What is it?
A nature trail is a planned outdoor walking route, along which are posts marking varying points of interest for people to stop and observe. They can include things such as nature, environmental features and objects of technological and cultural importance, and generally the marker posts have some information displayed for the walkers’ perusal.
What does it involve?
These sorts of trails can involve many different things, but they are all generally based around walking on a circuitous route or from point A to B. The lengths of the trails can vary from reasonably short 30 minute walks to taking many hours to complete – there are different types to include all sorts of different features.
Why do it and what are the benefits?
A nature trail is a great and easy way to get interested in the surrounding environment! The presented information means it requires no research on the things around you, so it’s hassle free and a alternative way of learning.
What equipment do we need?
You shouldn’t need any equipment other than appropriate outdoor clothing and footwear!
Who is it suitable for?
As long as you make sure the length and intensity of the nature trail is suitable for the ages of the students, it should be suitable for pretty much anyone!
Costs?
Most nature trails are generally free to access, but more specialist walks may have a guide available, which would have some costs! Make sure to check ahead of time.
Issues/Things to think about? (unsuitable for age groups, medical conditions etc)
Nature trails can take you a reasonable distance away from any towns, so if you have students with unpredictable medical conditions you must ensure you can call for medical help and that assistance can access your location easily! Also, young children should always be supervised carefully when in an unsecured outdoor location!
How do we include?
The nature of the outdoors means that the terrain can be rough or unpredictable, so those with physical disabilities may have issues navigating the route. Check with the trail’s organisers to find out the specific details.
Doing it abroad?
Foreign nature trails will be fascinating! They can give you a chance to see and learn about some of the features of different countries while seeing them in real life as opposed to pictures in books. Do some research beforehand to see what is going to be available in the area!
Main website:
See specific venue websites for information about their nature trails.
Impressive ruins of a Cistercian abbey, including its unusually unaltered 12th century church, beautiful vaulted and tile-floored chapter house, and recently re-opened crypt chapel.
Situated in a wooded Severn-side setting, not far from the Iron Bridge and Wenlock Priory.
A wonderful place to discover spectacular views of the Peak District, ancient woods, parkland and heather moorland. The spectacular White Edge Moor overlooks the Derwent Valley and forms part of the long gritstone edge stretching from Stanage towards Birchens Edge south of Chatsworth House. If you have time, discover the old quarry workings at Bole Hill.
Visitors to Unst and Yell in Shetland are in for a treat – dramatic scenery and abundant wildlife coupled with a tangible and very special sense of remoteness.
The National Trust for Scotland owns pockets of land on both islands and they are easily accessible from mainland Shetland by regular vehicle ferries.
Welcome to Woburn Abbey which has been the Russell’s family home since the early 17th Century. We hope you will enjoy exploring the beauty and history of The Abbey and its treasures, collected by our ancestors, who were as passionate as we are to share this experience with you.
From a former fort to the holiday home of a wealthy Edwardian bachelor seeking a quiet retreat from London, the idyllic location of Lindisfarne Castle on Holy Island has intrigued and inspired for centuries.
A 21,000-acre mountainous place, acquired in 1951 from the Penrhyn estate, includes the Cwm Idwal Nature Reserve renowned for its arctic alpine plants. There are eight tenant upland farmson this land, 9,000 peaks above 3,000 feet and the famous mountain Tryfan where Edmund Hilary trained for his ascent of Everest.
Blithfield offers a range of programmes to support education in schools on the themes of water and the environment.
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.
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.
Lodge Park
John 'Crump' Dutton built this 17th-century grandstand, fuelled by his passion for deer coursing, gambling, banqueting and entertaining.
Dramatic Dunstanburgh Castle was built at a time when relations between King Edward II and his most powerful baron, Earl Thomas of Lancaster, had become openly hostile.
Built on the most magnificent scale, Dunstanburgh Castle stands on a remote headland in Northumberland.
There is something for all the family at this warm and welcoming 18th-century property, the former home of the Earls of Enniskillen. The house enjoys a peaceful setting in west Fermanagh, with a dramatic backdrop of mountains and forests. There are glorious walks to enjoy, as well as fine vistas and play areas. There is even a charming walled garden.
Hurst Castle provides a remote escape by the sea with plenty of things to do and see! Built by Henry VIII it was one of the most advanced artillery fortresses in the England.
Formed by a series of volcanic eruptions, the craggy landscape of St Abb’s Head on the Berwickshire coast is a National Nature Reserve famous for its clamouring seabirds, rugged coastline, rich grasslands and crystal-clear waters.
A veritable ‘seabird city’, St Abb’s Head is a year-round haven for birdwatchers, walkers and wildlife lovers.
The Stockwood Discovery Centre is designed with environmentally green and sustainable principles in mind.
With interactive display, variety of gardens, children play area, special events and activities, bee gallery and much more, it is a wonderful visitor attraction and museum. Collection highlights include the Wenlok Jug, the Shillington gold coin hoard and the Mossman collection.
This area of natural beauty was bought in memory of Thomas Hardy, to protect the landscape in which his novels are set. Fontmell Down and Harding's Down offer stunning views that stretch for miles across the Blackmore Vale.
Come and explore our unique tropical haven of wonderful plants and animals situated in the heart of the city.
Why Plantasia?
Set in part of a 600 acre working farm, which provides a varied selection of animals to see including llamas, goats, peacocks and red deer. Kids will also enjoy the adventure playground and the go kart track!
Educational Visits
The site comprises 130 acres containing the best collection of trees in Oxfordshire with some of the oldest redwoods in the UK
Home of the Pennyman family for nearly 400 years, this classic Georgian mansion, with its Victorian kitchen and laundry, attractive gardens and estate walks, provides lively resources for local schools and community groups, and a unique venue for wedding ceremonies and corporate events.
Travel back in time to the Jazz Age at the holiday home of the D'Oyly Carte family.
You can lose yourself in the magical 12-hectare (30-acre) garden: viewpoints give enticing glimpses out to sea, paths weave through glades past tranquil ponds, and tender plants from the Mediterranean, South Africa and New Zealand thrive in the moist and sheltered valley.
Here you will find magnificent cliiftop walks, affording rugged headland views across the awe-inspiring North Coast.
Visit Worcestershire County Museum at Hartlebury Castle and discover over 1,000 years of history!
Highclere Castle is a beautiful building and a warm, welcoming home to visitors and guests at events and celebrations held here.
Red-brick fronted house with literary associations - both Henry James and E. F. Benson, the novelists, lived here.
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.