Norton Conyers is a late medieval manor house with Stuart and Georgian additions.
Gardens
Gardens
What is it?
A garden commonly refers to the outdoors area that comes with a regular suburban house, but the term covers almost any area set aside for the enjoyment of the outdoors and nature.
What does it involve?
Gardens can involve both natural and man made materials, and can have many uses. Variants include things such as zoos (which were formerly called zoological gardens) which display animals in replicated natural habitats, or indoor gardens with controlled environments to grow certain plants; however, the main purpose of any garden is to provide enjoyment for those within it, and a walk within a garden generally involves relaxation and fun!
Why do it and what are the benefits?
Gardens are great for taking a break in and relaxing for a while, but students (especially the younger ones) will thoroughly enjoy exploring some of the larger and more complex gardens out there! It's also a nice and safe way to get in touch with nature, as most plants and animals you happen across in a garden environment were put there on purpose and will be harmless.
What equipment do we need?
You shouldn't need any equipment for taking students to a garden apart from maybe a picnic!
Who is it suitable for?
Although generally suitable for all ages, younger children may get bored quickly if there's nothing to do! Sitting and relaxing are pursuits you only really partake in as you reach early adulthood, so make sure younger groups have garden games to enterain them, or something similar.
Costs?
Some of the more elaborate gardens you can visit may have an entry fee, but this will usually be a relatively small cost.
Issues/Things to think about? (unsuitable for age groups, medical conditions etc)
Because gardens can be physically huge and with many places to hide, large groups of younger children will need careful supervision - especially if there are ponds or lakes nearby.
How do we include?
Since this activity pretty much just involves enjoying being outdoors, it should be relatively easy for you to include everybody!
Doing it abroad?
Some of the most impressive gardens in the world are located abroad, and can take days to explore their secrets!
Main website:
This section of the National Trust website has some great information and recommendations, but always check individual websites for venue specifics.
Venues with this Activity
A wide range of natural and social history exhibits, the more exciting of which include the interactive dinosaur gallery and gardens, and the special family drop in sessions.
Glorious house, surrounded by gardens, moorland and deer park
Welcome to Lyme Park. Nestling on the edge of the Peak District, Lyme Park was once home to the Legh family and, in its heyday a great sporting estate.
Blackpool's Winter Gardens first opened to the public on 11 July 1878, with a lavish ceremony attended by the Lord Mayor of London and Mayors and Mayoresses from 68 towns throughout the country. The Winter Gardens has entertained hordes of crowds in Blackpool in its collection of theatres, ballrooms, exhibition halls and public spaces.
Set in a stunning nature reserve of 461 acres which comprises woodland, meadows, lakes and former plotland gardens. There are beautiful wildlife gardens and a museum of Plotland Life.
Expect the unexpected. Incredible innovation, devastating loss, remarkable survival and magnificent restoration. All in one place
Being restored to its 18th century beauty, with fascinating statues, follies and temples hidden around every corner of the garden for your students to discover on our Nature Trail, Croome is an incredible place to visit.
Enjoy a great day out in Warwickshire at Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden. One of the largest historic attractions in the West Midlands, the whole family will enjoy exploring the spectacular castle ruins.
The ruins are best known as the home of Robert Dudley, the great love of Queen Elizabeth I. Dudley created an ornate palace here to impress his Queen in 1575.
Babbacombe Model Village is set in an place of outstanding natural beauty and one of the prettiest areas on the English Riviera.
The Crofthouse Museum takes visitors back to a time where life’s essentials were of a bare minimum. The House, barn and byre are all accessible under one roof and everything, from the floors to the kitchen appliances, is made with materials found and collected.
Yell is the stepping stone island to Unst and Fetlar and is also home of the Old Haa Museum. Here, the history of the island, including the whaling years and shipwrecks are summarised along with natural history, genealogy and a picture and sound archive.
Timespan Heritage and Art Centre comprises a museum, storytelling room, contemporary art gallery, community workshop and riverside garden
Timespan was founded in 1987 with the main aim of providing the community and visitors with an insight into the fascinating history of Helmsdale and its surrounding area. It has since developed from a small local heritage centre into an award-winning museum and the only (non-private) contemporary art gallery in Sutherland.
Thirlestane Castle, originating in the 13th century, is one of the oldest and finest castles in Scotland. Exquisite 17th century plaster ceilings; Victorian kitchens; Historic Toy and Country Life Museum; adventure playground; woodland walk and picnic tables. Lunches and teas served in “The Old Servants Hall”.
This historic spa hosts exhibitions telling the story of Innerleithen and St Ronan's Wells, describing their connections with the great Scottish writers Sir Walter Scott and James Hogg.
The origins of the unique Cleikum ceremonies held in July each year are also explored.
The home of Walter Scott
Perhaps nowhere else in the world can evoke the power of the romantic past more than Abbotsford.
Sir Malcolm Drummond fought by Robert the Bruce’s side at Bannockburn in 1314 and was granted lands in Strathearn.
Brodick Castle offers 800 years of history and a staff of Rangers and Education Guides who are used to dealing with school groups both on a formal and informal basis. From Vikings to Victorians, we provide a unique opportunity to expand on the topics covered at various levels in the curriculum.
A mansion located 2 miles (3 km) south southwest of Montrose, the present Dunninald Castle was built in the Gothic-revival style to the designs of architect James Gillespie Graham (1776 - 1855) for Peter Arklay in 1824.
The beauty of Edzell was a statement of the prestige of its owners, the Lindsays.
The stylised walled garden was created around 1604. Adorned with heraldic sculptures and carved panels, the architectural framework surrounding the garden is unique in Britain.
The garden also includes walled flower and nesting boxes and a delightful summer house.
Situated 8 miles from Arbroath and 7 miles from Forfar on the A932, the House of Pitmuies is a category A-listed classically-styled mansion house that dates back to the late 1500s, though the grander west-facing front is believed to date from the 1680's and was "modernised" to the 18th century standard some two hundred years later.
Visitor centre with permanent and temporary exhibits, café and shop
Restored William Adam hunting lodge with Visitor Centre set in 500 acre country park with superb views north to Ben Lomond. Ten miles of footpath in historic landscape and Avon River gorge including ancient oaks and extensive semi-natural woodland. Visitor centre with permanent and temporary exhibits, historic garden and adventure play area.
Cartwright Hall is Bradford's civic art gallery and offers an exciting programme of contemporary exhibitions, with four permanent galleries displaying works from our art collections. The collections consist mainly of 19th and 20th century British art, with strong collections of international contemporary prints and contemporary South Asian art and crafts.
Stuart House is a late medieval town house restored by the Stuart House Trust as an arts and heritage centre.
The garden to the rear of the House has been laid out as a 17th century Gentleman's Garden.
The House is used for arts and crafts exhibitions and sales, refreshments, lectures, music recitals and heritage exhibitions.
Furniture, clothing, games and utensils from the Tudor period
This Grade 11 listed cottage is managed by the Tamar Protection Society and is the oldest building in Saltash, dating from around 1480. The cottage is furnished with period furniture which is on loan from the Victoria and Albert Museum and private collections which, along with utensils on display give the interior a truly atmospheric feel.
Historic house, museum and outstation of the National Portrait Gallery
Bodelwyddan Castle has over 500 years of history to discover. We are an independant charitable trust and a regional partner of the National Portrait Gallery with a mixture of UK and National Collections to discover. Our free, state of the art multimedia guides will take you on a fascinating journey through this historic house and will bring its stories and characters to life.
The timber-framed house of Blakesley Hall was built in 1590 by Richard Smalbroke, a member of one of Birmingham’s leading merchant families. More than 400 years later, beautiful Blakesley is still a haven; secluded from the avenues of modern houses that lie beyond its gates. Admission charges apply to the Hall only.
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