Adventures at Leeds Castle

Action-packed Adventures at Leeds Castle!

A recent day trip to Leeds Castle gave the Year 5 children the opportunity to consolidate and extend their understanding of Tudor England. The children experienced a fabulous educational experience with behind the scenes glimpses of castle rooms and an informative learning experience led by the knowledgeable Education Centre team.

The day began with a hugely enjoyable workshop, with plenty of dressing up, role-play and giggles as they found out what their duties would have been had they really been alive in Tudor times. They discovered how Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon would have travelled to Dover via Leeds Castle in 1520, on their way to meet the King of France. The children also delighted in the careful study of the famous paintings, The Embarkation of Henry VIII at Dover and The Field of Cloth of Gold, which were full of symbolism and were painted in order to depict the grandeur and importance of this meeting in 1520. With boundless enthusiasm, the children were able to spot tiny details and explain why they were included in these significant paintings.

A fascinating guided tour of the castle followed which included rooms ordinarily closed to the public and the children were shown rooms used by Henry VIII and his first wife Catherine of Aragon when they chose to stay there. They delighted in getting lost in the vast maze of 2400 yew trees and then working in teams as they tried to escape it. Finally, as they enjoyed relaxing in the sunshine and beautiful Kentish countryside, they were also able to watch a spectacular falconry display allowing the children to experience this important Tudor tradition.

The Year 5 children impressed the staff at Leeds Castle with their extensive knowledge of the Tudor period and with their curiosity and determination to find out even more! It was a thoroughly enjoyable day for all children and staff.