School visits at the Buscot and Coleshill Estates

Children investigating mushrooms in the garden in autumn at Plas Newydd, Anglesey, Wales — Interactive learning at Buscot and Coleshill | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

The Buscot and Coleshill learning team offers a range of interactive days out for school groups, covering river studies, local wartime history, orienteering, environmental and nature studies and visits to landmarks such as the Great Barn and the water mill. And as well as volunteer-led visits, we’ll also be launching teacher-led alternatives, with a chance to design your own courses.

Themed learning opportunities at Buscot and Coleshill

River Studies on the River Cole

Discover how the river restoration project has impacted old meanders and flood-meadows, do map and field work and compare and contrast the restored river and the mill leat.

Coleshill’s secret wartime history

A full day learning about Britain's secret Auxiliary Unit, which trained at Coleshill during the Second World War in preparation for a German invasion. Investigate codes, identify the traitor, find the ammo box and visit the underground Operational Base.

A group of students learning about archaeology at Chedworth Roman Villa in Gloucestershire — There are a variety of learning options for schools | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

Organic vegetable farming

A guided activity trail around Coleshill Organics. Learn the principles of organic farming and get your hands dirty hunting for beneficial insects. Plot the gardens, learn how a box scheme works and even taste-test the produce. We'll help students estimate food miles and consider the environmental impact of food distribution.

Coleshill water mill

Visit a working water mill where activities include using a hand mill, interpretation and worksheets, willow weaving and dragonfly art. A popular choice as an afternoon activity for primary schools following River Studies in the morning.

Dairy and arable farming

Explore the links between farming and food on a dairy and arable farm. Meet the animals and discover what they eat and how they live. Compare conventional and organic systems of farming.

Park and woodlands

Meet the trees in the park and woodlands. How healthy, how old and how tall are they? Delve into different habitats and look for evidence of the creatures that live here.

The Great Barn

Discover why and how this 13th-century monastic barn in Great Coxwell village was built, and use models to reconstruct the joints.

Children learning about vegetables in the garden — School children learning about vegetable gardening | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

Orienteering at Badbury Woods

Learn orienteering using British Orienteering Federation-designed maps, compasses, control points and punch cards.

Sustainable living

Discover ecological energy sources – wind, sunlight, biomass and water. Learn about composting, food miles and how to live more sustainably.

Design your own course

Want something completely unique for your pupils? Chat to our education officer to come up with a course that meets your special requirements. From drama workshops to arts and crafts exhibitions, we can help you create a memorable day for your school or group.

Information for teachers

What we offer for school groups:

Gallery space for exhibitions of artwork based on visits to the estate
Covered area for picnic lunches
No admission charges for Education Group Members
Free preliminary visits for teachers
Education officer to assist with visit planning
Teacher's information pack with worksheets

'I just wanted to say how amazingly fantastic today's trip was. I feel the class has got so much out of their experience today. I know the adults that came along were certainly impressed! Please extend this thanks to your wonderful team who I know must have put in lots of work in preparing the tasks and activities.'

– Teacher, Years 5 and 6.

Free familiarisation visits for group leaders

If you're planning a group visit you can request our free Travel Trade Pass and you and a friend or colleague will gain free entry to over 300 of our places throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland for 12 months. There’s nothing quite like seeing or experiencing somewhere for yourself to help you plan a successful visit. To receive your pass, call 0344 800 2329 or email us at NTTravelTrade@capita.co.uk.