Key Stage 2 (8-11)

Key Stage 2 (8-11)

At Key Stage 2 pupils will begin to adopt a more sophisticated approach to the core and foundation subjects.

In History, the requirement to study topics such as the Anglo-Saxon and Scots invasions and the Viking and Roman occupations creates many opportunities for school trips to some of the most important historical sites in the world, and a great variety of brilliant museums. There will always be a venue close by!

History trips can also be used in KS2 to develop pupils' 'use of geographical knowledge, understanding and skills to enhance their locational and place knowledge', one of the aims of the KS2 Geography curriculum. Such activities could also be linked to the national curriculum requirement to 'take part in outdoor and adventurous activity challenges both individually and within a team'.

But there are many other options for accessing imaginative and challenging activities from specialist providers. Some schools also like to organise short residential visits at for pupils at KS2 level to give classes a taster of new activities and team-working away from usual environments and families. 

Suitable Venues

Prominent landmark with fine views

The highest point in the Cranborne Chase provides panoramic views from the Isle of Wight and Purbeck Hills to Blackmore Vale and Salisbury Plain. Win Green is crowned by beech trees growing on a Bronze Age bowl barrow with a distinctive ridge around the edge. This clump of trees is visible for miles around.

Outstanding 16th-century stone dovecote and stable building

Enjoy the tranquil setting of this outstanding 16th-century stone-built dovecote and stable buildings, which nestles alongside Willington church.

Home to over 1,500 resident pigeons, a nesting site for barn owls and kestrels, the dovecote is a great spot for bird-watching.

The legacy of a family's passion for Victorian art and design

Wightwick Manor - haven of a romantic industrialist.

In 1937 Geoffrey Mander MP did something remarkable - he persuaded the National Trust to accept a house that was just 50 years old.

The National Trust's oldest nature reserve, and England's most famous fen

Wicken Fen, one of Europe's most important wetlands, supports an abundance of wildlife. There are more than 8,500 species, including a spectacular array of plants, birds and dragonflies.

There are hidden gems of history and wildlife along this post-industrial coastline

Only 5½ miles from the border of the Lake District National Park, this coastline stretches south from the 18th century harbour of Whitehaven towards the sandstone cliffs of St Bees Head.

The quiet north Gower coast with its extensive saltmarsh and dunes

North Gower is a tranquil place, for quiet enjoyment, bird watching and walking. Much of the north coast is a large expanse of saltmarsh, which is an ever-changing landscape of mudflats and tidal ditches. Along with Whiteford Burrows, it is an internationally important feeding ground for wading birds and wildfowl.

Beautiful stretch of golden sand on the North Antrim coast

The spectacular sandy beach forms a white arc between two headlands on the North Antrim Coast. Its secluded location means that even on a busy day there is plenty of room for quiet relaxation.

The beach is also backed by ancient sand dunes that provide a range of rich habitats for bird and animal life.

Corn mill with original wooden machinery in a peaceful riverside setting

An 18th-century corn mill in a peaceful, rural setting. Rebuilt in 1776 on a site marked in the Domesday Book, this substantial mill was extensively repaired in 1994 and still retains its original elm and applewood machinery (now too fragile to be used).

Enjoy a stroll over White Mill bridge or sit in the garden and enjoy the tranquillity of the River Stour.

Britain's first fully themed indoor family resort and amusement park. A magical world of fun, thrills and experiences for all the family. Now including the indoor Galactic Play Zone!

Situated in a stunning location in the beautiful Peak District National Park, White Hall Outdoor Education Centre has given thousands of young people wonderful, memorable experiences since it opened in 1951 as Britain's first local education authority outdoor centre.

Well preserved Neolithic long barrow

An excellent example of a Neolithic long barrow, located on Salisbury Plain, a few miles from Stonehenge. This was our first purely archaeological purchase.

Trees, hedges and shrubs planted in the form of a medieval cathedral

This incredible Tree Cathedral, made from trees, shrubs and plants, was created after the First World War in the spirit of 'faith, hope and reconciliation'.

Admission to the Tree Cathedral is free. Donations welcome to the Whipsnade Tree Cathedral Fund c/o The Trustees.

15th-century stone manor house

This beautiful small manor house, built over three centuries, has late Gothic and Jacobean windows, decorative plasterwork and two important keyboard instruments. There is some fine period furniture, 17th- and 18th-century tapestries and a modern topiary garden.

Intimate manor house with Arts and Crafts-style garden

Lytes Cary Manor is an intimate medieval manor house with a beautiful Arts and Crafts garden where you can imagine living.

Originally the family home of Henry Lyte, where he translated the unique Niewe Herbal book on herbal remedies, Lytes Cary was then lovingly restored in the 20th century by Sir Walter Jenner.

The Iford valley has been occupied since Roman times and the manor house sits idyllically by the Frome river in the steep-sided valley. Iford Manor is mediaeval in origin, the classical facade being added in the eighteenth century when the hanging woodlands above the garden were planted.

The elegant Palladian home of the Dashwood family and historic village

West Wycombe Park is one of the most theatrical and Italianate of all English country houses and the Dashwood family home for over 300 years. Set in 45 acres of landscaped park, the house as we see it today is the creation of the 2nd Baronet in the 18th century.

Dutch water garden - a rare and beautiful survival

Originally laid out between 1696 and 1705, this is the only restored Dutch style water garden in the country.

Visitors can explore canals, clipped hedges and working 17th-century vegetable plots and discover many old varieties of fruit trees.

15th-century gatehouse

Medieval gatehouse to the 13th-century College of Priests - where the 14th-century theological reformer, John Wyclif, lived.

Woods, heaths and the best coastal views

This is the perfect place for a breezy walk along, or up and down, the hills of north Norfolk.

Enjoy the sun on the heaths or shelter from the wind in the woods.

In a stroll of a couple of miles you can see eight species of trees and depending on the season, a variety of flowers, birds, bees and butterflies.

Celebrated garden with an intriguing collection of follies

A delightful series of walled gardens surrounds the charming 18th-century house.

The garden has many original features including a grand water staircase, created by Marylyn Abbott, providing the focal point to the Nymphaeum fountain designed by Quinlan Terry.

A 15 mile limestone escarpment

Wenlock Edge is a narrow limestone escarpment that runs for 15 miles from Craven Arms to  Ironbridge, the National Trust owns 8 miles of this stretch. There is a mix of rich flowering grasslands and ancient woodland along with internationally important sites for geology, making the area an important Special Site of Scientific Interest (SSSI).

A world beneath the waves

Wembury in South Devon is a wildlife magnet. Its rocky cliffs are home to nesting sea birds, while a rocky shore, slate reefs and massive wave-cut platforms provide one of the UK's best spots for marine life.

A striking landmark on the edge of the Blackdown Hills

The Wellington Monument stands as a tribute to the Duke of Wellington and his victory at the Battle of Waterloo.

Dramatic river gorge, ancient woodlands, tea garden and shop in stunning surroundings

Take a stroll around the 2,000 acres of Watersmeet and Countisbury, a haven for wildlife and breathtaking views.

On Exmoor, Watersmeet is the meeting place of the East Lyn river and Hoar Oak Water.

Explore the rich woodlands of the Lyn Valley and stroll along the riverside at Lynmouth, Combe Park and Rockford.

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