Schools

Schools

Help your class explore the history of Pendennis, from Tudor times to today, with one of our many ways to learn.

"Thank you for a stimulating and brilliant workshop and visit. Will come back again!"

KS1 Teacher
on our Now and Then Discovery Visit

Curriculum links

  • KS1-3 History: Local History Study
  • KS1 History: Significant historical events, people and places in their own locality
  • KS2 History: Study of an aspect or theme in British history that extends pupils’ chronological knowledge beyond 1066
  • KS3 History: Development of Church, state and society in Britain 1066-1509 and  1509-1745, ideas, political power, industry and empire in Britain 1745-1901, and challenges for Britain, Europe and the wider world 1901 to the present day
  • GCSE History: Study of the historic environment

Free Self-led Visits

One of the finest of the mighty fortresses built by Henry VIII to defend the country against invasion, Pendennis Castle remains one of Cornwall's greatest fortresses. With over 400 years of defending Britain's coasts, and a range of ways to learn on-site, we've got everything you need to help you cover a wide range of cross-curricular topics. Explore the Gun Tower and use our Tudor Discovery Chest and resources to help you with learning in and out of the classroom.

The Cornwall Heritage Trust offer funding for school transport to eligible schools. Find out more and fill out an application form to see if you can cover the costs of transport on your trip to Pendennis.

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Expert-led Discovery Visits

Bring Pendennis Castle to life and let us lead a Discovery Visit for you. Our sessions are interactive, hands-on and immersive and have been specifically designed to meet the needs of KS1-3 students. Discover our brand new session for KS2-3 which explores the significance of the castle against key historical periods. 

 

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Plan Your Visit

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
    • TOILETS: Male and female toilets are located at the rear of the shop and on the first floor of the Royal Artillery Barrack Block.
    • SHOP: Gift shop on-site, we recommend you bring your class in small groups at a time
    • LUNCH: Picnic areas outdoors and plenty of undercover space
    • PARKING: Coach parking is a short 5 minute walk from the Castle.
    • EDUCATION ROOM: Bookable education room if you have an expert-led session as part of your visit and wish to do some further study. In the education room we have a Civil War, Tudor and Second World War Discovery Chests with costumes and replica artefacts.
    • EXHIBITION: Multiple exhibitions throughout the site which can accomodate small groups.
  • Discovery Visits

    Our resources have been designed to provide you with everything you need to know about our expert-led Discovery Visits at Pendennis Castle. This Guide includes a breakdown of the learning objectives and details on how to prepare for the sessions, plus ready-made Risk Assessments, to take the hassle out of planning.

  • 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. Kits also include key site information, facilities, plans and hazard information.

  • How to book

    0370 333 0606

  • Education Opening Times

    • April to October: Monday to Friday during term time
    • November: Tuesdays and Wednesdays for Discovery Visits only
    • February half term to March: Wednesday to Friday

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