Castle School Trips

Historic Castles, Cathedrals and Abbeys

Monuments of stone

How can castle visits in the UK teach Medieval history at KS2 and KS3?

Castle trips offer tours of defences, castle life, and sieges by connecting medieval architecture to broader history.

We are incredibly lucky to have such incredible links to our past, so easily accessible, and in all areas of the country. For children learning about our country's history, castles are a must, especially when you are covering the Medieval Realms module of the National Curriculum at Key Stage 3. Their location in the landscape, the associated towns to which they gave protection, the way they influence the development of surrounding roads and settlements, and their role at the national level. These are all things that are described in text books, but become strikingly obvious on the ground. And as we all know, actually being there and seeing with their own eyes is invaluable if you want your pupils to get the most from your lessons.

On this page we have included our recommendations for castles, cathedrals and abbeys to visit with your class. Also take a look at our Medieval History page. We have chosen these particular locations based on the educational value they offer to school groups, through notice board information around the site, worksheets and lesson plans, on-site guides who can tell you specialist information about the site, and the assistance that the venue can provide to party leaders while organising the trip. There may be a superb example of a long-forgotten motte and bailey castle within striking distance of your school, but if it is just tucked away in the corner of a farmer's field, it probably isn't going to offer the same level of learning experience as one of the venues listed below.