Brilliant Bottle Rockets at Ushaw Historic House – review

1st March 2026 0 By Rachael Stray

We kick-started our half term with a visit back to Ushaw Historic House for Brilliant Bottle Rockets.

A couple of years ago we took part in this hands-on session and had such a fantastic time, so I was absolutely delighted to see it return for February half term as part of Space Week.

Full disclosure I recently won a competition on social media which gifted us a family annual membership to Ushaw Historic House.

We paid for this session ourselves, but having the membership makes spontaneous visits (and events like this!) even more appealing.

Brilliant Bottle Rockets ran on Monday 23, Tuesday 24, Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26 February (excluding the 26th), with sessions at 10:30am–11:30am and 1:30pm–2:30pm.

It costs £6 per child, all materials are provided, and you just need a day pass or annual membership.

Outdoor clothing is essential – and for good reason!

Our brilliant bottle rocket session

It was a windy but fairly mild February day when we arrived.

We were really pleased to see the improvements to the entry road and car parks – they were definitely in need of repair on our last visit, so it was great to notice the difference straight away.

After parking up, we made our way to the main building to check in.

We were warmly welcomed by one of the volunteers and directed to the refectory for the session.

One of the things I love most about Ushaw is simply walking through it – it’s such an impressive place.

We passed artwork, historical artefacts and even a detailed model replica of the entire grounds and buildings, which Elsie was super impressed by.

We arrived a little early for our 1:30pm session but were welcomed straight in and checked off the list.

The volunteer (whose name I didn’t catch but who was absolutely lovely) showed us the different bottles and colourful card available to use.

Elsie immediately chose a purple-lidded bottle and multi-coloured card for her rocket fins.

We settled at one of the large tables and the decorating began in earnest.

Every tape, sticker and pen available was utilised. Her rocket was… elaborate. And entirely fabulous.

Shortly after 1:30pm a few other families arrived and started their creations.

The atmosphere was calm and creative – there’s something so mindful about sitting side by side, cutting, sticking and chatting.

It felt like such a lovely way to connect.

Once Elsie was happy with her design, I helped her assemble the fins and secure everything in place.

And then came the exciting bit – adding the rocket fuel (water), securing the lid, and heading outside.

Blast Off Time

Appropriate outdoor clothing really is essential. You may get wet.

You will be exposed to whatever the North East weather decides to throw at you.

But honestly, that just adds to the fun.

Outside, the children were supplied with goggles and shown the blast-off stations.

Wooden blocks were set up to rest the rockets in position, and a pump was attached to build up pressure.

This is where the real workout begins – lots of enthusiastic pumping to force the water and air to create enough pressure for lift-off.

Some of the rockets were impressively aerodynamic and travelled quite a distance.

Others (including ours!) took a slightly more… interpretive route. But every single launch was met with cheers.

Because our group was quite small, each child had about five or six turns, which was brilliant and we did not feel rushed or spent a lot of time waiting for your next turn.

After the final launches, we helped carry everything back into the refectory.

Elsie then spent some time playing with trains in a little room just off the refectory, which felt like a lovely gentle wind-down after all that excitement.

Before heading home, we explored part of the outdoor carved animals trail.

On a warmer day we’ll definitely spend more time in the gardens – they’re such a beautiful space to wander.

Brilliant Bottle Rockets is such a simple concept, but it’s done so well.

It’s hands-on, educational without feeling like a lesson, and full of joy.

For £6 per child (with all materials included), it’s fantastic value – and the memories made together are priceless.

If you’re looking for something a little bit different over the next February half term, this one is absolutely worth booking.

Just don’t forget to dress for the outdoors.

About Ushaw Historic House

Ushaw is an arts and heritage venue with a year-round calendar of events and exhibitions for your enjoyment.

Harness the power of propulsion as you design, build and launch your own bottle rockets in our pop-up workshop, all materials provided, outdoor clothing essential.