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!
Climb to the top of this 1000 year old Norman Castle for stunning panoramic views across Sussex.
The adjoining Barbican House is home to the Museum of Sussex Archaeology and houses local collections from the Stone Age to medieval times. A mini-cinema tells the story of Lewes from prehistoric to Victorian times.
This prominent vantage point and strategic site was quickly recognised by the Normans, who built a huge timber fortress here by 1100 AD. Originally built by Robert de Toeni, (later known as Robert of Stafford), in the Norman period, Stafford Castle has dominated the local skyline for over 900 years.
The Mount is a Norman earthwork motte and bailey fortress, which overlooks Corve Dale to the south-east. Standing at the north-east end of a low ridge, the oval flat-topped motte is crowned by a low bank around the southern half of its summit. Its ditch remains on the north and east sides but elsewhere it has been destroyed by the encroachment of farm buildings.
Corfham Castle is a mid 12th century motte and bailey fortress but sadly nothing now remains above the ground. In the inner bailey, the low motte has a wide surrounding ditch and the foundations of a shell keep. The large ditched outer bailey is lined with the foundations of a curtain wall and flanking towers.
Broncroft Castle is a late 14th century stone fortified manor house, founded by Sir Roger Burley. In the Civil War, the castle was garrisoned by the Royalists until 1645 but it was ordered to be slighted in 1648. 'Much demolished' the Lutley family made repaired in the mid to late 17th century.
Discover 800 years of the castle’s history from palatial dwelling to cattle shed; romantic ruin to restoration. The brick castle was built by Ralph Cromwell, Lord Treasurer of England, between 1434-1447 as a display of his wealth, power and ambition in unstable times.
The ruins of a mid-16th century coastal artillery fort, later garrisoned - hence the name - by Civil War Royalists.
Although taking its name from its occupation by Royalist forces in 1651, this small artillery fort was probably built 100 years earlier, during the reign of King Edward VI (1547–53).
This picturesque castle set in Calshot, a coastal village in Southampton, Hampshire, England. This beautiful village provides a perfect relaxing family day out by the coast.
This artillery fort, built by Henry VIII to defend the sea passage to Southampton, was recently used as a Navy and RAF base.
Among the largest and most complex of Iron Age hillforts in Europe, Maiden Castle’s huge multiple ramparts once protected several hundred residents. Excavations in the 1930s and 1980s revealed the site's 4,000-year history, from a Neolithic causewayed enclosure to a small Roman temple built on the site in the 4th century AD.
Book a tour of the magnificent Grade 1 listed Bruce Castle with one of the curators? See behind the scenes. Discover more about the history of the building and the fascinating people who lived here.
Schools
Looking for an educational trip out? Visit Portchester Castle in Hampshire, South East England. It provides the perfect setting for a relaxed, fun, historic day out!
The castle’s commanding location has made it a major factor in the Solent's defences for hundreds of years.
Visit the substantial remains of a strong and important motte and bailey castle dating from the 11th to 13th centuries, with surrounding walls, ditches and earthworks.
Castle established by William fitz Osbern in the late eleventh century. The remains of the great tower date to the first half of the twelfth century. Later remodelled by the Lancasters. Birthplace of Henry V.
This is an unstaffed open site, so there's no booking required!
Unstaffed open site November to March, no booking required. Self-led dressing up activity.
The first county park in England, this has been gently entertaining and thoroughly inspiring young families for forty years. Interesting walks and gorgeous architecture.
Step into royal domesticity where the royal family lived as the 'simplest country gentlefolks'.
Take advantage of free entry for under-16s and free preliminary tickets to prepare for your visit.
Kew Palace, the Royal Kitchens and Queen Charlotte's Cottage... some of the must see sites at Kew.
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 15-year-old boy fell 60ft over the edge of a cliff whilst on a geography school trip, miraculously only suffering minor injuries.