The earthworks, albeit quite clear ones, are all that remain of this former Norman Motte and Bailey castle in Henley-in-Arden, not far from Stratford in Warwickshire.
Guided Tour
Guided Tour
What is it?
A guided tour is the practice of an individual leading a group of people around a point of interest and giving them information about it, which can cover topics such as religious significance, cultural history and how it relates to other locations and events in history.
What does it involve?
Attending a guided tour basically just involves paying attention! All the work is done for you in finding out the facts and presenting them in an interesting manner; the role of the participant just calls for a level of interest in your surroundings and an eagerness to learn!
Why do it and what are the benefits?
Tour guides can be extremely educational - physically interacting with the place while learning about its history will provide a different kind of academic experience to the classroom by giving the students something more tangible to focus on.
What equipment do we need?
You shouldn't need any equipment for a guided tour, but check beforehand to make sure; some tours involve their participants even further by getting them to write down their own thoughts, or make drawings - so you may need to ensure students have something to write on!
Who is it suitable for?
Guided Tours are suitable for pretty much anybody if you pick the right one - smaller children will find it harder to focus on more complex subjects and will need more visual aids, but if they are engaged correctly they will have a great time! Likewise, teenage students will get bored if the subject isn't engaging enough, so make sure to choose the tour appropriate for the age and interests of the group.
Costs?
Around £20 or less per person, but it can vary greatly depending on the location of the tour - for example, a minibus tour around a park will cost more than a short walk around a country manor! Make sure to shop around to get an idea of the prices in your area.
Issues/Things to think about? (unsuitable for age groups, medical conditions etc)
A guided tour should be suitable for all ages, but students with condtions such has ADHD may have trouble focusing for an extended period of time - make sure to be aware of the specific needs of your group.
How do we include?
Many guided tours have disabled access for those with limited physical movement, but it would be wise to doublecheck beforehand. Those who are deaf and blind can also be included in guided tours but may need more specialist staff - again, you will need to check with the specific establishments.
Doing it abroad?
There are points of public interest all around the world, so wherever you can find something well known chances are there will be a guided tour available! Foreign tours may be conducted in another language though, so make sure to confirm the specifications of the tour before booking it.
Main website:
This website gives a good overview of places where you can go for a tour guide, but you're best looking at the specific areas around you to find out details!
Venues with this Activity
Considered to be a "storybook in stone," Warwickshire's oldest church reflects its rich history with buttresses at odd angles, Saxon windows and remnants of a tithe barn.
Wellesbourne Airfield is a small, fully operational, thriving airfield 5 miles east of Stratfrod-upon-Avon.
Early in 1941 the Government purchased over 200 acres of Warwickshire farmland 6 miles East of Stratford Upon Avon.
Situated in the heart of the Scottish capital experience the passion of Scotland's rugby team taking on the best in the world at Murrayfield.
Walk in the footsteps of Ryan Giggs. See where Madonna stood. Where Shane Williams laced his boots, and where all the action takes place on event days.
IT'S TIME TO EXPLORE ...
The National Motorcycle Museum is recognised as the finest and largest motorcycle museum in the world.
It is a place where ‘Legends Live On’ and it is a tribute to and a living record of this once great British industry that dominated world markets for some sixty years.
Come and explore this partially-reconstructed timber fort . Stand on the ramparts, explore the exhibition in the granary and imagine yourself training horses in the gyrus - a feature not found anywhere else in the Roman Empire.
Thomas Newcomen (1664-1729) designed and installed the first practical and successful steam engine, used initially for pumping water out of coal mines. Over 2,000 Newcomen engines were installed world-wide during the 18th and 19th centuries, over 600 of them before 1775 when James Watt was able to improve their efficiency.
The Arts Centre is open seven days a week and events are primarily presented during the three 10-week University terms, except for films, which are shown for 52 weeks of the year. At Christmas the Theatre and Studio are used for family shows.
A unique aeronautical collection
Midland Air Museum's exhibits range from the magnificent Avro Vulcan bomber through more than 30 other historic aircraft, both civil and military, aero engines and other artefacts, to a wide range of memorabilia.
Focuses on Kidderminster's international carpet supplying history and includes a great many textile examples, plus informative displays and exhibits.
Enjoy a great day out in a relaxed countryside setting where you’ll discover an extensive garden centre, farm shop, courtyard shops, restaurants and miniature railway - all within a five minute drive from Evesham town centre.
A modern, interactive museum that offers a fun packed football experience for all the family. Take a penalty against a legendary keeper, or have a go in goal yourself. You don’t have to be a Wolves fan to enjoy it!
A fascinating working museum set in a restored leather factory, where you can watch live demonstrations of traditional leather craft and maybe have a go yourself!
Walsall Leather Museum will help you and the kids to discover why Walsall was known as the capital of leather goods in Britain.
It is free to visit, and is run by a team of friendly and knowledgeable volunteers.
Located on the edge of Hednesford Hills, the Museum of Cannock Chase illustrates the rich industrial heritage of the area, and the social and domestic life of times past.
Trace the history of Cannock Chase in our Local History gallery. Visit our Coal Mining Gallery to discover how coal shaped our area.
Offers a large pets corner, waterfowl area, pigmy goats, baby calves incubator hatching, two bouncy castles, miniature tractors, outdoor play area, undercover sand pit and go-carts! Largely under cover.
Ford Green Hall is a 17th century timber-framed farmhouse complete with period garden. An award-winning museum, the Hall offers visitors a fascinating insight into the life of the 17th century. The rooms are furnished with an outstanding collection of textiles, ceramics and furniture.
Etruria Industrial Museum is the last steam-powered potters’ mill in Britain. The mill is ‘in steam’ several times a year when the 1903 boiler is fired and historic machinery can be seen working. Situated in a pleasant location at the junction of the Trent & Mersey, and Caldon Canals the museum is also a perfect stop-off for walkers, cyclists and boaters.
In the Roald Dahl children's gallery you can boggle your eyes and baffle your brain and let your imagination run wild!
Buckinghamshire County Museum is an award winning County Museum in the attractive old town area of Aylesbury in beautifully restored buildings, some dating from the 15th century.
Join in with on this totally kid friendly working family farm.
Oak Farm Animal Park is a traditional organic working farm, home to a variety of animals, many of which are rescued for a second chance in life.
A branch of the main Natural History Museum in London.
Discover the fascinating animals collected by Lionel Walter Rothschild, in our beautiful Victorian Museum. It is home to the world-class research and collections of the Natural History Museum's Bird Group.
Education
Splendid 18th-century English interiors in an idyllic country setting
In the 1750s at his family seat in Buckinghamshire, Ralph Verney set out to create a country house of extraordinary grandeur that would dazzle his wealthy neighbours and outdo his political rivals. Thirty years on he was facing financial ruin.
Today the interiors that remain are among the most ambitious and lavish ever created in the 18th century.
15th-century chapel, restored by Gilbert Scott in 1875
Tucked away in a cosy corner of the market square, discover the oldest building in Buckingham. It’s had many uses and today it’s a thriving second-hand bookshop and coffee shop. While away the time in this atmospheric and tranquil setting with a good book and a delicious locally made snack.
A quarter of a mile of dimly lit passages and exciting caverns which can be explored endlessly. Originally excavated by hand and now with realistic waxworks and sound effects, this unique and historic place comes to life. Cool on a hot day, dry when it's raining.
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