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Victorian Day at Hopetoun

Sunday 23rd August 2026 | 12pm – 4pm Step back in time and experience life at Hopetoun during the Victorian era as part of our popular Family Discovery Days programme. Perfect for families with curious young historians, this interactive day is packed with hands-on activities, fascinating stories and opportunities to discover how people lived and worked at Hopetoun House more than 100 years ago. Award winning children’s author Barbara Henderson, will join us to read from her Victorian novels Rivet Boy and Punch, sign copies and offer young visitors a hands on Victorian puppetry activity. Construction of the iconic bridge took eight years (1882–1890) and would have been watched with great interest by the Hopetoun family and staff at Hopetoun House. We will also be joined by The Briggers, whose engaging storytelling brings to life the remarkable people who built the Forth Rail Bridge. Explore the House at your own pace with a Victorian-themed family trail, where our knowledgeable guides and volunteers, dressed in period costume, will help bring history vividly to life. Then head outdoors to follow a history trail through the Grounds and discover more about Victorian life at Hopetoun. For those keen to explore even further, our Ranger will lead a special guided walk through the Grounds. Spaces are limited to 20 visitors and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis on the day.