Framlingham Castle

School Visits

Framlingham is a magnificent example of late 12th-century castle. Book a free self-led visit to explore the inside of the castle walls through the main gatehouse and complete the 'wall walk' along the top of the castle.

Curriculum links

Our education offer at Framlingham Castle encompases a visit to a historically important and fascinating castle which spans nearly 1,000 years of history.

  • KS1 History: Significant historical events, people and places in the locality. Study of castles
  • KS2 History: A local history study. Britain's settlement by Anglo-Saxons and Scots. A study of an aspect or theme in British history that extends pupils' chronological knowledge beyond 1066
  • KS2 Geography: Human geography: types of settlement and land use. Understand the strategic significance of the castle’s position
  • KS3 History: A local history study. The development of Church, state and society in Britain 1066-1509 and 1509-1745. The Magna Carter and emergence of parliament
  • KS3 Geography: Human geography: Understand how human and physical processes interact to influence and change landscapes. Understand the strategic significance of the castle’s position
  • KS4 History: OCR Specification A; study of the historic environment: 'Castles: Form and Function c.1000-1750'

Self-led Visits

Through the main gatehouse, Framlingham Castle has a large open space within the castle walls to explore features such as the Medieval Hall that once stood here. The wall walk allows pupils to explore all thirteen of the towers around the complete circumference of Framlingham Castle, and the exhibition room within Framlingham's Poorhouse has information about the history of the castle, as well as interactive activities. 

Enquire now

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: Free car park 300 metres from the entrance of the castle. There is no dedicated coach parking and drop off and collection will be needed.
    • TOILETS: Toilets available on site, and an accessible toilet is located 300m from the site entrance, along a tarmac surface.
    • SHOP: Gift shop available, where medieval themed souvenirs can be bought.
    • LUNCH: There is no indoor lunch space. You are welcome to picnic in the grounds. There is a picnic area with tables and benches for packed lunches. If the weather is bad, the site staff will do their best to find a suitable place for your group to shelter.
    • BAG STORAGE: We have bag storage at site, allocated on a first come first served basis. Please note that these storage boxes are not locked, and bags are left at your own risk.
    • ACCESSIBILITY: All ground floor areas within castle walls are level compacted gravel surfaces. Exhibition has level access (within Poorhouse). Steep spiral stairs to upper floors and wall walk. Earthworks beyond the castle accessed via rough tracks and very undulating ground.
    • WET WEATHER: Limited cover. If the weather is bad, the site staff will do their best to find a suitable place for your group to shelter.

    Site Map

    Framlingham 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 self-led education visits during school term time*. 

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

    • April-3 November: Monday-Friday 10-5pm
    • 5 November-16 February: Monday and Friday-Sunday 10am-4pm
    • 24 February-31 March: Wednesday-Sunday 10-4pm

Learning Resources

  • Framlingham Castle Activity Trail (KS2)

    Use our activity trail to explore the key features of Framlingham Castle. 

  • Teaching Medieval History

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

  • A Mini Guide to Castles

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

  • Taskmaster Education at English Heritage

    We’ve teamed up with Taskmaster Education to bring an extra layer of fun to school visits to our sites. Find out more about how we can help you create a Taskmaster-style experience during your trip.

  • How to Take a Medieval Castle

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

  • Meet a Medieval Noblewoman

    Meet Margaret Brotherton, Countess of Norfolk to discover what life was life for medieval noblewomen at castles like Framlingham.

  • Postcard from Framlingham Castle

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

  • Enquire now

    0370 333 1181

  • We’re upgrading our booking system between 2-10 February 2026 and won’t be able to take bookings during this time. Please contact bookeducation@english-heritage.org.uk for any queries about existing bookings. If you’ve already got in touch with us, we’ll get back to you as soon as we can, but please note that we may take slightly longer than usual to respond.