
Horrible Histories® has transcended different generations, providing a fun and interactive way of learning about the past by way of digestible facts and fabulous illustrations that capture the imaginations of the children (and adults!) who lay eyes on it.
Now, another showing in the flesh is coming to the city, with Osterley Park & House playing host to a time-travelling Gorgeous Georgians experience – which handily lands just in time for the February half-term and runs all the way through to the end of the summer.
The Gorgeous Georgians Horrible Histories® experience
Taking inspiration from, of course, The Gorgeous Georgians edition of the franchise, this experience comes in the form of a trail around an actual Georgian manor house. Made up of an activity trail for the whole family to whizz through, you can catch it between February 17 and August 31.
You can wonder around the National Trust grounds to discover quirks and scandals of Georgian life through ten different activities, which include the Temple of Pan’s Marvellous Make-Up gallery, which lets you see how you would look in Georgian dress and style by way of an interactive mirror that’ll show your reflection with a towering wig.
You can also spin the Wheel Of Woe to learn which job you could have had as one of the ‘Cheerless Children’ at the time, with choices ranging from rat catcher to chimney sweeper. On the Long Walk you’ll also be able to sift through learnings about the Horrible Highwayman, including Dick Turpin and the infamous Pirate, Blackbeard!
Georgia Matthews, Visitor Experience & Operations Manager at Osterley Park and House, said: “We’re delighted to be hosting Horrible Histories® Gorgeous Georgians at Osterley Park and House this year. We really enjoyed researching some of the Georgian occupants of Osterley and bringing their stories to life especially Lady Sarah-Anne, who eloped with her lover to Gretna Green.
“The team have had so much fun creating all the different activities including building a replica Georgian potty that flushes and picking out the most disgusting Foul Foods. We can’t wait to welcome families to Osterley to enjoy the trail and see what captures their imaginations.”
Written by Terry Deary, illustrated by Martin Brown, and published by Scholastic, the first Horrible Histories® titles (The Terrible Tudors and The Awesome Egyptians) came out in 1993, and have been teaching us ever since! Look out for the classic HH DNA across this trail, with plenty of great and gruesome surprises!
The Horrible Histories® interactive trail runs between February 17 – August 31 at Osterley House & Gardens, Jersey Road, Isleworth, Middlesex, TW7 4RB (the nearest station is Osterley). You can find out more about the National Trust grounds, including prices and entry times, here.