Colchester Castle is the largest Norman Keep in Europe. Constructed on the foundations of the Temple of Claudius, built when Colchester was the first Roman capital of Britain, the Castle Museum today reveals many fascinating layers of history to visitors.
Historic Re-enactments
Historic Re-enactments
What is it?
Historic re-enactments are both educational and entertaining. Typically the re-enactments take the form of dressing up in a style from the past in order to focus on a particular theme or time period. These can take the form of participation events such as mock trials, industrial workplaces or Victorian schoolroom sessions through to observations of major rehearsed re-enactments such as battles. Battle re-enactments often take the form of combat demonstrations, which are generally performed by a company to members of the public and are loosely based around actual events with costumes, armour and weapons from the period in use.
What does it involve?
The level of involvement differs depending on whether you would like to get your pupils involved in the re-enactment or not. If you are to be involved in the re-enactment then you will be brief by a member of the re-enactment team on what is expected of the pupils prior to the event. Pupils will often dress in appropriate clothing for the time period they are re-enacting and will learn historical facts as the re-enactment takes place. If you are watching a re-enactment you will simply sit and observe the show whilst learning about the specific topic, often being narrated by members of the performing troupe.
Why do it and what are the benefits?
Watching re-enactments will help students to learn about a given time period. Having a visual of a specific topic is far better than simply reading about it. Better still actually involving students in the re-enactment will help all pupils recall facts especially helping kinaesthetic learners. There is also a lot of fun to be had in the dressing up!
What equipment do we need?
As with most activities where you visit an establishment to try it, the venue should provide the majority of the equipment you'll need to participate. You should always check beforehand though, as some places may ask you come dressed appropriately for the specific activity.
Who is it suitable for?
Watching an historic re-enactment is a suitable activity for children of all ages. If the pupils are to be partaking in the re-enactment then activity is only suitable for children in key stage 2 and upwards.
Costs?
The cost of a re-enactment varies depending on the amount of pupils you wish to take and whether you will be watching or partaking in the activity. The length of the re-enactment session will also have an impact on cost. Some venue such as castles and museums hold regular re-enactments so it may be worth looking at tying in your trip with a visit to an educational venue. Please research various providers in your area to find the best value offering.
Issues/Things to think about? (unsuitable for age groups, medical conditions etc)
Simply watching an historic re-enactment poses little to no risk however some students may be sensitive to particular realistic recreations of battle scenes. If you are partaking in a re-enactment it is important to listen to any safety briefings given by the organisation. As with any school trip it is important you take any student specific medication with you if the re-enactment takes place off the premises.
How do we include?
Many venues now cater for pupils with physical disabilities. Please consult specific venues in your area to find out more about what they are set up for.
Doing it abroad?
There is a very big historical re-enactment scene in the united states however they often focus on events relevant to American history so may not be relevant to the Curriculum.
Main website:
For more information on Historic re-enactments please click here.
It is a good idea to research venues in your area before the trip.
Venues with this Activity
19th-century fantasy castle with spectacular surroundings
This enormous 19th-century neo-Norman castle sits between Snowdonia and the Menai Strait.
It's crammed with fascinating items, such as a one-ton slate bed made for Queen Victoria, elaborate carvings, plasterwork and mock-Norman furniture. It also has an outstanding collection of paintings.
The Bakehouse Centre was specially converted from a former bakehouse and two cottages to house today's Museum.
Museum Staff are pleased to welcome visitors and offer a guided tour if requested. A printed guide to the collection is also available.
There are new exhibitions on the maritime history and a photographic history of the village.
Historic - Inspiring - Educational - Great Fun
Welcome to England's Greatest Elizabethan house.
Welcome to Burghley, William Cecil’s ancestral home. This palatial Elizabethan prodigy house is still a much loved family home and we invite you to explore its historic collection of paintings, ceramics and works of art, many of which still stand where they were first recorded in 1688.
Impressive working 18th-century watermill
Follow this amazing survival story of a mill that was almost demolished, then saved by the local villagers and restored to working order to carry on the tradition of milling on this site for over 1,000 years.
The purpose of the Cromwell Museum is to interpret Oliver Cromwell's life and legacy through portraits, documents and objects associated with Cromwell. Impressively impartial!
The Museum of Eton Life tells the story of the foundation of the College in 1440 and provides a glimpse into the world of the Eton schoolboy past and present.
A medieval manor house interior, with a rare and well preserved Norman undercroft and a 15th century roof, all encased in brick during the 17th and 18th centuries.
The manor house, or Old Hall, at Burton Agnes was built by Roger de Stuteville between 1170 and 1180. The hall, like the village, was named after one of his daughters.
The Ghost
Specialising in school visits, Great Cressingham offers school children the chance to experience a remarkably detailed recreation of a Victorian School. Wearing period clothing they’ll use slates and dip pens, learn by rote and sing accompanied by a harmonium.
Each year, several special open days offer the general public a chance to enjoy a similar ‘living history’ experience.
School can be fun!
What makes the Madame Tussauds Berlin as extracurricular learning place so special? It offers exciting and educational school trips that combine learning and fun.
Madame Tussauds is interactive nowadays. As part of an interactive exhibition you can test your theoretical knowledge live here at the Madame Tussauds Berlin.
Dynasty Death and Discovery
More than 500 years after the death of the last English king to die in battle, the story of one of history’s most controversial monarchs has been brought to life once again in a stunning new visitor centre.
Looking for a fun and interesting way to explore Robin Hood country? Don't just wander around aimlessly, do a Treasure Trail! These fun Trails show you the most interesting, historical and scenic locations. Enjoy a fun walk in the fresh air and solve the clues along the way.
Robin Hood’s Major Oak Treasure Trail is a fantastic way to explore.
The 45-minute tours of the Royal Mews are led by the Wardens, dressed in their striking red and navy livery, and depart at regular intervals throughout the day at the start of the visit.
A unique experience: two treasure hunt style walks of discovery to keep the whole family intrigued and amused. Keep the kids happy answering clues and matching pictures, whilst reading stories about this famous ‘City of Legends’. Buy the booklet from our website and explore in your own time.
History on a grand scale - from knights and wizards to gunpowder plotters and passionate collectors
Alnwick Castle is brimming with history to be discovered, offering a range of activities and tours for groups and school visits alike, as well as a host of group benefits.
The castle has provided the backdrop for many famous films and TV series such as Blackadder, Downton Abbey and of course Harry Potter.
School Trips
Iconic Tudor Manor House
‘Logically it should not still be standing up!’
Seeing the tumbling architecture of Little Moreton Hall for the first time, engineers in 1990 could not believe their eyes. Fortunately this timber-framed building, curled around with a scenic moat, has defied logic for over 500 years.
Discover something new
Among the most outstanding Roman villa survivals in Britain, Lullingstone provides a unique all weather school visit.
Set in the attractive surroundings of the Darent Valley in Kent, the villa was begun in about AD 100, and developed to suit the tastes and beliefs of successive wealthy owners, reaching its peak of luxury in the mid-4th century.
An enchanting and inspiring journey through Norwich’s past
This museum is a real treat. Beautifully composed displays lead you through a series of rooms on two floors that circle the courtyard of this historic building. As well as a clear time-line of the city’s dramatic history you’re introduced to Norwich people of all kinds in displays peppered with insights and anecdotes.
Be king or queen for the day in this great Northumbrian stronghold
If you are planning a fun family day out in Northumberland then look no further than Warkworth Castle with its magnificent cross-shaped keep crowning a hilltop above the River Coquet.
Step back in time to 1940s wartime Britain
Now open to the public, the shelters, with a network of tunnels almost 1.6km (1 mile) long, once sheltered 6,500 people.
Come and experience life as it was during a 'black out' in wartime Britain and experience the sights and sounds of the home front.
Beautiful ruins, regular events and storytelling folk in costume - who says history can't keep them interested!?
Welcome to Ludlow Castle, an unusually complete range of medieval buildings with a varied history of Norman Fortress, Fortified Palace, Administrative Centre and finally the romantic ruin it is today.
Hagley Hall is a Grade I listed 18th-century house in Hagley, Worcestershire. It was the creation of George, 1st Lord Lyttelton, secretary to Frederick, Prince of Wales, poet and man of letters and briefly Chancellor of the Exchequer.
The City's heritage walking tour from the Nottingham Ghost Walk team! See the key sites of interest in the City and hear intriguing tales about Robin Hood and many other famous Nottingham characters. Tour includes a cave visit (subject to availability). Was Robin Hood a Hero or a Villain?
True's Yard is built around the last surviving cottages in King's Lynn’s once thriving North End community. The tiny, carefully recreated rooms capture the harsh realities of fishing life and the traditions and spirit of a close-knit community.
Frigidarium, tepidarium, caldarium and natatio. Sounds like one of Harry Potter’s spells! In fact, they describe the wide range of facilities on offer to the Second Augustan Legion and other residents at their state-of-the-art leisure complex. We are talking heated changing rooms, a series of cold and warm baths, covered exercise rooms and even an open-air swimming pool.
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