Boscobel House and The Royal Oak

School Visits

Learn about the events of the English Civil War at Boscobel House and the Royal Oak Tree, famous for being the hiding places of King Charles II as he escaped after being defeated at the Battle of Worcester in 1651.

Today, you can explore the house, gardens, and Victorian farmyard - with newly introduced rare breed farm animals. You can see a descendent of the original Royal Oak tree that Charles II hid in and children can explore the new outdoor play area. 

Watch the video: Experience Boscobel House and the Royal Oak | New for 2021

Curriculum Links

Visit Boscobel House to support your teaching in a fun and engaging way, and cover multiple topics across the curriculum.

  • KS1 History: Significant historical events, people and places within the locality
  • KS2 History: Local history study. Study of an aspect or theme in British history that extends pupils’ chronological knowledge beyond 1066
  • KS3 History: Local history study. Development of Church, state and society in Britain 1509-1750
  • GCSE History: Study of the historic environment

Free self-led visits

Book a free self-led visit to Boscobel House and organise your day to suit your curriculum objectives:

  • Explore the 17th Century hunting lodge and look for secret hiding places around the building, including the attic priest hole where King Charles II hid from Parliamentarian soldiers
  • See the Royal Oak tree, a descendent of the original tree Charles II hid in
  • Explore the Victorian farm buildings and dairy, once a busy working environment, and say hello to the newly resident pigs, sheep and chickens
  • Look for local plants and wildlife in the gardens

A 20 minute walk up the road is the ruins of White Ladies Priory, a medieval church and another hiding place of Charles II.

Enquire now

Plan your trip

We have a wide range of materials to support your visit and make school trip planning easy. You can find all our site-specific information and tools below, and further information on our what to expect page.

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 once you have made a booking, plus a 20% discount on the official English Heritage guidebook for your place of choice.

Once you book your visit you’ll be sent a visit permit, which you’ll need to bring with you on the day.

Visit our bookings page to start planning your trip!

  • Facilities
    • PARKING: Free car parking is available adjacent to the shop on a compacted gravel surface
    • TOILETS: Toilets, including accessible toilets, are available on site. 
    • LUNCH: You are welcome to bring a picnic to eat in the grounds
    • SHOP: There is a shop selling a selection of English Heritage gifts, guidebooks and light snacks. We recommend taking your class in small groups at a time
    • EXHIBITION: There is an introductory exhibition to Boscobel in the entrance to the house (up one step). A picture exhibition of Boscobel House through the ages is located upstairs in the dairy block
    • EDUCATION ROOM: There is an education room available, with space for lunch in case of adverse weather
    • ACCESSIBILITY: There is limited wheelchair access via the shop or side gate, assistance is required. No wheelchair access to house, education room and exhibition
  • Hazard Information

    A useful tool to help with your risk assessments.

     

    You must meet the following ratios for leaders to students on the day of your visit when booking, and if your group is forming smaller groups while at the site:

    • Ages 4-5 (UK Reception) 1 leader for every 4 students (1:4)
    • Ages 5-7 (UK Key Stage 1) 1 leader for every 6 students (1:6)
    • Ages 7-11 (UK Key Stage 2) 1 leader for every 10 students (1:10) and
    • Ages 11-18 (UK Key Stages 3, 4, and 5) 1 leader for every 15 students (1:15)
    • For an adult learning group, consisting of individuals all over the age of 18, there are no ratios but there must be an appointed group leader
    • All ratios outlined above apply to home education groups
    • If your group consists of children aged 3 and/or 4, you must also refer to the Early Years and Foundation Stage Statutory Framework which sets out specific legal requirements for minimum ratios for this age group, to include requirements about the qualifications of the leaders
    • SEND groups must meet the minimum ratios above but may bring any additional leaders as required to adequately support their group
  • Education Site Opening Times

    We offer free self-led education visits during school term time*. 

    *Free education visits are not offered on UK public holidays or during the operation of additional fee paying public events at English Heritage sites.

    • April-September: Monday-Sunday 10-5pm
    • October-5 November: Monday-Sunday 10-4pm
    • 6 November-9 February: Saturday-Sunday 10-4pm
    • 10 February-18 February: Monday-Sunday 10-4pm
    • 19 February-31 March: Wednesday-Sunday 10-4pm

Learning Resources

  • Boscobel House and the Royal Oak Teachers' Kit (KS1-KS4)

    Our Teachers’ Kits feature historical information and activity suggestions for group leaders of various subjects and key stages.

  • Teaching Tudors and Stuarts

    This guide to teaching Tudors and Stuarts includes advice from our educational experts and historians as well as suggested activities to try with your students in the classroom or on a school trip. 

  • Why did England have a Civil War?

    Use our introductory video to find out why England had a civil war in the mid 17th century. 

  • Homes Through History: Boscobel House

    Meet William Penderel, the Woodward of Boscobel House, to find out more about how he helped save Charles II from Oliver Cromwell's army in 1651.

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