St Mary’s Guildhall’s Victorian tradition of hosting Easter tea parties for children will be brought to life in a family-friendly trail revealing fascinating stories and surprising facts about the history of tea.

As part of the celebration, ‘Mystic Marion’ will immerse visitors in the ancient art of Tasseography, the reading of tea leaves. Mystic Marion will be available at 11.00 and 2.00pm on April 1st, 4th, 5th, and 7th to 11th inclusive.

Families can also take part in a range of hands-on craft activities, including decorating Easter eggs and designing their own teacup and saucer using special templates and fun games such as ‘tea pong’.

Alongside the crafts and trail, visitors can enjoy interactive digital games and costumes to explore up close, bringing the Guildhall’s fascinating past to life.

For one day only families can get up close with majestic birds of prey as a spectacular falconry experience returns to the city’s historic Cathedral Quarter.

An expert falconer will bring a selection of incredible birds to St Mary’s Guildhall on Thursday 2 April, giving visitors the chance to meet barn owls and peregrine falcons in the medieval heart of Coventry.

Taking place inside the Guildhall’s Great Hall, the sessions will introduce guests to up to six birds of prey while learning about the ancient art of falconry. Visitors will also have the opportunity to hold one of the birds after the talk for a memorable photo opportunity.

Birds appearing on the day could include a barn owl, kestrel, eagle owl or peregrine falcon. The sessions, suitable for ages seven and over, will run at 10.15am, 11.45am and 1.45pm, and each ticket includes 30 minutes to explore the historic Guildhall after the experience.

Tickets cost £12.50 per person, with free entry for carers. Spaces are limited and advance booking is recommended.

Abi Moore, Heritage and Venue Manager at No Ordinary Hospitality, which operates St Mary’s Guildhall, said: “It’s a great time to be visiting the Guildhall as we have just won Gold for Small Visitor Attraction at the West Midlands Tourism Awards - so now is the time for those who haven’t been yet to experience our fantastic history and unique family-friendly events for themselves.

“Following the fantastic response to our previous falconry events, we’re delighted to welcome these magnificent birds back.

“Falconry has a long and fascinating history, particularly in medieval settings like the Guildhall, so it’s wonderful to bring this tradition to life for visitors.

“At the same time, we have lots of other activities taking place across the Easter holidays, from crafts and trails to tea leaf reading and games, giving families plenty of ways to explore the Guildhall and create special memories together.”

Visitors can also enjoy lunch, brunch or afternoon tea at the Guildhall’s Tales of Tea restaurant during their visit.

For more information and to book tickets, visit the website.