Wouldn't it be great if you could find Christmas gifts for all the family, while educating the kids and learning a quirky fact or two you didn't know yourself?

Well it is possible. Greenwich Gateway Visitor Centre, at the Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich, is hosting Viking Yule a Christmas shopping event which looks sure to be more fun than a trip to the madness of Oxford Street.

The Vikings will invade Greenwich on Saturday and Sunday, December 1 and 2, between 11am and 4.30pm.

David Green, of Greenwich Foundation, has organised the event. He said: "This is a great opportunity to learn about some of the most fascinating invaders who've ever conquered Britain.

"Our re-enactors are specialists in this area of history and are very keen to share their knowledge with others, particularly children, who all study the Vikings at school."

Admission is free but visitors may need to take care! The last time the Vikings were in this area, some 1,000 years ago, the result was the bloody murder of St Alfege, the Archbishop of Canterbury.

However, these 21st century Vikings are more keen on trading than raiding and they will be demonstrating their fine crafts and skills.

Axemen and archers will be showing off their skills and visitors will be able to inspect their petrifying weapons. There will also be making, children can try their hand at Viking board games and there will also be a Viking Yule Feast to test the tastebuds.

December 1 and 2, Viking Yule, Greenwich Gateway Visitor Centre, Greenwich, 020 8269 4791.

November 26, 2001 15:30