History - Medieval
The Middle Ages
The Medieval period, also sometimes referred to as the Middle Ages, began with the Norman conquest of Britain in 1066 and lasted until the end of the fifteenth century. In exchange for land, barons, earls and dukes swore oaths of loyalty to their kings. The land division, known as Feudalism, proved a successful way for the country to be governed, controlled and taxed. This age of power and control is perhaps best seen today through the castles that still dominate some of our towns and coastlines. For those not wealthy enough to live in castles and fortified manor houses, life was dominated by farming in the manorial system. In exchange for toiling in the fields, peasants were given protection by the land owner.
These fascinating relationships as well as periods such as the Black Death, the Peasants Revolt, the Crusades and the development of Medieval towns, can all be explored at some truly engaging educational venues, up and down the country. We have selected a handful who we feel offer the best experience for your school groups. If you are studying any aspect of life in the Middle Ages, you will find lots of inspiration at the venues featured here.
Leeds Castle
Leeds Castle is proud to have been awarded the Sandford Award for Heritage Education. The head judge stated as follows: "This is a service which goes from strength to strength. The programme is varied and interesting with strong links to the National Curriculum and with clear aims and objectives. It is firmly grounded in the Castle’s long and varied history and the workshops are delivered by knowledgeable and well-trained staff. There is a strong sense of cohesion in the Education Department with an atmosphere of cooperation and support."...
A warm welcome awaits you at our purpose-built hostel, based in the docklands area of London. With a coach drop-off just outside the door getting here is easy. Inside you’ll find great social spaces, full meals service and places to study.
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Princess Em-Mazing & Sir Tastic bring history to life with incredible Fairy Tale Wow Days!
Your pupils will be inspired to read, write & enjoy learning by having a 'real princess & knight' visit the school with exciting props & tales of adventure!...
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YHA Cardiff Central has a 5-star rating and everything you need to explore the vibrant Welsh capital. This former hotel is packed with mod cons and has excellent facilities for school trips and groups.
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The Charterhouse has been living the nation’s history since 1348. Founded as a medieval monastery of the Carthusian order, the site became a Tudor mansion, a boys’ school, and an almshouse, which it remains to this day.
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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-
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Take a costumed guided tour today and let the characters reveal their fascinating stories entrenched in the building’s 1,000-year history!
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Founded soon after 1066 by William Peveril and overlooking Hope Valley and Cave Dale, Peveril Castle is a fantastic and historically important site for school children to explore. An exciting and dramatic Norman castle overlooking the Derbyshire coun...
There's a full day outside the classroom at Audely End House and Gardens. A 17th century mansion complete with Victorian Service Wing, Kitchen Garden and stables to explore outside and visit the hands-on Nursery Suite and Coal Gallery.
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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 wide range of curriculum subjects.
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Home to the Romans, Vikings, Anglo-Saxons and generations of scholars. Count the towers and gateways along the city walls, stroll through the Shambles and discover eight hundred years' of stained glass at the towering Minster. This lovely medieval ci...
Stratford-upon-Avon is the perfect location for an engaging trip for all ages. The birthplace of Shakespeare it offers so much more; quaint Tudor streets, a historic market town centre and the local wildlife of the beautiful River Avon and Canals.
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A day trip to the stunning Isle of Wight is only a short ferry crossing away!
With only a small stretch of water between you and the island, the Isle of Wight offers a truly unique experience and can be reached in as little as 12 minutes!
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Learn outside the classroom at Warwick Castle: A fortress over 950 years old! Experience the fun of real history with educational Tours, fun curriculum based workshops and daily shows that include our incredible Birds of prey and Mighty Trebuchet!
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So much fun they won't realise they're learning!
Medieval/Middle Ages interactive workshops to inspire, engage and educate! Costumed experts bring the Medieval world to life with artefacts and activities right in your classroom.
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The UK's biggest Birds of Prey Show at Warwick Castle!
Let your imagination soar as you join Warwick’s Falconer on an epic quest of discovery to find the finest Birds in all of the land, in this brand new, action-packed, spectacular show.
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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...
At Ufton, we provide engaging history and outdoor learning school trips for Schools across the South East.
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Museums and palaces overflowing with art, science and history, incredible theatre shows in the West End, bustling Oxford Street and Covent Garden, and iconic Big Ben and Trafalgar Square! London is the perfect destination for a cultural tour.
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Allow students to encounter the past brought to life in a beautiful building with an 800 year history. From 17th century surgery in the baggage train to pike drills in the Great Hall, learners of all ages can experience a vast and fascinating history...
Pendennis Castle, 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.
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The Gordon Brown Centre
The GBC located of junction 5 of the M3 in the historic village of Rotherwick, providing residential and day visit opportunities for schools within its 25 acres set in a conservation area and benefit from a wealth of natural charms.
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Join us and explore real historical court cases through role-play in one of the longest running courts in England.
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Longship have been providing Viking & Saxon history workshops in schools since 1992 and we visit schools all over the UK, we average over 200 school workshops per year and have visited 1000's of schools a large number of them book a return visit
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Rievaulx is one of the most complete, and atmospheric, of England's abbey ruins. It's no wonder it's one of the most popular visitor attractions in the North.
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The Charterhouse has been living the nation’s history since 1348. In that time it has served as a monastery, private mansion, boys school and an almshouse, which it remains to this day.
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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.
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Welcome to Glastonbury Abbesy, once the grandest and richest Abbey in England. A great Glastonbury experience awaits you here!
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Edinburgh is a city of beautiful contrasts. The ancient castle perched atop its volcanic crag, the mishmash of medieval tenements towering over the Royal Mile, and the New Town's neoclassical grandeur are all out to impress, but they're just the star...
Step back in time to 1066 and bring the curriculum to life at 1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey and Battlefield. Discover more about the most famous date in English history while walking in the steps of King Harold and William the Conqueror.
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Leeds Castle in Kent offers an exciting range of themed workshops, self-guided visits and fun-packed itineraries ensure your school group will learn that there is so much more to Leeds Castle than history.
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Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre tells an internationally important story within the landscape in which the battle took place. Richard III's death signified the beginning of the powerful Tudor dynasty which changed the face of England.
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Portals to the Past provide high quality history workshops in schools for KS2, led by experienced historical re-enactors and historians. Available across most of England. From the Stone Age through to WW2 our workshops come to your school.
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Bring the curriculum to life at Dover Castle. Stand at the spot where Operation Dynamo was planned, experience what life was like for a medieval king or servant by stepping inside the Great Tower or delve into our Medieval Tunnels.
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Killed in battle in 1485 and discovered underneath a car park in 2012 - this is the incredible story of King Richard III, his life, death, discovery and identification.
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Pembroke Castle
Pembroke Castle in South Wales offers a fantastic opportunity for children to come and learn about the history of the region.
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★★★★★
Dan Tastic History
Dan Tastic Education brings history to life with incredible Wow Days!
Your pupils will be inspired to read, write & enjoy learning by having a 'real' historical character visit the school with a vast array of props & tales of exciting adventures!
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★★★★★
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.
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Boasting England’s longest medieval water-filled moat surrounding a site which dates back to 1229. Explore 800 years of history on this 7acre island with it's Tudor mansion, 14th century gatehouse, Elizabethan barn, watermill, forge and much more....
Back in time, learn about Stone Age man,
Try lighting a fire if you think you can,
Building your own shelter..in LOPC wood,
Fire-pit charcoal, draw caveman good.
Test your skill with an Archers sight.
Go home with knowledge from our StoneAge s...
Oakham Castle is a Norman Great hall built between 1180 and 1190 and used for over 800 years as a court. Our Immersive Education Sessions place the children right in the heart of the history they are learning about.
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There’s more to Stratford-upon-Avon than Shakespeare – theatre, history and culture buffs of every language love this world-famous location. YHA Stratford-upon-Avon offers a superb base for groups and school trips, boasting a restaurant and bar.
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Do you like the idea of teaching your curriculum while your students minds are wide open? When better for them to learn than during the fun of your school trip? We are the Island Classroom, where you can combine fun with education in a unique way.
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A school trip to the LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort is sure to engage, excite and inspire your students. Set in 150 acres of beautiful parkland with more than 55 interactive shows and attractions, the resort brings learning to life outside the classroom.
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Immersive Experiences is the UK's leading multi-diciplinary mobile planetariums and sensory learning experiences company. Over 15 subjects | National Curriculum & Common Entrance 13 level | Over 160 programs to suit all ages | SEN/SLD/PMLD
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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.
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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.
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Cardiff Castle
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.
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★★★★★
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.
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Be transported back in time! Explore the sights, sounds and smells of 14th century England in this unique, immersive experience. Meet our costumed guides, walk alongside Chaucer’s pilgrims and revel in the recreated medieval scenes as five colourfu...
Bring the curriculum to life and inspire your students with a visit to Scarborough Castle. Dominating Scarborough's headland, the sites history spans some 3000 years Stone Age all the way through to Medieval Britain.
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