Learning Activities

Teacher led trail: aimed at early years learners and lasts about 60 minutes. Explore the castle and learn fun facts through this trail’s playful animal spotting challenges. We provide a printed version of the trail and a bag of soft toy versions of the animals they are spotting.

This activity is aimed at P4-6 but can be adapted for P3-7. The activity has 4 modules to pick from, choose a maximum of 2. Each module lasts roughly 45 minutes and are currently free of charge.

Discover Castle Life

Interactive tour: discover what life was like in a Medieval castle through movement, objects and costume by becoming characters led by a member of our learning team.

Investigate Castle Life 

Interactive workshop: investigate the characters and roles of a Medieval castle, learners can explore objects and costume in our learning room. facilitated by a member of our learning team.

Create Castle Life

Craft workshop: learners uncover the history of heraldic shields and create their own!. Teacher-led.

Explorer Castle Life

Trail: explore what the castle was like as a royal residence, learners can record their feelings and observations. Teacher-led.

• Discover Castle Life interactive tour: discover what life was like in a Medieval castle through movement, objects and costume by becoming characters led by a member of our learning team.
• Investigate Castle Life interactive workshop: investigate the characters and roles of a Medieval castle, learners can explore objects and costume in our learning room. facilitated by a member of our learning team.
• Create Castle Life craft workshop: learners uncover the history of heraldic shields and create their own!. Teacher-led.
• Explorer Castle Life trail: explore what the castle was like as a royal residence, learners can record their feelings and observations. Teacher-led trail.

Myths Legends and Folklore Tour

• This is a 60 minute behind the scenes tour for groups of all ages, most suitable for age 14+.  Discover the stories of Scotland’s past; the myths, misdeeds, ancient legends, and folktales that surround the castle.

Peg Dolls Craft

• Use our recycled fabric swatches, pipe cleaners and sparkly touches to create your own miniature peg doll. 

Mini Castles Craft

• Build your own mini fortress using matchboxes and an array of decorative touches.

Room Bookings

Our learning rooms are available to community groups to book for a learning activity craft, tea and coffee mornings, or a just a unique setting for your next group meeting!  

To book:

If you wish to book a trail, tour, room or activity, please email  ec.learning@hes.scot and include:

• your learner’s year group
• number of learners
• number of adult leaders
• preferred activities (up to 2)
• preferred dates, the programme is offered Monday to Thursday during term time
• Preferred slot, morning (10.30) or afternoon (12.45)
• Any additional support or access needs 

 

Accessibility  

If you have questions relating to access needs, including parking, mobility services, and sensory backpacks, please view our access guide 

Lunches  

We have limited indoor lunch space available on a first come, first served basis. To book email ec.learning@hes.scot with date of your visit, time slot preference, size of your group and any access needs. 

Risk assessment  

Learning group leaders are responsible for creating their own risk assessment. To help you complete your risk assessment: 

Book a free familiarisation visit, please contact our Learning Support Team at learning@hes.scot with the date and time you wish to visit.

Read through our Hazard ID Sheet to help inform your risk assessment. Please note this is not to be used in place of a risk assessment, but to assist group leaders in creating their own.