The Alchemists Apprentice

This is a 90 minute workshop for children designed especially for British Science Week themed around the ancient medieval "science" of alchemy!

The Story So Far…

The King's appointed alchemist Crispus Bacon has received a letter from longtime friend Michel Nostradimus asking for help. It appears while making his notorious health jam he has blown up his laboratory….again! As Friar Bacon packs his bags to leave he instructs his apprentice Sam Hamwich on his task: to find the PHILOSOPHER'S STONE! To help, Friar Bacon has left a series of clues in his codex. The codex is his life's work, including the knowledge of generations of alchemists - every answer to every clue is in the codex.

Can you, in a single turn of the hourglass, follow the clues and help Sam Hamwich find the Philosopher's Stone? Discover ancient views on biology, physics, chemistry and psychology, and learn of a time when science and the supernatural met and mystics, martyrs and distinctly odd people shaped our world.

Please Note

You only need to book tickets for children attending the activity, not adults accompanying them. Children and adults must have an annual pass for Newcastle Castle. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times during the activity.

There are two sessions each day, morning and afternoon.
10:30 - 12:00: This session is more relaxed for participants aged 8+ and participants with SEND. No references to death, poison or possible threat.

13:00 - 14:30: This session is more involved for older participants (12+). This will involve talk about death, threat and the supernatural.

Please book the appropriate session for your child's age or needs!

What's included

Booking a slot is free, but you will require an annual pass for Newcastle Castle to secure entry.

You can either buy your annual pass when you arrive on the day, or bring your existing annual pass with you if you have already bought one.

Itinerary

Each session will last approximately 90 minutes -

1. A 20 minute introduction to alchemy and the activity
2. 1 Hour escape room style activity following clues based on science throughout history.
3. 10 minute question time at the end.

Please ensure you book the appropriate session for the age and ability of your child/children

The morning session is more relaxed for children aged 8+ and children with SEND

The afternoon session is more involved for older children aged 12+

Additional information

Check-in details

Come to the entrance to the Castle Keep 10 minutes before the start of your session and you will be met by Sam Hamwich.

What to bring

Dress nice and warm! The Castle is very cold!

Special requirements

All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times during the activity.