Goodrich Castle (English Heritage)

Goodrich Castle
Goodrich
Herefordshire
HR9 6HY
England

Website

www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/goodrich-castle/

Telephone

01600 890538

All information is supplied by the venues or providers themselves and every effort is made to ensure it is correct. Please remember to double check opening hours with the venue concerned before making a special visit.
An exterior view of Goodrich Castle

Goodrich stands majestically on a wooded hill commanding the passage of the River Wye into the picturesque valley of Symonds Yat. The castle was begun in the late 11th century, by the English thegn Godric who gave it his name.
Goodrich boasts one of the most complete sets of medieval domestic buildings surviving in any English castle.

A new visitor centre, cafe and shop opened in 2007. The visitor centre features a small exhibition which explores life at the castle from its origins in the late 11th century until its dramatic fall in 1646, and includes Civil War artefacts found at the site. The smart new cafe has lovely views of the picturesque surroundings, and serves a fine selection of light refreshments made from locally sourced Herefordshire ingredients.

Venue Type:

Heritage site, Castle or defences

 Opening hours

1-31 Oct daily 10am-5pm, 1 Nov-12 Feb Sat-Sun 10am-4pm, 13-17 Feb daily 10am-4pm, 18 Feb-31 Mar Sat-Sun 10am-4pm, Closed 24-26 Dec & 1 Jan

 Admission charges

5.80/5.20/3.50/15.10

Discounts

  • English Heritage

Goodrich Castle
Goodrich
Herefordshire
HR9 6HY
England

Website

www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/goodrich-castle/

Telephone

01600 890538

All information is supplied by the venues or providers themselves and every effort is made to ensure it is correct. Please remember to double check opening hours with the venue concerned before making a special visit.
Resources listed here may include websites, bookable tours and workshops, books, loan boxes and more. You may need to scroll down or click on headers to see them all.
 Face to face resources

Medieval Domestic Life Discovery Visit

An interactive guided tour - participate as you learn about the feudal system and how it affected everyone, from the farmer to the lord. Investigate medieval food and serve a feast to William Marshall, lord of the castle.
Duration: 1 1/2 hours
Key Stage: 2, History

How to obtain

Call 0121 625 6864 to book a 1½ hour session, available every weekday during term time. Price £60 per group of up to 30 pupils until April 2009, £75 per group after April 2009. Visit http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/nav.19506 for more information.

Meet a Medieval Soldier Discovery Visit

Venture into history with a costumed guide on a tour to fire the imagination. How did armies attack the castle and how did those inside keep them out? Discover medieval food, living conditions (including toilets!) medieval surgery and a glimpse into the dark world of crime and punishment.
Duration: 1 1/4 hours
Key Stage: 2, 3, History

How to obtain

Call 0121 625 6864 to book a 1¼ hour session, available from January 28–30, Tuesdays and Thursdays in March, June 15–10 2009. Price £60 per group of up to 30 pupils until April 2009, £75 per group after April 2009. Visit http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/nav.19506 for more information.

The Life and Times of Lady Joan de Valance Discovery Visit

This medieval Lady guides you around the castle exploring its history, the reasons for its location and the lives of the people within its impressive walls.
Duration: 1 1/2 hours
Key Stage: 3, History

How to obtain

Call 0121 625 6864 to book a 1½ hour session, available every weekday during term time. Price £60 per group of up to 30 pupils until April 2009, £75 per group after April 2009. Visit http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/nav.19506 for more information.

Goodrich Castle
Goodrich
Herefordshire
HR9 6HY
England

Website

www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/goodrich-castle/

Telephone

01600 890538

All information is supplied by the venues or providers themselves and every effort is made to ensure it is correct. Please remember to double check opening hours with the venue concerned before making a special visit.

Related teaching activities

Key stage 2 or 3 English, 1 lesson

En1 speaking and listening

In the English civil war, Goodrich Castle saw quite a lot of fighting between the Royalists and the Parliamentarians. Imagine you are a Royalist soldier coming across the Parliament claimed castle for the first time. What are your first thoughts about how you are going to storm the castle? What defences will you have to break through? How will you do this?

Key stage 2 geography, 1 lesson

Geographical enquiry and skills

Using images of Goodrich Castle, make a list of the similarities and differences between the homes of medieval times and now.

Key stage 2 geography, 1-2 lessons

Geographical enquiry and skills

Draw a map to show the location of Goodrich Castle and explain why the building was strategically located where it was.

Key stage 2 history, 1-2 lessons

Chronological understanding

Create a timeline showing the development of Goodrich Castle from the 11th century onwards.

Key stage 2 maths, 1 lesson

Ma3 Shape, space and measure

Make a list of the shapes and patterns on the external structure of Goodrich Castle and identify the ones that are repeated.