If you’ve ever imagined stepping back in time to experience how our prehistoric ancestors lived, hunted, and defended themselves against wild animals, then a visit to The Bowes Museum’s Prehistoric People exhibition is a must this summer. The exhibition runs from 2 May until 27 September 2015.

Learn about prehistoric people through a variety of spectacular objects including flint tools, metal swords, jewellery, examples of rock art and much more!

Artist Liam Murray will be painting evocative images from the Stone, Bronze and Iron Ages, to help visitors understand the objects’ context. Objects from the Museum’s collection will be displayed alongside pieces from the Yorkshire Museum.

This exhibition will interest people of all ages, from those interested in local ancient history, to school groups studying the prehistoric era and families keen to explore life during that time period.

To accompany this absorbing exhibition, visitors can take part in a varied range of prehistoric activities:

Adults can enjoy a hands-on experience of Prehistoric Pottery with expert Graham Taylor during this practical workshop on Saturday 16 May. Be transported back in time to see authentic prehistoric pottery and explore how people prepared clay to make pots, before creating your own replica. Sessions take place from 10.00 – 12.30 or 1.30 – 4.00 at a cost of £17.50 per adult, which includes refreshments. To book a place, call 01833 690606; payment is required at the time of booking.

Prehistoric People Crafts are the order of the day on 20 July from 10.30 – 3.30, with an opportunity to explore the exhibition and to try your hand at making Stone, Bronze and Iron Age inspired creations to take home in this drop in family activity. No booking is required for the session, which will be repeated on 6 and 21 August. Children must be accompanied by an adult, for whom normal admission applies.

On 28 July, the Museum’s ever-popular Family Fun Day takes place between 11.00 – 4.00 following the theme Stone Age to Iron Age. Come along to a day crammed with fun and informative activities, including storytelling with children’s author Adam Bushnell, creating a hunting headdress, making a cave painting and following a themed trail. Children must be accompanied by an adult, for whom normal admission applies.

Creative Cave Painting takes place on 14, 24 and 25 August between 10.30 - 3.30. Enjoy a unique opportunity to create your own cave painting in this exciting drop-in workshop. Children must be accompanied by an adult, for whom normal admission applies.