Bodiam Castle National Trust Bodiam Castle Robertsbridge East Sussex TN32 5UA Tel: +44 (0)1580 830436 Fax: +44 (0)1580 830398 www.nationaltrust.org.uk Educational Visits Information Pack 2018 President: HRH The Prince of Wales Chairman London and South East Region: Robert Morley Director for London and South East: Hilary McGrady Registered office: Heelis, Kemble Drive, Swindon, Wiltshire SN2 2NA Registered charity number 205846
Learning at Bodiam Castle Thank you for your interest in visiting Bodiam Castle. We re sure that you will enjoy your day with us, whether you are on a self-led visit or joining the Bodiam Team in an activity session. This booklet is designed to help you choose the best type of visit for your group. It also contains practical guidelines to help you get the most out of your visit. We look forward to welcoming you to Bodiam Castle. Key Contact The Bookings Officer Bodiam Castle Bodiam East Sussex TN32 5UA 01435 884832 bodiamgroups@nationaltrust.org.uk Costs Free entry to Education Group Members (EGM). Entrance to the Castle and Grounds - 4.65 per child (5-18 years), 9.30 per adult (Coach drivers and accompanying adults within the supervision ratio are free). Activities have a small additional charge. Opening Times (activity sessions available February November) Open all year except the 24th and 25th December. Castle opens 11:00 until 5:00 3 rd March 28 th October, 11:00 until 4:00 29 th October 2 nd March. Last entry for groups is 14:30-15:30 depending on the time of year. Please check the website for updates regarding weather etc http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/bodiam-castle/
Education Group Membership (EGM) The cheapest form of admission for schools is for the school to take out Education Group Membership (EGM) of the National Trust. The cost of EGM depends on the number of children on the school roll (see below). EGM gives free admission* for a school group to all National Trust properties for a year. EGM Membership can be taken out on the day of your visit or in advance. (*Please note that activities must be paid for in addition to the admission fee). Number of pupils on school roll Subscription Up to 50 pupils/home educators 45.65 51 100 76.25 101 200 92.30 201 500 97.85 500 plus 113.15 Tertiary/Field Study 144.55 Please note that EGM prices increase in March each year so these prices are only correct up to 1 March 2019. To enquire about Education Group Membership, please contact the Supporter Services Centre on 0344 800 1895 or email enquiries@nationaltrust.org.uk The Group Leader must show a current membership card, or give proof of membership, on arrival at the property. Failure to do this will result in an admission charge.
Background Information When you think of a castle, you think of Bodiam. Built by Sir Edward Dallingridge in 1385, Bodiam is one of the most beautiful and inspiring medieval castles left in Britain today. Constructed late in the 14th century, shortly after the Peasants Revolt and during the Hundred Years War, Bodiam exemplifies the halfway point between the stern fortresses of earlier years and the comfortable mansions of the Tudor and Stuart periods. Sir Edward Dallingridge, a colourful character, was given permission by King Richard II to fortify his existing mansion for the defense of the country and the resistance to our enemies (the French, who had been attacking nearby ports). Determined to make his mark, what he actually built turned out to be as much a comfortable home and status symbol, as a defensive structure. Today, though a picturesque ruin, there is still a whole host of exciting things to see and do. Discover the moat, portcullis, battlements, arrow slits and murder holes, while inside the Castle enough of the structure remains to hint at its bustling domestic life the Great Hall, the kitchen with its well, the servants quarters, the Lord s apartments and the guest rooms with their fireplaces and en-suite toilets! The castle was at the centre of a thriving community and around the grounds can be found traces of tenants plots and Sir Edward s impressive water features. The site has been one of continuous settlement since Roman times, and even though the sea has retreated, the continuing defensive significance of the area is evidenced by a World War II pillbox below the Castle.
General Information Groups will need to check in to our Ticket Office located in the visitor car park when they arrive. Bodiam is predominantly an outdoor site, so please ensure that all pupils wear appropriate clothing and footwear. The toilets and car park are located approximately a 10 minute walk away from the Castle and Castle Cottage (where groups will start their activities). Schools with booked activities should aim to arrive between 10:00 and 10:30. We have a maximum limit of 4 coaches per day, 2 of which may be from schools. Please check when making your booking. We regret that unbooked coaches are no longer permitted. We do not take school bookings on FRIDAYS or BANK HOLIDAYS. Bookable activities are available from February to November. There is no restriction for self-guided visits. Activity sessions last for 45-60 minutes and start between 10:30am and 11am. We can accommodate a maximum of 15 children per activity, with a maximum of 60 children per day. Activities will be delivered by a team of volunteers, who have been trained specifically for our education sessions. Supervision Ratios Nursery/Pre-school 1:2, KS1-2 1:8, KS3 and above 1:15. Home Education - 2 adults per family group. Special Needs to be confirmed at time of booking. For all educational organisations a minimum of two supervising adults per group are required. Timed Entry In order to manage visitor flow and numbers, we issue self-led groups with a time of entry to the Castle. During the peak season, April September and school holidays, time slots are every half hour, for a maximum of 35 people. Once confirmed, it may not be possible to change your entry time, so please be prompt. Please ring the Learning Office on 01580 831326 in the event of a late arrival. We do not place any restrictions on how long you may spend once inside the Castle, or on re-entry. Last castle entry for groups is between 2:30 pm and 3:30 pm, depending upon the time of year.
Eating Areas Bodiam has a new space, which is mostly for activities, but which schools can use for lunch. It is located at the top of the site in Castle Cottage and is free of charge. Priority will be given to schools who have booked activities, as they will be visiting for a longer amount of time. Please let us know when booking if you require this space for lunch. Groups are welcome to picnic anywhere within the grounds (not inside the Castle). The picnic tables outside the Tearoom are principally for the use of Tearoom patrons, but may be used by groups provided that there is no demand for them from general visitors and that they are kept tidy. Please ask the Tearoom Manager before using them. Learning Programme Visit can be entirely self-guided or led by the Learning Team. For Groups up to a maximum of 60 pupils Early Years, Key Stages 1, 2, 3 and 4 Outdoors Use nets to sweep for bugs, identify trees and take bark rubbings and make habitats for the wildlife. This session is based in our outdoor woodland area and lends itself perfectly to a sensory, seasonal experience. There is a self-led outdoor session with guidance for groups of more than 15 children to accompany the led session. Object Handling Learn about the lives of people that lived and worked in the castle by handling replica objects, identifying what they are made of; what they were used for; and who would have used them. For KS2 and above: Imagine yourself in the position of someone who lives in the castle and argue your case for the objects you need in your role. Learn about conservation and how we preserve the castle now. Armed and Dangerous It s 1385 and we re at war with France. What was the Medieval army like? What did they wear? How did they fight? How did they behave? Find out more and try on actual pieces of armour in this hands-on session. Guided Tour Was the castle, envisioned by the infamous Sir Edward, built for defence or comfort? Learn about the castle s many attack and defence features through the eyes of an attacking army, while also discovering the many Cost per child 3.00 Allow 45 mins per 15 children for a led session 3.00 Allow 45 minutes per 15 children (groups can be larger if using the school room) 3.00 45 mins per 15 children 3.00 45 mins per 15 children hidden luxuries this 14 th century home held. Ground floor tour only. Special Offer: You can combine the Guided Tour with Armed and Dangerous for a combined price of 5.50
Late Arrival A late arrival may result in a reduction in time of the first activities in order to get your visit back on track. To avoid this, please allow plenty of time for travel! Lesson Plans and Resources A range of resources are available to download on our website on our School Visits page, or by request via email. Risk Assessment A risk assessment is available on request. This should be used to generate, not replace your own. How to Book Complete the provisional booking form (separate to this document). If you have any queries, please contact the bookings team: Phone: 01435 884832 Email: bodiamgroups@nationaltrust.org.uk Bookings for activities must be made at least three weeks in advance. However, exceptions to this can be made in certain circumstances. Bookings for self-led visits must be made at least one week in advance. Preliminary visits must be arranged in advance. We recommend conducting a preliminary visit to ensure your risk assessment is up to date and to help you plan a focused and purposeful visit. Preliminary visits are free for up to 2 members of teaching staff. Payment Payment on the day can be made by cash, card or cheque. Cheques must be for a registered UK bank account and should be made payable to National Trust. No refunds will be issued on pre-written cheques. Post-visit invoices are available for UK groups only but you must complete a Customer Validation Form if you have not visited us before (please ask us about this at the time of booking). Please ensure you sign the invoice form on arrival. We do not accept vouchers.
CANCELLATIONS Cancellations or amendments to numbers must be received by phone or email at least 48 hours prior to the visit. After this time the school may be invoiced for the full amount. We reserve the right to charge an admission fee for cancellations. If you make any changes to the timetable, please notify us at least 48 hours in advance. On-Site Facilities TOILETS The ONLY toilets on the property are located at the Car Park there are no toilets at the Castle. Disabled toilet and baby changing facilities are also located at the Car Park. SHOP The National Trust shop is located at the Car Park, and stocks a wide range of souvenirs. Souvenir bags can be arranged with the Shop Manager direct prior to your visit (phone 01580 830212). We do ask that school groups are split (no more than 15 children in the shop at any one time) as a courtesy to other visitors. THE WHARF TEAROOM The tearoom is also located at the Car Park. Please contact the tearoom directly to arrange refreshments and snacks, including Morning Coffee, Lunch or Afternoon Tea (phone 01580 830074). ACCESS There are designated mobility parking spaces in the main car park next to the tearoom and gift shop please ask in the car park for directions. A volunteer-driven mobility buggy service can be requested in peak season from the main car park or the ticket office. For further information about facilities and access please see our website http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/bodiam-castle/
HOW TO FIND US Bodiam is situated 12 miles north of Hastings, 52 miles south of London, and 3 miles east of the A21. Approach Routes: From the North West, travel to the Hurst Green junction of A21/A265, then south on A21 for half a mile, fork left and follow signs for Bodiam Castle. From South & South East, follow the B2244 Hastings-Hawkhurst road and turn right at the Curlew Inn. From the East, follow the A268 Rye-Hawkhurst road and turn left in Hawkhurst at crossroads, follow signposts to Bodiam. From the West, follow A265 Lewes-Hawkhurst road and turn right in Hurst Green, on A21 for half a mile, left fork and follow signs for Bodiam. Bodiam Castle, Bodiam, East Sussex TN32 5UA Tel: 01435 884832 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/bodiam-castle
Map of Bodiam Castle and Grounds 3 2 1 1. Car Park 2. Ticket Office, Shop, Tearoom, and Toilets 3. Castle Cottage (with Schools Space, Exhibition and Conservation Suite)
Bodiam Castle How to Have a Fantastic Visit! We really want you to enjoy your visit to Bodiam Castle. Please ensure that each adult in your group has a copy of this sheet. If your school has EGM (Educational Group Membership), please bring your membership card with you for the visit; you may be charged for admission without it. Please bring your own first aid kit. Remember, we are an outdoors site so dress for the weather! A few things to note on arrival: Do take care in the car park, particularly when disembarking your vehicle. Be sure to make use of the toilets in the car park as they are the only ones on site. There are NO toilets at or next to the Castle. If you plan to visit the shop please let the shop staff know as space is limited. We also ask that you visit in small groups of no more than 15. The group leader should make their way to the Ticket Office to register numbers and complete payment. The rest of the group should follow, having already been split into sub-groups. Once you are booked in, you can make your way up to Castle Cottage where your guide will be waiting for you. Ensure each accompanying adult wears a name tag, or something to clearly identify them. This will help our staff to recognize that children are being supervised. To help make your day run smoothly: Bodiam staff and volunteers are not responsible for supervising or managing the behaviour of pupils. Please fully brief all accompanying adults prior to your visit so they understand their role and the itinerary for the day. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. At peak times, the Castle can get very busy with visitors. To help ensure that everyone has an enjoyable and rewarding visit, we ask that you: Please observe the rule of NO running or shouting, particularly whilst on the battlements and outside and above the DVD room. Do watch the DVD in small groups to allow room for other visitors. Please observe the one-way system from the gatehouse, up to the battlements and down the north-west tower. Please follow any requests or instructions given by Bodiam Castle staff and volunteers. For your own safety, and for conservation, it is important that children do not climb on the castle ruins or on the pill box. Take extra care near water, when climbing the steep and narrow staircases in the Castle (please use the handrails provided and take your time on the steps) and when near open windows in the Castle.
Keep well away from any maintenance work taking place on the estate. Take care of our ducks. They can be quite greedy and inquisitive at times, but a simple shoo away is all that s needed. Please do not chase or throw objects at them. Please ensure that photography and mobile phones do not spoil activity sessions. Please do not take photographs in rooms where bats are present as it can cause them distress. Be aware of the mobility buggy which moves around the site. Leave nothing but footprints; please do not drop litter. Emergency Situations First Aid All group members should be aware of the location of the meeting point which will be announced at the beginning of the visit. Please bring a register of all children and adults in your party. In the event of a fire or other emergency, please follow the instructions of Bodiam staff and volunteers. Teachers are responsible for administering First Aid to their pupils. Any accidents must be reported to a member of Bodiam staff and logged accordingly. Children with medical requirements should be in the group with the adult who has the necessary medication and expertise. Before you go Your feedback is invaluable to us. Please email or write to us with any comments following your visit. We wish you all a safe and enjoyable visit to Bodiam Castle.