Young Clockmakers: Water Clocks

Tell the time like an ancient Babylonian! Make your own clepsydra - also known as a water clock. Check, regulate and adjust its timekeeping, and decorate your final design, in this practical workshop led by clockmaker Alex and Clockworks curator Kirsten.

Afterwards, watch the clocks in action in the main gallery, or take our pendulum quiz. Will you find all the items you need to win a badge?

This workshop is part of our summer holiday series tracing the history of clockmaking from water clocks to quartz movements.

Practical information

This workshop is designed for children aged 6-11, but younger or older children and / or siblings are also welcome. The ticket price includes tea and coffee for adults and fruit and biscuit snacks. 

Please book a free ticket for all accompanying adults to enable us to monitor capacity; children under the age of 2 do not require a ticket.

National Art Pass holders get 20% off all our events. Find out more about the Art Pass at artfund.org/

PLEASE NOTE: Part of this activity takes place in the Clockworks workshop. This is a working commercial space and contains inherently dangerous chemicals, tools and machines. Children will be guided in appropriate safety measures, but parents are requested to stay on site and supervise if necessary.