Etal Castle

School Visits

Built in the 14th century as a defence against Scottish raiders, Etal Castle is a fine example of a small castle close to the border between England and Scotland. Raiding and warfare was common in the borders during the Middle Ages and the castle was captured by the Scots in 1513, just before their defeat at the nearby Battle of Flodden. 

“Superb – the children will certainly remember this ”

Teacher, KS2

Curriculum Links

Support your teaching in the classroom by stepping out of it. A visit to Etal Castle will help you bring learning to life, covering multiple topics across the curriculum and key stages.

  • KS1 History: Significant historical events, people and places; study of castles
  • KS1-3 History: A local history study
  • KS2 History: A study of an aspect or theme in British history that extends pupils' chronological knowledge beyond 1066
  • KS3 History: The development of Church, state and society in Medieval Britain 1066-1509

 

Free Self-Led Visits

Book a free self-led visit to Etal Castle and organise your day to suit your curriculum objectives.

Explore the 14th century remains of the castle, including the gatehouse and the tower house, where the Lord would have lived. Find out about the story of Anglo-Scottish warfare at this castle in the award-winning exhibition.

Enquire Now

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 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: Free parking, including for coaches, is available 100m from the site entrance.
    • TOILETS: Male and Female toilets are available in the car park (not run by English Heritage).
    • LUNCH: You are welcome to bring a picnic to enjoy in the grounds.
    • SHOP:  There is a gift shop selling English Heritage gifts and souvenirs. We recommend bringing your students in small groups at a time.
    • EDUCATION ROOM or BAG STORAGE: There is currently no education room or bag storage facility.
    • ACCESSIBILITY: Disabled visitors may be set down outside the entrance. Wheelchair users have full access to shop and exhibition area, but the ground surface outside is uneven and a companion is advised. There is a flat, grit path to the entrance and the grounds of the castle is undulating and uneven grass.
    • WET WEATHER: The site is mainly outdoors with no cover. In the case of inclement weather, the site team will do their best to accommodate you.
  • 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.

    • April-October: Wednesday-Sunday 10-5pm
    • November-March: No bookings can be taken at the current time

     

Learning Resources

  • Teaching Medieval History

    Use historical information, learning activities and tips from our historians, curators and educational experts to support your teaching of medieval history.

  • How to Take a Medieval Castle

    Watch our short animation to learn more about how to take a medieval castle. 

  • A Mini Guide to Castles

    ​Discover how castles developed over time with this short introduction.