History activities for residentials | Group bookings

Affordable history options in England and Wales with YHA

Our history packages are designed to deliver inspiration and immersion as pupils discover Britain through the ages.

Packed with opportunities to gain hands-on learning experiences in authentic historical settings and fitting perfectly with the KS2 National Curriculum, our history packages bring major historical eras to life through activities. Pupils can travel back in time with our popular Roman, Saxon, Vikings and Medieval package elements. Plus, they are great value for money!

Explore the village at YHA Castleton Losehill Hall and get hands on with authentic weapons and shields. Become time detectives and trace a timeline of the city from past to present when you stay at YHA York. Uncover hidden medieval secrets by staying the night at our very own castle, YHA St Briavels. Learn all about the legendary outlaw Robin Hood, his band of Merry Men and his rival the Sheriff of Nottingham when you stay at YHA Sherwood Forest.

Full board from

£55.33

Per person, per night (excluding VAT)

History residential activities

Our history package activities may include (subject to availability and location).

Roman Battle

Using replica shields, children learn to march in formation and recreate the famous Roman Testudo, discovering the discipline and tactics that helped the Roman army conquer new lands.

Roman Siege Engines

Working in teams, pupils follow step-by-step instructions to build large replica Roman catapults, learning how siege engines were used to attack enemy fortresses during the Roman invasion of Britain.

Leadmine

As pupils explore our indoor replica lead mine in Castleton, they discover what life was like for the miners who worked deep underground and learn about the importance of lead mining to the local area.

Guided History walk

Step outside and explore the rich history of your chosen location and its surroundings on this guided History Walk, led by experienced YHA instructors.

Medieval Banquet

Children will experience the atmosphere of a medieval banquet. Through this activity, pupils explore aspects of medieval life, including food, entertainment, and social roles.

Viking Longships

Truly bringing history to life, students will use nuts and bolts to assemble a Viking longship before learning about Viking naval battle strategy and conquering the Anglo-Saxons!

Norse Code

Faced with texts written in Viking runes, students must decode the symbols into Latin letters and uncover the story hidden within.

Viking Breadmaking

This activity involves the students making their very own rustic bread loaf from scratch which they can take home with them…unless they eat it first!

Roman Pottery

Students will work with clay to design their own piece of Roman-style pottery to take home with them.

Medieval Myth Tales

This drama activity gives students the chance to physically act out classic Medieval legends from Yorkshire and beyond!

Key skills

Teamwork
Communication
Understanding of the chronological narrative of the history of the British Isles
Develop enquiry skills and use evidence to formulate historical understanding
Learn about significant historical people, places and dates, relevant to the specific historical areas covered at the chosen hostel

Curriculum links

The Roman Empire and its impact on Britain
Roman invasion, conquest, and resistance (e.g. Boudicca/Celts)
Roman army, tactics, and military organisation
Understanding how Roman Britain changed life in Britain
Roman warfare, engineering, and technology
Resistance by Celtic tribes against Roman invasion
Understanding how historical events and conflicts shaped Britain
Changes in Britain from the Stone Age to the Iron Age (context of Celts)
Anglo-Saxons and Scots settlement of Britain
Viking raids and invasion
Anglo-Saxon and Viking struggle for the Kingdom of England to the time of Edward the Confessor
Norman Conquest (1066)
Chronology and sequencing of key events in British history
Viking and Anglo-Saxon struggle for control of England
Viking culture, communication, and daily life
Local history study (a depth study of a significant local site or industry)
Interpretation of historical sources (understanding written evidence)
Develops understanding of how Vikings recorded and shared information
Understanding how industry shaped local communities (e.g. Castleton)
Victorian and post-medieval industry and working conditions (depending on focus)
Historical enquiry into how people lived and worked in the past
Everyday life in the past (homes, lighting, work, and trade)
Understanding how local trades supported industry (e.g. mining communities)
Changes in living conditions over time (before electricity)
A study of a period beyond 1066 (medieval communication and culture)
Historical enquiry and interpretation of symbols
Development of literacy and problem-solving skills
Historical enquiry and interpretation
Chronological understanding and sequencing of events
Continuity and change in the local area
Understanding how people expressed ideas in the past
Significant historical sites and their purpose
Understanding social structure and daily life in the past
Historical interpretation through role-play

Sample itinerary at YHA Castleton Losehill Hall

2 night residential sample itinerary:

Day one

Day two

Day three

Breakfast
History timeline
Viking runes
Reflection and evaluation
Lunch - departure

Sample itinerary at YHA St Briavels Castle

2 night residential sample itinerary:

Day one

Day two

Day three

Breakfast
Water bearers
Tile designing
Reflection and evaluation
Lunch - departure

Sample itinerary at YHA York

2 night residential sample itinerary:

Day one

Arrival
Guided history walk to multangular tower
Roman walls and roman baths
Evening meal
Roman battle / roman shield painting

Day two

Day three

Breakfast
Siege engines
Roman team games
Reflection and evaluation
Lunch - departure

Sample itinerary at YHA Sherwood Forest

2 night residential sample itinerary:

Day one

Day two

Day three

Breakfast
Orienteering – Robin Hood themed
Reflection and evaluation
Lunch - departure

What you need to know

This package is perfect for bringing learning to life for KS2 History pupils.
All of our in-house activities are delivered by trained, DBS checked staff who are skilled at leading engaging residentials that are tailored to meet the needs of your group.
We actively encourage teachers to participate in all of our activities to help enhance teacher-pupil relations.

Children building a Viking boat at YHA York

“Tess - she engaged really well with all of our group, she used school methods for gaining and maintaining attention, she ensured children were completely safe when in York centre. She had an excellent knowledge of York and really bought the experience to life for our children. The kids thought she was “brilliant!” A massive thank you to Tess from all of us.”

“Your staff team, leading activities and providing catering/hospitality, absolutely made the trip. Competent, confident, open, friendly, patient, good sense of humour. Brilliant. Thank you.”

"From the moment we arrived we were made to feel welcome. Nothing was too much trouble. The staff were amazing with our children and did everything they could to accommodate anything we needed. The food was excellent and the building is ideal as a base for exploring Sherwood Forest. The activities we undertook with Marion and Robin were also outstanding. They held the children's attention at all times, were utterly professional and convincing. We would love to return in future! Thank you for making our stay so special."

“All leaders and staff (front of house and behind the scenes) were amazing. The way they interacted with the children was perfect. They insisted on high standards of behaviour and they were great at filling in little bits of in between time. Their knowledge and skill was awe-inspiring. You all made is feel so welcome and relaxed, whilst also providing an outstanding experience for our children. We shall definitely return.”