Aydon Castle

School Visits

Aydon Castle is a fine example of an English fortified manor house. Built as a home over 700 years ago, it was almost immediately fortified due to the outbreak of Anglo-Scottish warfare. Its turbulent history began with a Scottish raid in 1315 where the house was pillaged and burnt, followed by seizure by English rebels two years later. Today it remains almost completely intact, set amongst the Northumberland woodland.

We’ve made some changes to the opening times at Aydon Castle. You can find these, as well as all the information you need for a memorable visit, on this page. We’re also working on a new learning offer, as well as special events, guided tours, and temporary exhibitions, which learning groups will be able to enjoy.

Image © Historic England Archive

Curriculum Links

Support your teaching in the classroom by stepping out of it. A visit to Aydon Castle will help you bring learning to life, covering multiple topics across the curriculum and key stages.

  • KS1- 2 History: Local History Study
  • KS1 History: Significant historical events, people and places in their own locality
  • KS2 History: 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 1066-1509 and 1509-1745
© Historic England Archive

Self-Led Visits

Book a self-led visit to Aydon Castle and organise your day to suit your curriculum objectives. Immerse your students in over 700 years of history, explore the medieval buildings and learn about life in the Northumberland countryside during times of unrest.  

UK schools and eligible learning groups can visit for free to support your teaching. Find out more about our offer for international education groups.

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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: The road approach is not suitable for coaches - drop off can be on the main road approx. 1 mile from site. Parking for cars is available.
    • TOILETS: There are unisex toilets available.
    • LUNCH: You are welcome to bring a picnic to enjoy in the grounds. Picnic tables are available in the orchard.
    • SHOP: There is a gift shop selling English Heritage gifts and souvenirs. We recommend bringing your students in small groups at a time
    • EDUCATION ROOM or BAG STORAGE: There is no education space or area for bag storage.
    • ACCESSIBILITY: Visitors with limited mobility can be set down at the entrance. There are disabled parking spaces available. Wheelchair access is limited to the ground floor. Pathways are grass, gravel and stone.
    • WET WEATHER: There are no wet weather facilities. In the case of inclement weather, the site team will do their best to accommodate you.
  • 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

Learning Resources

  • Teaching Medieval History

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

  • A Mini Guide to Castles

    ​Discover how castles developed over time with this short introduction.

  • How to Take a Medieval Castle

    Watch our short animation to learn more about how to take a medieval castle. 

  • Taskmaster Education at English Heritage

    We’ve teamed up with Taskmaster Education to bring an extra layer of fun to school visits to our sites. Find out more about how we can help you create a Taskmaster-style experience during your trip.