What are they and what do they involve?
Castles are a specific type of historic building but can greatly vary in age and purpose; for example, many castles are still in use in modern day times while older and more ruined structures are uninhabited and are only used for sightseeing.
What are the benefits?
A trip to a castle has many educational benefits; they can be an exciting alternative look into the past, and activities such as historic re-enactments can give students the opportunity to form a physical connection with the people of long ago.
What students is it suitable for?
Students of all ages can enjoy a trip to a castle; there are often specific activities available for school groups will help with engaging pupils in the surroundings, so consult with the venue in question to see what they have on offer!
Costs?
Many uninhabited castles are free for the public to access! Buildings that are still in use may charge entry fees that go towards the upkeep of the site, so make sure to thoroughly check out the prices of castles in your area to find out what things may cost.
Safety Implications?
Older castles may have hazardous areas, but these may well be shut off from public access, so brief and monitor students not to go walkabout. The possibility of falls from unguarded heights is prevalent and staircases and walkways are often uneven. Access for the disabled may be problematic and should be thought through to ensure inclusion. The main thing to consider is making sure student groups are properly supervised as castles can be easy to get lost in!
The splendid Great Hall of Oakham Castle is one of the finest examples of late 12th century domestic architecture in England. Set in a tranquil green open space at the centre of Oakham, step back in time and enjoy this remarkable monument from Norman England.
The Castle has recently been awarded a substantial grant by the Heritage Lottery Fund for restorations and improvements.
A motte and bailey castle was built in about 1068 inside the south-west corner of Leicester, and became the centre of power for the first Norman overlord of the town, Hugh de Grentmaisnil. In 1107 Robert de Beaumont, first Earl of Leicester, established a college of canons (community of priests) at St Mary de Castro and probably rebuilt the castle defences in stone.
With its 3,000 year history, stunning location and panoramic views over the dramatic Yorkshire coastline, Scarborough Castle fully deserves its place as one of the finest tourist attractions in the North. It started life as an Iron Age Fort, was occupied by the Romans, became a Viking settlement and reached its heyday under Henry II.
With its 500 years of royal history Hampton Court Palace has something to offer everyone. Set in sixty acres of world famous gardens the Palace is a living tapestry of history from Henry VIII to George II.
From 2014 we will offer our World War One “Kitchener’s Boys” experience. The project forms part of Fort Amherst`s commemoration of the Great War and recognises the role played by Fort Amherst & the Great Lines in training many thousands of Royal Engineers prior to their dispatch to the Front Line throughout the War.
The magnificent Carew Castle has a history spanning 2,000 years. Set in a stunning location, overlooking a 23-acre millpond, the castle displays the development from a Norman fortification to an Elizabethan country house. There's plenty to see and do with an exciting summer-long activity programme.
Step into a world of plots, passion, intrigue and high fashion with the people of the palace.
Stirling Castle is a great symbol of Scottish independence & a source of national pride. Knights, nobles and foreign ambassadors once flocked to the Royal Court at Stirling Castle to revel in the castle's grandeur.
Enjoy a great day out in Warwickshire at Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden. One of the largest historic attractions in the West Midlands, the whole family will enjoy exploring the spectacular castle ruins.
The ruins are best known as the home of Robert Dudley, the great love of Queen Elizabeth I. Dudley created an ornate palace here to impress his Queen in 1575.
Visit Dunnottar Castle for an unforgettable experience. A dramatic and evocative ruined cliff top fortress in a truly stunning setting.
Thirlestane Castle, originating in the 13th century, is one of the oldest and finest castles in Scotland. Exquisite 17th century plaster ceilings; Victorian kitchens; Historic Toy and Country Life Museum; adventure playground; woodland walk and picnic tables. Lunches and teas served in “The Old Servants Hall”.
Her Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress, known as the Tower of London, is a historic castle located on the north bank of the River Thames in central London.
The Tower of London was constructed in 1066 immediately after the Norman Invasion led by William the Conqueror, with the White Tower being built in 1078. It was then expanded under Kings Richard I, Edward III and Edward I.
Sir Malcolm Drummond fought by Robert the Bruce’s side at Bannockburn in 1314 and was granted lands in Strathearn.
When you step inside Lauriston Castle, you see it just as it was in 1926, when it was left to the nation by the last private owner, Mrs Reid.
Step back in time in this extraordinary Tudor castle on the edge of the Cotswolds. This hotel offers the perfect luxurious retreat – combining 500-year-old architecture with sumptuous facilities.
Set in the attractive planned village of Holt, Holt Castle is a ruin on the banks of the River Dee.
Built around 1500 by the Adairs of Kilhilt, one of the most powerful families in Wigtownshire, over the centuries the Castle has been used as a home, a local court, a military garrison and a prison.
Videos and reconstructions are used to tell the story of:
Dean Castle, home and stronghold of the Boyd family for over 400 years, is open all year round to visitors and is one of Ayrshire’s greatest free attractions.
A mansion located 2 miles (3 km) south southwest of Montrose, the present Dunninald Castle was built in the Gothic-revival style to the designs of architect James Gillespie Graham (1776 - 1855) for Peter Arklay in 1824.
The beauty of Edzell was a statement of the prestige of its owners, the Lindsays.
The stylised walled garden was created around 1604. Adorned with heraldic sculptures and carved panels, the architectural framework surrounding the garden is unique in Britain.
The garden also includes walled flower and nesting boxes and a delightful summer house.
Glamis Castle has been the family home of the Earls of Strathmore and Kinghorne, and a royal residence, since 1372. It was the childhood home of Queen Elizabeth the late Queen Mother and the birthplace of Princess Margaret, as well as the legendary setting for Shakespeare´s famous play Macbeth.
Broughty Castle sits imposingly at the mouth of the River Tay. Built in 1496 on a rocky promontory, it has faced many sieges and battles.
The charm of Fyvie ranges from its 13th-century origins to its stunning Edwardian interiors. The castle is home to a superb collection of arms, armour and paintings, including works by Raeburn and Gainsborough.
Bodelwyddan Castle has over 500 years of history to discover. We are an independant charitable trust and a regional partner of the National Portrait Gallery with a mixture of UK and National Collections to discover. Our free, state of the art multimedia guides will take you on a fascinating journey through this historic house and will bring its stories and characters to life.
Built in the 15th century by one of Scotland’s most powerful families, the Crichtons, Blackness was never destined as a peaceful lordly residence; its enduring roles were those of garrison fortress and state prison.
Highlights
Blackness Castle stands in for Fort William in series one of the TV show Outlander.
Built and developed over two centuries by successive Stewart kings of Scotland, Linlithgow Palace was a comfortable and attractive retreat from affairs of state, conveniently placed between Stirling and Edinburgh. Both James V and his daughter Mary Queen of Scots were born here, overlooking the tranquil beauty of the loch and peel (park).
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 viral video shows a black girl being assaulted by a white woman in a corridor.
Police in Iceland are investigating after a British schoolgirl was slapped and chased by a tour guide in a hotel corridor.
The schoolgirl, 13, who attended Harris Girls’ Academy, was assaulted whilst on a school trip to Iceland to see the Northern Lights. The incident occurred at Hotel Örk, Hveragerdi on 13th October.