Learning has flourished at St Albans since the 12th century and remains a significant part of the life of the cathedral today. Our Education team welcome thousands of children every year – both on school visits and during the school holidays to explore, learn and have fun!
Our school holiday activities in particular have gone from strength to strength over the years which is why it’s so wonderful to have funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund to add new and exciting events to our existing offer. Read on to find out more about what’s coming up over the next month.
Artist in Residence
One of our brand new Heritage Lottery funded posts is an Artist in Residence, who will join us each summer for the next three years to put on new activities for a range of audiences. This month, we’re delighted to welcome this year’s Artist in Residence, Ella West, to the team.
All ages are invited to engrave a personal message for a series of wax sculptures Ella is creating. Inspired by the stunning graffiti left by visitors throughout this historic building over the centuries, the sculptures will incorporate everyone’s messages and will be on show for all to see.
We hope you’ll come along and make your mark this August at these FREE, drop-in sessions suitable for children and adults.
No booking required.
Drop-in sessions will be on:
Thursday 9th August, 10:00 – 12:30
Saturday 11th August, 13:00 – 15:00
Sunday 12th August, 10:30 – 11:00 & 12:30 – 13:00
Thursday 16th August, 10:00 – 12:30
Thursday 23rd August, 10:00 – 12:30
Children’s Graffiti Trail
People have been making their mark in the Cathedral for centuries and since our Artist in Residence is using our ancient graffiti as her inspiration, why not join in the fun and go looking for some of the marks people have left around the Cathedral on this special trail?
Trails can be picked up in the Cathedral Shop or from the Information Desk and are completely free of charge.
Family Discovery Mornings
Our popular Family Discovery Mornings are back this August. With brilliant themes, including Musical Mayhem and Terrific Tales, there are fun arts and crafts to participate in and take home! There will also be a very special Family Discovery Morning – Nasty Normans – which will focus on the magnificent mosaic replica of the Bayeux Tapestry, currently on display in the North Transept. Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to explore the cathedral in an entirely different way.
Suitable for ages 3-11. Children must be accompanied by an adult. FREE entry.
Thursday 9th August: The Nasty Normans
Thursday 16th August: Musical Mayhem
Thursday 23rd August: Terrific Tales
All Family Discovery Mornings take place 10am until 12.30pm.
For more information about any of the activities taking place this summer holiday, please visit https://www.stalbanscathedral.org/whatson/family/.
Alban, Britain's First Saint 