School Visits

School Visits

Discover the history of Bolsover Castle with your students, to bring learning about 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.

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

Enjoy a free self-led visit to Bolsover Castle and walk in the footsteps of Charles I who visited prior to the English Civil War. Explore the Little Castle designed to look like a Norman keep, and see if your pupils can identify the features that make this an impressive mansion rather than a defensive structure. Take in the stunning views from the restored Wall Walk and visit the Riding House Range, created in the 1600s as a place to train horses in the spectacular art of dressage. Lead your class on an interactive tour using our free multimedia guide, bringing to life the people, buildings, art and architecture of Bolsover Castle during the Stuart period.  

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Expert-led Discovery Visits

Brand new for 2024!

Let us inspire your students with an immersive Discovery Visit at Bolsover Castle, led by one of our experts.

Explore Bolsover Castle during our new workshop for upper KS2 and 3, get hands-on with science experiments, and investigate the castle’s colourful history. Through immersive learning experiences, students can tackle key curriculum objectives and develop their understanding of the English Civil War’s impact on society. Just £100 per session (for approximately 30 pupils).

Find out more

Plan Your Visit

We have a wide range of materials to support your visit and make school trip planning easy. You can find all our site-specific information and tools below, and further information on our what to expect page.

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 once you have made a booking, plus a 20% discount on the official English Heritage guidebook for your place of choice. 

Once you book your visit you’ll be sent a visit permit, which you’ll need to bring with you on the day. 

Visit our bookings page to start planning your trip!

  • Facilities
    • PARKING: Parking is located 50 metres from the entrance.
    • SHOP: The shop sells a wide selection of English Heritage gifts, including jams and chutneys; toys and books; stationery and cards; heritage related collectables and much more.
    • TOILETS: Located in the visitor centre.
    • LUNCH: Grassed picnic area with picnic benches.
    • EDUCATION SPACE: The education room is currectly unavailable. 

    Site Map

    Bolsover Site Map

  • Hazard Information

    A useful tool to help with your risk assessments.

     

    You must meet the following ratios for leaders to students on the day of your visit when booking, and if your group is forming smaller groups while at the site:

    • Ages 4-5 (UK Reception) 1 leader for every 4 students (1:4)
    • Ages 5-7 (UK Key Stage 1) 1 leader for every 6 students (1:6)
    • Ages 7-11 (UK Key Stage 2) 1 leader for every 10 students (1:10) and
    • Ages 11-18 (UK Key Stages 3, 4, and 5) 1 leader for every 15 students (1:15)
    • For an adult learning group, consisting of individuals all over the age of 18, there are no ratios but there must be an appointed group leader
    • All ratios outlined above apply to home education groups
    • If your group consists of children aged 3 and/or 4, you must also refer to the Early Years and Foundation Stage Statutory Framework which sets out specific legal requirements for minimum ratios for this age group, to include requirements about the qualifications of the leaders
    • SEND groups must meet the minimum ratios above but may bring any additional leaders as required to adequately support their group
  • Education Site Opening Times

    We offer free self-led education visits during school term time*. 

    *Free education visits are not offered on UK public holidays or during the operation of additional fee paying public events at English Heritage sites.

    • March-October: Monday-Friday 10-5pm. Discovery Visits available Monday-Friday
    • November-February: Wednesday-Friday 10-4pm. Discovery Visits available Wednesday-Friday

Learning Resources

  • BOLSOVER CASTLE TEACHERS' KIT (KS1-4+)

    Use this Teachers' Kit to support a free self-led visit to Bolsover Castle. Explore important artworks, investigate natural philosophy, discover the importance of horsemanship and find out about the fascinating story of William and Margaret Cavendish. 

  • Bolsover Castle Schools Multimedia Guide (KS2)

    Use this information in this pack to get the most out of our interactive multimedia guide during your visit to Bolsover Castle.

  • Meet a Horse Trainer

    Join William Cavendish, 1st Duke of Newcastle, at Bolsover Castle to learn more about how he trained horses in the art of manège in his grand riding school. 

  • Postcard from Bolsover Castle

    Take to the skies above Bolsover Castle to discover the site and its surroundings.