Schools

What we offer

Hands-on learning sessions
Easy-to-use classroom resources
Teacher Taster events
Programmes designed with teachers
Closely aligned with National Curriculum
Engaging session presenters in period costume

Students take part in a school session at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens

Plan and book a school visit

All the planning, practical and booking information you need for your school trip to Hillsborough Castle and Gardens.

KS3 group engaged in a Geography school session in the gardens at Hillsborough Castle.

School sessions

Our curriculum-based sessions for primary, secondary and SEND schools are led by expert presenters, who bring Hillsborough Castle and Gardens to life.

Teachers during a familiarisation day at the palace

Teacher familiarisation days

Familiarisation Days are offered free of charge to all teachers who are leading, or thinking of leading, a school visit to one of our sites.

Join our Teacher Network

We collaborate with teachers to design our schools programme. Sign up and take part in our many opportunities

Applications open in January 2024

We are pleased to announce that on Monday 15 January 2024, Historic Royal Palaces will be launching its first Travel Bursary Scheme to assist schools with the cost of transport to Hillsborough Castle & Gardens.

Safety and security

As with many public venues Historic Royal Palaces uses a range security measures to help minimise the possibility of terrorist, or other criminal activity taking place, and these measures also include procedures to deal with incidents should they actually happen.

Security Statement

Photography and filming

Visitors are welcome to take photographs without flash within Hillsborough Castle. Photographic equipment- such as tripods and selfie sticks- should not be used inside the building. Filming is not permitted within the palace.

Historic Royal Palaces is a safeguarding-aware organisation and takes it's responsibility to protect children and vulnerable people seriously. We may sometimes ask therefore that visitors refrain from filming or photographing other visitors. If you have any concerns about a member of the public taking photos of your school or education group, please speak to a member of staff.

School children take part in a learning activity in the throne room at Hillsborough Castle. They are holding hands in a circle.

Safeguarding

We want children, young people and vulnerable adults to have meaningful, enjoyable and safe experiences when they engage with our palaces and stories.