Ancient House Museum’s Little Houses and more this July

On Saturday 19th July, from 11am to 2pm, the Friends of Ancient House invite you to come along and enjoy something a little different at the museum on Whitehart Street.

Visitors can see a selection of detailed historical models, including a castle and a Tudor mansion, while finding out how to support Thetford’s local museum.

If your children attend school in Thetford, they’ve likely already discovered the delights of Ancient House. This is a chance for the whole family to come along and enjoy some of its smaller-scale wonders. You can be a Gulliver for the day, peering down into the past and getting a feel for what the Friends of Ancient House do to support this important building. The event is free, but booking is recommended. Call the museum or book online. For one day only, the Friends are also offering discounted membership for the rest of 2025 – just £5 per person or £10 for a family.

Also this July, Ancient House will play a key role in this year’s Festival of Thetford and Punjab. On Saturday 12th July, join Learning Officer Melissa Hawker for a special event exploring the lives of Princess Sophia and Princess Catherine Duleep Singh, and their role in the campaign for women’s rights. On Sunday 13th July, Ancient House will be open for free from 10am to 5pm, with costumed characters, object handling, pop-up displays and light refreshments.

On Saturday 2nd August, the museum will host its second Peaceful Pride event as part of Thetford Pride. Designed as a quieter alternative to main Pride celebrations, the day will feature mindful crafts like badge-making, as well as light refreshments. It will also see the launch of a new digital museum tour, “Queer Symbolism of Plants,” created by the museum’s 18-25 Gardening Group.

There’s plenty planned for the summer holidays too. Families can take part in themed trails every day, included with museum admission. Trails include Ancient House Secrets, Rainbowsaurus and a special trail linked to the Brecks Outdoor Festival on Saturday 9th August.

All events and activities can be booked online through the museum’s website: ancienthouse.norfolk.gov.uk