Wenlock Priory

School Visits

Bring the curriculum to life and inspire your students. Wenlock Priory boasts over 900 years of history, from an Anglo-Saxon monastery founded in 680 to the ruined remains of the 13th century priory of Cluniac monks. 

“The trip gave the pupils a fantastic opportunity to embrace their local history."

Teacher, KS2

Curriculum Links

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

  • KS1 History: significant historical events, people and places in their own locality
  • KS2-3 History: A local history study
  • KS3 History: the development of Church, state and society in Medieval Britain 1066-1509

Free Self-Led Visits

Book a free self-led visit to Wenlock Priory and organise your day to suit your curriculum objectives.

Discover the Norman chapter house, built around 1140 as the "business" centre of the monastery, and explore the tranquil Cloister gardens with 12th century hand-washing station. Inside the priory's library, students can learn about religious life at Wenlock through the collection of medieval tiles on display. 

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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: Car and coach park close to the entrance, payable locally. Additional pay-and-display parking is available in Wenlock town centre (approximately 5 minutes’ walk from the Priory).
    • TOILETS: Male and female situated at the rear of the shop. There is an accessible toilet at the front of the building.
    • LUNCH: No indoor space available for lunch. Picnics are welcome on site.
    • SHOP: There is a small shop selling a selection of English Heritage gifts and souvenirs. Guidebook available in the shop –Education groups receive a 20% discount on guidebooks. We ask the class visit the shop groups of 6 and supervised by a leader.
    • EDUCATION ROOM or BAG STORAGE: No education room or bag storage is available on site.
    • ACCESSIBILITY: All parts of priory and gardens accessible via compacted gravel paths and grassy areas. Shop and toilets are accessed by a ramp.
    • WET WEATHER: There is no indoor shelter available on site. Groups should come dressed in suitable clothing and footwear.
  • 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: Saturday-Sunday 10-4pm

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 Medieval Monks

    Find out more about different medieval monastic orders with our short animation.