Workhouse focuses on family fun

There is something for all the family this summer at The Workhouse, Southwell. The National Trust property is holding a family focus month in August with a range of activities and events.

New for this year are special introductory Pauper’s Yarn family tours starting on Saturday from 11.15am-12.15pm.

Volunteers dressed as pauper characters will help visitors find out what life was really like in The Workhouse.

The tours will run every Saturday in August and are included in the normal house admission price.

Pop-up Paupers and Other Characters will feature on Sundays starting this weekend from noon to 4pm.

Visitors can meet one of The Workhouse’s costumed volunteers on their journey round the building on Sundays until September 1.

At the heart of family focus month are fun days where children can get a hands-on experience with a range of arts and crafts activities.

Each session will have a different theme including traditional Victorian crafts, gardens, toys, birds, bugs and Workhouse mice.

All materials are provided and the children can take their handiwork home.

Sessions run from noon to 3.30pm on Wednesdays until August 28. Sessions costs £3 a child.

The Workhouse was built in 1824 as a place of last resort for the poor and needy.

The creation of Reverend JT Becher, its architecture, influenced by prison design and its harsh regime became a blueprint for workhouses throughout the country.

For more information on events at The Workhouse in Upton Road go to www.nationaltrust.org.uk/theworkhouse or call 01636 817260.