Horrible Histories returns to Leeds Castle for half term

Hard on the heels of the enormous popularity of The Knights’ Quest, the Horrible Histories experiential partnership with Leeds Castle in Kent during this year’s Easter holidays, there has been another successful new partnership for the wildly popular and award-winning children’s history brand and Leeds Castle over half term, again supported by Rocket Licensing, the brand’s licensing agent in the UK and Eire.

From Tuesday 27 May to Sunday 1 June, visitors to this much-loved venue enjoyed A Measly Medieval Mission, a horribly hilarious romp through history during which they were introduced to some of the deadly truths of life in the Measly Middle Ages with all-new activities inspired by the bestselling Horrible Histories books written by Terry Deary, illustrated by Martin Brown, and published by Scholastic.

Families and children travelled back to 1278, when the fierce Queen Consort Eleanor of Castile lived in Leeds Castle, a time filled with dreadful diseases, potent poisons and astonishingly absurd cures, some of which visitors were given a chance to concoct.

Storytelling, games, quizzes and many other activities were part of a packed programme of events, including a look at some of the less savoury details about what life was like for knights, peasants and horses during medieval times. And of course Leeds Castle itself (including the infamous poo drop) was part of an adventure visitors won’t forget, filled with the horrible history that fans of the hit books and TV shows have come to know and love.

Horrible Histories merchandise, souvenirs and, of course, books, were on sale at the Leeds Castle visitor shop throughout the event.

With over 900 years of history as a dwelling for medieval and Tudor queens and the home of 1930s Anglo-American heiress Lady Baillie, who transformed Leeds Castle into one of the most desirable country houses of the 20th century, Leeds Castle was opened to the public in the 1970s. Today it is a popular visitor destination offering history and heritage, exhibitions, talks, wildlife, gardens, sculpture trails, games, adventures and more in 500 acres of stunning seasonal parkland.

The success of the Horrible Histories brand in the family activity area also includes 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, the Horrible Histories Mystery Museum – Escape Live escape rooms in Liverpool and Coventry, and the Terrible Thames Tour in London.

Now entering its fourth decade of success, the world’s bestselling children’s history-book series is celebrated for its ground-breaking funny and factual approach to history with a unique appeal to kids (and big kids) and an unflinching eye for all things horrible. Today, 31 years since the books first appeared, over 30 million copies are in print across 31 countries. Published by Scholastic, new books for 2025 include Horrible Histories city guides for Bath and Glasgow, the On This Horrible Day gift book due out in September and Terrible Traitors, releasing at the end of the year.

The massive success of the books, written by Terry Deary and Illustrated by Martin Brown, has in turn inspired long-running stage shows and tours, BAFTA- award-winning hit TV series, a star-studded feature film, numerous experiential partnerships and, of course, a licensing campaign managed by Rocket Licensing.

Licensees include Tonie story characters based on Rotten Romans, Terrible Tudors and the all-new Vicious Vikings; board games and card games from University Games; Top Trumps, collectible coins from 288 Group; and two Monopoly games from Winning Moves including the recently launched Ancient Civilisation Monopoly game.

There’s also another hit book and TV brand in the Horrible stable: Horrible Science – a new series of which is now on CBBC – that has itself inspired two popular trails in the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew and Wakehurst, Kew’s wild botanic garden in the heart of Sussex.

Elizabeth Scoggins, Nonfiction, Brands and Licensing Publisher, Scholastic UK, says: “Our first visit to Leeds Castle was a hit with families from all over the UK, so we were delighted to be back for half term with a trail that was funny, informative and just a bit gruesome – though I’m sure that’s exactly what visitors were looking forward to. Our thanks to Leeds Castle for hosting what was another amazing event.”

Mark Delin, Marketing Director at Leeds Castle, says: “We’ve been thrilled to see just how well the Horrible Histories events have connected with our visitors. The Measly Medieval Mission brought history to life in the most hilariously horrible way – combining fun, facts, and plenty of grim detail that kids absolutely love. It’s a brilliant fit for Leeds Castle, where real medieval stories echo through the walls. We’re proud to partner with such a beloved and imaginative brand to create unforgettable family experiences.”

Melissa Satterly, Brand Manager, Rocket Licensing, adds: “After the success of The Knights’ Quest, another chance to bring together a venue that goes back 900 years with a mediaeval themed trail was too good an opportunity to miss. The strength of the Horrible Histories brand and the massive family appeal of Leeds Castle have once again come together to inspire a horrible – and hilarious – day out for families.”