Stokesay Castle

School Visits

Explore the incredible fortified manor house with a great hall that's remained unchanged for 700 years and discover the fascinating story of the Shropshire wool merchant who became one of the richest men in England. Whatever your topic or key stage, a visit to Stokesay Castle can help bring history to life for your class.

Curriculum Links

Support your teaching in the classroom by stepping out of it. A visit to Stokesay 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 a site dating from a period beyond 1066 that is significant in the locality
  • KS3 History: Development of church, state and society in Britain 1066-1509 and 1509-1750; causes and events of the civil wars throughout Britain
  • KS4 History: GCSE: Study of the historic environment, suitable for AQA or OCR History B

Free Self-Led Visits

Whether studying local history or looking for inspiration for art or storywriting, lead your class on a free school visit to Stokesay Castle to spark their imagination and make learning memorable. Explore the Great Hall, North Tower, South Tower, Solar and Gatehouse, and learn about the castle's most famous resident, Laurence of Ludlow, as you immerse your students in over 700 years of history.

Download the Teachers' Kit below to support your teaching and learning before, during and after a visit. 

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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: Large car park about 300 metres from the entrance, with space for two coaches to park and charges do not apply. A coach parking permit is available from the visitor centre.
    • CASTLE: Please explore the castle in small groups to maintain visitor flow around the site. Access to the South Tower is via a narrow stair way.
    • TOILETS: The toilets will be open and cleaned throughout the day. Please keep to your bubbles. Additional hand sanitising stations are available across the site.
    • LUNCH: Picnicking is not permitted in the inner courtyard, but there are benches just outside the entrance, near the gatehouse. The cafe is open for takeaway service only.
    • SHOP: The shop is open but with limitations on the number of customers at a time. Please take your students in supervised small groups of up to 5 at a time.
    • BAG STORAGE: A room inside the gatehouse can be used to store up to 30 bags. Please ask about using this space on arrival.
    • FACE COVERINGS: Face coverings must be worn in all indoor public spaces, including in our exhibitions, shops, cafés and tea rooms. We won’t be able to give you a face covering, so please come prepared so you don’t miss out.
  • 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

  • Stokesay Castle Teachers' Kit (KS1-KS4+)

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

  • 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.