Castle Fraser is an atmospheric baronial castle dating back to the 15th century and was the ancestral home of the Fraser family. School trips can be arranged over the phone at any time of the year. If the tour is arranged out of season there will be a small fee to cover the cost of staff.
Environment
Environment
What is it?
The word "environment" covers all naturally occurring things on Earth. Animals, chemicals, plants and minerals all count as part of the environment, which has incredible variety depending on the climate of the area in which it is found.
What does it involve?
The environment of earth includes a huge variety of genres, but in general use the word refers to the features of the landscape and the animals and plants most likely to be found in certain areas. Learning about the environment involves disciplines such as science, history and evolution, and as the environment is constantly changing, as does the study of it.
Why do it and what are the benefits?
Learning about the environment should be something all students take part in at some point, as respect for the planet and its natural resources are essential in maintaining it. The subject of the environment can cover many sub-topics, and it's a great way of understanding more about how things were in the past and how they developed into our current day situation; it's also a thought provoking subject in regards to the future of the planet.
What equipment do we need?
Simple observation and appreciation of the environment requires very little if no equipment whatsoever, but further study can involve more scientific methods of research where certain things may be needed. For beginners into environmental research, some information, a willingness to learn and curiosity are all that should be needed.
Who is it suitable for?
The environment is important for all ages to learn about and respect. Students both young and old will benefit from understanding what goes on around us a little more - for example, explaining why littering is bad to young children can go a long way!
Costs?
Depending on what sort of thing you do and where you go, costs of environmental studies can range anywhere from completely free upwards! Many natural parks will charge an entry cost for upkeep, for example, but the actual examination of the environment costs nothing.
Issues/Things to think about? (unsuitable for age groups, medical conditions etc)
You should ensure that the activity can engage the students appropriately! Younger students will need more to occupy them than older students will, and you should always have appropriate supervision for groups of children when taking them outside into unfamiliar territory.
How do we include?
Full inclusion will depend on the type of the activity. For example, venturing outside into rough terrain will hinder those with physical disabilities; make sure that whatever you plan is appropriate for everyone in your student group.
Doing it abroad?
The environment abroad will be great to study for those who are interested in the topic. You can see animals, landscapes and plants that you never would in the UK, and could be an invaluable experience for many.
Main website:
Consult individual venue websites to see more information about their environment and any acitivies they provide.
Venues with this Activity
Elegant country mansion set in attractive formal gardens and extensive parkland
Explore Kingston Lacy, a lavish family home built to resemble an Italian Palace.
There’s plenty to see, from grand, beautifully detailed carvings, to intimate family souvenirs and even strange curiosities such as an ‘I owe you’ note from a king.
Set high on the rugged North Cornwall coast, visitors can enjoy dramatic sea views from the castle ruins on the headland and island. Steeped in myths and mystery, this is a spectacular place which has inspired artists and writers throughout history who have associated it with the legend of King Arthur and the story of Tristan and Isolde (Yseult).
The Bowes Museum is a hidden treasure, a jewel in the heart of beautiful Teesdale. The magnificent building stands proud in the historic market town of Barnard Castle housing internationally significant collections of fine and decorative arts. Purpose built in the 19th century by John and Joséphine Bowes, the Museum has a wonderful story to tell.
Long an important historic centre, today Hemyock Castle offers a warm welcome for Visitors, Schools, and Groups.
The privately owned site is a scheduled Ancient Monument, opened to the public on Bank Holiday Mondays (2 to 5 pm) between Easter and September. Schools and groups are welcome to arrange special visits.
Ancient naked figure sculpted into the chalk hillside above Cerne Abbas
Standing at 180ft tall, this is Britain's largest chalk hill figure. It is also our most controversial.
Many theories surround the giant's identity. Is it an ancient symbol of spirituality? The Greco-Roman hero Hercules? Or a mockery of Oliver Cromwell? Local folklore has long held it to be an aid to fertility.
Magnificent late Victorian country house with gardens and wooded estate
Lanhydrock is the perfect country house and estate, with the feel of a wealthy but unpretentious family home.
This winter take a stroll around the extensive gardens and enjoy the year-round colour. There are beautiful herbaceous borders, a fabulous formal parterre and colourful higher gardens.
Enjoy a walk along the tranquil Dart Estuary
A beautiful area with stunning views over the River Dart estuary and Start Bay.
In spring and summer the coastal paths are ablaze with colour from wild flowers. Walk up to Gallants Bower to discover the Royalist Civil War fort and keep an eye out for the greater spotted woodpecker.
Gallants Bower
Bovey Castle is history, excitement, glamour, adventure and the perfect retreat.
Where else can you wear your Hunter wellies at 8am, golf spikes at 3pm and Manolo Blahniks for dinner? But while we offer our guests luxury and indulgence, this isn't a stuffy hotel where you can’t sit on the furniture or let your kids enjoy themselves.
Rolling hills and open spaces above the Stroud Valleys and Severn estuary
Minchinhampton Common is a large swathe of open grassland on the hill top and slopes of the Cotswold escarpment. It is a really important archaeological landscape, with prehistoric field systems, burial mounds and the remains of a defensive earthwork, known as The Bulwarks. In the summer the common is grazed by local commoners' cattle.
Atmospheric house, featuring 485-hectare (1,200-acre) country park and formal walled garden
Widely acclaimed as one of Britain's finest historic houses, Erddig is a fascinating yet unpretentious early 18th-century country house reflecting the upstairs downstairs life of a gentry family over 250 years.
Compton Verney House is an 18th-century country mansion at Compton Verney near Kineton (between Stratford-upon-Avon and Banbury) which has been converted into the Compton Verney Art Gallery.
Visitors of all ages are warmly welcomed to Warwickshire’s award-winning art gallery, housed in a Grade I listed mansion and surrounded by 120 acres of stunning 'Capability' Brown parkland.
Superb Tudor House and Landscape Deer Park
Charlecote has been home to the Lucy family since the 12th century. Their stories are told throughout the house with their portraits as well as through the objects they collected from around the world. See the design influence they had on the house and parkland. Step into the house today and you will see how Mary Elizabeth Lucy spared no expense furnishing it in Victorian times.
The historic Linacre Reservoirs provide the perfect setting for a quiet, relaxing day out. A network of trails and footpaths crisscross the valley. Visitors can explore ancient beech and oak woodlands or follow the course of the Holme Brook as it cascades down the valley.
The name Parliament Piece is believed to relate to Henry III's parliament, which met in Kenilworth in 1266. There is, however, no evidence that the site was actually used by the parliament. The pond and other depressions are probably the remains of old marl or clay pits.
Unspoilt, rolling hills – that’s what you will discover at Burton Dassett Hills. Whether you are walking, flying a kite or just sitting in your car, the magnificent views from these hills are breathtaking.
The site comprises a series of rugged hilltops affording spectacular views in all directions and Fox Covert, a small woodland with a surfaced footpath.
Home to a wide range of animals from across the world. These animals include many charismatic and exciting species like meerkats, lemurs and otters. The Centre has a wide collection of endangered reptiles.
Amazona Zoo is one of Norfolk’s most fun days out and provides a full day of action-packed adventure and discovery for the whole family.
Battersea Park Children's Zoo invites you to check on the monkeys, crawl down the tunnel to see the meerkats, talk to the parrots and mynah birds, on to the farm to say hello to the goats, donkeys, pigs, emus etc. Playground which includes climbing frames,large sandpit with water toys, swings and roundabouts etc.
With 3,800 acres of parkland, gardens, woodlands and a lake, 20 miles of cycle routes and bike hire, plus a Discovery Centre, and a Woodland Play Park. Visit the Discovery Centre to see what children's activities they are offering during the holidays. This National Trust managed Estate offers lots to do.
Amazon World Zoo Park has a huge range of unusual rare and exotic animals. At the last count it was somewhere in the region of 200 different species, spanning the entire animal kingdom!
We have mammals, reptiles, birds, insects, spiders, fish and amphibians. Botany is important too.
Education and Exploration
The UK's No. 1 Safari Park
Longleat Safari and Adventure Park, in Wiltshire, was opened in 1966 and was the first drive-through safari park outside Africa.
Your drive-through safari adventure will take you unbelievably close to creatures you’ve only dreamed about. So mind the zebras crossing, give the rhinos right of way, watch out for the wolves and beware of the meddling monkeys.
Calderglen children's zoo opened in 1982 and is home to over 50 different species, some of which are critically endangered. Being about an acre in size, the zoo specialises in small creatures and amongst the ornamental gardens and Conservatory you'll discover meerkats, families of monkeys, noisy Kookaburras, cheeky Ring-tailed Coati, and Burrowing Owls.
The aim of Camperdown Wildlife Centre's education programme is to supply the highest standard of zoological education to visitors using every possible resource that is available to education staff.
We have a whopping 12,000 animals at the zoo from 400 different species.
About half those species are on the threatened list. We’re one of the world’s leading centres for conservation, working in the UK and worldwide to help protect animals and plants from extinction.
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Schoolboy Falls From 60ft Cliff on School Trip
A 15-year-old boy fell 60ft over the edge of a cliff whilst on a geography school trip, miraculously only suffering minor injuries.