Witley Court and Gardens

School Visits

Once staffed by over 100 servants and host to lavish parties, Witley Court was accidentally burned to a roofless shell in 1937. Today, it is a spectacular ruin hinting at past grandeur, with vast grounds and woodlands to explore. 

Curriculum links

A visit to Witley Court offers cross curriculum links across the key stages:

  • KS1 History: Significant historical events, people and places in their own locality
  • KS1 Science: Identify and name a variety of common wild and garden plants, including deciduous and evergreen trees, identify and describe the basic structure of a variety of common flowering plants, including trees. Identify that most living things live in habitats to which they are suited, identify and name a variety of plants and animals in their habitats, including microhabitats
  • KS2 History: A local history study. A study of an aspect or theme in British history that extends pupils’ chronological knowledge beyond 1066
  • KS2 Science: Working scientifically. Identify and name a variety of living things in the local and wider environment
  • KS3 History: A local history study. Challenges for Britain, Europe and the wider world 1901 to the present day

Free Self-led Visits

Book a free self-led visit to Witley Court and organise your day to suit your curriculum objectives. Discover the beautiful shell of this colossal Victorian country house mansion, with its sweeping driveway, impressive architecture and fountains. Explore the vast grounds, including gardens and woodland, to study a range of plants, wildlife and habitats.

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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: Parking charges apply to non-members. The car park has over 100 spaces (including an overflow car park) and is adjacent to the visitor centre (approx. 500 metres from the house). There are four coach bays available. Please note: There is no off-site parking available.
    • LUNCH: You are welcome to bring a picnic to eat in the grounds. There is a picnic area with tables next to the visitor centre. Hot and cold drinks are available from the visitor centre.
    • SHOP: The shop is open. Please bring your students in supervised small groups.
    • TOILETS: Male, female and disabled toilets are located next to the visitor centre. Please be aware that there are no facilities at the house.
    • GARDENS: The grounds at Witley Court extend over 40 acres and include a lake, woodland, wilderness and formal gardens. Please note the play area is currently closed.
  • 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-1 November: Monday-Sunday 10-5pm
    • 2 November-16 February: Saturday-Sunday 10-4pm
    • 17 February-23 February: Monday-Sunday 10-4pm
    • 24 February-31 March: Wednesday-Sunday 10-4pm

Learning Resources

  • Witley Court Teachers' Kit

    Discover the story behind this atmospheric ruin and get outdoors with our seasonal spotter sheets using our Witley Court Teachers' Kit.   

  • Teaching the Victorians

    Use historical information, learning activities and tips from our historians, curators and educational experts to support your teaching of the Victorians.

  • Postcard from Witley Court and Gardens

    Take to the skies above Witley Court and Gardens to discover the site and its surroundings.