What’s on during half term?

Tuesday 27 October 2015

A brand new exhibition opened this weekend telling the story of Jersey’s Ice Age and is one of a number of events making sure you and your little ones are not left out in the cold during Half Term.

You can delve into Jersey: Ice Age Island at Jersey Museum and find out more about our Neanderthal cousins and why the Island is set to become one of the most significant cultural heritage destinations in Europe.

The exhibition showcases the archaeological sites at La Cotte and Les Varines and is based on a concept created by the Natural History Museum in London.

Archaeologists have been digging around in the Island for the last three years thanks to £199,000 from the Tourism Development Fund and have uncovered hunting sites and submerged Ice Age landscapes, ranging form the earliest occupation by Neanderthals over 250,000 years ago, to the arrival of the first modern human.

The big project features a life-size Neanderthal model and includes dedicated Ice Age walking trails around the Island, an Ice Age walking guide and virtual tours that you can see here. 

Ancient crafts expert James Dilley will be at the Museum with his Ice Age encampment, helping young visitors learn the ancient crafts of flint snapping and shell jewellery making.

You can also get out and about and have a wander around some local woodland with the National Trust next Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

The charity’s “Woodland Wanders” are for children aged 4-11 and are two hour walks through crunchy leaves and squelchy mud around Hamptonne Woods.

The walks start at 10am and 2pm and are free for Trust members and £5 for non-members and you can book a place by calling 483193.

Prepare yourself for some screaming adventures from Wednesday when the Trust's "Tales of the Unexpected" Halloween special begins at 6pm.

Your 'ghost hunt' will lead you along the dark paths of Jersey's supernatural past with tales that will freeze your blood and shatter your nerves.

The Tales from Wednesday to Saturday begin at Le Quétivel Mill Pond Car Park in St Peter’s Valley. It costs £10 for adults and £5 for children and you can book a place by calling 483193. 

Durrell have a number of workshops for 7-11 year olds running until Thursday. Youngsters can also discover how deadly species survive, help make food parcels for some Durrell residents, make an arty scrapbook inspired by the animals and leap into the world of lemurs and Madagascar. The sessions cost £12.50 and you can book in advance here.