School Trips
Believing firmly in the “Living History” approach, we have had much success in inspiring young and old alike - especially children (and teachers) from 7 – 18 years. So much so that last year we welcomed over 4,000 school children to the Castle. We are very well aware of the new legislation affecting school visits and are pleased to be able to provide a Risk Assessment.
The 35 acres perched high on its grassy ledge is great place to either leisurely meander or run around in - enjoying, as you do, the historical ruins (some of which date back to the 12th century). Mary Queen of Scots in full costume can appear in the Great Hall to meet and discuss her life and times.
Since 2003 the castle has also been graced by the presence of Gloriana herself. The character of Elizabeth I has been introduced in celebration of the 400th anniversary of her death in 1603. Regarded by many as England 's greatest ruler, she is every bit as glittering and magnificent as you can imagine.
Our Director of History – a real live curator from the British Museum – Dr Gareth Williams is available for lectures on a wide range of topics, including:
- Anglo-Saxon and Viking History.
- The history of British identity.
- Various aspects of the history of money.
- The history of Tutbury Castle.
Dr Williams and a team from the University of Birmingham are carrying out research into the history and archaeology of the castle, so come along and find out the latest results of their research.
We are also delighted to offer lectures by Dr Karim Vahed, with his collection of Ottoman and Persian Empire armour and artefacts dating from the 1500s. We hope this ground-breaking presentation, alongside Elizabeth I, will show children what was happening in Asia at this time.
We can also arrange “have a go" archery, walks in the moat and weapons displays.
Why Visit Tutbury?
Now on the “must visit” for schools or large groups we provide a fascinating forum for the study of history, geography, botany and R.E. We have 35 acres to explore with fantastic ruins and spectacular views. Specialising in the Tudor Period. Elizabeth I or Mary Queen of Scots (held captive at the Castle on four occasions) will appear to hold court in the Great Hall. The young and old are invited to sit at the feet of the Queen to hear of her life and then have a chance to ask any questions they like.
“Did it hurt when they chopped your head off?” - Harvills Hawthorn
“Did you really have toothache and how did you clean your teeth?” - Heathfields Primary School
The presentation is breathtaking as both Queens wear full authentic Tudor costume and make-up. Elizabeth First’s gown weighs 24 kilos and Mary Queen of Scots 17 kilos. From underwear to perfume, our Queens are accurate. Learn a little Latin, dance a Galliard together (always great fun) and have a chance to handle real artefacts from the Tudor period such as coins and gusset pots. For larger groups, the classes can be split in rotation to have a weapons talk from our armourer and try long bow archery.
Coach parking available and special need groups are very welcome. Also we have a Herb garden, Peacocks, Picnic Area, Rose Garden and more.
School Ghost Hunts
For the past ten seasons at Tutbury Castle, we have welcomed school and university students through our doors in vast numbers – between 6,000 and 8,000 per year on average. If there is one question that comes up at every session it is “Have you got any ghosts?”
We at Tutbury over the past few months have offered as a pilot scheme to a couple of school groups, a “History Ghost Hunt” and the sessions were a roaring – or should we say, screaming success. We are now opening these evenings to all schools and special interest educational groups.
The evening starts at 6.00 p.m. when the group is met by a costumed guide at the car park and taken across the Castle grounds with much story telling on the way about the type of ghosts visitors have experienced at the Castle. In the Castle tearoom, youngsters are offered a jacket potato with grated cheese or beans (or both) and a cold drink of fruit juice.
After supper, the group will be collected and taken in split groups (if 30 individuals and over) around the grounds of the Castle, into the Great Hall, The King’s Bedroom, and finally – the Torture Chamber! Although the theme is ghosts, there will be a strong, accurate, historical content mostly covering the medieval and Tudor periods.
The evening ends at 8.45 p.m. when parents or the school coach can meet the students in the Castle car park for their return home. This experience is being offered as a school trip (for aged 9–16 years) and is managed, risk assessed and insured as such.
The cost? £12.50 per person fully inclusive. Bookings now being taken for 2010 and 2011.
