Bolsover Castle

Schools

Discover the history of Bolsover Castle with your students, to bring learning about 1066 and medieval castles, and the 17th century to life. The castle as it appears today is based on Charles Cavendish's work in the 1600's, and you can explore the sumptuous rooms of the Little Castle, the Riding School, the Terrace Range and the Wall Walk.

Information about your visit

A visit to one of our sites will inspire your students and bring your teaching to life. We'd like to reassure you that we're following Government guidance to make your trip as safe and enjoyable as possible. 

Important information to consider before you book:

  • To keep everyone safe we’ve introduced limits on visitor numbers and school groups, so please bear this in mind when booking your trip.
  • Find out more about what to expect on your school visit, which also includes our Covid 19 Risk Assessment.
  • To make the planning process as easy as possible, make sure you check our Plan Your School Trip section at the bottom of this page, for updated information on the facilities at the site as well as our free resources.
  • As usual, you’ll need to book your visit at least 14 days in advance. Please check our Terms and Conditions for full details.
  • English Heritage are legally required to request and record the contact details of customers and visitors aged 16 years and over. The information that you provide will only be shared with NHS Test and Trace, if requested. For more information and for details of our safety measures, please see our what to expect page.

We’re continually updating our education offer in line with government guidance.  At some sites you might not be able to use our handling collections or costumes as part of a free self-led visit, but where we can provide hands-on items in a safe way we will. We’ve adapted our Discovery Visit workshops to follow government guidelines, but for certain sessions this hasn’t been possible – please check our schools webpages for further information.

There may be areas of our sites which are closed, so please check what’s available for your school group on our property webpages and with our booking team.  They can put you in touch with our Education Visits Officers who can offer help and guidance, so you can make the most of your school trip.

Curriculum Links

This imposing 17th century castle provides fabulous education opportunities for students, particularly in art, history and geography.

  • KS1 History: Significant historical events, people and places; study of castles
  • KS1-3 History: A local history study
  • KS1-4 Art & Design: The Little Castle contains murals and paintings on panels, as well as exquisite ceilings and fireplaces
  • KS2 History: A study of an aspect or theme in British history that extends pupils' chronological knowledge beyond 1066
  • KS2-3 Geography: Understand the processes influencing changing landscape; understand the strategic significance of the castle’s position
  • KS3 History: The development of Church, state and society in Britain 1066-1509 and 1509-1745; the causes and events of the civil wars throughout Britain

Free Self-led Visits

Discover the rooms of the Terrace Range and Riding House Range, and explore the Little Castle, with its exquisite interior decoration and impressive Wall Walk. 

Enquire now

Plan Your Visit

We have a wide range of materials to support your visit and make school trip planning easy. Download our free resources to help you make the most out of your visit and create unique learning experiences before, during and after your trip.

We also offer free planning visits for group leaders once you have made a booking. Our Education Booking Team is on hand to advise and help you create the best possible school trip to suit your needs and area of study.

  • Facilities
    • BOLSOVER CASTLE AND GROUNDS: The Little Castle, the Riding House and the upper Terrace Range will remain open with a one way system in place. Access may be restricted to certain areas.
    • PARKING: Parking is located 50 metres from the entrance.
    • SHOP: Our shop is open as usual.
    • TOILETS: Our toilets are open as usual.
    • LUNCH: Grassed picnic area with picnic benches. Take away food and drink will be available from the café.
    • EDUCATION SPACE: The education room is currectly unavailable. 
    • PLAY AREA: The outdoor play area is open.
    • FACE MASKS: Face coverings must be worn in Bolsover Castle's indoor shop, café, tea room and all other indoor spaces. We won’t be able to give you a face covering, so please come prepared so you don’t miss out.

  • Enquire now

  • School visits academic year 2020-21

    In line with government guidance, we’re pleased to confirm that over 60 of our English Heritage sites are open for education visits from 12 April, and we’re now taking bookings online up to 16 May.

    Our COVID-secure measures will remain in place until all restrictions are lifted. Visitor numbers are limited, and all bookings must be made at least 14 days in advance.

    English Heritage are legally required to request and record the contact details of customers and visitors aged 16 years and over. The information that you provide will only be shared with NHS Test and Trace, if requested. For more information and for details of our safety measures, please see our what to expect page.

    Due to the current situation we can’t answer calls as quickly as we’d like to. If you’d like more information about a site, email us and we’ll put you in touch with an Education Visits Officer.

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