The delightful village of Castle Acre boasts an extraordinary wealth of history and is a very rare and complete survival of a Norman planned settlement, including a castle, town, parish church and associated monastery. All this is the work of a great Norman baronial family, the Warennes, mainly during the 11th and 12th centuries.
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
Visit the extensive ruins of Baconsthorpe Castle, a moated and fortified 15th century manor house, that are a testament to the rise and fall of a prominent Norfolk family, the Heydons.
Over 200 years, successive generations of this ambitious family built, then enlarged, and finally abandoned this castle.
Tucked away in a deep wooded valley, Berry Pomeroy Castle is the perfect romantic ruin with a colourful history of intrigue.
The impressive ruins of Henry II's 12th century keep, on the site of a Roman fort guarding the approach to strategic Stainmore Pass over the Pennines.
Walk in the footsteps of previous generations along these ancient hill forts
The hill forts of Lambert's Castle and Coney's Castle are less than a mile apart so you can easily explore them both in a day. Each one has a different character, but both have a rich past.
Aydon Castle stands in a secluded woodland setting. Almost completely intact, it is one of the finest and most unaltered examples of a 13th century English manor house.
The ruined hall and chamber of a fortified manor house of the powerful Percy family, dating mainly from the 14th and 15th centuries. Its undercroft is cut into a rocky outcrop.
The great 13th century circular shell-keep of Restormel still encloses the principal rooms of the castle in remarkably good condition. It stands on an earlier Norman mound surrounded by a deep dry ditch, atop a high spur beside the River Fowey. Twice visited by the Black Prince, it finally saw action during the Civil War in 1644. It commands fantastic views and is a favourite picnic spot.
Standing within an attractive village setting, not far from the fantastic Lullingstone Roman Villa, is Eynsford Castle - a very early Norman 'enclosure castle' whose substantial stone walls present a rare survival of this striking and impressive style.
The remains of a medieval castle crucial to Anglo-Scottish warfare, superseded by the most complete and breathtakingly impressive bastioned town defences in England, mainly Elizabethan but updated in the 17th and 18th centuries. Surrounding the whole historic town, their entire circuit can be walked.
The remains of one of England's largest 13th-century castles
In 1266 King Henry III destroyed one of England’s largest medieval castles. Today, all that remains of Duffield Castle are the foundations, the view and its stories.
The tiny 1 hectare site, nestled within the village of Duffield, Derbyshire is now bounded on all sides by housing and roads, but it is still a place to enjoy, relax in and soak up the history.
Enjoy a family guided tour around this historic castle built by Henry VIII. Camber Castle lies between Rye and Winchelsea. The ruin of an unusually unaltered artillery fort designed to guard the port of Rye, and near Battle Abbey.
There are monthly guided walks round Rye Harbour Nature Reserve, including the castle and local farm.
The romantic ruins of a royal castle overlooking the Essex marshes. Hadleigh was begun in about 1215 by Hubert de Burgh, but extensively refortified by Edward III during the Hundred Years War, becoming a favourite residence of the ageing king.
The ruins of a small 12th-century Norman keep, with panoramic views over the Weald.
Sutton Valence castle was owned by a succession of important medieval lords. The castle was located in a strong position, overlooking the road from Maidstone to Winchelsea, and dominating the Weald of Kent.
History
Set in tranquil grounds adjoining a riverside village, this rare example of an Elizabethan artillery fort was begun in 1559 and redeveloped in 1599-1601, to protect warships moored at Chatham dockyards. Despite a brave attempt, it entirely failed to do so in 1667, when the Dutch sailed past it to burn or capture the English fleet at anchor.
The dramatic riverside ruins and extensive earthworks of a Welsh Border castle, its tall 13th century keep unusually set on the side of its mound.
Information panels tell the story of the castle and the nearby town.
History
Carlisle Castle includes an exhibition, a programme of guided tours, a picnic area, a unique gift shop and is in close proximity to Hadrian's Wall.
Pevensey Castle is a great educational day out in East Sussex, encompassing rich history and fun things to do and see for adults and children. With a history stretching back over 16 centuries, Pevensey Castle chronicles more graphically than any other fortress the story of Britain's south coast defences.
The remains of a Norman castle which stands on the edge of the village of Bramber, on a high natural knoll overlooking the River Adur. Founded by William de Braose c. 1075.
Discover the splendour of royalty
Built by architect Inigo Jones under the patronage of James I, the ceiling was painted by Peter Paul Rubens.
The hall was built for the performance of ‘Masques’ and for grand ambassadorial receptions.
This 'Castle of the Rock' is famous for its spectacular views, which take in no less than eight counties on a clear day.
Beautifully sited on the fringe of Dartmoor, Lydford boasts three defensive features. Near the centre is a 13th-century tower on a mound, built as a prison. It later became notorious for harsh punishments - 'the most annoyous, contagious and detestable place within this realm'. To the south is an earlier Norman earthwork castle: to the north, Saxon town defences.
Bath Lodge Castle is a Hotel & Restaurant in Bath, offering a unique and romantic stay at a Castle. Grade II Listed and bursting with character, it is a wonderful fortress complete with towers, battlements and portcullis.
History
Carisbrooke Castle is best known as the place where King Charles I was imprisoned.
Magnificent 18th-century mansion and landscape park
Experience the stately grandeur of this stunning 18th-century mansion set in a beautiful wooded landscape park ideal for family walks.
Castle Coole is one of Ireland's finest Neo-classical houses, allowing visitors to glimpse what life was like in the home of the Earls of Belmore.
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