Step back in time

Bring Victorian childhood to life with our Victorian Toy Handling Box, available to hire by schools, community groups, home educators and organisations.

Packed with replica toys, hands-on activities and facilitator resources, the box encourages participants to discover what life was like for children growing up in Victorian Britain through touch, play and exploration. Whether you’re delivering a history lesson, family workshop, holiday activity or community project, the handling box offers an engaging way to explore the past together.

The handling box includes activities suitable for a range of ages and abilities. Participants can investigate mystery objects using sensory Discovery Bags, develop enquiry skills through the “I See, I Think, I Wonder” activity, write their own museum labels, collect traditional playground rhymes and create a peg doll inspired by Victorian occupations such as blanket weavers and glove makers.

Ideal for curriculum learning, family activities, intergenerational projects and community workshops, the Victorian Toy Handling Box encourages people of all ages to learn together through conversation, creativity and play. By handling objects, sharing ideas and asking questions, participants discover that history isn’t just something to read about, it’s something they can experience first-hand.

Our handling boxes are designed to bring the museum beyond our walls, making Witney’s rich heritage accessible wherever learning takes place. Whether you’re a teacher, youth leader, community organiser or volunteer, this flexible resource provides everything you need to inspire curiosity and meaningful conversations about the past.