Battlefield / Military

Battlefield / Military

What are they and what do they involve?

Battlefield and Military venues are mainly of a historical nature, and are dedicated to retelling the stories and commemorating the soldiers of past battles and military organisations. The specifics of each venue will vary, but they can include activities based upon military transport, historic re-enactments and exhibitions of objects of interest.

What are the benefits?

As the events of war are largely unfamiliar to many people, visiting one of these venues can be a great opportunity to educate students on the subject. They can act as an enhancement for classroom education – for example, seeing genuine weapons used in war makes the topic a lot more interesting than only seeing it in pictures.

What students is it suitable for?

Battlefield and military venues are generally suitable for all ages, but some exhibits may be of a sensitive nature that younger students may not enjoy; make sure to consult with the venue if you are unsure!

Costs?

There will usually be an admission fee for these venues but should cost less than £10 per person – group bookings can often get a discount! Make sure to thoroughly check out the venues in your area.

Safety Implications?

Any safety concerns will vary between venues due to the differing nature of each establishment – talk to the venue to find out if there is anything you should be concerned about. However, if on a former battlefield, especially WWI or WWII do brief students on the possibility of coming across unexploded ordinance, which is a daily occurence in such settings.

Venues for this Category

An unfinished artillery fort, built above St Mary's Pool harbour in 1552-53. 

The museum houses an extensive collection of uniforms, badges, medals and regimental memorabilia covering the history of the Regiment and the campaigns in which it has fought since its formation in 1793.

The Mission of the REME Museum of Technology is to:
  • Preserve the heritage of the Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
  • To promote a broader understanding of the functions of the Corps, its interaction with society and its role of technical support to the Army

Unstaffed open site, no booking required

Unstaffed open site, no booking required

With a station motto of ‘The Strongest Link’, Biggin Hill was an important sector or 'controlling airfield' during and after the Battle of Britain. First established during the First World War as a radio and instrument research station and a fighter airfield, the second conflict saw it upgraded to accommodate modern fighter aircraft.

The story of Aldershot Military Town and the civil towns of Aldershot, Farnborough and Cove.

Housed in the only surviving brick-built barrack blocks left in Aldershot, the museum tells the story of daily life for both soldier and civilian since 1854.

Activities for Schools

A chance to experience what war was like over the last three hundred years for soldiers and their families. A fun way to show history to your students.

The Somme Heritage Centre opened in 1994 as an educational facility and tourist attraction. It examines Ireland's role in the Great War with special reference to local cross-community involvement in the three volunteer Divisions raised in Ireland: the 10th and 16th (Irish) Divisions, and the 36th (Ulster) Division.

The museum is housed in a grade B+ Sovereign's House. The Eagle Takers Gallery won the Best Exhibition in Ireland in 2003. The collection contains the uniforms, medals, regalia and the two Victoria Crosses won by the Regiment. The Regimental archive and library may be viewed by appointment.

Remains of a Roman camp with visitor & community centre open Tuesdays and Wednesdays with artefacts, handling collection, mystery excavation, dressing up clothes, activity packs and facilitated visits available.

Segontium was later plundered to provide stone for Edward I's castle at Caernarfon.

Facilitated education activity: Life of a Roman Soldier.

Landguard Fort is the site of the last opposed seaborne invasion of England in 1667 and the first land battle of the Royal Marines. The current fort was built in the 18th century, and modified in the 19th century with substantial additional 19th-20th century outside batteries. 

Cliff-top showcase for military might

There has long been a military presence at Weybourne, reflecting the village’s key defensive position. The remaining Weybourne Camp buildings now house Britain's largest private working military museum. 

Exhibits date from 1782 to the present day.  Highlights include the many tanks, guns, missiles and armoured vehicles, some outside but many in large indoor galleries. 

The partially excavated remains of a Roman 'Saxon Shore' fort, including wall and ditch sections and building foundations. Built around AD 200 for a unit of the Roman army and navy and occupied until the end of the 4th century.

Discover one of Norfolk’s ‘Fields of Little America’

For two years during World War II some seventy sites across East Anglia became launch pads for USAAF’s bombing raids into occupied Europe. Each airfield was home to 2000-3000 airmen and ground crew, most of them volunteers. The airfields became known as "The Fields of Little America".

The Museum has a varied collection of objects, photographs and archive material connected to the Regiment which illustrates its 300 year history.

IWM Duxford is Britain’s best-preserved Second World War airfield, with a fascinating history that dates back to the First World War. Its story reflects the landmark achievements made in aviation history.

The museum's extensive and unique collection was mostly assembled by superintendents of the former Naval Armaments Depot at Priddy's Hard. If it hadn't been for their foresight, a large slice of naval history would have been lost.

A most unusual living museum, where amongst other things you can watch troopers working with horses in the original 18th century stables through a huge glass partition.

Through a large glazed partition you can see troopers working with horses in the original 18th century stables.

Crownhill Fort was built in 1872 as the centrepiece of Plymouth's North Eastern Defences. Designed to protect the Dockyard from a landward invasion, advances in artillery soon made the Fort obsolete. 

Now owned by The Landmark Trust, the Fort is home to 15 small businesses, a holiday apartment, event spaces and an Education Centre. 

Come on board. Share the secret of living under the sea

Visit HMS Alliance, newly restored after a £7m refit and ready for patrol! Assault all of your sense by walking on board HMS Alliance, the only remaining WW2 era British ocean-going submarine.

A dramatic 17th century fortress built to defend the coastline from the Dutch, and keep watch on a recently rebellious town. Still in use by the military today.

As the site of officer training for the Royal Navy for over a century, Britannia Royal Naval College in many respects resembles a living museum, not unlike a stately home, in which modern day-to-day life exists in parallel with a rich history and tradition. 

The College is an imposing Edwardian building that stands on Mount Boone overlooking the town of Dartmouth.

The Guards Museum is an excellent place to take your little (and large!) military buffs, plus anyone who would like to find out about the role of Foot Guards through history.

One of a number of forts built in the 1850s and 1860s to protect Portsmouth and its vital harbour against a French invasion. Largely unaltered, the parade ground, gun ramps and moated keep can all be viewed.

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