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!
Discover one of England's most complete and unusual keeps as you explore every nook and cranny of this 12th century military stronghold, built by Henry II.
Lose yourself in this 800-year-old warren of passageways and secret chambers.
Once a symbol of royal power, this grand residence became home to coastal defences during the Second World War in its life as a radar station.
Scotland Street School is a must-see for fans of Charles Rennie Mackintosh and tells the story of education in Scotland from the late 19th century to the late 20th century.
Discover the history of London and its people.
The Museum of London documents the history of Londonfrom prehistoric to modern times. The museum is located close to the Barbican Centre as part of the striking Barbican complex of buildings created in the 1960s and 1970s as an innovative approach to re-development within a bomb-damaged area of the City of London.
Town Hall & Symphony Hall believe that music has the power to transform and change lives, to entertain and uplift, to create shared experiences and to educate.
Within our Public Space area at the Mailbox you can try your hand at presenting the news or a weather bulletin and take a touch screen tour of the radio drama studio where The Archers is recorded.
Built by John de Haudlo and once part of a fortified manor house, set in gardens. Discover seven centuries of history on one of our guided tours. 2012 marked the 700th birthday of this amazing tower.
Explore HMS Belfast’s nine decks to discover the stories of life on board this warship during Arctic convoys, D-Day and beyond.
A 17th-century tenanted farmhouse in beautiful Coverdale. The hall, sitting room and carved staircase are on show to visitors.
The evil Dr Horrid is up to his dastardly tricks again! This time he has planted a 'dirty' bomb somewhere in the Hills aimed at contaminating the famous Malvern Water industry and poisoning locals. Our agent, Jane Pond, has learned that the deactivation code for the bomb is hidden in clues around the Hills. Can you find the code and save the day?
More than 500 years after the death of the last English king to die in battle, the story of one of history’s most controversial monarchs has been brought to life once again in a stunning new visitor centre.
The Northern Ireland Assembly, also known as Stormont, is the home of democracy in Northern Ireland.
Looking for a fun and interesting way to explore Robin Hood country? Don't just wander around aimlessly, do a Treasure Trail! These fun Trails show you the most interesting, historical and scenic locations. Enjoy a fun walk in the fresh air and solve the clues along the way.
Robin Hood’s Major Oak Treasure Trail is a fantastic way to explore.
Home to the lords of the manor of Clevedon for centuries, the core of the house is a remarkable survival from the medieval period.
The house was purchased by Abraham Elton in 1709 and it is still the much-loved family home of his descendants today.
Explore the striking display of Eltonware pottery and a fascinating collection of Nailsea glass.
Sixways Stadium is unlike any other development in the UK. A truly inspirational multi-purpose venue which is used 24/7, 365 days of the year. Home to both Worcester Warriors and Sixways Events, the amazing 65-acre complex is now one of the country's most exciting, dynamic and versatile venues.
Fotheringhay Castle played a key role in the Tudor era, being the birthplace of a king, the site of the execution of a pretender ot the throne and then being destroyed by yet another.
Colston Hall is Bristol’s largest concert hall, presenting concerts and entertainment by major names in rock, pop, jazz, folk, world and classical music, stand up comedy and light entertainment, as well as local choirs, orchestras and schools.
The Worcester Treasure Trail is ideal for getting the kids out exploring whilst trying to solve a mystery treasure hunt.
The answers to the clues are located on existing monuments, buildings and structures: some are easy to find, some are a little bit trickier!
David Attenborough described the Museum as "A delightful and remarkable museum, a jewel."
The Museum stands in the heart of the town, just where the beautiful coastlines of Dorset and Devon meet. The building has great idiosyncratic charm. Built in 1900-01 by Thomas Philpot, it was restored and extended in 1991.
The Gallery is a modern exhibition space designed to display material from the most important galleries, museums and private collections in the country.
An important Dickens collection, based in the author’s only surviving London house, decorated in Victorian style. See some of his possessions, plus other memorabilia.
School Visits
Contact us for full details and to plan your trip.
Key Stage One
Each visit includes:
St Fagans is one of Europe's leading open-air museums and is Wales's most popular heritage attraction. The museum stands in the grounds of the magnificent St Fagans Castle and gardens, a late 16th-century manor house donated to the people of Wales by the Earl of Plymouth.
An imposing 18th century building set in 180 acres of grounds that were landscaped by ‘Capability’ Brown. Hall open for events and exhibitions during spring and summer. The parkland is open throughout the year and free to visit.
Himley Hall and Park is a beautiful place to visit at any time of the year, with stunning grounds where there is always something to see and enjoy.
Edgbaston is the home of the Warwickshire County Cricket Club Museum.
The Birmingham test match venue has hosted Warwickshire matches for more than 100 years and has seen the greats of international and county cricket grace its playing field.
Visitors can trace the story of the Cotswolds from Prehistory to the late 19th Century, with hands-on exhibits, interactive displays and a wealth of precious artefacts. There are animated and practical games, and audio-visual screens to bring the past to life for everyone from schoolchildren to grandparents.
Aardman's adeptness of engaging audiences with compelling stories told through animation, has earned the company a deserved worldwide reputation. Their award-winning work produces a unique brand of independent film alongside work for broadcast and advertising spots. The studio has had ten Oscar® nominations, and has won four.
The Bushcraft Company offer residential school trips with a difference, taking students into the wild and giving them real back-to-nature experiences they will never forget.
A 15-year-old boy fell 60ft over the edge of a cliff whilst on a geography school trip, miraculously only suffering minor injuries.