King Charles opens Sandringham estate for half-term with a full schedule of family activities
King Charles is welcoming visitors to Sandringham this half-term with archery, forest school and royal exhibitions
With the bank holiday and May half-term fast approaching, King Charles is opening one of his homes to the public with an extensive range of activities for visitors of all ages.
The Sandringham estate, the King's country home in Norfolk, shared a carousel of highlights on Instagram on Wednesday, setting out a packed itinerary for the occasion.
What's on at Sandringham this half-term
The programme includes mini golf, a forest school and a special exhibition opening to mark the centenary of Queen Elizabeth II's birth, held within the Sandringham Arboretum. Family archery sessions on 24 and 31 May are also featured — and carry a particular royal connection.
Of the archery offering, the estate's official Instagram account wrote: "A fantastic fun activity, whether you're a complete beginner or returning to improve your aim, the fully trained GB instructor will be with you throughout the archery experience."
A nod to Princess Charlotte
The inclusion of archery is a subtle nod to Princess Charlotte, who demonstrated her skill with a bow and arrow during a 2023 outing alongside her parents, the Prince and Princess of Wales.
The family participated in the Big Help Out during a visit to the 3rd Upton Scouts Hut in Slough — a day encouraging people to volunteer in their communities. Charlotte's brothers, Prince George, 12, and Prince Louis, eight, also took part, as did William and Kate.
Will Princess Charlotte visit Sandringham this half-term?
Whilst Princess Charlotte is likely to spend the half-term break at the family's home at Forest Lodge rather than in Norfolk, the Wales family do frequently spend their summer holidays at Anmer Hall — a country retreat just a five-minute drive from Sandringham House.
Anmer Hall, a ten-bedroom property complete with an outdoor swimming pool, a private tennis court and vegetable gardens, was a wedding gift to William and Kate from the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Inside Anmer Hall
Unlike Sandringham House, Anmer Hall remains closed to the public as the private residence of the Wales family. However, its interiors and grounds were briefly glimpsed in 2024, when filmmaker Will Warr captured a touching montage to announce that the Princess of Wales had completed her chemotherapy treatment.
In the footage, the family of five were seen playing cards with Kate's parents, Michael and Carole Middleton, in the home's dining room.
The space offered a striking contrast to the grand formality of Windsor Castle's banquet hall, featuring instead a bohemian aesthetic with a dresser displaying crockery, printed plates adorning the walls, leafy houseplants, fresh flowers, patterned curtains and warm lamplight throughout.
