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Schools

Explore and learn about Hillsborough Castle and Gardens

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

Bookings are now open for the 2024/25 academic year.

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. 

CPD session at the Tower of London.

Join our Teacher Network

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

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

Travel Bursary Scheme

Applications for the 2024-2025 academic year are now closed

Preview of learning resource family tree

Hillsborough Castle Learning Resources

Check out our new learning resources to support teaching for Key Stage 2, 3, 4 and 5.

Hill Family Tree Significant People Biographies Hillsborough Castle Timeline
KS3 group engaged in a Geography school session in the gardens at Hillsborough Castle.

Garden Self-led Visits New for 2024-25

Take your students on an adventure when you visit Hillsborough Castle & Gardens. Our free resources are designed to help you plan and make the most of your visit.

Self-led school visits

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.

Sandford Award Logo in white and blue

Winner - The Sandford Award for Heritage Education 2024

Hillsborough Castle and Gardens offers a sensory adventure of learning across this vast site, carefully designed and delivered to enable all to learn and enjoy their visit to this beautiful Georgian Castle and its stunning grounds. Skilled and experienced live interpreters are the cornerstone of delivery and successfully bring Hillsborough’s key personalities and stories to life. Wider interpretation, resources and collections ensure visitors can explore the huge significance of this place in local, national and international affairs from a range of perspectives. Learning is at the heart of Hillsborough’s strategic planning and there are exciting plans for further opportunities to learn about the gardens and wider Castle estate. Hillsborough Caste and Gardens is therefore thoroughly deserving of its first Sandford Award.

Sandford award assessor

Heritage Fund logo