providing accessible and inclusive cultural events to the borough of Halton. (similar workshops provided by Quill Paper Scissors typically cost approx. £40 per person)

In the stunning surroundings of Norton Priory Museum & Gardens, come and make your own fresh, traditional Christmas wreath with Andrea Phillipson from Lavender View Farm.

Our materials will include fresh foliage picked from the woodland and gardens at Norton Priory, making it a truly homegrown addition for Halton locals to add to their Christmas décor.

Festive music, refreshments and a relaxed atmosphere under expert guidance will allow you to make your own beautiful wreath to take home.

Gather your friends, or come alone, all are welcome!

This free workshop has been made possible by a Culture 26: Made in Halton Aspire Grant, providing accessible and inclusive cultural events to the borough of Halton. (similar workshops provided by Lavender View Farm typically cost approx. £30 per person)

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!

Join Clare from Halton Village Silver on this unique and festive workshop suitable for beginners. During the session you’ll be able to make a pair of silver Christmas tree earrings, just in time for the party season! You will be practising some of the traditional silversmith techniques with specialist tools and getting a taste of working with metal.

There will be the opportunity to choose from 6 different Christmas tree shapes to make a pair of simple studs or a pair of dangles.

This is a brilliant workshop for anyone who is interested in the mechanics of metalwork and would like to create something truly special for a loved one or themselves just in time for Christmas.

During the session, you will practise the following:

• Using a jeweller’s saw and disc cutters.
• Shaping the silver.
• Adding texture and patterns using a variety of techniques.
• Create earring wires.
• Soldering components.
• Sanding and clean-up of solder joints.
• Finishing and polishing using a barrel polisher.

Important: This workshop takes place at the Coach House. Please park at the Walled Garden carpark a short walk away. Spaces just outside the Coach House building will be reserved for accessibility, let us know if this applies to you. There are accessible toilets and step-free access inside. 

Workshop runs for 2 1/2 hours with a break in the middle. All materials plus tea & coffee will be provided.

This free workshop has been made possible by a Culture 26: Made in Halton Aspire Grant, providing accessible and inclusive cultural events to the borough of Halton. (similar workshops provided by Halton Village Silver typically cost approx. £45 per person)

Animal Teach return to Norton Priory this month for another fantastic hands-on animal encounter experience at their monthly Zoology Club! This is sensory-led workshop where children can meet fascinating animals in a calm, supportive environment. 

There are three different sessions to choose from based on your age:

10:15am - 11:15am - Mini Zoologist (ages 4 - 7yrs)

11:45am - 12:45pm - Young Zoologist (ages 8 - 11yrs)

1:15pm - 2:15pm - Junior Zoologist (ages 12 - 15yrs)

Join Mima - the HedgeRose Healer and Cindy and Adrian from Myrriadd Dance as they come together to mark this year's Winter Solstice at this historic site.

Enjoy meditation, reflection and the mindful movements and joyful energy of circle dancing, as we honour all that nature has given us in the months past.

As ever, this is a very special evening event, filled with gratitude for the year gone by and in celebration, as the new solar year is welcomed.

A hands-on workshop to learn about fruit tree grafting. During the workshop, you will graft a couple of small apple trees using Norton Priory's heritage apple varieties. The event is designed to provide practical experience and is led by an expert tutor. Delivered in partnership with Heathfield Orchards. 

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

Please be aware that this workshop involves the use of sharp tools. 

Pre-booking is essential. 

TICKETS COMING SOON!