Spring is in the air and there is plenty to interest all the family at The Workhouse, Southwell. From Good Friday 25 March until the end of the school holidays on 17 April there lots going on at the National Trust property. We are also open on Bank holiday Monday 28 March but are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Good Friday was a special day for the paupers at The Workhouse, as it was one of only two days of rest each year, the other being Christmas Day. But someone has to do the work, so on 25 March (12noon-4pm) it will be the visitors who will be getting their hands dirty. The paupers will be watching over the apprentices, giving helpful advice and engaging in some lively banter.

Over the Easter weekend younger visitors can also enjoy following the Mary Mouse trail, exploring the building’s nooks and crannies while trying to escape George the master’s cat. Trails cost £1.50 and include a special prize.

At the end of the school holidays, Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 April 12noon-4pm, there is an opportunity to find out more about why people ended up in The Workhouse. Speak to inmates about their outside lives and their hopes for the future. Find out more about the staff and their backgrounds and why they chose to work at this austere institution.