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

Based at the foot of the Black Mountains on the banks of the beautiful river Wye, we are on the doorstep of the Brecon Beacons National Park and close to the famous town of Hay-on-Wye providing visitors with a wide range of activities from jumping off waterfalls to browsing the bookshops.

Established in 1990, Black Rock Outdoors Ltd specialises in outdoor activities in Somerset. These include a High Ropes Course, Archery, Kayaking and Caving. Our sessions are a great way to experience something new or to progress and develop skills. 

A classic downland experience with secret woodland glades

Blackcap, in East Sussex, occupies 623 acres along the ridge of the South Downs, just west of the historic old town of Lewes. This stunning hilltop area offers fine views over The Weald to the north and across the dip-slope to the coast.

Nine rustic cottages around a green

A delightful hamlet of nine picturesque cottages laid out around an open green. The hamlet, which is four miles north of the city centre, was built in 1811 to accommodate retired staff from Blaise Castle estate in Henbury. 

Extensive area of saltmarsh, vegetated shingle, dunes and grazing marsh

Wide open spaces and uninterrupted views of the natural and dynamic coastline make for an inspiring visit to Blakeney, at any time of the year.

The moving tides, covering pristine saltmarsh or exposing the harbour, combined with the varying light of Norfolk's big skies, create an ever-changing scene.

A tranquil haven of towering peaks, serene waters and undulating hills

Ullswater valley is truly breathtaking, with its beautiful lake nestled amongst towering fells. The epic scenery and relative underdevelopment compared to other areas of the Lake District gives Ullswater a secluded and tranquil feel.

Delightful garden renowned for its herbs and fruit orchards

Best known for its comprehensive herb collection and traditional fruit orchards, Acorn Bank is a tranquil haven with a fascinating industrial past. Indulge yourself at the tea-room, where culinary herbs and fruit from the garden are used daily in soups, salads and puddings.

Hidden woods with ancient trees and flower-sprinkled grasslands, just off the North Downs and Pilgrims Ways

Abinger Roughs, above the village of Abinger Hammer, is an area of grassland and mixed woodland - some of the mighty oak trees are over 300 years old. The Roughs is home to many creatures and it’s a perfect spot for a young explorer to start looking at nature.

In the 1870s, Charles Darwin, the famous naturalist, actually walked on the Roughs while staying at Abinger Hall.

A wild stretch of coastline from blue lagoon to beach

Popular with divers and coasteerers, Abereiddi's Blue Lagoon is a spectacular coastal feature. The lagoon is actually a flooded former slate quarry and you can still see atmospheric ruined quarry buildings on the clifftops.

Famous waterfall and fascinating industrial site with tin workers' exhibition

Set in a steep gorge, this place demonstrates the power of water and its impact on industry.

Our film 'Reflections on Tin' traces its 400-year history, from 1584, including a visit by the famous artist JMW Turner.

14th-century merchant's house

This is the only medieval merchant's house in Conwy to have survived the turbulent history of the walled town over nearly six centuries.

Furnished rooms and an audio-visual presentation show daily life from different periods in its history.

Discover the place that inspired Octavia Hill to found the National Trust

Toy's Hill is more than 200 acres (81 hectares) of woodland. The area is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to its abundant wildlife, and much of it is recognised as a Grade I site of national importance for nature conservation.

We've come a long way! Our museum is quite small but contains a wealth of exhibits relating to the history of the village and its inhabitants. We have a large collection of documents relating to the population over the years and our curator is happy to help visitors seeking family information.

Bursting with indoor and outdoor adventure play, Snakes and Ladders is jam packed with fun! There's plenty for all ages including the massive 3 tier playframe with slides, tunnels, balls ponds and rope climbs, the huge dedicated zone for under 5s, water play, home corner, construction zone & more. 

Atmospheric farmhouse full of quirky objects and fascinating stories

The Brownes of Townend in the Troutbeck Valley were just an ordinary farming family: but their home and belongings bring to life more than 400 years of extraordinary stories. As you approach Townend - a traditional Lake District stone and slate farmhouse, you'll understand why Beatrix Potter described Troutbeck Valley as her favourite.

Delightful formal garden

The garden, complete with working kitchen garden and orchard, lies in the charming village of Tintinhull, Somerset. Glittering pools, secluded lawns, colourful borders and clipped hedges provide the perfect spot to relax and unwind away from the hustle and bustle.

One of the Trust's most delightful medieval buildings, enhanced by a cottage garden

Acquired in 1903, this unusual and atmospheric 14th-century yeoman's farmhouse is the Trust's first built property in Cornwall. With a famously wavy slate roof and over 600 years of history it beckons the curious to explore.

The name dates from the Victorian period when it briefly held a licence to be the letter receiving station for the district.

Rambling Suffolk farmhouse built around 1600

Thorington Hall is one of the best timber-framed houses in Suffolk. Building phases determine its unusual shape and it may also be because adjoining buildings have since been demolished. The staggered roofline, for example, shows the difference between the 1630 house and 1700 extension.

The only surviving Regency playhouse in Britain

Theatre Royal is one of Britain's most significant theatre buildings and the only surviving Regency playhouse in the country.

The recently restored Grade I listed theatre offers you an authentic 19th century theatre-going experience, combined with contemporary bar and restaurant for the 21st century theatre-goer.

The National Nature Reserve status of Bradfield Woods recognises the fact that this is one of the most important woods in the country. Bradfield Woods is steeped in history and brimming with wildlife. The award-winning carbon-positive building includes a classroom, covered veranda and toilets.

Lackford Lakes is a wildlife haven created from gravel pits. Designated SSSI, with wetland, woodland, scrub, sandy heath and 11 lakes, birds and other wildlife can be seen close-up all year round. Located at the heart of the reserve, the centre has a classroom overlooking the reedbed, viewing gallery, picnic area and toilets.

Our education centre in Bolton sits on the edge of the magnificent wildlife haven, Seven Acres Local Nature Reserve. The reserve contains a variety of habitats including woodlands, grasslands, ponds and Bradshaw Brook — a fantastic urban river. Facilities include two purpose built classrooms, the larger of which can accommodate groups of up to 60 children.

Atmospheric Victorian workhouse

Walking up the paupers' path towards The Workhouse it is easy to imagine how the Victorian poor might have felt as they sought refuge here. This austere building, the most complete workhouse in existence, was built in 1824 as a place of last resort for the destitute.

Escape to this spectacular riverside garden and be absorbed by natural beauty

Bordered by the River Wye, The Weir sits within unspoilt Herefordshire countryside and has many historical secrets to uncover. For centuries this site has been used as a pleasure ground for fishing, boating and swimming. It is managed in a natural way to create a varied habitat for wildlife.

As well as a range of native trees and wildlife (including budgies and guinea pigs!) there'€™s an aviary and a play area for children. The island also provides wonderful views upstream of the weir and the wooded slopes of the Cliveden Estate.

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