Are you considering studying history at university? Do you want to enrich your experience and explore some of the possible career pathways?
Join us to explore the history of some of the UK’s most fascinating locations. Touring through different time periods to see how these significant places have taken shape. Understanding how people and place have worked together, or not in some cases, to create the life we experience at present. Is the past really the key to understanding the present? With our passionate tutors and local experts, you will try and piece the puzzle together. No previous study or experience is required – just curiosity and enthusiasm!
This course is for those aged 16 -18 years old and is suitable for the residential section of the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award. Always check with your leader before booking.
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Our young people residentials deliver a wide-ranging, enriching experience and give you the chance to develop a range of transferable skills. This can be great to include in higher education and job applications.
Around core themes of nature and landscapes, active learning, and personal and social skills, our courses promote nature connection, environmental understanding and responsibility, health and wellbeing, working well with others, resilience and curiosity.
If you are a Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award participant, this course is also an ideal way to complete the Residential section of the award
See our Residential FAQs page if you’d like to know the answers to our most frequently asked questions.
If these course dates do not suit you, we run similar courses at many of our other centres.
Approved Activity Provider
As an Approved Activity Provider for DofE, our opportunities meet all the requirements for DofE. We do however always recommend checking suitability with your DofE assessor before booking a Duke of Edinburgh Gold Residential.
Explore our range of opportunities for young people. Whether you’re looking to complete your gold Duke of Edinburgh Award, want to explore possible careers, or simply want to expand your knowledge of nature and the natural world, our range of opportunities and experiences offers something for everyone.
Example Timetable
Day 1
Arrival 12:00
Introduction to course and local area
Afternoon - Participants will receive an introduction to the centre, followed by icebreakers and team games. There will also be an opportunity to explore the area and familiarise yourself with the local environment.
Evening - Local activities introducing the history of the area.
Day 2
Castles and strongholds
Morning/afternoon - Explore the significant castles and strongholds in the local area. Find out about how these impacted the development of our local settlements.
Evening - Spend the evening developing your knowledge of key historic periods.
Day 3
Industrial developments
Morning/afternoon - A day exploring the industrial history of the area.
Evening - Games night! Work together with your team to become the winners. A great opportunity to get to know your course mates
Day 4
Hidden histories
Morning/afternoon - Explore the hidden historical secrets of the area whether looking at the city walls or significant artifacts. Visit a local museum to develop your interests.
Evening - Gather around a campfire, toast a marshmallow, sharing stories and experiences.
Day 5
History in nature
Morning/afternoon - Combine your history knowledge while working as a team to explore an outdoor adventure activity working with your course mates to solve problems. Review and recap your week with group presentations.
Depart 15:00
Please note: to ensure safe and quality learning experiences for participants, the timetable may alter depending on weather conditions and local factors at centres.
What's Included
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Expert Tuition -
Free Wi-Fi -
Full Board Accommodation -
Hot and Cold Drinks -
In Course Transport -
Lunch
Before You Attend
This residential is only open to young people who will be aged 16 - 18 years old at the time of attending.
We want to ensure participants get to share in their experience with those of a similar age. Please consider what age the attendee will be on the course date and check they fit into the age category when booking. (Please see each individual course at the bottom of this page for age ranges).
When attending the residential dates which welcome 16-18 year olds, all participants will be expected to follow the behaviour and conduct rules which will be in place to safeguard young people.
If the attendee is under 18, the booking must be made by a parent/guardian. When you book, it is essential that you enter the age and attendees name in the Order Notes at the checkout.
Prior to the course, you will receive the following:
- A full kit list. Any technical equipment required will be provided so you will just need typical kit for a residential stay and being outdoors.
- An introduction to the staff delivering the course and information about the centre so you know what to expect on arrival.
- A detailed itinerary for the course, including arrival and departure instructions. On some courses there may be the opportunity to book a train station pick up and/or drop off.
- A link to an online photo consent form.
- The expectations of young people attending our courses.
- A form to share any specific dietary or medical needs.
Opportunities to attend this course
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Mon 10, August 2026 12:30 - Fri 14, August 2026 15:00
Explore the rich history of Shropshire with us. We’ll travel through various time periods taking field trips to Wroxeter Roman ruins, Ludlow and Stokesay Castles, Coalbrookdale Blast Furnace and Ironbridge, medieval Shrewsbury, and Attingham Park. We’ll also have the opportunity to take part in a workshop at Jackfield Tile Museum. This residential is open to young people who will be aged 16 - 18 years old at the time of attending.
Sorry this course is out of stock
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Mon 26, October 2026 12:00 - Fri 30, October 2026 15:00
Join us for five days exploring the beautiful Conwy Valley and surrounding areas. Days will include exploration of ancient hill forts and burial chambers, a trip around Conwy castle, and discovering evidence of the areas roman past and the more recent evidence of the slate industry. The course will include a chance to go underground and explore an abandoned slate mine. Paddle a raft across a flooded underground cavern while also searching out artifacts left by the miners when the quarry closed down. This residential is open to young people who will be aged 16 - 18 years old at the time of attending.
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Mon 26, October 2026 12:30 - Fri 30, October 2026 15:00
Explore the rich history of Shropshire with us. We’ll travel through various time periods taking field trips to Wroxeter Roman ruins, Ludlow and Stokesay Castles, Coalbrookdale Blast Furnace and Ironbridge, medieval Shrewsbury, and Attingham Park. We’ll also have the opportunity to take part in a workshop at Jackfield Tile Museum. This residential is only open to young people who will be aged 16 - 18 years old at the time of attending.
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Mon 26, October 2026 12:30 - Fri 30, October 2026 15:00
This History camp will encourage participants to consider the intersection of history and the landscape in Exmoor and the surrounding areas. You'll be based out of a country house containing architectural elements from the 16th to the 18th century. Participants will visit a variety of historic sites in and around Exmoor. This residential is open to young people who will be aged 16 - 18 years old at the time of attending.
