Schools

Schools

With 1700 years of history, Portchester Castle covers everything from the Romans, to medieval kings, all the way to the Napoleonic Wars. Follow in their footsteps and explore its exciting and varied history.

"The children had a great day - a very informative visit"

KS2 Teacher

Curriculum Links

Portchester Castle covers multiple time periods within the history curriculum, as well as cross-curricular links across numerous subjects in a fun and engaging way.

  • KS1-3 History: A local history study
  • KS1 History: Identify similarities and differences between ways of life in different time periods; significant historical events, people and places in their own locality
  • KS2 History: The Roman Empire and its impact on Britain; Britain's settlement by Anglo-Saxons and Scots
  • KS2-3 History: A study of an aspect or theme in British history that extends the pupils' chronological knowledge beyond 1066
  • KS3 History: The development of church, state and society in Medieval Britain 1066-1509

Free Self-Led Visits

Enjoy a free self-led visit to Portchester Castle and design your own day to suit your curriculum needs. Explore the ruins of Richard II's Palace and walk within the Roman walls. Stand at the top of  the Great Tower and survey the landscape. Use our free handling collection full of artefacts to discover the stories of the people who lived at the castle.

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Expert-led Discovery Visits

Immerse your class in the history of Portchester Castle. Our costumed re-enactors will lead your pupils on a hands-on Discovery Visit. Pupils will dress up, handle replica objects and get involved with fun educational activties. At just £100 per session, they're a great way to delve deeper into the history of the castle and the people who lived there. 

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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
    • EDUCATION ROOM: Based in one of the castle towers, this is a multipurpose room that can be used as a classroom, as well as an interactive space with a number of models of weapons that would have been used to attack the castle.
    • PARKING: Free car park, 200m from entrance with ~100 parking spaces. Disabled parking in car park. Space for 3 coaches. Managed by Fareham Borough Council.
    • TOILETS: Toilets (including disabled) in car park. Managed by Borough Council.
    • BAG STORAGE: Schools are welcome to leave bags in the Education Room if pre-booked. Room is lockable but all items are left entirely at your own risk.
    • LUNCH: You are welcome to bring a picnic and eat in the Outer Bailey. Dedicated picnic area in Inner Bailey with picnic benches. In bad weather you may use the education room, if booked. Selection of hot and cold drinks and snacks can be bought from the shop.

  • How to book

    0370 333 0606

    bookeducation@english-heritage.org.uk

  • Education opening times

    • March: Monday and Friday 10.00 - 16.00
    • April to September: 10.00 - 18.00
    • October: 10.00 - 17.00
    • November: Monday and Friday 10.00 - 17.00
    • December to February: Closed

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