Armadale Castle launches family summer activity programme in Old Laundry

Image by Simon Larson

The Old Laundry at Armadale Castle, Isle of Skye, will come alive this summer with a programme of free family activities. The museum team have created a new outdoor learning tent within the laundry ruin so that families can enjoy fun and educational activities in a Covid-safe environment. 

Every Thursday in July and August, families with children aged 2-12 can book a 40 minute session in the new activity tent. A different activity is being organised each week, from clay modelling and gardening to tapestry weaving and puppet-making. There will also be stories and songs, and sensory play for pre-school children.  The activities have been designed to link to the museum’s special exhibition this year, ‘Coastal Castles of Clan Donald’.

Activity sessions are free to children and their carers but due to space limitations must be booked in advance by email (preferred) or at the ticket office on arrival subject to availability.  As well as the bookable sessions, drop-in activities such as giant games and discovery trails will take place each Thursday.

The activity tent and programme have been made possible through funding from Museums Galleries Scotland.  

Meghann Logue, Museum Curator at Armadale Castle, commented: “We know that our museum activities programme was very much missed last year due to the pandemic. We are delighted to be launching this new facility, which will enable both local and visiting families to take part in a rich programme of activities throughout the summer holidays.” She added: “We are grateful to Museums Galleries Scotland and the Get into Summer programme for their generous support, which has enabled us both to build the learning space and to organise such a varied programme. ”

With an adventure playpark, family-friendly café, 40 acres of gardens and a fascinating museum to explore, Armadale Castle, Gardens & Museum has plenty to offer visitors of all ages. The Visit Scotland 5 Star attraction is situated in south Skye near the Armadale ferry and easily accessible from the Skye Bridge.

The programme has been funded by Museums Galleries Scotland as part of the Scottish Government’s Get into Summer programme, supporting opportunities for children and young people to socialise, play and reconnect this summer.

For full programme and booking details visit the Armadale Castle website at www.armadalecastle.com/events

--ENDS--

NOTES TO EDITORS

Summer holiday family activities at Armadale Castle

Armadale Castle, Gardens & Museum of the Isles in Skye is running free family activities every Thursday in July and August.  Families can book a 40-minute activity session in the activity tent, or drop in for outside games and trails. The adventure playpark, gardens, museum and café are open daily. More information: www.armadalecastle.com

Armadale Castle is a 5 star attraction where visitors can enjoy 40 acres of beautiful woodland gardens with stunning views, a picturesque castle ruin and a fascinating museum full of Highland and clan history.

Admission prices: Free entrance to child and carer on Thursdays July – August 2021 if booking activity. Admission prices at other times: Adult £9, Concessions: £7.50, Child under 5: Free, Child 5-15: £5, Family: £25, Local residents: £2.50 (local child £1), Friend membership is also available: 1 year free entry, £20.

Opening times: 26 April 2021 – end October. Open daily 9.30 – 17.30, museum 10.00 – 16.45. Last museum time slot 4pm. Last entrance to gardens 17.00.

Visitors will be allocated a museum time slot on purchasing a ticket. Tickets will be on sale at the entrance.

For further media information please contact:

Martin Hunt at Tartan Silk PR at martin@tartansilk.co.uk or 07767 401 760

or

Christine Davis at Armadale Castle, Gardens and Museum of the Isles at marketing@armadalecastle.com