What are they and what do they involve?
A historic building or monument is a building or construction of some sort which has been of importance for a long time; the specifics can vary greatly, from being a residence of a significant historical figure to places such as windmills that are no longer in use. They often involve guided tours or exhibitions of interesting objects, and sometimes even historic re-enactments!
What are the benefits?
Visiting genuine historical buildings where people have lived and worked makes for a great accompaniment to classroom learning – forming physical links with the past and being able to use their imagination will be an excellent way of engaging students in learning.
What students is it suitable for?
There is a huge variety of historical buildings you can visit with your students, which means you can find a venue suitable for groups of all ages and interests!
Costs?
Admission prices will vary from being completely free up to over £10 per person depending on the venue; the larger the establishment and the more activities they have to offer, the more expensive access will be!
Safety Implications?
Any possible safety concerns will depend on the venue, and the variety of establishments mean that they will differ greatly! Consult with your destination of choice if you have any concerns.
The gatehouse, chapel and other remains of a communal residence for priests serving the parish church, founded by locally-born Archbishop Chichele before 1425. Regularly used to display works of art.
Chichele College was founded by Henry Chichele, Archbishop of Canterbury from 1414 to 1443 and the founder of All Souls’ College, Oxford. He was born in Higham Ferrers in about 1362.
Roofed conduit for Oxford's first water mains, constructed during the early 17th century. North Hinksey Conduit House is located on a hillside with views over the busy Oxford ring road to the spires of the city below.
Step back in time and discover Glasgow’s unique history with a visit to the oldest house in the city, built in 1471. It was originally part of a hospital and is one of only four medieval buildings to survive in Glasgow.
The Famous Blacksmiths Shop is the ancient building that made Gretna Green famous? It has stood in Gretna Green since 1712. It was also one of the earliest destinations for runaway couples fleeing to marry in Gretna Green.
Scone Palace has an exciting and colourful history as one of Scotland's most important stately homes. Fifteen hundred years ago it was the capital of the Picts. In the intervening centuries, it has been the seat of parliaments and the crowning place of the Kings of Scots, including Macbeth and Robert The Bruce.
Located near the spectacular St Magnus Cathedral, these palaces are regarded as two of the finest examples of architecture in Scotland and highlight Orkney’s close Norse and ecclesiastical links.
A particular attraction is the magnificent monumental fireplace in the great hall of the Earl’s Palace, built about 1600.
Highlights
The Palace of Holyroodhouse is The Queen’s official residence in Scotland. It stands at the end of Edinburgh's Royal Mile against the spectacular backdrop of Arthur’s Seat and is closely associated with Scotland’s rich history.
At the heart of Lydiard Park is Lydiard House – a striking Grade I listed Palladian house that for 500 years was home to the St John family. The ground floor state apartments of Lydiard House have been beautifully restored and are open to visitors all year round to view the ornate plasterwork and original family furnishings displayed alongside portraits and photographs of the St John family.
The Edinburgh Dungeon brings together an amazing cast of theatrical actors, special effects, stages, scenes and rides in a truly unique and exciting walkthrough experience that you see, hear, touch, smell and feel. It’s hilarious fun and it’s sometimes a bit scary.
We love it. We know you will too. Here's why:
The Guildhall is a prestigious historic building, with acres of oak and walnut panelling, marble floors and the city’s old courts and cells.
Not only is it the owrking home of Hull City Council, but it houses a public collection that includes fine art, sculpture, furniture, the Hull Tapestry and the Civic Insignia and silver.
Hull Tapestry
Castle Ward will take you on a journey of discovery. The 18th-century eccentric house with two distinctly different styles, classical and Gothic, will entice you to explore further.
The most hugely impressive Iron Age hillfort on the Welsh Borders, covering 40 acres, with formidable multiple ramparts. Old Oswestry was built by Iron Age people nearly 3,000 years ago and is one of the best preserved hillforts in Britain.
Information panels tell you about the hillfort and its inhabitants.
This fine Elizabethan mansion features some of the earliest external Renaissance architectural detail in the country, and two rare and outstanding sets of 16th century wall paintings of mythical and Biblical subjects.
Hill Hall has now been divided into private houses, but parts remain open to the public by prior arrangement.
The classic Neolithic 'causewayed enclosure', with three concentric but intermittent ditches. Large quantities of animal bones found here indicate feasting, animal trading or rituals, or perhaps all three. Part of the Avebury World Heritage Site.
Sentry Hill is a 19th century farmhouse in the Parish of Carnmoney, County Antrim. The house and its contents provide a rare insight into life in rural Ulster during the 19th and early 20th centuries.
A day out at Marble Hill is a real treat as this beautiful Palladian villa is set in 66 acres of outstanding riverside parkland near Richmond in West London.
Segedunum Roman Fort is the last outpost of Hadrian’s Wall. Home for 300 years to 600 soldiers guarding the furthest reaches of the Empire. Today it has an interactive museum, viewing tower, excavated remains and reconstructions.
Set immediately north of the Tower of London, right in the heart of Tower Hill, stands one of the most substantial and impressive surviving sections of the London Wall. Built c. AD 200, the Roman wall not only provided defence and security to the citizens of London, but also represented the status of the city itself.
Visit this 'tower' mill and discover how the windmill works.
The Windmill is currently closed for restoration.
Please join us in November for our grand re-opening and our 200th birthday celebrations.
An emporium of vintage, retro, antiques, artisans, crafts, gallery, gifts and a programme of quirky workshops.
The remains of one of a network of signal towers predating Hadrian's Wall, Pike Hill was later joined to the Wall at an angle of 45 degrees.
Stands alongside the route of Hadrian's National Cycle Network cyclepath.
The largest man-made mound in Europe, mysterious Silbury Hill compares in height and volume to the roughly contemporary Egyptian pyramids. Probably completed in around 2400 BC, it apparently contains no burial. Though clearly important in itself, its purpose and significance remain unknown. There is no access to the hill itself.
Danebury Iron Age hill fort is in Hampshire, north west of Stockbridge and close to Nether Wallop.
Bank Hall is not one of the most well known buildings in the country, but it is one of the most beautiful and interesting. Its location could be passed every day without realising its existence as the lofty chimneys and the remnants of the clock tower only faintly glimpse over the tree tops.
Longthorpe Tower displays one of the most complete and important sets of 14th century domestic wall paintings in northern Europe. This varied 'spiritual encyclopaedia' of worldly and religious subjects includes the Wheel of Life, the Nativity and King David.
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.