Richard Shephard, Senior Education Manager at Warwick Castle, explains what this unique historic site has to offer pupils of all ages…
What is there to do at Warwick Castle for school groups?
There’s a huge amount to explore! Pupils can walk the Conqueror’s trail to learn all about the Norman Conquest and the construction of motte-and-bailey castles. They’ll follow in the footsteps of William the Conqueror as they climb to the top of the Mound, which dates to 1068.
They can imagine what life was like for a Medieval crossbowman by investigating the castle’s defences. They’ll climb the walls and enjoy the spectacular views from the top of the 30-metre-high main towers.
Elsewhere, the Kingmaker exhibition shows how the castle was prepared for war. And children will get the chance to immerse themselves in the life of 18th-century high society on a visit to the Great Hall and State Rooms, which come complete with one of the largest collections of arms and armour in the country.
On top of all this, they can enjoy spectacular shows, including the award-winning Falconer’s Quest, the largest working trebuchet in Europe, and the Wars of the Roses Joust Show in its purpose-built arena.
Younger pupils can follow the Zog trail, enjoy two live Zog shows, and blow off steam in the Zog playland. And Year 7 and above will enjoy visiting the delightful terror of the castle dungeon. All can lose themselves in the Horrible Histories maze, complete with its host of horrible facts!
Do you offer educational workshops?
Yes – Warwick Castle has a wide range of workshops to suit pupils in all key stages. All of them are highly interactive and feature props, costumes and historical artefacts.
Pupils can experience the drill and rigour of life as a medieval soldier, explore the bizarre nature of historical medicine, learn how to attack and, crucially, defend a castle, and even stand in a Saxon shield wall at the Battle of Hastings – and there are many more dynamic workshops to choose from.
How does a trip to the castle align with the curriculum?
Warwick Castle encompasses over 1,100 years of history. The site has fulfilled a number of different roles, from its original use as a motte-and-bailey castle to its days as a medieval fortress, a Tudor prison, a stately home, and, since 1815, a visitor attraction.
As such, a school visit here aligns with many areas of the national curriculum for history. For KS1, children can explore significant historical events, people, and places in their locality and similarities and differences between ways of life in different periods. In KS2, it’s the ideal place to conduct a post-1066 local history study, or to explore a significant turning point in history or significant events beyond living memory.
Those in KS3/4 will find Warwick an excellent source of information about the development of Church, state, and society in Medieval Britain, 1066-1745 and the ideal place to support a study over time, testing how far sites in their locality reflect aspects of national history.
All workshops on offer at the castle include links to the national curriculum and published lesson outcomes. Pre- and post-visit teacher resources for these workshops are available to download from the castle’s website.
“Warwick Castle has a dedicated, trained team of schools ambassadors to support staff on the day.”
What educational resources are available?
There are on-the-day worksheets and illustrated self-guided information for all exhibitions, architecture and features. These include details about key events and characters from the castle’s history, such as the Wars of the Roses and the part played by Richard Neville, aka Warwick the Kingmaker.
There are also pre- and post-visit lesson plans and worksheets available to extend pupils’ learning, as well as complete topic PowerPoint resources.
Teachers can access a variety of planning documents: a sample risk assessment; what-to-expect-on-the-day guidance; an attraction and itinerary planner, including accessibility information for all attractions and attraction timings; arrival Instructions; and the castle’s safeguarding policy.
As well as an amazing workshop delivery team, Warwick Castle has a dedicated, trained team of schools ambassadors to support staff on the day – they greet school groups as they disembark from their bus and confirm the itinerary with the lead teacher, and are available as a point of contact for the duration of the visit.
How do you support visitors with SEND?
Warwick Castle prides itself on its unrivalled SEND support. We work with SEND education focus groups and regularly welcome both mainstream and specialist SEND pupils, even with the most complex care needs.
The school booking and education team positively encourage lead teachers and SENCOs to contact them with any questions, queries, or concerns and are trained and extremely knowledgeable in offering SEND support.
On-site infrastructure and support includes free 1:1 support tickets (or higher ratios if necessary), a fully equipped changing place, and an accessible lift and accessible show viewing areas.
Additionally, there’s a well-equipped welfare and sensory room/quiet space – quiet times in sensory-heavy attractions can often be arranged in advance for schools, too.
The castle’s multimedia guides include BSL, virtual tours and an audio description tour. BSL interpretation is provided for videos.
Are there any special events on at Warwick Castle in 2026?
There’s lots to look forward to throughout the year, not least in December, when visiting pupils can enjoy the excitement of ‘Christmas at the Castle’.
Alongside the ever-present immersive historical learning opportunities on offer, there’s also plenty of festive fun – from ice skating and a Christmas light trail (both with reduced rates for schools) to a Christmas Market. It’s the perfect way to combine meaningful education with all the joy of the season, fostering students’ curiosity and boosting their wellbeing in equal measure.
And before that, don’t miss our new Summer Term Joust Show too!
How much is a school trip to Warwick Castle?
Visits are £5 per pre-school pupil and £10 per primary/secondary pupil at off-peak times (autumn and spring terms) and £6 per pre-school pupil and £13 per primary/secondary pupil during peak months (summer term). Educational workshops are priced at £3 per pupil all year round.
Can we bring a picnic?
Yes, of course – the spectacular grounds of Warwick Castle are the perfect spot to enjoy your lunch! If desired, the castle can also supply packed lunches to school groups for £3.95, including a sandwich, drink and healthy snack.
