EDUCATIONAL VISITS
Leeds Castle welcomes school visits from the UK, Europe and all over the world, all year round.
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.
Leeds Castle and the National Curriculum
Leeds Castle can provide educational sessions, workshops, talks, tours or written resources to suit your pupils' educational requirements, whether early learners, from Key Stages 1 to 5 or adult learners.
As part of our charitable mission we offer special subsidised rates to schools from Kent, Surrey, Sussex, Essex and London.
Sandford Award for Heritage Education
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."
GUIDED & SELF-GUIDED SCHOOL VISITS
Find out more information about visiting Leeds Castle with your school
UK School Visits
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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Overseas School Visits
Leeds Castle can play an important part in your students' visit to
England and their studies of English history.
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Self Guided Visits
Visiting on a self-guided basis allows you to plan the day as you wish
and lead your pupils around the castle.
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THEMED WORKSHOPS
Themed workshops for UK schools, cover a range of topics such as
Drama, History, Art and much more! All workshops must be booked in advance.
The Swan Princess (KS1)
A fairy tale, told by the Education Team while your class dress up
as the characters in the story and act it out at their own level.
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Leeds Castle: A Potted History (KS1 & 2)
Meet some of the previous owners of Leeds Castle in this literacy &
drama workshop.
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Sybil the Cygnet (KS1)
Sybil the Cygnet offers a unique blend of science and literacy.
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From Cave to Castle (KS2)
Using costume and drama it is an interactive look at how people lived
and humans developed.
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The Field of Cloth of Gold (KS1,2 & 3)
A workshop focusing on Henry VIII’s trip to France and the Field of
Cloth of Gold.
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A Walk on the Wild Side (KS1 & 2)
An interactive look at British plants, trees and animals, including
birds.
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The Artful Henry (KS2)
Interactive role play with costumes, to look at the importance of portraiture
in the Tudor period.
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Badges and Banners (KS1,2 & 3)
Heraldry, what it is, why it was necessary and how it has evolved.
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A Victorian Day (KS2)
An interactive workshop designed for children to experience life in
a Victorian schoolroom
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A Victorian Christmas (KS2)
An interactive workshop designed for children to experience life in
a Victorian schoolroom.
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Monarchy & More (KS2)
Monarchy & More focuses on the monarchy at Leeds Castle since 1066 and also looks to its future.
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King of the Castle (KS3)
A workshop designed to develop history skills, knowledge and understanding
in a series of team challenges.
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Early Learners Story titleime (Nursery & Reception)
The children will dress up as the characters and act out the story
at their own level.
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SELF-GUIDED PACKAGES
Two add-on packages are available for self-guided education visits at a rate of £150 per package.
Pre-book an additional experience to enhance your student’s day out at Leeds Castle.
Meet King Henry VIII
Meet one of the most famous monarchs in English history in the Castle’s Banqueting Hall. Henry doesn’t mind having his photo taken providing you curtsy or bow before him first!
Private School Falconry Display
The Castle Falconry Team will give you a private free-flying birds of prey display in the arena before allowing your group to meet the birds up close and ask questions.
EDUCATIONAL TALKS
We offer educational talks on a variety of subjects, including History, Art,
Leisure, Tourism & Marketing.
Suitable for Key Stages 2, 3 and 4. Must be booked in advanced.
Tudor Talk (KS2 & 3)
Learn about the Field of the Cloth of Gold in a 45 minute talk in the
Education Centre using the pictures painted at the time and modern
technology to examine them.
Leeds Castle and Spanish Queens (KS3 & 4)
Learn about Leeds Castle’s links with Spain in this 40 minute talk held in the Education Centre.
Bugs and Boils (KS3)
Learn about the gruesome practices and strange ideas of Medieval medicine and discover how we progressed through the centuries to the modern hospitals of today.
Leeds Castle in the Medieval Era (KS3 & 4)
An in depth look at Leeds Castle in the Mediaeval era, how it developed and the people who lived in it.
Art Days (KS2, 3 & 4)
Book a self-guided visit and bring your sketch pads and drawing materials with you. Use the Castle, grounds and beautiful gardens as inspiration to produce your art work. There is the opportunity to ‘add on’ a talk looking at some of the artwork in the Castle at the end of your day.
Castles: Form & Function (KS4)
Designed to fit in with the new section of the curriculum, this talk will enhance your student’s learning.
Tourism & Marketing at Leeds Castle (KS3 & 4)
Discover how Leeds Castle targets visitors from a marketing perspective
with a 30 to 45 minute talk in the Education Centre.
Bespoke Talks (KS1, 2, 3 & 4)
If you have a special requirement, please contact the Education Manager who will discuss the options with you.
Educational Visit Rates
Payment for your school group must be made either in advance, or on arrival by BACS, cash or cheque. All cheques must be made payable to Leeds Castle Foundation.
Cancellations must be received by phone at least one week prior the visit. After this time the school will be invoiced for the full amount. We reserve the right to charge an administration fee for cancellations before this time.
Home Educators
Leeds Castle welcomes all Home Educators and offers the education rate without prior booking. You will receive one adult free per 10 children (or part of 10). Additional adults are charged at the education adult rate. The Education rate is permissible only on weekdays and during term time. It is not given at weekends or during school holidays. Please note the education rate is for one day admission only. There are educational resources available for you to download freely. Please email education@leeds-castle.co.uk with any queries.
Annual Tickets
Please note that annual tickets cannot be used for admission with a school visit.
Enquire Online
Submit an online enquiry form to book your Educational Visit.
Prices valid until 31st March 2019
| Price | Information | |
|
Workshop Visit
(includes admission to attractions) |
£8.25 | Min 25 Max 30-40 per group* Max 3 groups per day |
|---|---|---|
|
Self Guided Visit
(excludes workshops) |
£6.75
£9.50 £9.50 |
4-15 years
16-18 years EFL Overseas Student (4 - 21 years) |
| Adults |
FREE
FREE FREE FREE £9 |
1:4 Reception & Foundation 1:6 KS1 1:10 KS2 1:15 KS3 & 4 Additional adult/teacher |
| Talks
(additional to standard group rate) |
£1 |
Min 25*, Max 40
per group |
| Lunch Room Hire
(subject to availability, must be pre-booked) |
£25 per hour | Max 30 per group |
Prices valid from 1st April 2019 to 31st March 2020
| Price | Information | |
|
Workshop Visit
(includes admission to attractions) |
£8.45 | Min 25 Max 30-40 per group* Max 3 groups per day |
|---|---|---|
|
Self Guided Visit
(excludes workshops) |
£6.95
£9.75 £9.75 |
4-15 years
16-18 years EFL Overseas Student (4 - 21 years) |
| Adults |
FREE
FREE FREE FREE £9 |
1:4 Reception & Foundation 1:6 KS1 1:10 KS2 1:15 KS3 & 4 Additional adult/teacher |
| Talks
(additional to standard group rate) |
£1 |
Min 25*, Max 40
per group |
| Lunch Room Hire
(subject to availability, must be pre-booked) |
£25 per hour | Max 30 per group |
Rates available for Kent, Surrey, Essex, Sussex and London schools. For
other UK and Non-UK schools see our standard Group Rates.
*Each workshop’s capacity varies. We allow groups of less than 25 for workshops/talks but a minimum cost of £25 is applied, please ask for details.
Children’s University™
Leeds Castle is a Learning Destination for the Kent Children’s University™.
What is Kent Children’s University™?
Kent Children’s University™ (KCU) is part of an international charity that provides 5 to 14 year olds with access to exciting and innovative CU Learning Activities and experiences outside the normal school day. They reward children’s participation in voluntary learning activities that will develop their skills and raise aspirations for the future.
The Children’s University™ Adventure Trail
Earn credits by following the Adventure Trail at Leeds Castle. Take the completed trail to the shop on the way out and they will stamp the two credits in your Passport. You also have the option to add on more of our daily activities and earn up to two more credits. You will find all instructions in your pack.
How do I take part?
If you are not a member of the Children’s University™, you need to register
via their website. If you are already a member then go to the map section
of the Children's University™ website and search for Leeds Castle. When
you are ready to visit, come to Leeds Castle with your Passport to
Learning. When you arrive at the Ticket Box, ask a member of staff
for the Children’s University Passport Pack. Full details for The Trail
and the other activities are inside the Pack. Our tickets last for a whole year, so you can come back at any time and
do the activities on different days if you wish.
Cubs and Beavers
We are happy to welcome Cubs and Beavers to Leeds Castle. We offer the education rate to visit if a group is completing a badge whilst here. The following booklets are available:
Cubs Local Knowledge Badge Booklet (£1) Beaver Adventure Badge Booklet (40p)
Brownies and Rainbows
We are happy to welcome Brownies and Rainbows to Leeds Castle. We offer the education rate to visit if a group is completing a badge whilst here. The following booklets are available:
Brownie Challenge Booklet (60p) Rainbows Challenge Booklet (40p)
TESTIMONIALS FROM OUR SCHOOL VISITORS
Richard: "My favourite part of the trip was exploring the castle, doing the maze, going to the park and buying stuff from the gift shop."
Lucy: "My favourite part was everything, I loved it."
Miya: "Thank you for letting us visit Leeds Castle It has been the best time of my life. My favourite part was the maze."
Pupils from Mundella School
"I have taken part in many trips in my teaching career and this was the best in terms of organisation and enjoyment. We were not expecting to be looked after so attentively by such lovely staff who related so well with the children."
Ms Lawrence
St Mary’s School
"The children thoroughly enjoyed the workshop especially being able to dress up in costumes. The children had a fantastic day, thank you for making our day so special."
Ms Mclelland
Old Palace School
"You consolidated our knowledge of the Tudors coupled with the opportunity to work with clay, a medium we don’t normally use. We had a great day."
Ms Scammell
Swingate Primary School
"It really brought the children’s prior learning about castles to life. It gave expert knowledge that I couldn’t have taught at school. The workshop leaders were fantastic, informative, friendly and knowledgeable. Thank you."
Ms Holmes
Boughton & Dunkirk Primary School
The Education Department were extremely good at gaining the interest of our pupils and drawing their attention to important points in the story of Leeds Castle. The engaging manner of delivery was wonderful and the pitch was just right, especially the role-pay activity.
Year 5 Teaching Team
The Weald Primary School
Coach Hire
Organise coach hire for your educational visit to Leeds Castle through one of our partners to receive discounted rates and additional benefits.
Buzzlines Coaches
Buzzlines Coaches offer coach hire to schools at a discounted rate when visiting Leeds Castle on an educational trip.
Telephone: 01303 261870
Email: info@buzzlinestravel.co.uk
More Information
Chalkwell Coach Hire
Chalkwell Coaches offer a competitive rate for schools visiting Leeds Castle from the Medway Towns and surrounding area.
Telephone: 01795 423982
Email: coachhire@chalkwell.co.uk
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Kirbys Coaches
Kirbys Coaches Schools in Essex are eligible to a discounted rate of coach hire when travelling to Leeds Castle with Kirbys Coaches for a themed workshop or self-guided visit.
Telephone: 01268 777777
Email: info@kirbyscoaches.co.uk
More Information
R & J Coaches
R & J Coaches is a family run business that has been operating since 1994. They offer a discounted rate to all schools in Kent and the South East visiting Leeds Castle on an educational visit.
Telephone: 01303 813696
Email: sales@randjcoaches.co.uk
More Information
The Kings Ferry
Take the stress and headaches out of organising coach hire for self-guided visits to Leeds Castle with The Kings Ferry. Every aspect of your coach hire is taken care of with a dedicated schools service. What's more is it will save you money too. Schools in London and the South East are eligible for this service.
Telephone: 01634 377577
Email: sales@thekingsferry.co.uk
More Information
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Go-Ape’s Tree Top Junior School TripsLooking to give your pupils a learning experience they will never forget? Get out of the classroom and bring all the tribe on one of our school trips. |
Children all over the UK are invited to join in celebrating Leeds Castle's 900th birthday by writing a short story, from 100 to 900 words, about Castles and Time Travel. The two winning stories picked by our judges, including renowned broadcaster and children’s author Clare Balding, will go into a time capsule to be buried by the winning children and only opened again in 100 years’ time.
Entries will be sought in two age brackets: 5 to 9 years and 10 to 13 years. The winning children, with their family, will be invited to a very special Awards Day here at Leeds Castle in 2019 to meet Clare Balding and will win a basket of prizes. They will also be invited to take part in the ‘time capsule’ ceremony later in the summer.
Deadline for entry: 5th March 2019 at 12pm
If you would rather post a hand-written story then please send to us at the following address: Big 900 Competition, Marketing Department, Leeds Castle, Maidstone, Kent, ME17 1PL.
Please include your address, contact number/email, parent/tutor's name and child's name/age.
Booking Enquiries
Tel: +44 (0) 1622 767865
Fax: +44 (0) 1622 767837
or UK schools can use our Schools Enquiry Form
How to find us
For detailed directions by road, rail, air or from across the channel, click here.
Resources
Access to Leaflets, Trail and Tour Guides, Teachers Notes and Useful Information, find out more
UK schools can enquire online
Complete our UK Schools enquiry form and a member of our team will be in contact.