The Saxons Weekend

Step into the world of the Saxons this summer with a family-friendly weekend of live action, storytelling and hands-on discovery at Discover Bucks Museum.

Across the weekend, the museum garden will be transformed into a bustling living history encampment, where you can explore daily life in Anglo-Saxon Britain. Meet skilled re-enactors from Ulfhrafnar and The Dark Ages Society as they demonstrate traditional crafts, showcase sword-making techniques and bring the past vividly to life. Don’t miss their thrilling weapons demonstrations, or the dramatic live acting scenes and storytelling sessions unfolding throughout the day.

Saturday 1 August 10am – 5pm

Sunday 2 August 10am – 4pm

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Weapons Demonstration

See the mighty warriors of Ulfhrafnar demonstrate the weapons of the Saxon & Viking age. From the humble spear to the mighty long axe, our warriors will show how these weapons of war may have been used.

Village Life

Step back in time and visit the Saxon encampment that will be taking over our garden all day with master crafters demonstrating a variety of period crafts including textile crafts to keep people clothed. Displays of period food & drinks demonstrating daily life. Plus have a go at traditional board games used to keep warriors entertained when they weren’t fighting.

Beowulf Puppet show

Rattlebox Theatre presents part of the famous Anglo-Saxon epic ‘BEOWULF’ in this small but perfectly formed adaption! This show employs engaging storytelling, combined with clever puppetry; using many beautifully made puppets, sets and props. The performance is accompanied by early music maestro Steve Tyler- creating an evocative live soundtrack; playing instruments including a Anglo-Saxon lyre, hurdy gurdy, harp and percussion.

Suitable for 7 years to adult. Show 45 mins

(WARNING- contains some scenes of graphic puppet violence)

“A gripping retelling of Beowulf in painstakingly created miniature.” Andy Terney

“Epic storytelling & great atmosphere created by the live music – engrossing” Beverley puppet fest.

Village Life

Handle Weapons & Armour

Throughout the day there will be opportunities to hold the weapons and shields, displayed by our warriors, so why not take the opportunity to snap a photo of yourself in a shield wall or trying on a helmet.

Crafts

Get hands-on with a range of creative activities designed to bring Saxon skills to life. Children can decorate their very own Saxon sword and shield, hunt for Saxon coins in our dig pit using mini metal detectors and create a coin rubbing to take home.

With a packed programme of performances, demonstrations and hands-on activities, The Saxons Weekend offers a unique chance to experience the sights, sounds and stories of the early medieval world.

Buy Tickets

The Saxons Weekend activities are included in your normal Museum or Roald Dahl Children’s Gallery entry.

The Saxons Exhibition

Don’t forget to visit our immersive Saxons exhibition while you’re here (included in your ticket), come and discover the stories behind three remarkable Saxon burial sites, each revealing a different level of status and way of life.