Battlefield / Military

Battlefield / Military

What are they and what do they involve?

Battlefield and Military venues are mainly of a historical nature, and are dedicated to retelling the stories and commemorating the soldiers of past battles and military organisations. The specifics of each venue will vary, but they can include activities based upon military transport, historic re-enactments and exhibitions of objects of interest.

What are the benefits?

As the events of war are largely unfamiliar to many people, visiting one of these venues can be a great opportunity to educate students on the subject. They can act as an enhancement for classroom education – for example, seeing genuine weapons used in war makes the topic a lot more interesting than only seeing it in pictures.

What students is it suitable for?

Battlefield and military venues are generally suitable for all ages, but some exhibits may be of a sensitive nature that younger students may not enjoy; make sure to consult with the venue if you are unsure!

Costs?

There will usually be an admission fee for these venues but should cost less than £10 per person – group bookings can often get a discount! Make sure to thoroughly check out the venues in your area.

Safety Implications?

Any safety concerns will vary between venues due to the differing nature of each establishment – talk to the venue to find out if there is anything you should be concerned about. However, if on a former battlefield, especially WWI or WWII do brief students on the possibility of coming across unexploded ordinance, which is a daily occurence in such settings.

Venues for this Category

Torrington 1646 is an all weather educational facility for schools that makes history fun! Travel back to the 17th Century with our costumed characters and experience life in Torrington during the English Civil War. See how people lived, loved, laughed and lied their way through the English Civil War.

This immensely characterful museum commemorates the contribution made during WWII by the 389th Heavy Bombardment Group 2nd Air Division of the American Airforce. 

Situated in the Upper Heritage Site of Devonport Dockyard, Plymouth Naval Base Museum Collection is based on support to the fleet (Royal Navy) at Plymouth since the time of Edward I. It includes Naval stores, uniforms, badges, personal kit, Royal Yacht china and ship models.

The Imperial War Museum, London has been newly refurbished and now features a vast array of weapons and vehicles as well as a range of exhibitions, including RAF planes, tanks and amphibious vehicles.

Explore the greatest collection of artillery in the UK and discover their fascinating history, and learn about the roles of Gunners. Free entry for kids under 4 years old.

There is plenty to see and find out in a variety of different displays and exhibits, some of which are audiovisual. There are also clearly written information panels.

So much more than just tanks!

The tank was a British invention that changed warfare for ever when it was introduced in the First World War and Bovington has been the home of the tank ever since.

At The Tank Museum we bring the history of tanks and tank crew to life… Supported by the world’s best collection of tanks & action packed live displays.

Witness two opposing kings - Robert the Bruce and Edward II - whose tactics in 1314 changed the path of Scotland's history, forever.

The Pass of Killiecrankie is a magnificent wooded gorge with the River Garry flowing along its base.

The Battle of Killiecrankie, the major event in the first of the Jacobite uprisings, was fought nearby. The Visitor Centre, on the east side of the Pass, tells both the story of the rich natural history of the Pass and the story of the battle.

Unstaffed open site, no booking required

The Royal Air Force Museum in Cosford offers a fun, entertaining day out for all the entire family. Situated next to an active airfield, this is the only place in the Midlands where you can get close to so many breathtaking aircraft for free.

Culloden Battlefield and Visitor Centre offers a range of programs, in Gaelic and English, for primary and secondary school students linked to the Curriculum for Excellence. With real-life stories, an opportunity to explore the battlefield and hands on workshops this an excellent trip that will enhance your topic.

Find out what life was like in Northern Ireland during the Second World War!

Ordinary people doing extraordinary things

Cumbria‘s Museum of Military Life was founded in 1932 and tells the 300-year story of Cumbria’s army regiments through books, documents, photographs and artefacts. Based at Carlisle Castle, the museum moved into the larger Alma Ward room in 2014.

The Intertwined History of 300 years of  British Infantry Regiments

The Control Tower of this historic air base houses a living memorial to the American airmen and their planes, based here during World War II.

Experience over 100 years of the Army in the Air

The Museum of Army Flying is home to a unique collection of military aviation history, one of both international and national importance. We give a fascinating and imaginative glimpse of “soldiers in the air” and life on the Home Front.

The most modern and spine-chilling of English Heritage’s properties, the York Cold War Bunker uncovers the secret history of Britain’s Cold War. Enter the blast-proof doors and investigate the more unusual side of York’s heritage.

In active service from the 1960s–1990s the bunker was designed as a nerve-centre to monitor fall-out in the event of a nuclear attack.

Today the Keep Military Museum is a striking landmark on the Bridport Road in Dorchester. Completed in 1879, it was designed to resemble a Norman Castle, and is built of Portland stone which gives it a white appearance. In 'British Barracks 1600-1914', James Douet explains that:

No frills but plenty of guts

The museum tells the story of the famous Staffordshire Regiment and its predecessors while also looking forward to its role in the Mercian Regiment. 300 years of heroic history are shown through exhibits and displays, live interpretation, special exhibitions and a unique full-scale World War I Trench System. The museum is open all year round and runs an extensive event programme.

Fully restored and re-equipped with its cannon, this is one of 103 ingeniously-designed artillery towers, built from 1805 at vulnerable points around the south and east coasts to resist threatened Napoleonic invasion.

A huge fortification begun during the Napoleonic Wars and completed in the 1860s, designed to protect Dover from French invasion. Only the moat can be visited. Part of the White Cliffs Countryside Project.

With a history that spans 350 years, the defences of the Garrison on St Mary’s, Isles of Scilly, form one of the most remarkable and impressive coastal defence systems in England.

You can enjoy a two-hour walk alongside the ramparts of these defensive walls and earthworks, dating from the 16th to 18th centuries.

Face to face with history. We are home to the UK’s national collection of arms and armour.

At our museum in Leeds there are over 8,500 objects on display in five galleries: War, Tournament, Oriental, Self-defence, and Hunting.

General Collection

For a memorable day out in Sussex explore Battle Abbey and Battlefield, the site of the 1066 Battle of Hastings. Discover more about the most famous date in English history while walking in the steps of King Harold and William the Conqueror.

A Victorian fort gradually being restored

In a commanding position on top of Bembridge Down, Isle of Wight, this derelict Victorian fort is now open for volunteer-run guided tours.

Guided tours are available every Tuesday from April to October. Additional weekday tours for groups of 10 plus may be possible on request.

Unstaffed open site, no booking required

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