Boscobel House and The Royal Oak

Schools

Learn about the events of the English Civil War at Boscobel House and the Royal Oak Tree, famous for being the hiding places of King Charles II as he escaped after being defeated at the Battle of Worcester in 1651.

Today, you can explore the house, gardens, and Victorian farmyard - with newly introduced rare breed farm animals. You can see a descendent of the original Royal Oak tree that Charles II hid in and children can explore the new outdoor play area. 

Watch the video: Experience Boscobel House and the Royal Oak | New for 2021

What's new at Boscobel?

Free self-led visits

Book a free self-led visit to Boscobel House and organise your day to suit your curriculum objectives:

  • Explore the 17th Century hunting lodge and look for secret hiding places around the building, including the attic priest hole where King Charles II hid from Parliamentarian soldiers
  • See the Royal Oak tree, a descendent of the original tree Charles II hid in
  • Explore the Victorian farm buildings and dairy, once a busy working environment, and say hello to the newly resident pigs, sheep and chickens
  • Look for local plants and wildlife in the gardens

A 20 minute walk up the road is the ruins of White Ladies Priory, a medieval church and another hiding place of Charles II.

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Curriculum Links

Visit Boscobel House to support your teaching in a fun and engaging way, and cover multiple topics across the curriculum.

  • KS1 History: Significant historical events, people and places within the locality
  • KS2 History: Local history study. Study of an aspect or theme in British history that extends pupils’ chronological knowledge beyond 1066
  • KS3 History: Local history study. Development of Church, state and society in Britain 1509-1750
  • GCSE History: Study of the historic environment

Plan your trip

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 for Covid-19 risk assessments and measures we’ve got in place please visit 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 for group leaders once you have made a booking. Visit our bookings page to start planning your trip!

  • Facilities
    • PARKING: Free car parking is available adjacent to the shop on a compacted gravel surface
    • TOILETS: Toilets, including accessible toilets, are available on site. 
    • LUNCH: You are welcome to bring a picnic to eat in the grounds
    • SHOP: There is a shop selling a selection of English Heritage gifts, guidebooks and light snacks. We recommend taking your class in small groups at a time
    • EXHIBITION: There is an introductory exhibition to Boscobel in the entrance to the house (up one step). A picture exhibition of Boscobel House through the ages is located upstairs in the dairy block
    • EDUCATION ROOM: There is an education room available, with space for lunch in case of adverse weather
    • ACCESSIBILITY: There is limited wheelchair access via the shop or side gate, assistance is required. No wheelchair access to house, education room and exhibition
  • Learning Resources

    A Teachers' Kit is a free educational tool packed with everything you need to give your group a deep insight into the place you are visiting. Featuring historical information, suggestions for activities, and high-quality images, this resource is a comprehensive toolkit for group leaders of various subjects and key stages. Teachers' Kits also include key site information, facilities and plans.

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