Stirling Castle, a magnificent fortress perched atop a volcanic crag, offers a captivating educational experience for students. From exploring the royal palace to delving into the castle’s rich history, a visit to Stirling Castle promises to be a truly immersive and enlightening journey.
Key Features of Stirling Castle for Educational Visits
The Royal Palace
The palace at Stirling Castle has been meticulously restored to its 16th-century splendor, providing students with a glimpse into the lavish lifestyles of Scotland’s Renaissance kings and queens. Visitors can marvel at the opulent decorations, furnishings, and tapestries that recreate the original grandeur of the palace.
The Great Hall
As the largest medieval banqueting hall in Scotland, the Great Hall at Stirling Castle is a architectural marvel. With its four pairs of tall windows and a Royal Gold harling exterior, the hall offers a captivating setting for students to learn about its history and significance in royal gatherings.
The Chapel Royal
Built in 1593-4, the Chapel Royal is one of the first Protestant kirks in Scotland and was used for the baptism of Prince Henry. Students can explore the chapel’s elegant architecture and delve into its historical significance.
The Great Kitchens
The castle’s Great Kitchens provide a fascinating glimpse into the daily life of its inhabitants. Students can learn how meals were prepared for the royal family and their servants, gaining a deeper understanding of the castle’s inner workings.
Queen Anne Gardens
The peaceful Queen Anne Gardens offer a serene respite within the castle walls. Students can explore the 200-year-old beech tree and discover the Unicorn Garden, which features a family trail.
Educational Activities at Stirling Castle
Guided Tours
Costumed interpreters lead engaging guided tours that bring the castle’s history to life, offering an immersive educational experience for students.
Themed Tours
Teachers can choose from three themed tours: “Attackers and Defenders,” “The Wars of Independence,” and “Mary Queen of Scots and the Stewart Household.” These tours are designed to support the Curriculum for Excellence and integrate with classroom learning.
Handling Boxes
The Regimental Museum of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders offers handling boxes containing artifacts related to the First World War and the Home Front during the Second World War. These boxes are available for free and can be booked in advance.
Risk Assessment and Planning Visits
Teachers can book a free planning visit to familiarize themselves with the site and its facilities, ensuring a smooth and safe visit for their students.
Preparing for an Educational Visit to Stirling Castle
Booking
Bookings can be made through the Historic Environment Scotland website or by contacting the Learning & Inclusion Team. A member of the visiting learning organization must make the booking, and formal educational groups must use their organizational email address.
Eligibility
The free learning visits scheme is open to UK/EU/EEA-based learning organizations, including nurseries, schools, colleges, universities, and out-of-school clubs.
Staffing Ratios
Groups must maintain specific adult-to-child ratios, depending on the age of the students, to ensure a safe and supervised visit.
Planning and Resources
Teachers can access a range of online resources, including lesson plans and activity ideas, to support their visit and integrate it with classroom learning.
Additional Information
- Cost: Free admission is available for education groups between September and April. A small charge per pupil applies during the months of May, June, July, and August.
- Timings: Guided tours are available every half hour between 10am and 3pm, starting at the well outside the Fort Major’s House.
- Directory: Contact the Learning & Inclusion Team at learning@hes.scot for booking inquiries and general information.
- Hours: The castle is open from 9:30am to 6pm from April to September and from 9:30am to 5pm from October to March.
- Rates: Admission prices vary depending on the time of year and group type. Check the Historic Environment Scotland website for the most up-to-date pricing information.
References
- Historic Environment Scotland. (n.d.). FREE learning visits. Retrieved from https://www.historicenvironment.scot/learn/free-learning-visits/
- Historic Environment Scotland. (n.d.). Learn. Retrieved from https://www.historicenvironment.scot/learn/
- ECS Scotland. (n.d.). Visit to Stirling Castle. Retrieved from https://www.ecsscotland.co.uk/blog/visit-to-stirling-castle
- Historic Environment Scotland. (n.d.). Stirling Castle. Retrieved from https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/stirling-castle/
- SharpSchool. (n.d.). Investigating – Stirling Castle. Retrieved from https://cdnsm5-ss6.sharpschool.com/UserFiles/Servers/Server_65154/File/Migration/stirling-castle.pdf.