STO finds out more about one of the many learning opportunities for schools at Carew Castle.
Itinerary: The Great Tournament
Provider: Carew Castle, Pembrokshire
Subjects: History
Key Stage: 2
Carew Castle is set at the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and offers a history spanning over 2,000 years.
It’s considered one of the most architecturally diverse castles in Wales and also has the adjoining Carew Mill, which is the only intact tidal mill in Wales and one of only four in Britain.
Schools visiting the castle will find plenty to do both on guided tours and by exploring in their own time.
Children will have the opportunity to dress up and take a tour with an experienced guide who will share their knowledge of the influential characters that have lived in the castle.
A guided tour will also cover the history of the castle from its beginnings as an Iron Age settlement, through to Medieval fortress, Tudor castle, Elizabethan Manor House and on to its civil war devastation.
Guided tours can also include activities such as pottery, cookery or lavender bag making. The tours last between one and two hours.
Sample itinerary
10:30am: Schools arrive at the castle and find themselves welcomed by staff in the entrance. Here, they can secure any bags and picnics, and children receive Tudor tabards (robes) to wear.
11:00am: Students will begin The Great Tournament programme. They will be encouraged to use their imaginations as staff teach them about the castle in 1507 as it prepared for The Great Tournament.
Through mime and storytelling, they will decorate the Lesser Hall and prepare food, drinks and entertainment ready for Sir Rhys ap Thomas and his noble guests.
Sir Rhys ap Thomas was a Welsh solder and landholder who became a Knight of the Garter in 1505, which he celebrated with a great tournament at Carew Castle in 1507.
12:00pm: The castle has an outdoor picnic site for schools to enjoy their lunch, or, if the weather is wet, students can eat in the Lesser Hall.
1:00pm: Following lunch, pupils can choose a self-led activity before the end of the afternoon. The options give pupils the chance to explore the castle fully at their leisure, using castle guides and ‘I Spy’ trails provided, enjoy the one-mile circular walk around the Millpond that includes sights of the castle, mill, causeway and Medieval bridge and partake in either some wildlife spotting or sketching.
Alternatively, schools can visit the Tidal Mill, which is included in the price. The mill has three floors of milling machinery, children’s activity tables and hands-on interactive displays, as well as an exhibition on the history of milling. Audio commentary is available.
Following their chosen activity, pupils will return to their bus for their journey home.
For more information call 01646-651 782 or visit www.carewcastle.com.
