Sleepover at the Museum
Come for a unique overnight experience that you will never forget. Your sleepover begins after the museum has closed and you will enjoy a special night complete with a torch lit treasure hunt, hands on activities, games and a special bedtime story, before settling down to sleep amongst our Roman baths and other exhibitions. Aimed at 7-11 year olds, a night at the museum is one to remember!
Sleepover Information
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Themes
Choose from one of the following themes:
- Shiver Me Slumbers
Discover the story of the famous Hawkhurst smugglers and where they buried their treasure. - I Came, I Saw, I Slept
Spend the night as a member of the Roman Army and build your very own Colosseum. - Sleepanova
Follow in the footsteps of astronaut Tim Peake. Make your own rocket and build a Space Station. - Napping Neanderthals
Gather your tools for a caveman hunt and solve the Racton Man murder mystery.
Sleepovers begin at 7pm and finish at approximately 8am the following morning.
Booking
Please contact the learning team on noviumlearning@chichester.gov.uk by email or telephone 01243 775888 to check the availability of yor desired date.
Group Numbers & Charges
Sleepovers require a minimum of 20 children or the equivalent price. We can sleep a maximum of 40 in the museum. Sleepovers are suitable for children aged 7 - 11 and cost just £29 (+VAT) per child (includes breakfast). Please note that children must be supervised at all times, we require a ratio of 1 adult to 6 children. For birthday parties, we require a ratio of 1 adult to 4 children.
Food
Please eat before arriving at the museum. An evening snack and breakfast will be provided by the museum so please do not bring any food with you.
Parking Information
Coach and mini-bus drop off is outside the cathedral on West Street, a 3 minute walk from The Novium.
The nearest mini-bus and coach parking is opposite Westgate Leisure Centre on Via Ravenna in the Waitrose car park, a 15 minute walk from The Novium. Please see the Chichester District Council car parks page for further information.
On street parking is available near the museum which is free between 5.30pm and 9.00am, or the nearest available car park is Northgate.
FAQs
Will children be able to buy anything at the shop?
The shop is usually closed during sleepovers (as it is outside of normal opening hours) however the shop can be used if this is arranged IN ADVANCE with museum staff. Even then, only cash payments can be taken and correct change would be appreciated.
Do we need to bring a nightlight?
You are welcome to bring your own nightlight or we can provide some for the group. The main lights cannot be left on individually so the galleries can get quite dark.
Can we use candles for a birthday cake?
No, this can set off the fire alarms.
Can we decorate the museum with balloons for birthday parties?
No, we cannot risk balloons being let loose as this can set off intruder alarms. Balloons can only be placed outside the building.
Where do staff/leaders/adults sleep?
Leaders and adults must sleep in the galleries to supervise the children and be available at all times. Museum staff sleep in the next room which is accessible all night.
Do the adults need to supervise activities?
Yes, we ask for adults to take part in activities to help supervise the children, and to ensure all children are involved and happy.
Do male or female staff run the sleepover?
Sleepovers can be run by both male and female staff, all of whom have enhanced DBS checks. If you require only female or male staff, please advise us at the time of booking.
Can boys/girls sleep on different floors?
We can split boys and girls to sleep on separate floors if required, however both groups will need adults sleeping in the gallery with them. Please raise this when booking.
Can we have water/food in the galleries?
There is no food permitted in the galleries at all, and only plastic bottles of water may be allowed in the gallery overnight. Please do take great care around the objects on open display. No open containers (glasses, cups etc.) are permitted in any circumstances.
Do we really need to leave by 8am?
We ask that everyone is collected and out of the museum by 8am as museum staff need time to clean and tidy the museum before opening the next morning.
Can I bring an inflatable air bed?
These can take up a lot of space so we would prefer that they are not used.
Are there plug sockets available at night?
There are no plug sockets in the galleries at night-time.
Where should I park when dropping off my child?
Please do not park directly outside the museum as this is a narrow road and can quickly become impassable with too many cars. There is free, parking (one hour maximum) after 6pm on West Street which is a short walk to the museum.
Can I bring deodorant?
Unfortunately we have a blanket ban on aerosols including deodorants and dry hair shampoos as this can set off the fire alarms.
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