Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens is proud to announce its first-ever 'Ushaw Viking Takeover'. Over the August Bank Holiday Weekend (26, 27, and 28 August), the venue's beautiful grounds will be transformed into a living snapshot of the Viking era, complete with over 200 participating Vikings.
Designed to immerse families and individuals alike in the rich history and vibrant culture of the Vikings, the event will offer a range of exciting activities. Audiences can look forward to breathtaking combat demonstrations, dramatic acted scenes, and engaging stories from the past, bringing the daring world of the Vikings to life.
Providing context to the dramatic displays, children will also have the chance to partake in the 'Kiddie Vike' activities, a safe and interactive experience where they can learn and play, practicing shield wall drills and pushing back the Viking warriors. In between the historical adventures, visitors can take a break to enjoy a range of culinary options. Food vendors will be available alongside Welby's Café, Ushaw’s on-site eatery. Alternatively, families are welcome to pack a picnic to relish amidst the picturesque gardens of Ushaw.
The journey continues with an exploration of Ushaw's rich heritage as visitors are invited to explore the historic chapels, each with their own unique story to tell. Additionally, Ushaw's current exhibition The Magic of Masks & Puppets offers a display of 150 masks and puppets from every era and culture, including the infamous crawling baby animatronic puppet from the cult film Trainspotting.
The ‘Ushaw Viking Takeover’ runs from 10am to 4pm each day, with admission included in the Annual Pass or Day Pass. For non-pass holders, Annual Passes can be conveniently purchased via the Ushaw website on onsite on the day of your visit.
We will continue to update our webpage with the latest news about the event. We invite everyone to step back in time this August and experience the thrill of the Viking age at the ‘Ushaw Viking Takeover.’