School Visits

Schools

Carisbrooke Castle has experienced sieges, imprisoned kings and seen off the Spanish Armada. Explore a history that spans over 1000 years and learn about how its role has changed from fortified defence to home of the Lord Lieutenant of the Island. Bring the curriculum to life and stand at the spot where history happened.

"A day at Carisbrooke Castle is better than weeks in the classroom! Children love that it looks like a 'real' castle."

Sue Pryor
Year 6 teacher

Curriculum Links

  • KS1: Similarities and differences between ways of life in different time periods. Events beyond living memory that are significant nationally or globally. The lives of significant individuals in the past. Significant historical events and people in locality
  • KS2-3: A local history study. A study of an aspect of theme in british history that extends the pupils' chronological knowledge beyond 1066
  • KS3: The development of church, state and society in Britain
  • KS3 Geography:  Find out about the strategic importance of the castle.
  • KS1-3 English and Drama: Take on the role of Carisbrooke's most famous residents and their servants to find out what life was really like.

Free self-led visits

Enjoy a free self-led visit to Carisbrooke Castle and design your own day to suit your curriculum needs. Carisbrooke has been an important focus of settlement since Roman times and illustrates the domestic side of castle life as well and its use for attack and defence. Visit our famous resident donkeys in the Elizabethan wheelhouse and explore the different parts of the castle.

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Expert-led Discovery Visits

Let our costumed experts lead a Discovery Visit for you for just £100 per session and delve deeper into the story of the castle and the people who lived there. Our hands-on sessions provide fun and inspiring educational activities and bring Carisbrooke Castle to life.

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PLAN YOUR VISIT

We have a wide range of materials to help support your visit and make school trip planning easy. Download our free Learning Resources, Hazard Information Sheets and Risk Assessments 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 are on hand to advise and help you create the best possible school trip to suit your needs and area of study.

  • Facilities
    • EDUCATION CENTRE: Pre-book the centre within the castle buildings, resources include a model siege gun and medieval costumes for your students to try on.
    • PARKING: Free car park 100m from main entrance and space for 8 coaches. Four parking bays for Blue Badge holders near the castle entrance.
    • TOILETS: Located in a separate block inside the courtyard. Accessible toilet in the central courtyard.
    • SCHOOL BAGS: Store in education room, if available.
    • REFRESHMENTS: Tea room opens daily March to October for hot and cold food, snacks and drinks. Bring packed lunches, there is a large picnic area with benches and tables. There is also shelter in the Drum Tower in bad weather.
    • WORKING DONKEYS: Demonstrating the16th century tread wheel. Book on arrival, times will vary. Viewing cannot be guaranteed.
    • SHOP: Selling a wide range of books, gifts and Charles I-themed souvenirs. Goody bags are also available on request.

  • How to book

    0370 333 0606

  • education opening times

    • February: Closed
    • March: Monday and Friday 10.00 - 16.00
    • April to September: 10.00 - 18.00
    • October: 10.00 - 17.00
    • November to January: Please contact the Education Booking Team on 0370 333 0606

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