The Historic Dockyard

Feb 5, 2012 by Admin

School holiday fun as Mr Punch and Mr Charles Dickens celebrate their birthdays together at The Historic Dockyard Chatham

 The Historic Dockyard Chatham is “pleased as Punch” to declare it will be celebrating the birthdays of two of the most famous characters that represent the atmosphere of 19^th century England – Mr Charles Dickens and Mr Punch.  These birthday celebrations – 200^th for Charles Dickens and 350^th for Punch and Judy – will run during the school half term from 13 – 17 February and will be held indoors, out of the cold!

Pam Wood, Visitor Services Manager said, “Come rain or shine (or snow!), we are really looking forward to parents bringing along their cheeky Dodgers to take part in our indoor Victorian fun and games. These really funny Punch and Judy shows will have parents and children laughing all day!  They will love our wonderful, magical Dickensian story time, Victorian toys and games to play and the chance to make their very own bespoke skipping rope plus a daily Tug o’ War to test parents’ strength!  With all tickets lasting for 12 months and a really great changing programme of exhibition and activities, The Historic Dockyard has everything you need for a great family day out!”

 For one day only, on Sunday 19^th February, a special guided tour with a costumed guide will take visitors on a walk to discover ‘Dickens’ Dockyard’ providing an insight into why he was so familiar with the dockyard and why he considered it a “place of wonderment”.  This walking tour goes past the place where Charles’ father, John, once worked and continues with descriptions of the Dockyard, as it was seen through Dickens’ eyes, based on extracts from his book ‘The Uncommercial Traveller’. Tickets for the tour cost £3 for adults and £1 for children for 12 month ticket holders.  Places must be pre-booked and pre-paid by calling 01634 823845.