Castle School Trips

person icon Historic Castles, Cathedrals and Abbeys


Monuments of stone

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.

castle in the UK
Carlisle Castle
Carlisle Castle
North West

Discover the most besieged castle in England, on a free education visit to this unique site, or enhance learning with a hands-on learning workshop with our site experts.

Skipton Castle
Skipton Castle
Yorkshire

Over 900 years old, Skipton Castle is one of the most complete and best preserved medieval castles in England. Visitors can explore every corner of this impressive history-rich castle, which withstood a three-

Conisbrough Castle
Conisbrough Castle
Yorkshire

Inspire your students with a visit to Conisbrough Castle, a symbol of power and wealth built by the Warenne family after the Norman Conquest, with 850 years of history to discover.

Kings, Queens & Castles Workshop
Kings, Queens & Castles Workshop
in-school workshop

Characters, Stories, Artefacts, Games,Costumes and Coin Making. An engaging workshop discovering the lives of Kings and Queens and where they lived! What castle would you choose?

Newcastle Castle
Newcastle Castle
North East

A day out at Newcastle Castle will inspire your class and ignite their imagination. Join us for a range of exciting workshops and full of hands on activities, which will give them a day out they will never forget.

Framlingham Castles
Framlingham Castles
East of England

A magnificent example of late 12th-century castle. Schools have the freedom to explore the inside of the castle walls through the main gatehouse, the 'wall walk' along the top of the castle, as well as learn about the history from the illustrated dis

Warkworth Castle
Warkworth Castle
North East

A school visit to Warkworth Castle is a unique experience. Once home to the powerful Percy family who now reside in Alnwick Castle, Warkworth was, and remains, one of the largest and most impressive fortresses in North East England.

Tintagel Castle
Tintagel Castle
South West

Immerse yourself in history, myths and stunning scenery at Tintagel Castle, set high on Cornwall's rugged north coast between Padstow and Bude.

Portchester Castle
Portchester Castle
London & South East

Bring the curriculum to life at Portchester Castle. With 1700 years of history, it covers everything from the Romans, medieval kings right up to the Napoleonic Wars. Follow in their footsteps and explore its exciting and varied history.

Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden
Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden
West Midlands

Kenilworth Castle has been a major medieval military stronghold, a royal palace, and an inspiration to writers and artists. It's the perfect destination to bring learning outside of the classroom and cover a range of curriculum subjects.

Orford Castle
Orford Castle
East of England

Discover one of England’s most complete and unusual keeps, at this fascinating visitor attraction in Suffolk. The unique polygonal tower keep of Orford Castle stands beside the pretty town and former port, which Henry II also developed here.

Kabannas Newcastle
Kabannas Newcastle
North East

Affordable and comfortable group accommodation for school trips in the centre of Newcastle. We have fantastic links to the Castle and other locations across Newcastle. Short walk from the train station and easy access for coach drop off.

Belvoir Castle
Belvoir Castle
East Midlands

School trips to Belvoir allow pupils to learn about the castle during Regency and Victorian times, including the opportunity to experience a themed lesson in our Regency Schoolroom!

Bolsover Castle
Bolsover Castle
East Midlands

There are plenty of outdoor and indoor facilities for school groups to see at Bolsover castle, including the 17th century castle built by Charles Cavendish, Riding House Range which now contains an exhibition, Terrace Range and Wall Walk.

Willersley Castle
Willersley Castle
East Midlands

Enjoy a range of challenging outdoor pursuits within the 65 acre estate, Willersley Castle - once the home of Industrial Revolution's Richard Arkwright.

Life in a Medieval Castle Day
Life in a Medieval Castle Day
in-school workshop

It’s Anarchy! King Stephen and his knights left for battle. Now an evil knight threatens to attack. Can your children keep the castle running in the king’s absence? And can they defend it?

Goodrich Castle
Goodrich Castle
West Midlands

Standing in open countryside above the River Wye, Goodrich Castle is one of the finest and best preserved of all English medieval castles, boasting a fascinating history and spectacular views from the battlements.

Castle Head FIeld Centre
Castle Head FIeld Centre
North West

With easy access to both the coastline of Morecambe Bay, the glaciated uplands of the southern Lake District and the lakes of Windermere and Coniston, FSC Castle Head is ideally situated for a wide range of field studies and adventurous activities.

Scarborough Castle
Scarborough Castle
Yorkshire

Bring the curriculum to life and inspire your students with a visit to Scarborough Castle. Dominating Scarborough's headland, the history of this site spans some 3000 years from the Stone Age all the way through to medieval Britain.

Carisbrooke Castle
Carisbrooke Castle
London & South East

Carisbrooke Castle has experienced sieges, imprisoned a king, seen off the Spanish Armada and its history spans over 1000 years. What better way to bring the curriculum to life than to stand at the spot where history happened?

Knights & Castles Experience Day
Knights & Castles Experience Day
in-school workshop

Knights, Squires, Damsels and Dragons, the Middle-Ages awaits! Discover the start of the era of chivalry, train to be a knight, build a castle and unleash the trebuchet...

Knights & Castles Workshop & Wow Day
Knights & Castles Workshop & Wow Day
in-school workshop

Dan Tastic Education brings history to life with incredible Knights & Castles Wow Days! Your pupils will be engaged by our historical items, props, videos & student interaction with one of our fun & entertaining Dan Tastic Workshop Facilitators!

Cardiff Castle
Cardiff Castle
Wales

Cardiff Castle has over 2000 years of hisory which makes it perfect for a historical school trip covering areas the both the English and Welsh National Curriculum.

Farleigh Hungerford Castle
Farleigh Hungerford Castle
South West

Book a free school trip to Farleigh Hungerford Castle, and explore the ruins, the chapel and the burial vault to learn about the history of the site and the people who lived there. Enhance your learning with a hands-on workshop led by site experts.

Peveril Castle
Peveril Castle
East Midlands

Built soon after the Norman Conquest in 1066 by William Peveril, Peveril Castle is a dramatic Norman castle overlooking Hope Valley and Cave Dale in Derbyshire. Book a free school visit to explore with your class.

Dover Castle
Dover Castle
London & South East

Bring the curriculum to life at Dover Castle. Stand at the spot where Operation Dynamo was planned, and imagine what life was like for a medieval king or servant by stepping inside the Great Tower or exploring our Medieval Tunnels.

Richmond Castle
Richmond Castle
North East

Take your learning out of the classroom and explore Richmond Castle’s rich and varied history, from the Norman origins of the medieval castle, to the First World War and conscientious objectors.

Pendennis Castle
Pendennis Castle
South West

Pendennis Castle in Falmouth is one of the finest Tudor fortresses built by Henry VIII. It has seen action in many conflicts and was one of the last royalist strongholds to fall during the English Civil War.

Beeston Castle and Woodland Park
Beeston Castle and Woodland Park
North West

Beeston Castle with its impressive location and natural defences has been home to prehistoric settlers, great barons, it's acted as a defence against aristocratic rivals and it's even been an important English Civil War stronghold.

YHA St Briavels Castle
YHA St Briavels Castle
West Midlands

Over 800 years old, YHA St Briavels Castle has got a real wow factor, with bags of character and a magical charm perfect for a school residential.

The Bushcraft Company - Castle Howard
The Bushcraft Company - Castle Howard
North East

Not everything can be taught in a classroom. We believe that some of the most important life skills are best learned outside. Get back to basics with our real outdoor experiences and give your students the chance to grow.

St Mawes Castle
St Mawes Castle
South West

One of the best preserved of Henry VIII's coastal fortresses, St Mawes was part of a chain of forts built in response to the threat of invasion. With all of this history represented at the site, there are plenty of learning opportunities to explore.

Cumulus Outdoors Tented Village - Corfe Castle
Cumulus Outdoors Tented Village - Corfe Castle
South West

Our exciting range of land and water based outdoor adventure activities take place at some of Dorset’s most iconic coastal locations and offer the unique opportunity to explore the stunning Jurassic Coastline whilst trying something new.

Stokesay Castle
Stokesay Castle
West Midlands

Explore the incredible fortified manor house with a great hall that's remained unchanged for 700 years and discover the fascinating story of the Shropshire wool merchant who became one of the richest men in England.


Castles enquiry..

Let us find the perfect Castle experience for your school trip

Preferred Date:




Get school trip offers by email

Unsubscribe at any time, we won't share your email with anyone else, just send you all the best offers and ideas for your next class trip!

envelope icon Subscribe