Based in a Medieval Manor House dating back to 1280, the house has a fascinating history and was owned by one of the Gunpowder Plotters!
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
Discover a medieval castle, now a green oasis for wildlife but still at the centre of daily life
Although you might not think it today, the mount and surrounding lands are the remnant of an early medieval wooden motte and bailey castle built by Sweyn, Sheriff of Essex. With the castle long gone, the area is now an urban wildlife haven and green lung in the heart of Rayleigh town centre, offering sweeping views across the Crouch Valley.
Childhood home of General James Wolfe, victor of the Battle of Quebec (1759)
Explore this fascinating house, the childhood home of General James Wolfe. Discover the dramatic battle that won America for the British and learn of Wolfe's tragic death, in our exhibition.
One of Britain's greatest industrial heritage sites, showing how a complete industrial community lived
Quarry Bank overflows with the atmosphere of the Industrial Revolution.
Beautiful and intimate 18th-century landscape garden
One of only four Palladian bridges of this design in the world can be crossed at Prior Park, which was created in the 18th century by local entrepreneur Ralph Allen, with advice from 'Capability' Brown and the poet Alexander Pope.
Learn about the remarkable history of the Washington family as our experienced and friendly guides take you on a tour through the history of the Tudor and Georgian house and furnishings. Hear of the events, both fortunate and disastrous, that led George Washington’s ancestor to leave England for a new life abroad.
Old Rectory Farm has been fully restored and operates as a demonstration farm, showing city dwellers traditional methods of farming. animals kept at the farm include Jersey cattle, pigs, goats, ponies, ducks, chickens and geese.
Sheldon Country Park covers an area of just over 300 acres, comprising open grassland, wetlands, old hedgerows and some mature woodland.
A medieval Elizabethan manor house, with it’s own moat, plus priest holes and walled gardens to explore. There is also a Visitor Centre in the old Malt House. Audiovisual and interactive displays help bring the history to life.
Medieval castle rising dramatically above the celebrated garden
The world-famous garden, overhung with clipped yews, shelters rare and tender plants. Laid out under the influence of Italian and French styles, it retains its original lead statues and an orangery on the terraces. High on a rock above the terraces, the castle, originally built circa 1200, began life as a medieval fortress.
The perfect setting for an Edwardian country retreat
'This is a delicious house...' remarked Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother on her honeymoon at Polesden Lacey. This country retreat, only four miles from Dorking and junction 9 of the M25, has glorious views across the rolling Surrey Hills and acres of countryside. It was home to famous Edwardian hostess Mrs Greville, who entertained royalty and the celebrities of her time.
A great park with things to do for all the family including a skate park and miniature golf! Ride the miniature railway for a great experience!
Where fun, farming and nature go hand in hand.
A farm park, petting farm, indoor soft play, outdoor play, nature park, wildlife encounters, adventure play, working farm, cafe, educational centre, rare breeds farm, adventure play, children’s birthday parties.
St Nicholas Meadow was acquired by Warwick Borough Council and the formal gardens and the Children’s Corner were opened in the 1930s.
St Nicholas Park's activities attracts visitors from all over the Midlands as well as local people.
Things to enjoy:
A farm park with a difference, featuring an enchanted walk, adventure playground and our collection of farm and exotic animals. Everything is designed with disabled children in mind, but Fairytale Farm can be enjoyed by everybody.
Enchanting mansion and gardens, with spectacular views of Snowdonia
Set on the shores of the Menai Strait amidst breathtakingly beautiful scenery, this elegant house was redesigned by James Wyatt in the 18th century.
This picturesque fortified mansion was built for Lord Hastings, who was dramatically seized and executed by Richard III in 1483.
Hastings’ descendants still believe they have a direct line to the throne of England.
The remains of Christchurch Castle include parts of the mound-top keep, and more unusually the 12th-century riverside chamber block or 'Constable's House'. This very early example of domestic architecture includes a rare Norman chimney.
History
The construction of a castle and monastery transformed the fortified settlement of Twyneham.
Magnificent country house and park with an internationally important art collection
The vast late 17th-century mansion is set in a beautiful 283-hectare (700-acre) deer park, landscaped by 'Capability' Brown and immortalised in Turner's paintings.
19th-century fantasy castle with spectacular surroundings
This enormous 19th-century neo-Norman castle sits between Snowdonia and the Menai Strait.
It's crammed with fascinating items, such as a one-ton slate bed made for Queen Victoria, elaborate carvings, plasterwork and mock-Norman furniture. It also has an outstanding collection of paintings.
Historic Haunted Castle, Himalayan Gardens, Owl Centre, MeadowVole Maze and Playgrounds
Muncaster Castle is still a privately owned family home to the Penningtons and three generations of the family still live in the Castle today.
They are actively involved in the running of the business which is set up as a not-for-profit company. The estate employees 50 local people full time at the Castle and Gardens and this grows up to more than 65 in the height of summer.
Tilgate Park has so much to offer from stunning lakes, lawns and gardens to miles of woodland and bridleways for long leisurely walks. As well as all this Tilgate Park also boasts some excellent facilities:
Welcome to the Thrigby Hall wildlife gardens. See the beautiful gardens and the amazing wildlife we look after here in the gardens
Historic - Inspiring - Educational - Great Fun
Welcome to England's Greatest Elizabethan house.
Welcome to Burghley, William Cecil’s ancestral home. This palatial Elizabethan prodigy house is still a much loved family home and we invite you to explore its historic collection of paintings, ceramics and works of art, many of which still stand where they were first recorded in 1688.
Situated in the heart of the Rockingham Forest, the park offers access to fantastic woodlands, meadows, thickets, marshes and ponds to explore.
Recreation
A place to learn about the specialist wildlife work done by the hospital and to meet some of the rescued animals. Activities and Talks held during school holidays.
Kids can find out about how they either release animals back to the wild when they are fit, or gives them a home if not.
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