History comes to life at Mont Orgueil Castle, which for 600 years protected Jersey against French invasion. Explore the network of staircases, towers and secret rooms to discover hidden treasures. Please note, the main gate access to the castle may be closed due to building work. There is alternative access from the footpath along Gorey Pier.
Castles
Castles
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!
Venues for this Category
Where history comes alive
Built on a rocky islet in St Aubin's Bay, Elizabeth Castle defended Jersey for more than 400 years. The castle is accessible at low tide by foot or the castle ferry.
Built originally by Llywelyn the Great, taken and remodelled by Edward I then sacked by Owain Glyndwr, the castle sits in an impressive location, overlooking Cardigan Bay with views to nearby Harlech Castle. We also provide Medieaval Treasure Chest handling and self-led activity packs on Castles, English and Science, Technology and Mathematics.
At the top of the park stand the imposing remains of Lowther Castle and its hidden Gardens.
Built by William the Conqueror, Rockingham was a royal fortress for 450 years. Home to the Saunders Watson family. Set in a panoramic location with views over five counties, the Castle has magnificently furnished rooms of several periods, and is surrounded by 18 acres of superbly contrasting gardens including a beautiful Room Garden created by Chelsea Gold Medal Winner Robert Myers.
Tilbury Fort on the Thames estuary has protected London’s seaward approach from the 16th century through to the Second World War.
Henry VIII built the first fort here, and Queen Elizabeth I famously rallied her army nearby to face the threat of the Armada. The present fort is much the best example of its type in England, with its circuit of moats and bastioned outworks.
Sitting proudly atop Norman earthworks, Conisbrough Castle is a dominating presence over the local area. Built by Lord Hamelin Plantagenet during the 12th century, Conisbrough’s spectacular magnesian limestone keep is a design unique in Britain.
Largest castle in Wales, well preserved & interpreted, exhibitions, film show, interactive table. We also provide Medieaval Treasure Chest handling and self-led activity packs on Castles, English and Science, Technology and Mathematics.
This ruin of a 12th century castle in the grounds of a mansion, was built as a fortified palace and was in the ownership of the Church until the 16th century. Now a romantic ruin, in the grounds of the New Sherborne Castle, it is a great day out for all ages.
A powerful thick-walled round keep dating from around 1200, characteristic of the Welsh Borders, on a large earthen mound within a stonewalled bailey. Set in the beautiful Olchon valley, with magnificent views of the Black Mountains.
White Castle is the best preserved of the Three Castles, namely, White, Skenfrith and Grosmont. The heart of this castle is surrounded by powerful round towers.
The Three Castles are usually grouped together because for a large part of their history they were part of a block of territory under the control of a single lord, Hubert de Burgh.
Fairytale Georgian castle in magical surroundings, with Deer Park, Lake and Arboretum, Children's Adventure Playground and Assault Course, Knight's Maze and Burma Bridge Tree Top Walkway.
Inside this family home you'll find richly decorated Gothic interiors, Fine Art, Armour and much more.
The ruins of a substantial early medieval moated manor house, built in local flint: a rare surviving example of a grand 12th century manor house, and a typical example of an East Anglian 'great house'.
See how people lived through time - what they wore, the toys they played with and how they managed their household chores. Find out about the history of the house, the landscaping of its estate and enjoy the beautiful Picture Room. Free entry.
Our exhibitions include Dolls, Art, Victorian School Room, Costume and Bristol at School.
Whether you are studying the Romans, Normans, castles, Victorians, or the Home Front and World War II, you will find plenty to keep your pupils engrossed both whilst visiting Cardiff Castle and during preparation and follow-up work at school.
Small Tudor artillery fort guarding Dartmouth's inner harbour, picturesquely sited on the quayside.
Bickleigh Castle is sure to cast its magical spell on you. With its romance, rich history and stunning setting it has become a unique venue.
There are a huge range of activities available both at the Castle itself or very nearby, including:
The remains of the largest castle in Devon, in a stunning setting on a wooded spur above the rushing River Okement. Begun soon after the Norman Conquest as a motte and bailey castle with a stone keep, it was converted into a sumptuous residence in the 14th century by Hugh Courtenay, Earl of Devon, much of whose work survives.
Over the winter we will be carrying out a transformation of the castle, creating new displays and preparing to tell new, previously untold, stories. 2015 will mark the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo, so make sure you set aside time in your diary to visit when we reopen from April.
One of Edward I's 'Iron Ring' network of castles in north Wales with the remains of a defended river gate still exist in the outer ring of the walls, where the King canalised the river Clwyd for over a mile to ensure it was navigable for ships.
Nearby Twthill is an example of an earlier Norman motte. We delvier English and Science, Technology, Mathematics self-led activity packs.
Pendennis Castle is one of the finest of the mighty fortresses built by Henry VIII to defend the country against invasion. The castle has seen action in many conflicts and was one of the last royalist strongholds to fall during the English Civil War. Visitors can transport themselves back to Tudor times and right through the First and Second World Wars in a packed day out.
Extensive remains of medieaval castle.
We also provide Medieaval Treasure Chest handling and self-led activity packs on Castles, English and Science, Technology and Mathematics.
Technically the most 'perfect' castle in Britain, but unfinished. Part of the World Heritage Site of Castles and Town Walls of Edward I.
We also provide Mediaeval Treasure Chest handling and self-led activity packs on Castles, English and Science, Technology and Mathematics.
Castle and Town Walls designated as part of the World Heritage Site of Castles and Town Walls of Edward I. Amongst the finest surviving medieval fortifications in Britain.
We also provide Medieaval Treasure Chest handling and self-led activity packs on Castles, English and Science, Technology and Mathematics.
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