Butser Ancient Farm, located in the South Downs of Waterlooville, Hampshire, will be welcoming families to embark on a festive adventure this Winter. The attraction will be running Midwinter’s Magical Quest, an alternative to the traditional Father Christmas experience, to honour nature and bring ancient traditions to life.
The Holly King and Deer Queen will greet visitors in the Saxon House which has been recreated from foundations found close to the nearby village of Chalton. Here, visitors will be able to make evergreen crowns and decorations to prepare for the adventure. The Holly King is the personification of Winter in folklore and his power peaks in Midwinter before he hands the crown over to his brother The Oak King of Summer. The everlasting cycle of the Oak and Holly brothers reflects the seasonal cycles of solar light and dark, renewal and growth.
At Little Woodbury, the Iron Age roundhouse, families can cast their hopes and dreams into the wishing tree and learn the ancient craft of corn dolly making to find a hidden message for the Deer Queen. The Deer Queen’s Grotto is located in the Neolithic Horton House which originally stood around 3800-3600 BC. Here, visitors will be able to share the knowledge they have collected to give Mother Deer what she needs to make the journey to return the Sun to the land safely on the Winter Solstice.
Kristin Devey, Events Coordinator at Butser Ancient Farm, spoke of the event saying: “We are thrilled to open the farm to the public once again this winter, offering a chance for more people to experience the wonder of Butser during this special time of year. Families can join us for under £35 and leave with a deeper understanding of Winter folklore, delightful crafts, and magical memories.”
Midwinter’s Magical Quest will be running from 10am to 3:30pm on Saturday December 2nd, Sunday December 3rd, Saturday December 9th, and Sunday December 10th, 2023. Tickets for the event are available on the Butser Ancient Farm website.
Butser Ancient Farm is a living history museum which offers visitors a unique chance to experience the lives of our ancient ancestors through reconstructed buildings, authentic crafts, and immersive events. The farm has become one of the South East’s top visitor attractions welcoming visitors throughout the year.
Families are invited to join Butser Ancient Farm for a memorable and magical experience that honours the wonders of the season and its ancient traditions.
Butser Ancient Farm, a living history museum located in the South Downs of Waterlooville, Hampshire, has announced plans to host Midwinter’s Magical Quest this Winter. Aimed at families, the event provides an alternative to the traditional Father Christmas experience, honouring nature and bringing ancient traditions to life.
Visitors will be greeted by the Holly King and Deer Queen at the Saxon House which has been recreated from foundations found close to the nearby village of Chalton. At Little Woodbury, the Iron Age roundhouse, families can cast their hopes and dreams into the wishing tree and learn the ancient craft of corn dolly making. The Deer Queen’s Grotto is located in the Neolithic Horton House which originally stood around 3800-3600 BC. Here, visitors will be able to share the knowledge they have collected to give Mother Deer what she needs to make the journey to return the Sun to the land safely on the Winter Solstice.
Kristin Devey, Events Coordinator at Butser Ancient Farm, said: “We are thrilled to open the farm to the public once again this winter, offering a chance for more people to experience the wonder of Butser during this special time of year. Families can join us for under £35 and leave with a deeper understanding of Winter folklore, delightful crafts, and magical memories.”
Midwinter’s Magical Quest will be running from 10am to 3:30pm on Saturday December 2nd, Sunday December 3rd, Saturday December 9th, and Sunday December 10th, 2023. Tickets for the event are available on the Butser Ancient Farm website.
Butser Ancient Farm is a living history museum which offers visitors a unique chance to experience the lives of our ancient ancestors through reconstructed buildings, authentic crafts, and immersive events. The farm has become one of the South East’s top visitor attractions welcoming visitors throughout the year.
Families are invited to join Butser Ancient Farm this Winter for Midwinter’s Magical Quest, an enchanting experience that honours the wonders of the season and its ancient traditions.
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