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

Peaceful and attractive riverside park with lots of green space for informal play plus equipped play areas for toddlers and juniors, zip slide and BMX track.

On the quiet banks of the River Wye and offers tennis courts and a putting green, a rounders pitch and a charming foot bridge over to the historic Castle Green and Castle Pool.

Welcome to Bring Yer Wellies! We provide fun and engaging outdoor learning for school trips and children’s parties in a unique, hands-on outdoor countryside environment. 

We provide a whole range of educational visits and childrens’ parties in a unique outdoor countryside location in Hoghton, Lancashire.

Superb early 18th-century mansion with unique family history

Discover the story of a family who became caught up in the extraordinary events of the English Civil War. Their history is bound up in this beautiful house, which is still the home of the Carew Pole family today.

Chiswick House is among the most glorious examples of 18th century British architecture and makes a fascinating day out in West London. The third Earl of Burlington, who designed this noble Roman-style Palladian villa, drew inspiration from his ‘grand tours’ of Italy.

Mount Edgcumbe House is the former home of the Earls of Mount Edgcumbe. Set in Grade I Cornish Gardens within 865 acres Country Park on the Rame Peninsula, South East Cornwall.

Bursting with history, art from all ages and a first hand glimpse into life on a working farmyard, plus so much more. A school trip to Chatsworth makes for a rewarding day of learning for pupils and teachers alike.

There's so much to see and do

147 acres of lakes, parklands, over 35 rides and attractions including Rocky River Falls, our famous Waterchute, Train, Double Pirate ship and largest free playground in the UK offering a perfect day out for young and old.

Extensive earthworks marking the site of an 11th century motte and bailey castle.

The earthworks forming Deddington Castle lie in a rural location to the south-east of the village of Deddington.

1,000 acres of parkland plus special attractions including miniature railway, Woodland Adventure Playground, dress up and games room, woodland walks, lakes and follies to explore, as well as an entertaining guided tour around the house itself.

Not all of the sites on Hadrian's Wall were heavily guarded fortresses. Corbridge was a supply base and bustling town where the Romans and civilians would pick up food and provisions.

The childhood home of Anne Boleyn

Experience 700 years of history at the romantic double-moated 13th century castle once the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, second wife of Henry VIII and Mother of Elizabeth I.

Discover magnificent award-winning gardens set in 125 acres of glorious grounds. No matter what time of year you visit you are guaranteed a breath-taking display.

At Adventure Wonderland there are fantastic rides and attractions throughout the park

Experience Dragon's Drop, ride Space Orbiter, Wild Bill's Runaway Train and the Ghostly Galleon fight in Battle Boats, bounce on the Bouncing Beans trampolines and climb on board our wonderfully happy flying elephants.

An indoor skate park with a garden and shop. There are different sessions running throughout the day so make sure you check before travelling. There is also a garden area with a ramp and slacklining rig out the back.

There are sessions for all ages and abilities. The park is ideal for anyone wanting to scoot, skateboard or use inline skates. 

At St Catherine's we are aiming to offer a learning experience to visiting schools and groups that uses the landscape as a personal stimulus for the wider issues of sustainability.

The 1000-acres of Park and Forest at Moors Valley have something for everyone.

A former gravel pit turned nature reserve and a good venue for families to explore

A 144 acre country park sandwiched between the villages of Harrold and Odell 10mls NW of Bedford. It features 2 picturesque lakes and a stretch of the River Great Ouse with wheelchair and pushchair friendly paths round the main lake and outdoor play areas.

here are small play areas at each end and opportunities to view plants and animals as you stroll round.

This 500 acre country park is one of Liverpool’s most important heritage sites and is Grade II listed.

A great visitor attraction for families, the park has something for everyone including:

Based in an eco-refurbished Victorian former terraced house in Sheffield, South Yorkshire Energy Centre (SYEC) demonstrates the practicalities of Green refurbishment and renewable energy and offers advice, training, education, consultancy and project management to a wide variety of clients, as well as providing Sheffield's first Green Building Service. 

Taurus Crafts is a vibrant visitor centre celebrating creative design and healthy living. Bringing together arts, crafts, designer gifts and wholesome food, we offer an alternative to the high street experience where you can eat, shop and relax.

Taurus Crafts Pottery Activity

Open weekends and Holidays. Your chance to throw your own pot, paint your own pot.

Hezlett House may be small but it is bursting with history, stories and tales. Dressed for the late Victorian period typical for this Irish farmstead visitors can immerse themselves in that time and get hands on with many of the items experiencing life on the farm. The beautiful grounds have been lovingly restored including a small working fruit orchard and kitchen garden.

A working estate still guided by the seasons, with an impressive mansion and Home Farm

The mansion, at the heart of this estate, is evidence of Elsie Bambridge's success in creating a home. Elsie was the daughter of acclaimed author Rudyard Kipling.

Norfolk’s wonderful museum of rural life and the Workhouse

This fifty-acre site with its magnificent Georgian workhouse invites you to explore two centuries of life on the land. There are recreations of shops and homes, extensive displays on farming and village life and the popular Collections Gallery - a real treasure trove. 

Here at Manor Country Park you can:

  • Meet and feed the animals on our farmyard walk
  • Help milk the cows
  • Enjoy a river walk
  • Walk through the woods
  • Play at Barnfield, our extensive play area

Education

A working cattle farm on the urban fringe of Huddersfield. We promote healthy food growing in the community and wildlife conservation, with indoor and outdoor learning facilities.

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British schoolgirl assaulted on school trip to Iceland

hotel corridor

A viral video shows a black girl being assaulted by a white woman in a corridor.

Police in Iceland are investigating after a British schoolgirl was slapped and chased by a tour guide in a hotel corridor.

The schoolgirl, 13, who attended Harris Girls’ Academy, was assaulted whilst on a school trip to Iceland to see the Northern Lights. The incident occurred at Hotel Örk, Hveragerdi on 13th October.