Kenwood

School Visits

Overlooking the modern London skyline, the beautifully renovated interiors of Kenwood and stunning surrounding landscape gives school groups plenty to see and experience for a historical or art and design based visit.

Explore the unexpected yet fascinating story of previous owner of Kenwood, Lord Mansfield, and his role in the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade.

 

Curriculum links

Kenwood and the outstanding landscape of Hampstead Heath provide a wide range of curriculum opportunities:

  • KS1-3 History: A local history study
  • KS1 History: Significant historical events, people and places in your own locality. The lives of significant individuals in the past who have contributed to national and international achievements
  • KS1-2 Science: Understand living things and their habitats through exploration of the grounds
  • KS2 History: a study of an aspect or theme in British history that extends pupils' chronological knowledge beyond 1066
  • KS3 History: The development of Church, state and society in Britain 1509-1745. Ideas, political power, industry and Empire: Britain 1745-1901
  • KS4-5 Art & Design, Art History: Develop knowledge and understanding of art, craft and design in historical contexts, societies and cultures.

Free Self-led Visits

A neoclassical jewel on an 18th century gentleman's estate, Kenwood is a unique feature in the modern London landscape. Highlights include the renowned Robert Adam interiors housing the exquisite artwork from the Old Masters, and the stunning landscape of Hampstead Heath featuring intriguing sculptures and architecture to explore. From life in Georgian England, to Britain's role in the creation and abolition of the transatlantic slave trade, Kenwood has a variety of learning opportunities for school groups.

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Expert-led Discovery Visits

There are three hands-on Discovery Visits to choose from that provide fun and inspiring education experiences. From exploring the creation and abolition of the transatlantic slave trade, to learning about life below stairs at Kenwood, these expert-led sessions are a great way to engage your students.

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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
    • EDUCATION CENTRE: The education room is currently unavailable. If you require indoor space for lunch, please request prior to visiting.
    • PARKING: Limited parking for cars only is available in the West Lodge CP Plus pay and display car park. Free car parking is available on Hampstead Lane.
    • TRAVEL: There are excellent public transport links with the 210 bus running a regular service to/from Archway Underground Station.
    • SHOP: The shop sells a selection of English Heritage gifts and souvenirs. Please bring your class in small groups at a time.
    • CAFE: The café offers light refreshments.
    • TOILETS: Toilet facilities are located by the café.
    • ACCESSIBILITY: There is a lift on site so both floors of the house are fully accessible. The outside paths are wheelchair accessible although these are rugged in areas. The dairy can be reached via a wood chipped path.
    • WET WEATHER: Visits to the inside of the house will not be disrupted by wet weather. The garden will be slippery in wet weather so extra care should be taken.
  • 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.

    House Opening Times

    • April-October: Wednesday 10-5pm. Discovery Visits available on Tuesdays
    • November-March: Wednesday 10-4pm. Discovery Visits available on Tuesdays

     

    Grounds Opening Times

    • April-October: Monday-Sunday 7-5pm. Discovery Visits available on Tuesdays
    • November-March: Monday-Sunday 7-4pm. Discovery Visits available on Tuesdays

Learning Resources

  • Kenwood Teachers' Kit (KS1-KS4+)

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

  • Curators' Collections: Kenwood

    Explore objects from our collections at Kenwood to learn more about life in Georgian England and the artworks on display at the house today.

  • Meet Dido Belle

    Join Dido Belle to find out more about her life at her great-uncle, Lord Mansfield's house at Kenwood. 

  • Painting Our Past: The African Diaspora in England Learning Pack (KS1-KS4+)

    Use our learning pack to explore a series of portraits commissioned by English Heritage depicting six historic figures from the African diaspora whose stories have contributed to England’s rich history. 

  • Georgian Makeup Tutorial

    Find out what men's and women's makeup can reveal about Georgian society with Makeup Artist Rebecca Butterworth and Fashion Historian Amber Butchart.

  • Postcard from Kenwood

    Take to the skies above Kenwood to discover the site and its surroundings on Hampstead Heath.

  • Fashion Through History: Georgians

    Join Fashion Historian Serena Dyer and Curator Louise Cooling as they discuss Georgian fashion and society at Kenwood.