Elizabethan Life: Burghley House Tour KS1

Exploring England's greatest surviving Elizabethan house, pupils discover the people who lived and worked here, uncover its connections to Queen Elizabeth I and learn what everyday life was like in the Tudor age.

As they journey through the house, pupils encounter remarkable Tudor treasures, including portraits, hidden symbols, secret doors and passageways, and the magnificent state bedroom designed especially for Queen Elizabeth. Along the way, they'll question, observe and discover how these fascinating spaces and objects help tell the story of Tudor life.

What pupils do

• Join a guided tour of Burghley House led by a costumed educator.
• Explore rooms linked to the Tudor era including the Great Hall and Queen Elizabeth's bedroom.
• Observe portraits and artefacts to learn about life in Tudor England.
• Ask and answer questions throughout the tour to increase understanding. 

What to expect

• A mainly walking session with opportunities to stop, observe and discuss throughout the tour.
• Pupils are encouraged to ask questions and share their ideas.
• Delivered in groups of up to 30 pupils.
• The session lasts approximately 45 minutes.
• The session is delivered at an age-appropriate level for Key Stage 1 pupils.
• The session can be adapted to suit pupils' knowledge and engagement. 

SEND & accessibility

• There are stairs to and from Burghley House with a chairlift available where required.
• This is a guided walking tour through the House, with limited seating available.
• Pupils explore the House alongside other visitors, making this a calmer and quieter learning environment.
• The House contains many historic objects and collections, and accompanying adults may be asked to support pupils throughout the visit.
• The House can be a busy sensory environment. Pupils are welcome to take a short break with an accompanying adult whenever needed, and the session can be adapted where possible to support individual sensory and access needs.