Saturday 13 to Sunday 21 February ‌‌

Families were divided and brother fought brother, but love and friendship still survived in secret!

Find out about hidden love stories and how to send secret messages this February half-term.

Join us for storytelling, craft activities, meet musketeers and much, much more. With events and activities running everyday there is something for everyone at the National Civil War Centre.

All events are FREE with normal admission.

Smuggler, Spy and the Best King’s Mistress History Nearly Forgot

Sat 13 and Sat 20 February

Jane Whorwood could have been a legend for her romance with King Charles I. She should have been famous as a brave Royalist spy who once smuggled at least 800 kilos of gold into Oxford, passed messages and sent coded letters.

Historians might have celebrated her attempts to help Charles I escape from imprisonment. But Jane Whorwood’s king was executed and, with him, her claim to a place in the history books died. She didn’t even get a portrait. Now, since the historians won’t do it, she returns to tell you her story in her own words, and make sure you don’t forget her this time.

Come along and hear the fascinating tale of a woman at the centre of the Civil War.

This event runs at 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm and is suitable for all ages.

Secret Valentine

Sun 14 and Mon 15 February

Learn about Civil War Codes, create your own and hide your Valentine's message. This drop in craft activity runs from 10am to 4pm and is suitable for age 6 and above.

Paint a Pikemen

15, 17, 19 and 20 February

Paint your own 17th century model soldier! Learn how to paint war gaming models like a pro, and even have a go yourself with your own Warlord figurine to take home!

This event runs from 10am to 1pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday in the Tudor Hall and 10am to 4pm on Saturday in the Tudor Attic and is recommended for ages 11 and above.

Posey-Pops

Tue 16 and Weds 17 February

Find out about our real posy ring and design your own lolly stick friendship bracelet. This drop in craft activity runs from 10am to 4pm and is suitable for age 6 and above.

Pocket Portrait

Thur 18 and Fri 19 February

Make your own 17th century selfie! Create your own pocket sized portrait to share with friends and family.

This drop in craft activity runs from 10am to 4pm and is suitable for age 6 and above.

Meet a Musketeer

Sun 21 February

Meet our very own Musketeer and find out what it was really like to train as a soldier during the Civil War.

Examine his kit and learn how to fire a musket.

This event runs at 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm and is suitable for all ages.