We offer hands-on history school workshops covering national curriculum linked subjects The Tudors, Castles, Stone Age and Local History studies. A school trip to Sheffield Manor Lodge is a fun filled day full of practical, immersive learning.

The Tudors and Castles for Key Stage 1 and 2

Delve into the daily life of a Tudor manor house and discover the story of Mary, Queen of Scots and her captors George Talbot and Bess of Hardwick. Our workshops take place in the Turret House, amongst the ruins and in our Discovery Centre.

Three children aged 4 - 7 sit in a Tudor stone fireplace. There is a grate in the background which glows red with red light that represents fire. The girl on the left smiles while looking slightly off camera. She wears purple velvet gable hood and red silky dress with a lace ruff. Her school uniform peeks underneath. The both in the middle is open mouthed with delight. He wears a red velvet cap and matching tunic with gold trim. The tunic has a lace collar. The girl on the right wears a purple and gold gable hood while smiling directly at the camera. He dress is red silk and gold with a large white ruff.

Set Activities

These activities form the basis of all our workshops. 

Tour of the Ruins Explore our ruins and find out what life was like here 450 years ago.
Meal for Mary Find out how rich and poor ate in Tudor times and make a “marzipan fruit”.
Tudor Clothing Dress up in Tudor costume and see the difference between rich Tudors and their servants.

Additional Activities

Pick your options. Choose more for a longer stay.

Discovery Centre Options

Tudor doctors 
Dress up as an apothecary, plague doctor and barber surgeon.
Ailments and cures
Discover weird and wonderful Tudor medicines.
Make a pomander
Protect yourself from illness by making a herb bag.
Inventories and quills 
Study Bess of Hardwickʼs inventories and write your own.
Mary,Queen of Scots on trial (KS2 recommended)
Look at the evidence and see if you would execute Mary

Outdoor and Turret House Options

Plots and intrigue (Outdoor)
Hands-on team activities to help Mary, Queen of Scots escape.
Riches and Servants (Outdoor)
Discover how Manor Lodge’s rooms were used by rich and poor.
Explore the ruins (Outdoor, self-led)
Spend longer amongst the ruins or additional time for play. Paper and clipboards provided for note taking and sketching.
Explore the Turret House (Self-led)
Enjoy self-led time in the Turret House. Perfect if the whole class wants to dress up. Paper and clipboard provided for note taking and sketching. 

Booking

If you would like to book then please get in touch.  If you have any questions please do not hesitate to ask. Our site can regularly accommodate 60 pupils. Please get in touch if you wish to bring more.