Families visiting the gardens and ruins of Worcestershire’s majestic Witley Court during half term will take a journey back in time to the heydays of the British Empire.

English Heritage is inviting people to join in the fun by becoming ‘Empire Explorers’ and and discover the wonders of the world through the eyes of the Victorians.

On Wednesday and Thursday February 18 & 19 special events will be held at the court near Great Witley including storytelling and have-a-go fun, while colourful Victorian characters will bring the past to life.

Children can listen to ripping yarns and poetic prose from across the empire and hear tales of Victorian childhoods – from the Queen’s subjects to her own sons and daughters.

They can also take part in the Witley militia rifle drills throughout the day.

There will be the chance to discover how the empire changed the way the British shopped forever – from the exotic goods we now take for granted, to the way the Industrial Revolution changed lifestyles.

This promises to be perfect for parents looking for a family friendly day out, with a fun and hands-on way for children to discover days gone by.

And after families have sampled the delights of the empire, they can take some time to enjoy Witley Court’s extensive grounds.

Explorers, young and old, can embark on their own voyage of discovery into the Wilderness Play Area, experiencing the wildlife which makes Witley its home on the woodland walk, and step into the past with the audio guide which brings the court’s Victorian heyday to life.

The grounds are also the perfect place for the whole family to let off some steam and really shake off the winter blues.

Prices (includes entry to the court and grounds): Adults £7.10 / Concessions £6.40 / Children £4.30 / Family £18.50 / Members Free

For more details, visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/witley or www.facebook.com/WitleyCourt