The festival of little stories

This February half term we are celebrating all things books!

Join us for some fun book related activities including storytelling, local author meet and greets, illustration workshops and a fun whodunnit story trail around the Park! The Norfolk Children’s Book Centre pop-up shop will be with us for the festival duration too for all the book bugs out there – perfect for gifting or treating your little ones to a new favourite bedtime story!

Book-related fun this way comes…

The Little Story Trail

Lord Leicester’s slippers have been stolen! Interrogate the suspects around the park with Detective Philip Fox to find the culprit! Was it Captain Pinkfoot, Harry Hare or someone else? Pick up a clue card to help you on this special whodunnit trail created for us by local author Peter Kavanagh.

Author talks

Painting to Music with James Mayhew

Enter the world of myths and legends with James Mayhew in this relaxed and informal family event. James will bring stories to life with much-loved music, all illustrated live, with gorgeous colours and enchanting characters.
Monday 16th February, 11.30am
Approx. 45 mins
Age: 5+

Interactive Storytime with Isabelle King

Join children’s author, Isabelle King for a fun relaxed storytelling. In Isabelle’s stories, together we will go on a magical journey, meet animals, dragons and make some noise! There will be a chance to get creative with some crafts and get your book signed. Isabelle’s exciting range of books will be on sale: The Norfolk Story Book, Once upon a Time in Norfolk, Once Upon a Street: Norfolk Stories for Children, Emelia Moorgrim and the Medieval Monsters of Norfolk.
Tuesday 17th February, 11am
Age: 7-11

Storytime with Kate Cleaver

Settle down and be transported to life on a lighthouse during WW2 on a session with local author Kate Cleaver.
Wednesday 18th February, 11.30am
Approx. 45 minutes
Age: 6+

Norfolk Folklore with the Yarnsmith, Dave Tong

Dave Tonge will be sharing stories of Norfolk folklore taken from his book of Norfolk Folktales for Children, and also answering questions about the East Anglian myths and legends. Expect to hear tales of poor penniless pedlars, lazy long limbed lads, wicked wyrms, hellish hounds and many a cheeky sprite!
Friday 20th February, 1pm
Approx. 45 minutes
Age: 4+

Illustration Workshops

Illustration workshop with Peter Kavanagh

A fun drawing workshop for children of 7+ and adults, led by children’s illustrator Peter Kavanagh. Learn how to draw animals in action with great poses and fun expressions.
Thursday 19th February, 11am
Approx. 45 minutes
Age: 7+

Illustration workshop with Charli Vince

Let’s draw some animals! Charli will show you how to draw some of her most popular characters and give your children the chance to draw a character of their own with her prompts and guidance.
Wednesday 18th February, 1.30pm
Approx. 45 minutes
Age: 4+

Enjoy all that Holkham can offer during your visit, including our Courtyard Cafe, Woodland Play Area, Tractor Trailer Tours and walks around the beautiful park.