The impressive motte and shell keep of Farnham Castle, Surrey, founded in 1138 by Bishop Henry of Blois. An enjoyable day out within travelling distance of London.
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
Come to Kew and explore the world’s most famous botanic garden. Just 30 minutes from central London, Kew Gardens boasts breathtaking landscapes, iconic glasshouses, historic buildings and rare and beautiful plants. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Immerse yourself in 1930s Art Deco decadence at Eltham Palace, one of the most enchanting visitor attractions in London. Built by the wealthy Courtauld family next to the remains of Eltham Palace, childhood home of Henry VIII, it’s among the finest examples of Art Deco architecture in England.
A fine Tudor building, the home for stories of romance, wealth and 500 years of Hesketh family history
Be wowed by the Tudor Great Hall with its fantastic furniture, arms, armour, tapestries and the carved oak screen, a rare survivor from the 1500s. History springs to life in the Hesketh's dining room, its food-laden table, lit candles and 'fire in the hearth' waiting to welcome the family's dinner guests.
Whatever the season there's always something new to see....
Let your imagination run riot among the unusual plants, colours, sculptures and magical features in one of the most beautiful gardens in Northern Ireland.
Since the decline of the gardens from the 1940s onward; various restoration phases have been undertaken, including the many heritage structures.
At the top of the park stand the imposing remains of Lowther Castle and its hidden Gardens.
Built by William the Conqueror, Rockingham was a royal fortress for 450 years. Home to the Saunders Watson family. Set in a panoramic location with views over five counties, the Castle has magnificently furnished rooms of several periods, and is surrounded by 18 acres of superbly contrasting gardens including a beautiful Room Garden created by Chelsea Gold Medal Winner Robert Myers.
Kirby Hall is one of England’s greatest Elizabethan and 17th century houses earlier owned by Sir Christopher Hatton, Lord Chancellor to Queen Elizabeth I.
Although this vast mansion is partly roofless, the walls show the exceptionally rich decoration that proclaims that its successive owners were always in the forefront of new ideas about architecture and design.
Boasting boating lake, miniature railway, huge adventure playground, cricket facilities and plenty of open space for traditional family games.
Carsington Water is a popular visitor attraction located a short distance from the Peak District National Park in Derbyshire.
Monikie Country Park, with its reservoirs, woodland and parkland, is an ideal location for a school visit to the countryside. The scenic surroundings offer many opportunities to enjoy the outdoors at any time of the year.
Popular with families this park has plenty of space and a large play area with traditional equipment plus an enclosed sand pit area, table tennis table, crazy golf and an internet cafe
Play area and frame suited for under 8s, plus sand play, sit on toys, and it's very popular with squirrels so an excellent place to wildlife spot.
This popular Glossop Park has a large children's play area and a miniature railway plus lots of sporting opportunities.
Once the home of Earls and Lords, Haigh Hall is surrounded by 250 acres of park and woodland, with magnificent views across the Douglas Valley to the Welsh Hills. Along with spectacular views across the Douglas Valley to the Welsh hills, there are 250 acres of park and woodland surrounding Haigh Country Park.
This park's vast open spaces are perfect for family fun, picnics and games as well as their regular events. Gorgeous sensory park nearby if you have younger children.
Near to the Riverside Park is Lockside Park Sensory Garden which overlooks Newark’s picturesque town lock.
The Waters Edge Country Park, provides a relaxing and stimulating day out for people of all ages. Situated to the north of Barton-Upon-Humber, on the edge of the Humber estuary, Waters Edge contains a wide diversity of plant and wildlife. Established in 1996 on a site which had previously been a series of clay quarries, Waters Edge has breathed new life into what was once a derelict area.
Brixworth Country Park is a national showpiece for accessible countryside, providing access for all irrespective of physical or mental ability with features like easy access trails, and their wheel chair accessible bird hide.
Discover the story of the last Gnomes left in England on BB's Little Grey Men Trail.
Trail leaflet and audio tour available in the Country Park shop.
An excellent adventure playground surrounded by sensory and rose gardens, an aviary and a pond, plus seasonal miniature railway and nearby soft play facility!
Brampton Park offers a fantastic adventure multi-activity adventure play area with loads of classic sturdy equipment for kids 2 to 12 to play on, plus a giant sandpit to get creative in and a water play area too!
Sitting proudly atop Norman earthworks, Conisbrough Castle is a dominating presence over the local area. Built by Lord Hamelin Plantagenet during the 12th century, Conisbrough’s spectacular magnesian limestone keep is a design unique in Britain.
For a fun-filled day out for all the family, or simply to enjoy the peace and quiet of acres of natural surroundings, take a fascinating journey of discovery through the living world of Plantasia & Mazeworld.
Adventure playground, nature trails, accessible paths, sculpture trail and nature viewing platform. Plus excellent Discovery Packs for hire from the friendly visitor centre including a pond dipping kit and binoculars!
Considered by many to be the most beautiful lake in Wales, Lake Vyrnwy is tucked away in a landscape of rolling meadows, towering crags, rushing waterfalls, mysterious forest and moorland.
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