Living History Experience
Home Front 1940
At Henley Fort in Guildford, history comes alive through engaging living history experiences!
Step back in time and immerse yourself in the impactful events of the Second World War that affected our local communities.
This hands-on experience is perfect for Key Stage 2 children, allowing them to wear the helmets of Home Guards and Air Raid Wardens, getting a real taste of what life was like during this significant period.
It's an interactive and educational way to connect with the past and make history exciting for the young ones!
A day on the Home Front
Wearing uniforms and handling relics from the past, children will take on two very distinct roles during their experience:
Home Guards
Learn through drills in the courtyard and how to protect their country from the enemy, and set up road blocks to stop the spies invading, and much more.
Air Raid Wardens
Anderson and Morrison shelters, learn about gas masks, blackouts, move casualties on war time stretchers and put out real fires using 1940's style equipment stirrup pumps.
Make an enquiry about Home Front Experiences
Go Back to the 1940's and take part in Henley Fort's one night residential
This experience includes:
- Making a gas mask box and ID card at school before arriving by train at Guildford Train Station or coach
- Meeting our tutors at the station to be handpicked by your temporary adoptive country family.
- Walk to Henley Fort taking in the local history along the way (we will take your luggage).
- Living experience of becoming an Air Raid Warden and Home Guard (as day visit).
- Exploring rationing including 'Digging for Victory' in the Fort's veggie patch.
- Assist in the preparation of a typical war time rationing shortbread.
- Overnight accommodation in Henley Fort's Yurt village.
- Fully catered .
- Return to the railway station or coach and back to the 21st century.
- Complimentary workbooks to follow up back at school after an exciting glimpse of what life was like during the Second World War for children of their age.