Dramatic history in the North East of England
From impressive castles to forts guarding the edge of the Roman Empire, the North East of England is full of exciting opportunities to explore learning outside of the classroom and bring your teaching of the curriculum to life. Book a free self-led visit to explore our sites in your own way, and download our free resources to help you plan ahead and make the most of your day.
1. Warkworth Castle
Warkworth Castle was once one of the largest and most impressive fortresses in North East England. Discover what life in a castle 600 years ago was really like, on a free school visit with your class. Learn about the rich history and stories surrounding the castle, explore the magnificent cross shaped keep, and follow the development of the site from the Medieval period to the present day.
Visit Warkworth Castle
2. Lindisfarne Priory
Walk in the footsteps of Anglo-Saxon monks at Lindisfarne Priory, one of the most important centres of early English Christianity. Explore this fascinating site to learn about monastic life on Lindisfarne, discover the story of St Cuthbert and find out how the once magnificent priory was victim to a brutal Viking attack.
Visit Lindisfarne Priory
3. Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens
Discover the long history of Belsay and follow the story of the Middleton family, from the original medieval castle to the 19th century mansion and the outstanding garden that completes the landscape. With Greek influenced architecture, impressive castle defences and awe-inspiring gardens to explore, there is a wealth of learning opportunities to link to your teaching across the curriculum.
Visit Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens
4. Tynemouth Priory and Castle
Discover 2000 years of history at Tynemouth Priory and Castle, on a free education visit with your class. Overlooking the North Sea and the River Tyne, Tynemouth dominates the headland, and since its origin as an Iron Age settlement, the site has been an Anglo Saxon monastery, a medieval monastery, a royal castle and a coastal defence.
Visit Tynemouth Priory and Castle
5. Hadrian's Wall
Discover life at the very edge of the Roman Empire with your class. With ancient forts and towns to explore, find out more about life on Hadrian’s Wall, and the impact of Roman Britain. Visit our sites for free to fulfil your curriculum objectives, or enhance your learning and meet a Roman solider or solve a Roman murder mystery in an expert-led workshop at Housesteads Roman Fort.
Visit Hadrian's Wall
6 Dunstanburgh Castle
This magnificent castle stands on top of a remote headland in Northumberland. Explore the castle ruins and twin-towered gatehouse, imagine what life would have been like in the medieval period and discover the story of the man who built Dunstanburgh: the powerful rebel baron Earl Thomas of Lancaster.
Visit Dunstanburgh Castle