School Visit Options
Visit a Re-Creation or at another Time
Kentwell's Re-Creations are unique. They have been visited, and enjoyed, by more than half a million schoolchildren since the re-C reations started in 1978. Visiting a Re-Creation is probably the best educational experience that Kentwell can offer.
However, a Re-Creation is not the only way to visit Kentwell. Schools can also opt for a Schools Guided Tour or a Farm Visit. All these options are briefly explained below.
Great Annual or Michaelmas Re-Creation
The former is much bigger and takes place in (usually) better weather in June/July. It also comes at the end of the school year, which gives schools more time to prepare.
However, some teachers choose the Michaelmas Re-Creation because they prefer its smaller scale, the fact that children see a little of both Hall and Manor life and, because it comes right at the start of the school year, they can do much follow up work.
Its a matter of choice and, of course, convenience.
Party size Any number of children can be accommodated although large parties are split into smaller groups to enter the Re-Creation.
School Guided Tours
Kentwell tours are very different from those offered at other Historic Houses. First, Kentwell Tours occupy most of the School Day. They start at 10.00am or 10.30am and, with a break for lunch, end at about 2.30pm or 3.00pm. Secondly, they cover three distinct elements. The building of the Hall; the way the Hall operated from seeing some of the best preserved 16th Century service facilities (Dairy, Bakehouse, Brewhouse & Great Kitchen) as well as Moat - for fish- and Dovecote; and, finally, weapons and Tudor clothes or lesser dwellings such as the Cott and Hovel to contrast with the Great House.
Party size - no more than about 30/35 in a party but greater numbers up to about 90/100 split into smaller groups with separate guides can be accommodated.
School Farm Visits
How many children these days know anything about farming and farm animals ? Kentwell's is a working farm (not a zoo or farm park) with a full range of farm animals run on traditional lines. Here children will see and learn how farms work and which animals produce what.
When In February, March or April when many of the animals are in for the winter and lambing is in full swing and there may be lots of other young animals to be seen; or in October.
What to wear In March certainly wellingtons and warm clothes. In October it can be dry and pleasant - but not always.
Booking a School Visit
Telephone Kentwell's Estate Office (on 01787 310207) to discuss which option will be best for the school and the Teacher's purpose. Teachers may then book provisionally a day and start time. They are then asked to complete the booking form to confirm their booking and, for Re-Creations, must send a non-returnable deposit to secure their booking.