Selly Manor

What will students see and do?

More than 500 years old, Selly Manor provides plenty for students to see and do, making it one of the best history trips in the Birmingham area. The Tudor house is full of wonder and intrigue, with its timber-framed exterior and well-maintained gardens allowing visitors to feel as if they’ve been transported back to the time of Shakespeare.

The two buildings that make up the attraction are full of historical artefacts and archives, including a 16th-century bed, a chest and table from the 17th century, and even a mantrap used to snare poachers.

The museum is especially welcoming to children and school groups. Staff provide a range of games, hands-on activities, guided tours and opportunities for further discovery to young visitors. These activities are always changing, so no matter what time of year you choose to visit, you can enjoy something you’ve never seen before.

The manor is a cornerstone of the historic Bournville village, famously built as a model village to house workers at the nearby Cadbury’s chocolate factory. The museum offers free maps for a Bournville Village Heritage Trail, a self-guided tour that takes in some of the most important historic sites in the area. This includes a variety of shops, churches, schools and other historic buildings commissioned by George Cadbury.

How does the trip link to the curriculum?

History is at the forefront of any visit to Selly Manor. Due to the long and winding history of the manor, the site sheds light on many different eras of the nation’s past. From the 16th century, when the house was first built, to the 19th century, when it was moved from its original location to Bournville, there’s so much to discover.

The main areas of history covered at the museum are the Great Fire of London, the Tudors and Bournville. Each one represents an important era in Britain’s past and provides a fun but educational deep dive into a key topic. Museum staff provide exciting, interactive experiences to teach pupils about the topics in an engaging way, including storytelling, dressing up and tours.

Classes studying art, music or English can also learn plenty from a visit here, taking inspiration from the rich cultural background of the house. A music class could perhaps carry out a research project into the types of music that residents of the manor might have enjoyed throughout the centuries. An English class could write short stories set in the house, or letters from the perspective of historical residents.

Subjects covered

Details of risk assessment

Museum staff complete a thorough risk assessment before every school visit. You will be provided with a copy for your consideration. Teachers are invited to make a free visit to the site ahead of a class visit to conduct their own risk assessments. This will allow the opportunity to ensure the venue complies with your school’s policies.

Museum staff have training in first aid and health and safety. They will provide verbal warnings and other warnings for areas of concern. For further details, you can contact museum staff through the Selly Manor website.

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