Combine Lego and a castle and you have the ingredients for a perfect day out for most small boys. Yesterday, we took the bridge over the water from Bristol to Wales spend 2 hours building Lego in the historic surroundings of Caerphilly castle. Lego building with an educational twist, not that my son noticed the twist, he was more than happy with the opportunity to play with Lego in new ways.
Our session was run by Eden Education Centre, South Wales’ first Lego Innovation Studio, they deliver sessions in schools using Lego to inspire. The workshop yesterday was
We climbed a twisting stone stair case, to a room tucked away in the castle, our session was with several families, girls and boys, sat four big wooden tables, fit for knights planning their next battle. The session was led by three educators from the Eden Centre.
The sessions vary, we started by making our own stop/start animation, using the Lego Movie App. A reinterpretation of the story of St David told via Lego figures, the children listened to the story then recreated their own scenes. I was in charge of photography, while my son wrote, directed and edited. We both loved it and it’s definitely and app we will download and use at home.
We moved on to the following instructions to create a catapult, making sure all the bits were the correct size, lots of counting and concentration. The finished, adjustable, catapult was tested to see how far it could spring a small Lego tyre. Finally, a free build, a bag of Lego Blocks, a picture, no instructions. Enjoyable ways to use little fingers and small minds to create, engineer and build.
I’d absolutely recommend the sessions, unfortunately, when I contacted Cadw this morning, due to sheer popularity, the sessions are booked out. Cadw are looking to organise more Lego workshops this year. Follow them on Twitter or Facebook to be in the know first.
Caerphilly castle is glorious, the biggest castle in Wales and worth a visit with or without Lego. It broods above a moat, home to noisy swans and geese. Tall turrets, sprawling ramparts and beyond the view stretches out, better to spot the enemy approaching. Classic castle, perfect for imagination boosting exploration. It dates back to the 13th Century, with a great hall, fit for Warriors and Knights, full of history and stories.
My boy described his day out as “fantastic”. It was one of those satisfying days out, as a parent, not only have you made good times happen but you’ve added in some education and it all feels a bit win/win.
Discover more about Caerphilly Castle and Castles in Wales at Cadw Wales. Entry Prices at time of writing
Adults – £5.50. Senior citizens, students and children under 16 – £4.10. Under 5’s free.
Disabled and companion – Free. Family ticket is £16.50 admits two adults and all accompanying children under 16.
We visited Caerphilly Castle as guests of Cadw. All words and opinions are my own.
beautiful!
Looks like a fun day & Lego is certainly all the rage. We saw some amazing sculptures using the little blocks. Watch my blog for pics!
That does look like a lot of fun, I’m not surprised it sold out so quickly!
What an environment to have such a fun workshop in! Brilliant! 🙂
This looks like our kind of day out, will keep an eye out for it next year.
Wow what a great idea for a fun day that’s also really educational – and as you say, he never even knew! And what better place to build a catapult than a castle… awesome. x
Ooh, I’ve only just heard about these sessions. We love LEGO and Castles! We went to my friend’s wedding at Caerphilly Castle. 🙂 I’ll look out for thes ein the future. x
Hi was just wondering when the Lego building is taking place at Caerphilly Castle
hi Emily,
follow Caerphilly Castle on FB or twitter for info.
At more or less the same time, Lucas and I were at a LEGO workshop at Slimbridge in Glos. I really hope that this becomes a thing as LEGO and a fantastic location go hand in hand, especially when the builds are themed to go along with the location! Love the catapult!