Families can step back in time this May half-term with a fun-filled World War II themed experience at one of Coventry’s most historic buildings.

Visitors can take part in an interactive rationing trail to search St Mary’s Guildhall in Bayley Lane for hidden ingredients for everything from margarine to black pepper using a special worksheet between 11am and 4pm from Thursday, May 28 to Sunday, May 31.

Once completed, the worksheet can be cut into a ration book to take home, along with a wartime-inspired recipe to try together as a family.

Alongside the trail, the venue’s popular craft table will be packed with hands-on activities including decoding secret messages using Morse code and creating a Spitfire aircraft.

There will also be St Mary’s Guildhall’s usual interpretation displays, inter-active game kiosks and costume areas where children and adults alike can dress up and immerse themselves in the past.

Continuing the war-time theme, there is an opportunity for visitors to explore St Mary Guildhall’s fascinating history from World War II during its popular tours at 11am and 2pm on Sunday, May 24.

The tour guide will explain more about a pivotal chapter in the city’s wartime history because it is 85 years since Coventry suffered devastating attacks on April 8 and 10 in 1941.

Visitors will learn about the damage the building sustained and how it survived, its role as a centre for resistance through anti-war discussions and exhibitions, and its significance in distributing ration books during and after the war.

The food theme moves from the basic to the grand with Sugar and Splendour: Crafting your own Tudor sugar plate workshop taking place on Thursday, May 28 and Friday, May 29.

Sugar plate was designed to impress guests at Tudor banquets with stunning centre pieces created to decorate the table.

As part of this two-hour hands-on workshop, visitors will learn about the fascinating history of sugar as a luxury ingredient and learn traditional techniques to craft their own decorative edible sugar plate element which would have formed part of a grand display. 

Abi Moore, Heritage and Venue Manager at St Mary’s Guildhall, which is operated by No Ordinary Hospitality, said: “Our May half-term activities combine creativity, history and fun for all ages and are ideal for families looking for an engaging and educational day out.

“The rationing trail is a great way of finding out more about which foods which were limited due to shortages during World War II as well as finding out just how tasty – or otherwise – a meal was during this period.

“Sugar and Splendour is perfect for history lovers, creatives and anyone with a sweet tooth since the workshop provides a great blend of storytelling, craftsmanship and sweet indulgence.

“We are excited to welcome families from across Coventry and the wider region to explore St Mary’s Guildhall and make lasting memories together at one of the area’s most treasured venues.”

To find out more and to book tickets, please visit Unlock historical secrets of St Mary’s Guildhall Coventry.