Curriculum Links
- KS1-3 History: A local history study
- KS1 History: Significant historical events, people and places; study of castles
- KS2 History: A study of an aspect or theme in British history that extends the pupils' chronological knowledge beyond 1066
- KS3 History: Development of Church, state and society in Britain 1066-1509 and 1509-1750
- GCSE History: Study of the historic environment
Free Self-led Visits
Book a free self-led visit to discover 900 years of history at Helmsley Castle. By booking a free education visit you can lead your day in your own way. Explore the castle ruins and learn more about the site in the hands-on interactive exhibition in the mansion house. We also have plenty of online resources to help you plan your day at Helmsley Castle, and support learning before, during and after your visit.
Learn more about the history of the surrounding area by combining your trip with a visit to the Helmsley Archaeology Store, full of artefacts and archives from sites around the North of England. To arrange a visit to the Helmsley Archaeology Store, please contact the Education Visits Officer, Angela Peirson at Angela.Peirson@english-heritage.org.uk.
Enquire nowSensory Story and Backpack
Engage your students’ senses and imagination as they become 12th-century visitors to Helmsley Castle. Use objects, sounds and smells to bring the story and site to life as you move around key locations. Recommended for EYFS, KS1 and SEND students.
Enquire nowMedieval Maths
Explore Helmsley Castle in a unique way by orienteering your way around the site to discover its main features. Use compasses to mark the medieval builders’ homework – check whether the north, south, east and west castle features are in the right place. Recommended for KS2 and KS3 students.
Enquire nowPLAN 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!
Learning Resources
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Helmsley Castle Teachers' Kit (EYFS-KS4)
Our Teachers’ Kits feature historical information and activity suggestions for group leaders of various subjects and key stages. Use this kit to support students' exploration of Helmsley Castle.
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Handling Collection (KS2)
Book our Handling Collection to enhance your students' visit to Helmsley Castle.
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Teaching Medieval History
Use historical information, learning activities and tips from our historians, curators and educational experts to support your teaching of medieval history.
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A Mini Guide to Castles
Discover how castles developed over time with this short introduction.
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How to Take a Medieval Castle
Watch our short animation to learn more about how to take a medieval castle.