Stafford Castle School Tour Information

STAFFORD CASTLE ...THE EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE!

Our school tours cover the fascinating history of the castle site, with its eleventh century Norman  fortress consisting of a large motte and two extensive bailies together with its associated medieval village. The foundations of the 1348 medieval stone keep of the Staffords' can be seen, as well as its later reconstruction.  The visitor centre, recreating a Norman Guardhouse, offers many possibilities, especially through the stimulus of role-play. There is the opportunity to try on mail and helmets, to handle shields and weapons and discuss medieval life, military and domestic, rich and poor.

The medieval garden, with its emphasis on medicinal and culinary herbs, is also a popular area to visit. Each bed is labelled to identify its particular area of use e.g., culinary, dyeing or medicinal. Further information can be obtained from the visitor centre.

School visits to Stafford Castle are designed to be cross curricular and while there is an emphasis on History; our tours incorporate the study of Maths, English, Geography, Design & Technology, and Citizenship.

Hands on activities and role-play are also designed to encourage and stimulate team building, drama, art, and language skills.

We have been delighted by the interest shown by pupils from Special Schools and would urge you to contemplate a visit if you have not done so already. A visiting teacher reported: 'I try to make history lessons as interesting as possible at school, but nothing can ever teach them as much as they learn from exploring the castle and trying on the mail and helmets.'

Although the visitor centre and toilets are freely accessible to wheelchair users it is best to discuss access to the castle with a member of staff before your visit.

Adjacent to the visitor centre there is ample parking suitable for a coach or mini bus. Packed lunches may be eaten on picnic tables or, by arrangement, in the visitor centre during inclement weather.

Stafford Castle's gift shop stocks a wide variety of souvenirs, gifts, and history publications all at affordable prices.

 If your special school is unable to visit Stafford castle we will bring the Castle to you complete with costumed guides, hands on activities and role-play opportunities! Please telephone for further details.

v A guided tour of Stafford Castle's grounds and keep

 

v A hands on examination and explanation of arms and armour and their development

 

v A chance to handle arms and armour

 

v A brass rubbing activity

 

v A coin minting workshop

 

v The opportunity to complete a Stafford Castle quiz sheet

 

v Cost only £3.40 inclusive of all materials

                     

 

 

 

Teachers and helpers are invited to accompany their students free of charge

 

We will endeavour to adapt the tours to meet your individual school's curricular needs so please do not hesitate to advise us of any particular requirements.

We are open for pre-booked tours Monday to Friday 10.00am to 4.00pm, November to March, and 10.00am to 5.00pm April to October.

 

 

Castle Visitor Booking Form

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* Dowload your Stafford Castle Visitor Booking Form here

 

 

If you require any further information please telephone us at Stafford Castle on 01785 257698. Email:  staffordcastle@hotmail.co.uk

We look forward to hearing from you.