Workshops & Tours

Ultimate Kids tour

Assisted by medieval costume and props your class will explore the castle of old and the various areas and functions of the castle, from the ammonites in the Great Hall floor to the mighty Barbican and Gatehouse.

Castle Life

In this workshop, your class will grind corn, spin cotton and learn a medieval game as they explore what life was like for everyday castle folk.

Curriculum links

• Significant historical events, people and places in their locality.
• Similarities and differences between ways of life in different periods.

Attack and Defence

Assisted by medieval costume and replica weapons (wood) your class will be guided to imagine the challenges facing any army foolish enough to attack the mighty Warwick Castle.

Curriculum links

• Significant events beyond living memory.

• A post 1066 study of relevant local history memory.

Norman Warwick 1066-1068

To the backdrop of a Norman Motte Students will hear stories of the battle of Hastings and experience what it was like to fight in a shield wall learn how William 1st consolidated his power by building Motte and Bailey castles.

Curriculum links

• Edward the Confessor and his death in 1066.
• A post 1066 study of relevant local history.
• A significant turning point in history.

Aethelflead’s Warwick (Saxon Life) - coming soon!

The daughter of Alfred the Great, Aethelflaed, built the first defensive burgh on  the site of Warwick Castle. With the aid of Saxon props and costume, this workshop explores Saxon life and crime and punishment in her time.

Curriculum links

• The Viking and Anglo-Saxon struggle for the Kingdom of England to the time of Edward the Confessor
• Anglo-Saxon laws and justice
• Resistance by Alfred the Great and Athelstan, the first king of England

Wars of the Roses

Using role play, props and costumes, your class will be introduced to the key players and events and the role of the 16th Earl of Warwick in this turbulent period of English history, which ultimately led to the destruction of the Plantagenets and the rise of the Tudor dynasty.                    

Curriculum links

• The development of Church, state and society in Medieval Britain 1066-1509
• Understanding historical concepts such as continuity and change, cause and consequence, similarity,   difference and significance, and using them to make connections, draw contrasts, analyse trends and frame historically valid questions.

Warwick Castle Unwrapped

The tour traces the castle’s history from its foundations as an Anglo-Saxon settlement through to its use as a medieval fortress, a Tudor prison, a Stately home and to its current role, as an education and tourist attraction

Curriculum links

• The development of Church, state and society in Medieval Britain 1066-1745
• Ideas, political power, industry and empire: Britain, 1745-1901 (the Enlightenment in Europe and Britain)
• Challenges for Britain, Europe and the wider world 1901 to the present day
• A study over time, testing how far sites in their locality reflect aspects of national history

Warwick Warriors - £4.50 per pupil

Sword and Battle Skills

In this highly interactive workshop, students are introduced to a medieval man at arms and learn the discipline and skills needed to become a successful foot soldier.

Curriculum links

• A study of an aspect or theme in British history that extends pupils’ chronological knowledge beyond   1066

Sword and Battle Skills

Warfare isn’t all about glory! Students meet a medieval recruitment officer who will take them through their paces. They'll discuss medieval weapons and learn the best techniques with swords.

Curriculum links

• The development of Church, state and society in Medieval Britain 1066-1509

Medieval Team Building

From noble knights to front-line foot soldiers, in this workshop, pupils will experience the hierarchy and discipline required in the medieval military and will obey commands given by their billhook instructor.

Curriculum links

• The development of Church, state and society in Medieval Britain 1066-1509

The Norman Conquest

From the summit of the castle’s Norman Motte, your pupils will experience what it was like to fight in the shield wall at the battle of hastings and learn how William consolidated his power by the building of castles and garrisoning them in key strategic areas such as Warwick.

Curriculum links

• The development of Church, state and society in Medieval Britain 1066-1509