Give your students the chance to step into the Saxon and Viking ages and experience history beyond the classroom. At Butser Ancient Farm, students explore reconstructed Saxon halls and gardens, learn about the Saxon and Viking migrations and discover what life was like in early medieval Britain through practical, enquiry-based activities led by our award-winning education team.Throughout the day, students take part in four 30 minute hands-on workshops of your choice. They can dig for archaeological artefacts, learn traditional building techniques, make pottery or jewellery, sew runes or explore skills such as spinning. They handle materials, investigate the past and put their learning into practice, with some activities giving them something to take home.
This immersive approach helps students develop their understanding of Saxon and Viking life, migration and culture, while building creativity, independence, teamwork and practical skills. The experience directly supports the National Curriculum and can be tailored to learners from KS1 to KS4.
Butser brings the Saxon and Viking ages to life in an authentic way that is difficult to recreate in the classroom. Our reconstructed buildings, archaeological approach and hands-on activities help students make connections between evidence from the past and the lives of the people who lived here, while encouraging them to ask questions, investigate and draw their own conclusions.
What activities are available during educational visits?
Bring the past to life with four hands-on workshops. Each workshop is led by a member of our education team and lasts approx. 30 minutes.
- Archaeological dig
- Artefact handling
- Chalk carving
- Clunching
- Cordage
- Jewellery
- Pottery
- Sewing runes
- Site tour
- Spinning
- Wattling
- Archaeological dig
- Artefact handling
- Chalk carving
- Clunching
- Cordage
- Jewellery
- Pottery
- Sewing runes
- Site tour
- Spinning
- Wattling
Which curriculum topics do we cater for?
Saxons School Trip
Arts and Culture Saxon Settlements
Take your pupils beyond the classroom and explore the Saxon ages. Explore our reconstructed Saxon buildings, uncover the past through archaeology and learn how people lived, built, crafted and survived thousands of years ago.
Your visit is guided by a dedicated, experienced, member of Butser's award-winning education team. After an introductory talk, pupils take part in four practical, 30 minute workshops of your choice. Examples include archaeological digging, artefact handling, chalk carving, cordage, pottery, sewing runes, spinning and lots more.
Pupils can step inside reconstructed prehistoric buildings, handle materials, learn ancient skills, and create something to take home. The experience encourages curiosity, creativity, independence and teamwork while directly supporting the National Curriculum.
Vikings Mythology and Culture Viking Trade Viking Raids and Invasion Invaders and Settlers
What size groups do we cater for?
Maximum of 120 children.
On-site classroom facilities?
No dedicated classroom facilities are available on-site. Instead, schools make use of our reconstructed ancient buildings and outdoor spaces as immersive learning environments.
Is there first aid on site?
Yes, our team are First Aid certified.
Teacher Checklist
Get Risk Assessments
Inspection Visits
Who are Butser Ancient Farm?
Butser Ancient Farm is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company with a focus on education and research. Through experimental archaeology, reconstructed buildings and hands-on experiences, we explore how people lived over 10,000 years ago, and share our knowledge with schools, visitors and communities. Our work combines archaeological research, education, heritage engagement and public events to connect people with the past in an immersive and accessible way.
Every enquiry gives you a chance to win trips and workshops for your school - We are giving away a free trip for every week of the Autumn term!
Waterlooville Hampshire PO8 0BG
