Saints, Saxons and Victorian Builders School Trips

Shrine of St Augustine

The Shrine of St Augustine is part of the Catholic parish of Ramsgate. It recently benefitted from a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund which has been used both to preserve this historic building and improve access for visitors. The church was built in the 1840s by Augustus Pugin next to the house (The Grange) he built for himself on Ramsgate's West Cliffe. close to the site where St Augustine landed in AD 597, at the invitation of the Saxon king (Ethelbert).
The venue links to a number of key curriculum areas, principally RE, history and art. There are also opportunities to use this unique venue to study Design Technology, Architecture and Mathematics (especially geometry and patterns). In addition to the education pack a number of fixed educational resources have been developed including interpretive boards, videos and artefact displays. Pupils may also dress up using our Saxon and Victorian costume box.
To help you plan your visit there is a comprehensive free educational pack for Key Stage 2 pupils, available at:

The pack is organised around three themes: St Augustine and the coming of Christianity to England; the life and work of Augustus Pugin; and the Shrine as a place of worship. The pack contains resources for a number of curriculum related activities with suggestions for preparatory and follow on activities.

Saints, Saxons and Victorian Builders photograph

school trip at Saints, Saxons and Victorian Builders

Saints, Saxons and Victorian Builders school groups

Why are Shrine of St Augustine great for School Trips and Educational Visits?

The various resources listed provide a wonderful introduction to the themes mentioned, but the greatest resource is the building itself. This is what makes it such an exciting venue for an educational visit.
Pugin provided many of the key ideas and impetus behind what is called the Gothic revival in architecture which has influenced the look of so many of our towns and cities. Pugin's work is perhaps best known through his collaboration with Charles Barry on the Houses of Parliament.

What activities are available during group visits?

Stories in stained glass. Learn all about St Augustine and his mission to England through the images in the stained glass.
Beneath your feet. Spend some time investigating Pugin’s tiles.
Signs and symbols search Understand how Christian use signs and symbols to communicate or express belief
There is a range of worksheets linked to activities available to download

What size groups do you cater for?

Up to 30

Do you offer on-site classroom facilities?

The Visitor Centre could be used for teaching smaller classes (up to 15)

Is there first aid on site?

There is a trained first aider on site

Do you offer access for visitors with disabilities?

We have accessible toilet facilities. The entrance to the Visitor Centre has one small step but there is alternative access via a ramp at the rear of the building. There is ramp access to other areas of the building where there are changes of level. If your party includes wheelchair users please contact the Shrine before your visit so that routes can be planned and a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan drawn up.

Do you cater for visitors with Special Educational Needs (SEN)?

The venue can be enjoyed by pupils of all ability levels.

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Need more inspiration?

We are bursting with ideas on places that deliver first class teaching both outside the classroom and as in-school workshops. Here are a few similar suggestions, or head to our tailor-made trip form and let us know how we can help you!