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.
Early Years (2-4)
Early Years (2-4)
In recent years there has been a cultural shift in our society that has reduced the access and use of outdoors for many young children.
A number of factors are blamed, including increased fear amongst adults in relation to children’s safety, anxieties about the threat of abduction, and technological advances leading to an overwhelming prominence of more sedentary indoor activities, such as television and computer games. However, the developmental needs of young children have remained constant and the outdoor environment continues to be essential to their health, development and well-being. Therefore, regular opportunities for sustained periods of play in a rich and stimulating outdoor environment offer a wide range of benefits to babies, toddlers and young children.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Curriculum, which covers children aged birth to the end of the Reception year, became statutory in September 2008 and places strong emphasis on the importance and value of daily outdoor experiences for children’s learning and development.
Learning outside the classroom supports the development of healthy and active lifestyles by offering children opportunities for physical activity, freedom and movement, and promoting a sense of well-being. It gives them contact with the natural world and offers them experiences that are unique to outdoors, such as direct contact with the weather and the seasons. Outdoor play also supports children’s problem-solving skills and nurtures their creativity, as well as providing rich opportunities for their developing imagination, inventiveness and resourcefulness.
And, of course, the outdoor environment offers more space than indoors and therefore is particularly important to those children who learn best through active movement. For many children, playing outdoors at their early years setting may be the only opportunity they have to play safely and freely while they learn to assess risk and develop the skills to manage new situations.
While many of these experiences will take place on-site, outdoor learning may also take place within the local community, for example a walk to the bakery, or past the building site on the way to the park. These off-site ‘expeditions’ offer both children and adults a catalyst for play and conversations. Ultimately, play and learning that flow seamlessly between indoors and outdoors make the most efficient use of resources and build on interests and enthusiasms. Forest Schools are growing in popularity across the UK and are increasingly offered as part of the early years curriculum in schools and settings.
Finally, parental involvement in children’s learning is particularly important in the early years as parents and carers are the child’s first educators. Early years settings, including children’s centres, are increasingly involving parents in developing and using their outdoor areas and in supporting other outdoor learning opportunities.
Suitable Venues
We are located in a superb rural setting in the attractive village of Everdon, near Daventry. The surrounding countryside provides a wide variety of contrasting landscapes and habitats which make the area ideal for the study of Geography, Science and Environmental Studies.
The centre:
An adventure playground of rugged slopes, craggy summits and a cracking pint
Forged by fire and ice, the Langdales are dramatic to say the least. Home to the majestic Langdale Pikes, world class rock climbing and stunning mountain tarns, this is a natural playground, with walks and activities to suit all abilities. The ambitious can tackle the major peaks but it’s not all about high level scrambling.
The last remaining thatched windmill in England
Built in 1822, this is the last remaining thatched windmill in England - the last survivor of five in the area.
To view the original workings of this fascinating mill come and visit the interior on special Sunday's from 1pm until 5pm.
Windmill interior opening dates for 2015 are 12 April, 10 May, 14 June, 12 July, 9 August and 13 September.
Rebuilt Victorian steam-powered yacht on Coniston Water
Steam Yacht Gondola is the unrivalled sailing experience of the Lakes.
Enjoy the charm of luxury travel once experienced by wealthy Victorians, riding in style in Gondola’s opulent saloons or relaxing on her open-air decks as she glides across Coniston Water.
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:
Dramatic and historic stretch of Cornish coast
The Lizard peninsula, the most southerly part of the British mainland, is a place apart.
A combination of the mild maritime climate and complex and unique geology has produced an area with a distinctive character, well known for its rare and unusual flora and where the famous call of the Cornish chough is never far away.
Discover secluded bays, magical creeks - a quieter pace of life
Interweaved with creeks and valleys, this remote peninsula on the south coast of Cornwall is a hidden treasure. Walking, kayaking and sailing are all fantastic ways to explore the Roseland landscape.
Tucked away at the bottom of the Roseland there's lots to discover for everyone
This remote peninsula on the south coast of Cornwall is a hidden treasure. The combination of cliffs, creeks, headlands, woods and lovely beaches, linked by many miles of footpaths, gives a fantastic variety of walking routes. Pick your route to suit your mood, or the weather that day.
Near Roseland.
Breathtaking coast, rich in heritage and wildlife
A vast low tide beach and a sea of glowing heather make it hard to believe this area was once an industrial landscape. The enigmatic buildings perched on the cliffs provide a reminder of St Agnes’ tin and copper mining past.
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.
Beyond the black & white is a Tudor house with a Victorian personality
Speke Hall is a rare Tudor timber-framed manor house in a most unusual setting on the banks of the River Mersey. Restored and brought back to life in the 19th century, it is a unique and beautiful mixture of Tudor simplicity and Victorian Arts and Crafts' aesthetics.
Scenic backdrop to Newgale beach, with charming valleys and a history of wealth
For many, one of the iconic views of Pembrokeshire is the open expanse of St Bride’s Bay greeting you as you approach Newgale.
In 2003, we were left the Southwood Estate as a generous legacy by Mrs Maurer. She loved this part of the world and hoped that we would look after its special qualities for the benefit of the nation.
A marvel of its age
Opened in 1871 Souter remains an iconic beacon. Hooped in red and white and standing proud on the coastline midway between the Tyne and the Wear. Souter is a special place all year round and was the first lighthouse in the world designed and built to be powered by electricity.
A rugged stretch of coastline interrupted by gentle valleys
Solva Harbour is the perfect starting point for exploration of the village or to take a walk up onto the Gribin headland (for the magnificent views) and down to Gwadn beach.
Nine Wells Valley is a steep valley down to the sea, with the coastal fort of Porth-y-Rhaw at the bottom. From here fine walks lead in both directions along the coast.
A great and ancient Downland estate
Slindon Estate is 1,400 hectares of woodland, downland, farmland, and parkland. With countless historic landscape features and its unspoilt Sussex village, there is something for every visitor.
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.
Experience one of the country's great gardens
Hidcote is an Arts and Crafts garden in the north Cotswolds, a stone’s throw from Stratford-upon-Avon. Created by the talented American horticulturist, Major Lawrence Johnston its colourful and intricately designed outdoor ‘rooms’ are always full of surprises. It’s a must-see if you’re in the Cotswolds.
Kiftsgate Court Gardens was created in the 1920s and is a beautiful place to take the family with a lot of plants to see and enjoy - perfect for garden lovers with lots of space for the kids to run around.
When you visit the railway you can enjoy a unique train ride through dramatic limestone scenery, discover fossils and wild flowers, learn about the railway and stare at the vintage rolling stock!
One thousand years of jaw-dropping history!
Great battles, ancient myths, spellbinding tales, pampered princesses, heroic knights. You can find them all here at Warwick Castle.
Landscape park and woodland garden with miles of stunning coastal views
Wander through Sheringham Park and you'll discover why it became the personal favourite of its designer, Humphry Repton. Visit the Repton exhibition to see the story of his 1812 design during a turbulent period of history.
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