Butser News - Warm Up this Winter! ❄🌲🌛

Wrap up by the fireside at Butser Ancient Farm!

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'We feel cold, but we don't mind it, because we will not come to harm. And if we wrapped up against the cold, we wouldn't feel other things, like the bright tingle of the stars, or the music of the aurora, or best of all the silky feeling of moonlight on our skin. It's worth being cold for that.'
Philip Pullman, Northern Lights

Can you believe the year has already flown by? We've had a fantastic autumn season at the farm, but we are now looking forward to the fresh, cold days of winter and quiet afternoons by the crackling fire. Thanks to photographer Ron French for our header photo, which was actually captured using infrared technology. Why not join us for one of our exciting winter events? We'll be celebrating Saturnalia in December, also known as the 'Roman Christmas', as well as our Tales of Winter Magic storytelling afternoon. And don't forget to book tickets for our Celtic spring festival Imbolc in February! There's no better place to be on a cold winter's day than snuggled up to the roundhouse fire with a hot chocolate...

Win a Bronze Axe!
Enter our prize draw to win your own bronze palstave axe, crafted by our bronze caster James Clift. Tickets can be bought in the shop or online here. Can you imagine a more unique Christmas present? Draw takes place on Thursday 1 December.
More info...

Tales of Winter Magic
On Monday 19 December we'll have a festive afternoon of winter solstice storytelling with Red Phoenix! Enjoy a hot chocolate around the roaring fire and have a go at making a natural Christmas craft, plus receive a gift to take home. More info...

The Roman Christmas
Join us in the Roman villa on Friday 16 December to take part in our Saturnalia ceremony! Can you solve a riddle, win gold and awaken the god of Saturn? Each child will also receive a gift from Butser Ancient Farm.
More info...

Book now! Events & Workshops

Our Saxon treewright's workshop is slowly coming together! Based on archaeological evidence from the same Saxon settlement site one mile away in Chalton, it is a timber-framed building that will enable staff and volunteers to develop and practise their woodworking skills, as well as learning about the techniques used by Saxon craftsmen. Thanks to everyone who has donated to have their own roof shingle tile personalised - they will be added soon!

Imbolc Spring Festival
It's never too early to think about spring! Join us on Saturday 4 February to celebrate the end of winter. The afternoon's entertainment will include storytelling, poetry, singing and a light vegetarian meal, all included in the ticket price. More info...

Design the Wicker Man
Each May we celebrate the ancient Celtic festival of Beltain, and this year we would like you to design the concept drawing for our Wicker Man. We want something original and eye-catching to wow the crowds! Got an idea? More info...

Research Available
You can now find information on our website about a selection of research projects recently carried out at the farm. Interested in experimental archaeology? Take a look at what we've discovered - from Stone Age to Saxons! More info...