Home Educating Families: Step into 1066!
A very special one-off Bayeux Tapestry experience at Rochester Cathedral
What if you could experience the story of the Bayeux Tapestry inside a Norman cathedral — without having to travel to London?
Join us at Rochester Cathedral on 14th October 2026 for a unique home education event celebrating one of the most famous stories in English history: 1066 and the Norman Conquest.
At 10.30am, we’ll join a live screening broadcast from the British Museum, giving families a special opportunity to explore the story of the Bayeux Tapestry as the museum prepares to welcome the original 70-metre-long medieval embroidery for the first time in almost 1,000 years.
And that's only the beginning…
⚔️ See history come alive
After the screening, families can explore Rochester Cathedral with our special Norman-themed trail, discovering the building and its history as you look for clues, characters and connections to the world of 1066.
Then, for those booking the full experience, we'll take things further with a tailored hands-on workshop, with activities specially designed for three different age groups, plus an educational booklet to take home.
👑 And there's a Norman crown too!
Not able to stay for the whole day?
Join us for an afternoon drop-in Norman Crown Making session, suitable for all ages.
Why Rochester?
There is nowhere quite like a Norman cathedral to explore the story of the Norman Conquest. Rochester Cathedral has its own remarkable connections to the period, making it the perfect setting to investigate what happened after 1066 — and how the Normans changed England.
This event also offers an exciting first taste of what's to come during 2027's European Year of the Normans, marking 1,000 years since the birth of William the Conqueror and inspiring celebrations across Normandy and beyond.
🎟️ Choose your experience
🎬 + ⚔️ + 🛡️ Full Taster Day — £12 per child
Includes
· Live screening,
· Norman trail,
· Age-tailored interactive workshop
· Takeaway Educational Booklet.
· One accompanying adult goes FREE.
👑 Norman Crown Making Drop-in; Afternoon — £2.50 per activity
Suitable for all ages.
Spaces are limited
We have space for up to 75 students for the special screening, with one accompanying adult free per booking. One adult can accompany up to 3 children. Other adults may visit with you, but they will not be able to take part in the screening or workshops for health and safety reasons. We do have other areas of the cathedral available for them to wait, including an onsite café. We also have a buggy park.
There are 75 places available for the full taster-day experience, so early booking is recommended. There are three sessions, one for each of the following age groups:
· 4-7 years old
· 8-11 years old
· 12+ years old
If you have children within several age ranges please choose the workshop that is most appropriate for all of them, or bring another adult to attend the workshop with them, when booking your spaces online.
Come and discover 1066, the Normans and the Bayeux Tapestry in one of the country's most atmospheric Norman settings — and get a taste of what's to come in 2027!
Book now to avoid disappointment.
