Kenwood

Schools

Overlooking the modern London skyline, the beautifully renovated interiors of Kenwood and stunning surrounding landscape gives school groups plenty to see and experience for a historical or art and design based visit.

Explore the unexpected yet fascinating story of previous owner of Kenwood-Lord Mansfield and his role in the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade with our expert-led Discovery Visit for KS3 school groups.

Schools are able to enjoy exclusive access to the ground floor of the house on Wednesday mornings from 9.30-11.00am.

Information about your visit

Our number one priority remains the health, safety and security of all of our visitors, staff and volunteers. Our staff are still working hard to keep everyone safe and make sure you and your group have an enjoyable visit.

Important information to consider before you book:

  • To keep everyone safe we’re continuing to limit visitor numbers at some sites and in some indoor spaces. Please book as soon as possible to secure your preferred trip date and times.
  • Find out more about what to expect on your school visit and make sure you download our COVID risk assessments; download a free copy of managing education visits during the pandemic and if you're participating in a Discovery Visit download our managing Discovery Visits during the pandemic risk assessment
  • To make the planning process as easy as possible, make sure you check our Plan Your School Trip section at the bottom of this page, for updated information on the facilities at the site as well as our free resources.
  • You’ll need to book your visit at least 14 days in advance. Please check our terms and conditions for full details.
  • Although is it not a requirement, any teachers, parents, or students aged 16 years can check in via the NHS Test and Trace app, using the NHS QR code posters displayed at the site entrance. Please factor this into your travel/arrival time. For more information about how we are handling your personal data for NHS Test and Trace please visit this page.
  • Our staff are continuing to wear a face covering in our busy areas and indoor spaces, and we encourage you and your group to do the same where possible.

At some sites you might not be able to use our handling collections or costumes as part of a free self-led visit, but where we can provide hands-on items in a safe way we will. We’ve adapted our Discovery Visit workshops to keep you and your group safe at all times, but for certain sessions we’re still working on this – please check the Discovery Visit section and Facilities section on this page below for further information.

Curriculum links

Kenwood and the outstanding landscape of Hampstead Heath provide a wide range of curriculum opportunities:

  • KS1-3: A local history study
  • KS1: Significant historical events, people and places in your own locality. The lives of significant individuals in the past who have contributed to national and international achievements
  • KS2: a study of an aspect or theme in British history that extends pupils' chronological knowledge beyond 1066
  • KS3: The development of Church, state and society in Britain 1509-1745.
  • KS3: Ideas, political power, industry and Empire: Britain 1745-1901
  • Plus KS1-2 Language & Literacy, KS1-4 Art & Design, KS2-3 Design & Technology, KS2 Geography (skills and fieldwork), KS1-2 Science and KS3 Citizenship

Free Self-led Visits

A neoclassical jewel on an 18th century gentleman's estate, Kenwood is a unique feature in the modern London landscape. Highlights include the renowned Robert Adam interiors housing the exquisite artwork from the Old Masters, and the stunning landscape of Hampstead Heath featuring intriguing sculptures and architecture to explore. From life in Georgian England, to Britain's role in the creation and abolition of the transatlantic slave trade, Kenwood boasts a variety of learning opportunities for school groups.

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Expert-led Discovery Visits

We aren’t running Discovery Visits at this site at the moment – we’re unable to adapt our sessions in a way that would still provide a quality, immersive education experience. We can get in touch with you once they're running again – just sign up below to be notified when bookings are open.

Register your interest

Plan Your Trip

We have a wide range of materials to support your visit and make school trip planning easy. 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. Our Education Booking Team is on hand to advise and help you create the best possible school trip to suit your needs and area of study.

  • Facilities
    • EDUCATION CENTRE: The education room is currently unavailable. If you require indoor space for lunch, please request prior to visiting.
    • PARKING: Limited parking for cars only is available in the West Lodge CP Plus pay and display car park. Free car parking is available on Hampstead Lane.
    • TRAVEL: There are excellent public transport links with the 210 bus running a regular service to/from Archway Underground Station.
    • SHOP: The shop sells a selection of English Heritage gifts and souvenirs. Please bring your class in small groups at a time.
    • CAFE: The café offers light refreshments.
    • TOILETS: Male and female toilets are available in the house only.
  • 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.

     

    English Heritage has commissioned a series of portraits depicting six historic figures from the African diaspora whose stories have contributed to England’s rich history. The paintings will be hung at the English Heritage sites connected to their subjects this summer.

    Find out more about Dido Belle in our learning pack and artist Mikéla Henry-Lowe who created her portrait. It will be on display at Kenwood throughout the summer. 

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