Hastings is a typical seaside resort, a shingle beach with an Old Town, fishing industry, lifeboat station and beach amusements, plus the new Jerwood Art Gallery. The Victorian pier was burnt down but now houses a roost of starlings and is being rebuilt. 40 minute drive Fairlight Glen … Read More
Sissinghurst Castle Garden (National Trust)
Tudor manor house with access to tower, library. Home of Vita Sackville-West. Stunning gardens, woodlands and lakes, oast house exhibition and farm buildings. Quizzes, excellent stimulus for art. Minibus option for up to15 pupils, half-day. 30 mins drive. Open Mar-Oct only. Gift shop, WC’s, wheelchair access to most areas. Cost: … Read More
Leeds Castle
Norman castle, residence of kings and queens, lovely gardens, aviaries, maze, grotto, dog collar museum, moats. 1930’s interior – pre-booked time essential, but guides do not always pitch answers to age group. Educational trail and teachers’ notes on website. Gift shop, WC’s. 30 mins drive. Wheelchair access, but long walk … Read More
Hever Castle
C14th home of Anne Boleyn, display on Tudors, mazes (Easter-October only), adventure playground, moat, model houses. Open March-November only. 1 hour drive (near M25). Gift shops, WC’s. Limited wheelchair access. Long walk from car park. Why not save money on coach hire – visit Friday on the way back home. … Read More
Dover Castle (English Heritage)
2000 years of history – A Norman keep with displays, Anglo-Saxon church, Roman lighthouse, medieval tunnels and guided tours of Secret World War 2 tunnels (Hellfire Corner). Views to France, interactive education rooms. Can combine with brief stop at Dover beach, Samphire Hoe or WW2 memorial. Early booking advisable, especially … Read More
Camber Castle (English Heritage)
Guided tour with education officer, worksheets included. Tudor structure, military use. Use our binoculars to see water birds on adjacent gravel pits. Can combine with Rye Harbour Nature Reserve (shingle beach, river estuary) or Rye town for a whole day. Up to 15 children half-day trip by minibus, or coach … Read More
Bodiam Castle (National Trust)
C14 th castle built for defence and as a luxury home. Optional guided tours and armoury workshop – £2.50-4.50 each. Can combine with a morning walk or go via Rye/Camber Sands. Gift shop, WC’s. In summer term it is possible to travel by steam railway from Tenterden (£7.25 return). Limited … Read More
Other attractions
The following attractions are also recommended, and are particularly suitable as options on the way back to London to extend your final day. Museum of Kent Life ( Maidstone) Cost: £4.50 per pupil + coach hire 40 mins drive www.kentlife.org.uk Wildwood Discovery Park ( Herne Bay) Cost: £3.50 + … Read More