Carisbrooke Castle is best known as the place where King Charles I was imprisoned.
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 stimulating environment in which children and adults can connect with the countryside.
Salop Drive Market Garden is a three-acre working market garden run by Tim Botfield, a horticultural therapist, and his colleague.
An engaging heritage site open to visitors 5 days a week throughout the year. Surrounded by landscaped grounds, it boasts hands on exhibitions, immersive room settings and a small cafe.
A Neo-Grecian house restored to its setting of rolling parkland
This early 19th-century house nestling between a wooded ridge and parkland is possibly one of Wiltshire’s best kept secrets. An ideal place to have a quiet picnic and to get away from it all.
Lulworth Castle, built in the early 17th Century as a hunting lodge, became a country house at the heart of a large estate. Thomas Howard, 3rd Lord Bindon, built the Castle in order to entertain hunting parties for the King and Court. The Howards owned it until 1641 when it was purchased by Humphrey Weld, the direct ancestor of the present owners.
Grace Dieu Priory was an Augustinian priory near Thringstone in Leicestershire. It was founded around 1235-1241 by Roesia de Verdon and dissolved in October in 1538. Guided walks take place throughout the year.
Ghosts at Grace Dieu Priory
The house and its gardens sit high up over looking hundreds of acres of parkland. Winding its way through this beautiful parkland is the well known river Avon which stretches the full length of the 7,000 acre estate.
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