Boston Castle set for a summer of fun

The unique 18th century hunting lodge, which was opened last year after a comprehensive restoration, will be opening for the summer on Bank Holiday Monday, April 1, until the end of September, and will be open Tuesday, Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 11am to 3pm.

Members of the public will be able to see behind the scenes at the fascinating landmark with special 30 minute “Castle Tours”, taking place each Saturday and Sunday (and each Tuesday during the Summer Holidays) at 1pm to 1.30pm and 2pm to 2.30pm.

The tour includes access to the viewing platform on the roof (weather permitting). Sensible flat shoes should be worn.

The cost for the tour per person is £2, with an additional £1 to access the roof. Children are free but must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

A range of fun family activity days and open events have been arranged to help celebrate the history of the castle, starting with “Hats Galore” on April 10, where children will be able to make and decorate your own Georgian hat.

On May 29, is Spring Flowers, where you can decorate a flower pot and plant a sunflower seed, then, on July 31, it is Woodland Animal Masks when youngsters can make their own woodland animal masks and accessories.

There will be Clay Castle Building on the August 7, Self Portraits August 14, a Salt Dough Tea Party on the August 21 and Let's Go Fly a Kite on August 28.

The activities are for children aged four to ten and they should be accompanied by an adult. Sessions run from 11.15am to 12.30pm and 1.15pm to 2.30pm.  

The cost for the sessions is £3 per child. Bookings can be made in person at Boston Castle or Clifton Park Museum one week before each event.

To complement the activities, there is an Activity Cart with free craft activities available for families, and Children's Trails and Word Searches, around the castle and its grounds.

The castle will also be home to anseries of fascinating heritage talks.

On Friday April 19, author Margaret Jackson will be talking about Wellgate, and its role as an essential packhorse route; on June 7, Tim Brannen, a member of the Friends of Boston Castle and Parkland, will be discussing the restoration of Boston Castle and on September 20, Margaret Side will be talking about Rotherham stalwart, John Guest.

Each talk will take place from 1pm to 2.30pm and costs £2 per person.

To pre-pay by credit or debit card for either the workshops or heritage talks please contact Clifton Park Museum on 01709 336633.