Family Fun Day – History Comes Alive in the Heart of Tavistock

If Heritage Open Days is about opening doors to the past, then Saturday 20th September is the day when Tavistock throws those doors wide open for families. The Family Fun Day, based around Guildhall Square, promises hands-on activities, live performances, and a chance for young and old alike to step right into the story of the town.

Your journey starts with a themed Treasure Hunt in Tavistock Guildhall Heritage Centre.

At the centre of the day is “Living in the Abbey”, a creative workshop devised and delivered by our fantastic Discovery Team, in the atmospheric Courtroom of Tavistock’s Guildhall. Here, children will have the chance to discover what life was like for the monks who founded and sustained the great Abbey nearly a thousand years ago. From calligraphy and herb lore to rebuilding the Abbey block by block, the workshop offers a playful yet thoughtful introduction to Tavistock’s medieval world.

Step outside into Guildhall Square and the buzz continues — quite literally. Tavistock Beekeepers will be on hand with their live observation hive. Watch the queen and her workers at their daily tasks, learn about the structure of the hive, and discover how honey has been prized since the monks’ time. It’s a rare opportunity to see these remarkable insects up close and to appreciate the heritage of beekeeping that still flourishes in our community today.

You'll also leave with a tasty 'goody bag' as Giant flapjacks have landed in Tavistock!

Flapjackery are celebrating Tavistock Heritage Open Days with TWO enormous Millionaire’s flapjacks, each the size of 12 of their giant chunks!

You’ll spot one in their shop window and another in the Guildhall, beautifully decorated in chocolate with bees, honeycomb, and dotted lines, all inspired by this year’s theme Architecture – Buildings, Bridges and Beehives.

Come and join the fun, taste something sweet, and celebrate Tavistock’s history in the most delicious way possible.

Adding a theatrical flourish to the proceedings are the Tavistock Players. This lively troupe will be bringing characters from the town’s past into the present, mingling with visitors and sharing stories that span centuries. Expect surprises, humour, and maybe even a chance to join in yourself. With medieval dancing also promised in the churchyard of St Eustachius, the Players are sure to keep the whole family entertained.

The Tavistock Museum and the Museum of Policing in Devon and Cornwall will also be joining in the fun. Younger visitors can enjoy trails and craft activities, while adults can explore the fascinating displays on Bedford Cottages, the Tavistock Canal, and the long history of law and order in the town. Meanwhile, the Subscription Library will be open for a quieter escape, with treasures from four centuries of books to browse.

What makes the Family Fun Day so special is its variety. There truly is something for everyone: history buffs can dive deep into stories of abbots and architects; children can get hands-on with crafts, trails, and workshops; and families can enjoy a day out together without spending a penny.

The event also embodies this year’s national theme of “Architecture – Buildings, Bridges and Beehives”. From the monks’ Abbey to the beekeepers’ hive, from the Guildhall Courtroom to the streets animated by players, the day highlights the structures — both physical and social — that have shaped Tavistock.

So, mark your calendar for Saturday 20th September, 10 am – 4 pm, and head to Guildhall Square.

Bring the children, bring the grandparents, and most importantly, bring your curiosity.

The Family Fun Day is not just about looking back; it’s about weaving Tavistock’s past into a joyful, shared present.

Step into history, meet a monk (or a bee), dance with the Players, and discover the stories that have made Tavistock what it is today. Heritage, after all, is best celebrated together.

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