Affectionately referred to as the ‘Downton of the North’, Gawthorpe Hall was redesigned in the 1850s by Sir Charles Barry, designer of the Houses of Parliament and the ‘real’ Downton Abbey, Highclere Castle.
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
On Plymouth's historic Barbican, you'll find an ancient doorway that takes you back in time to Drake's Plymouth.
Down panelled hallways and up spiral stairs, you'll find yourself in the furnished home of an Elizabethan merchant or sea captain.
Mind your head on the low ceilings and feel the creaking oak of the sloping floors as you explore the Elizabethan House.
The City's heritage walking tour from the Nottingham Ghost Walk team! See the key sites of interest in the City and hear intriguing tales about Robin Hood and many other famous Nottingham characters. Tour includes a cave visit (subject to availability). Was Robin Hood a Hero or a Villain?
Hagley Hall is a Grade I listed 18th-century house in Hagley, Worcestershire. It was the creation of George, 1st Lord Lyttelton, secretary to Frederick, Prince of Wales, poet and man of letters and briefly Chancellor of the Exchequer.
The Abbey is set in 37 acres of beautifully peaceful parkland in the centre of the ancient market town of Glastonbury. It is traditionally the first Christian sanctuary in Great Britain, visited, so legend has it, by Joseph of Arimathea and Saints David & Patrick.
Chester Castle was founded by William the Conqueror in 1070 and became the administrative centre of the Earldom of Chester. The first earth and timber ‘motte and bailey’ castle probably only occupied the area of the inner bailey. In the twelfth century it was rebuilt in stone and the outer bailey added.
Frigidarium, tepidarium, caldarium and natatio. Sounds like one of Harry Potter’s spells! In fact, they describe the wide range of facilities on offer to the Second Augustan Legion and other residents at their state-of-the-art leisure complex. We are talking heated changing rooms, a series of cold and warm baths, covered exercise rooms and even an open-air swimming pool.
Ancient church with world famous stained glass
The spire of St Mary’s is one of the tallest in England and for over 500 years it has dominated the skyline of Shrewsbury's old town. In 1739, showman Robert Cadman attempted to slide from it, head first, using a rope and a grooved breastplate. His engraved obituary stands outside the west door. The church is now the only complete Medieval church in Shrewsbury.
We are a small museum chronicling the life and times of the famous writer, Jane Austen, plus Regency tearoom.
Our Jane Austen experience begins with a warm welcome and introductory talk from one of our knowledgeable and experienced guides. The introduction takes place on the first floor of this attractive Georgian town house, in a classically decorated period room.
Explore the fascinating remnants of one of the great monastic foundations of the Middle Ages at this important site, based in the historic market town of Waltham Abbey.
Fragments of the church and monastic buildings of the first Cistercian abbey in England, founded in 1128.
The ruins of Waverley Abbey are situated in a peaceful loop of the River Wey, and still give an impression of the solitude experienced by the monks who founded a monastery here almost 900 years ago.
An educational trip to Wells Cathedral will inform and inspire. Enhance your pupils understanding of special places, inspirational buildings, historical events and Christian theology by bringing your pupils to Wells Cathedral.
A Programmed Day
Prominent hill overlooking the Isle of Avalon, Glastonbury and Somerset
This iconic and evocative landmark offers magnificent views of the Somerset Levels, Dorset, Wiltshire and Wales.
Steeped in history and legend, excavations at the top of the Tor have revealed the plans of two superimposed churches of St Michael, of which only a 15th-century tower remains.
Visit our amazing museums in the midst of the stunning English Riviera, a UNESCO Global Geopark
Since its foundation in 1196, Torre Abbey has witnessed, survived and even played a role in some epic moments of history. It's one of the best buildings in the country for the story of Catholicism.
Welcome to the truly enchanting and magical world of the Creaky Cauldron, where every hour is the witching hour, but you don't need to be a card carrying witch to join in the fun!
This fascinating tourist attraction is home to over 2,800 burials dating from Anglo-Saxon to Victorian times. Located in North Lincolnshire, St Peter’s Church is both an archaeological and architectural treasure trove waiting for you to discover.
For a memorable day out in Sussex explore Battle Abbey and Battlefield, the site of the 1066 Battle of Hastings. Discover more about the most famous date in English history while walking in the steps of King Harold and William the Conqueror.
A centre of learning offering education in a number of different ways
We have an Education and Pilgrimage centre, Ty'r Pererin, which was officially opened on 4 March 2013. Click here for more information about the new centre.
North Down Museum tells the story of the North Down area from the Bronze Age to the present day, each exhibition is dedicated to a particular era of local history. Key artefacts on display include the Bronze Age Ballycroghan Swords, the Bangor Bell from the important Bangor Abbey settlement and the Raven Maps, the only complete folio of Plantation era maps in Ireland.
Visit one of England’s loveliest cathedrals with medieval cloisters, royal tombs, and an ancient crypt to explore. Guided tours available, including one to the top of the tower. Free to visit, but there is a charge for the tours.
St Mary's is a lively church in the liberal catholic tradition of the Church of England. We are an inclusive church that will give a warm welcome to everyone.
St Mary's is situated at the historic heart of the City and University of Oxford, with entrances both from the High Street and from Radcliffe Square. Wheelchair users should enter from the High Street.
Welcome to the Cathedral of The Holy Trinity Gibraltar Parish Church and the Mother Church of the Diocese in Europe
Building of the Holy Trinity Church began in 1825.
Loughrea is the Cathedral Parish of the Diocese of Clonfert. There are two churches in the parish: the Carmelite Abbey and St. Brendan's Cathedral.
The foundation stone of the Cathedral was laid on October 10, 1897. Although small in size it is large in its interior magnificence. It has been described as the jewel in the crown of the Celtic Revival.
The educational work of the Cathedral is seen as an important and developing area with a great deal to offer. Over the past few years we have welcomed numerous groups of young people from all over Cumbria, together with others from many parts of Britain and abroad.
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