The Brownes of Townend in the Troutbeck Valley were just an ordinary farming family: but their home and belongings bring to life more than 400 years of extraordinary stories. As you approach Townend - a traditional Lake District stone and slate farmhouse, you'll understand why Beatrix Potter described Troutbeck Valley as her favourite.
Workshops
Workshops
What is it?
A workshop is a brief but intensive event focused on a specific topic, with the aim to vastly improve skills or knowledge in a short space of time.
What does it involve?
Workshops can revolve around almost any topic, but the basics generally concern themselves with achieving a target or a setting a problem for the group to solve. The leader of a workshop is usually an expert in the set area, and provides the plan for the session and guides the participants though.
Why do it and what are the benefits?
Attending a workshop can be great for really engaging students in a subject they may not have had an interest in beforehand! Setting a short term target, encouraging teamwork and the promise of a rewarding outcome can all really involve students in workshop activities, and increase their enjoyment of a topic while improving their abilities.
What equipment do we need?
Workshops do generally need some equipment, but if you're using an activity provider they will probably supply everything you need - make sure to check beforehand if you need to bring anything.
Who is it suitable for?
Generally suitable for all ages as the topic and complexity can be varied to fit all needs!
Costs?
The costs of a workshop will depend on whats involved in it and if you have to pay for supplies, but the general price per student shouldn't be too high.
Issues/Things to think about? (unsuitable for age groups, medical conditions etc)
Make sure to tailor the workshop to the students, and not vice versa - this activity can be incredibly effective if utilized in the right manner, and you should be certain that you can get the most out of the session.
How do we include?
As long as you make sure the workshop is the right one for your group, it should be easy to include everyone! The main component of a workshop is engaging with what's going on around you, and if the fellow particpants are familar to those with disabilties it should be easy to make sure everyone has a good time.
Doing it abroad?
Workshops can be found all around the world in varying forms - most popular museums will have some kind of activity available to learn more about the topic of interest.
Main website:
Consult individual websites to see what activities a venue can provide.
Venues with this Activity
One of the Trust's most delightful medieval buildings, enhanced by a cottage garden
Acquired in 1903, this unusual and atmospheric 14th-century yeoman's farmhouse is the Trust's first built property in Cornwall. With a famously wavy slate roof and over 600 years of history it beckons the curious to explore.
The name dates from the Victorian period when it briefly held a licence to be the letter receiving station for the district.
Rambling Suffolk farmhouse built around 1600
Thorington Hall is one of the best timber-framed houses in Suffolk. Building phases determine its unusual shape and it may also be because adjoining buildings have since been demolished. The staggered roofline, for example, shows the difference between the 1630 house and 1700 extension.
The only surviving Regency playhouse in Britain
Theatre Royal is one of Britain's most significant theatre buildings and the only surviving Regency playhouse in the country.
The recently restored Grade I listed theatre offers you an authentic 19th century theatre-going experience, combined with contemporary bar and restaurant for the 21st century theatre-goer.
Atmospheric Victorian workhouse
Walking up the paupers' path towards The Workhouse it is easy to imagine how the Victorian poor might have felt as they sought refuge here. This austere building, the most complete workhouse in existence, was built in 1824 as a place of last resort for the destitute.
Surrounded by beauty... steeped in history
An intimate family home, the history of The Vyne spans the centuries. From its royal beginnings in Tudor times to its place today as a intriguing retreat for you to explore, you can lose yourself in the surroundings that inspired great authors such as Jane Austen.
The Studio aims to provide a complete conservation service for historic textiles
Our only in-house conservation treatment facility, the Textile Conservation Studio was founded in 1976 at Blickling Hall in Norfolk. Since 2002, the Textile Conservation Studio has been based in a specially converted, award-winning building on the Blickling estate.
The Irish Linen Centre and Lisburn Museum is located in Market Square at the heart of Lisburn's old town centre. The Museum has a permanent exhibition 'Flax to Fabric, the story of linen' in the Irish Linen Centre and mounts a programme of temporary exhibitions relating to its textile, social history and art collections.
A little-known gem, Gainsborough Old Hall is among the biggest and best-preserved medieval manor houses in England. It is part timber-framed but mostly brick-built. It was built in the latter part of the 15th century with Elizabethan additions, and has an impressive kitchen with an enormous fireplace, a noble great hall, and an imposing lodgings tower.
Welcome to the award-winning Beatles Story, the world's largest permanent exhibition purely devoted to the lives and times of The Beatles. Located in the Fab Four’s hometown of Liverpool on the stunning UNESCO World heritage site at the Albert Dock, the Beatles Story takes visitors on an atmospheric journey through the lives, times, culture and music of The Beatles.
An historical estate with a neo-classical mansion, 50 acres of landscaped gardens, 1000 acres of deer park, a rare breed farm and medieval Old Hall
For nearly 400 years the estate was the property of the Egerton family until it was bequeathed to the National Trust in 1958. It is now financed and maintained by Cheshire East Council. This is one of the most complete historic estates open to visitors.
A quiet retreat of woodland and pasture only 30 seconds from Haslemere High Street
The hidden gem of Swan Barn Farm nestles behind Haslemere’s bustling high street. It is the gateway to some of Surrey and Sussex’s finest countryside.
Awe-inspiring Anglo-Saxon royal burial site
This hauntingly beautiful 255 acre estate, with far-reaching views over the river Deben, is home to one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of all time.
Walk around the ancient burial mounds and discover the incredible story of the ship burial of an Anglo-Saxon king and his treasured possessions.
Tudor house surviving in the heart of a thriving East London community
Built in 1535 by prominent courtier of Henry VIII, Sir Ralph Sadleir, Sutton House retains much of the atmosphere of a Tudor home despite some alterations by later occupants, including a succession of merchants, Huguenot silkweavers, and squatters. Discover oak-panelled rooms, original carved fireplaces and a charming courtyard.
Vast area of sandy beaches and heathland
A glorious slice of natural coastline in Purbeck featuring a four-mile stretch of golden, sandy beach, with gently shelving bathing waters and views of Old Harry Rocks and the Isle of Wight.
Ideal for water sports and includes the most popular naturist beach in Britain. The heathland behind the beach is a haven for native wildlife and features all six British reptiles.
The home of a family who lived and loved the Arts & Crafts
Built as a summer home by Arts and Crafts architect-designer Ernest Gimson for his brother Sydney, Stoneywell zigzags from its rocky outcrop, amid rhododendrons and heather. Every turn conjures childhood memories of holiday excitement, dashing down the winding steps –– one way to the fort, the other to the woods beyond.
Welcome to Stonehenge, one of the wonders of the world, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the best-known prehistoric monument in Europe.
Tynemouth Castle and Priory on the coast of North East England was once one of the largest fortified areas in England. Overlooking the North Sea and the River Tyne, it dominates the headland. With its 2000 year history and beautiful views it is the perfect location for a family fun day out.
Arts and Crafts family home with Morris & Co. interiors, set in a beautiful hillside garden
James and Margaret Beale chose an idyllic location with views across the Sussex countryside for their rural retreat. Designed by Philip Webb, the house is one of the finest examples of Arts and Crafts workmanship, with Morris & Co. interiors creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The house is dressed for a weekend stay in 1925, so you can imagine you are a guest of the family.
The Tate organisation is one of the foremost providers of art galleries and experiences for young people in the UK today.
We have four galleries:
The Dean & Chapter of Rochester welcome family groups, school children and students of all ages, abilities, cultural and religious backgrounds to learn about this historic centre of Christian worship.
Pretty 17th-century 'Plantation' home with a significant costume collection
Experience the beguiling spirit of this inimitable 17th-century 'Plantation' home, with its walled gardens and parkland, full of tempting waymarked paths. There are ten generations of Lenox-Conyngham family tales to enthrall you, as well as numerous portraits and much furniture to admire and not forgetting Ireland's most-documented ghost: Olivia.
Beautiful medieval house, with rich gardens and estate
This imposing house stands proud at the gateway to the Lake District.
Its rich and beautiful garden includes a pond, lake, a national collection of hardy ferns and a superb limestone rock garden.
The National Dinosaur Museum houses the southern hemisphere's largest permanent display of prehistoric items. The museum's exhibition shows the evolution of life, especially dinosaurs.
The museum is one of the most popular places to visit in the Australian Capital Territory. Each year, 100,000 people come through its doors.
Charmouth is the gateway to the Jurassic Coast, an ancient coastline of dramatic cliffs, fossils and beautiful scenery. Ideal for a family holiday away from brash amusements and expensive visitor attractions - re-discover traditional holiday pastimes, enjoy the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre and look for fossils as well.
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