Rocket Licensing, the licensing agent in the UK and Eire for the popular award-winning children’s history brand Horrible Histories (published by Scholastic), has announced a new Horrible Histories experiential partnership with Leeds Castle in Kent.
Leeds Castle’s Official Horrible Histories Easter Escapades: The Knights’ Quest, takes place throughout the Easter holidays from 5–21 April and is inspired by the Knights of Leeds Castle and the bestselling Horrible Histories books by Terry Deary, illustrated by Martin Brown.
Families and children can take part in a mission as they dress up and learn knightly skills. Those who complete the quest will be rewarded with a Leeds Castle gold coin and earn an official Leeds Castle knighthood.
Plans are already advanced to continue the Horrible Histories missions into the May half term holiday (27 May–1 June), when visitors will have a chance to discover all about life in the Measly Middle Ages.
Horrible Histories merchandise, souvenirs and books will be on sale at the Leeds Castle visitor shop throughout the April event.
The Leeds Castle event follows the ongoing success of the six-month Horrible Histories-inspired Gorgeous Georgians event at West London’s Osterley Park and House and the recently announced fifth year of the Terrible Thames boat trip.
Other brand extensions in the family activity area include a Horrible Histories trail as part of the British Museum’s Legion exhibition in 2024, the popular Horrible Histories Maze at Warwick Castle, Horrible Histories – Pirates at The National Museum of the Royal Navy in Hartlepool, and Horrible Histories Mystery Museum – Escape Live escape rooms in Liverpool and Coventry.
Elizabeth Scoggins, nonfiction brands and licensing publisher, Scholastic UK, says: “Horrible Histories is ideal for the stunning Leeds Castle; the grounds are a perfect venue for an event designed to entertain children of all ages with a combination of games, activities and historical information. We’re delighted to be partnering this beloved venue for a quest that will entertain would-be knights of all ages.”
Melissa Satterly, brand manager, Rocket Licensing, adds: “With its combination of 900 years of heritage, beautiful parkland and fantastic attractions, Leeds Castle is a perfect venue for Horrible Histories fans to experience a bit of (safe) medieval sieging in glorious surroundings. This is a family event like no other which, I’m sure, will be a big holiday hit.”
