Events & Workshops

Celebrate ancient crafts, customs & festivals

Ancient Roman School Room - drop in
Aug
19
to 23 Aug

Ancient Roman School Room - drop in

Travel back in time with immersive drop-in workshops that bring the Roman world to life! This week, we’re turning part of our villa into a Roman classroom with the experts from the University of Reading’s Ancient Schoolroom project — join us to have a go with wax tablets, discover ancient Latin curses, hear Roman fables, and more!

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Roman magic: kids' workshop
Aug
20

Roman magic: kids' workshop

What did Romans do when their clothes were stolen at the baths - or when a stomach ache struck? They turned to magic. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll discover how curse tablets and magical gems were used to tackle everyday problems.

Examine replica tablets, hear mythological stories, create and inscribe your own Roman-style curse, then design and carve a wax gem inspired by ancient magic.

A spellbinding introduction to the supernatural side of Roman life - complete with magical creations to take home.

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Roman shopping and banking: kids' workshop
Aug
21

Roman shopping and banking: kids' workshop

Discover how people shopped, bargained, and banked two thousand years ago - without prices, paper money, or modern maths. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll try the roles of customer, shopkeeper, and banker using replica coins, counting boards, and dried beans for calculations.

Learn the basics of Roman numerals, haggling, and arithmetic, and make your own counting board to take home. A fun, visual introduction to ancient finance!.

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Making Roman curse tablets - adult workshop
Aug
22

Making Roman curse tablets - adult workshop

Explore the mysterious world of Roman magic through the curse tablets of Roman Britain. These inscribed metal sheets -left behind by ordinary people seeking justice, revenge, or protection - offer rare insight into civilian life and ancient beliefs about how magic worked.

In this practical workshop, you’ll create your own authentic-style Roman curse tablet using replica tools and materials. Learn to shape and inscribe metal, write in a historical script, add traditional magical symbols, and prepare your tablet for “deposit” just as the Romans once did. Participants take home their finished tablet and the skills to make more. No prior experience required; adults and supervised teens (12–18) are welcome.

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Making Vindolanda tablets: adult workshop
Aug
23

Making Vindolanda tablets: adult workshop

Discover how the fragile yet extraordinary Vindolanda tablets - letters written by Roman soldiers near Hadrian’s Wall - were made. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll use authentic tools and materials to craft ink and pens, prepare wooden tablets, learn the Vindolanda script, and write your own letter in the style of the originals. Step into the world of Roman Britain and experience the craftsmanship behind these remarkable documents.

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Youth drama day: Greek tragedy
Aug
24

Youth drama day: Greek tragedy

Join us for a fun, hands-on workshop exploring Aeschylus’ Agamemnon, one of the greatest tragedies of all time. Learn the basics of performance, meet unforgettable characters, and discover the world of Classical Athens - then take the stage in a fully costumed 15–20 minute production at 4 pm.

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Youth drama day: Roman comedy
Aug
25

Youth drama day: Roman comedy

Discover the hilarity of Plautus’ The Braggart Soldier, a timeless Roman comedy about an over-the-top soldier and the clever captives who outsmart him. In this fun, relaxed workshop, you’ll explore Roman stories, learn the basics of performance, and bring the characters to life.

The day ends with a fully costumed 15–20 minute show at 4 pm, starring all participants.

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Roman wall painting & graffiti: kids' workshop
Aug
26

Roman wall painting & graffiti: kids' workshop

Discover why ancient walls burst with colour as you explore real murals and graffiti, mix Roman-style pigments, paint your own plaster tile, and inscribe Latin-inspired graffiti using traditional tools. A hands-on journey into ancient creativity, complete with your own Roman-style masterpiece to take home.

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Stone Age Survivors - Children’s Activity Day
Oct
27

Stone Age Survivors - Children’s Activity Day

Is your child imaginative, curious, and energetic? Do they like being outside, trying new things, and getting hands-on with fun activities? Send them on a time-travelling adventure at Butser Ancient Farm and let them find out for themselves!  A special one-off day this October half-term. 

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Introduction to Falconry
Oct
25

Introduction to Falconry

Experience the unique feeling of holding and flying falconry birds. Learn all about the nature of the birds and the ancient art of Falconry. Tailored for those who have a keen interest in Falconry and birds of prey, this workshop is beginner friendly.

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Butser Book Festival 2025
Oct
18
to 19 Oct

Butser Book Festival 2025

An incredible two days of entertainment and inspiration with bestselling writers! Join us for talks, poetry readings, storytelling, workshops, book signings, hands-on crafts, and more, with some of historic fiction's bestselling authors.

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