Castle Drogo garden. Photo: April Braund

Castle Drogo is being taken over by children

If you come down to Castle Drogo on Thursday 17 October you’re in for a big surprise- you’ll find children doing jobs and taking on roles that adults usually do.

Takeover Day is when museums, galleries, historic homes, archives and heritage sites across England are taken over by children and young people. Supported by Arts Council England funding, charity Kids in Museums launched Takeover Day in 2010 to help historic institutions give children meaningful roles in their organisations. Last year, over 160 heritage organisations and 5,500 young people took part.

The National Trust team at Castle Drogo, working in partnership with Learn Devon, have invited Year 5 children from Okehampton Primary school to take over the castle for the day. As part of a Family Learning course delivered by Cindy Squire, the children and their parents/carers have spent the past 4 weeks researching the stories of Castle Drogo and practicing giving people a warm welcome.

Paula Clarke, Community Involvement Manager at Castle Drogo, said ‘The team are really looking forward to handing over the running of the castle to the children. I have been so impressed with their energy, enthusiasm and understanding of what a huge responsibility they are undertaking.’

One of the children taking part said ‘I am really excited about Takeover Day at Castle Drogo so I can learn about a place so fascinating that is right on my doorstep.’

At Castle Drogo we’re passionate about including children and teenagers from group visits, art projects, and drama performances. This is the first Castle Drogo Kids in Museums Takeover day.

To find out more about Takeover Day visit www.visitkidsinmuseums.org.uk/takeoverday

You can follow the conversation on social media by looking at the hashtag #TakeoverDay and following @KidsInMuseums.

If you would like to come along to our Takeover Day on Thursday 17 October please email Paula Clarke, Community Involvement Manager on paula.clarke@nationaltrust.org.uk. There will be lots of photo opportunities.