Pupils explore the gardens to closely observe plants, animals and natural features. Children practise identifying similarities and differences, naming living things and describing what they see using appropriate vocabulary.

Curriculum links:

Science – plants
Science – animals, including humans
Science – living things and their habitats
Working scientifically – observing, identifying and classifying

Children carefully lift logs to discover the minibeasts living underneath, exploring habitats and understanding why different animals live in particular environments.

Curriculum links: 

Science – living things and their habitats
Science – animals, including humans
Working scientifically – asking questions and making observations

Pupils consider the garden from the perspective of different animals or insects, encouraging them to think about needs such as shelter, food and safety within a habitat.

Curriculum links:

Science – living things and their habitats
Science – animals, including humans
PSHE – empathy and awareness of others
Working scientifically – using observations to suggest answers

Children investigate pond habitats by safely exploring pond life, identifying small aquatic creatures and learning how living things are adapted to their environment.

Curriculum links:

Science – living things and their habitats
Science – animals, including humans
Working scientifically – observing closely and recording findings

Using natural materials, pupils build simple nests, learning about the needs of animals and the purpose of different materials.

Curriculum links:

Science – animals, including humans
Science – living things and their habitats
Design and technology – selecting and using materials
Working scientifically – exploring and testing ideas

Children take part in a guided colour-matching scavenger hunt around the gardens. Using a piece of coloured card prepared with double-sided tape, pupils search for natural materials that match different colours and textures, carefully selecting and sticking found items onto their card.

Curriculum links:

Science – plants
Science – seasonal changes
Art and design – colour, texture and pattern
Working scientifically – observing closely and comparing

Children collect coloured threads from a hedge and observe patterns in which colours are chosen first. This activity is used to explore simple ideas around camouflage, predators, prey and food chains, helping pupils understand how animals survive in their habitats.

Curriculum links:

Science – animals, including humans
Science – living hings and their habitats
Science – food chains
Working scientifically – observing patterns and discussing findings

Please complete the booking form above.

For self-led school visits our normal admission rates apply for children, which is £6 per child. For educational visits with our school leaders, the cost is £10 per child.

We can offer free admission for up to five teachers or supporting adults per class of 30 children. Additional adults will be charged at our normal admission rate of £10 each.

Our school leaders will be on hand to meet and greet you when you arrive at reception. They will separate classes as necessary and begin the pre-arranged workshop sessions. Workshops are usually 90 minutes in length and are based around your learning objectives. Sessions usually take place in the morning, ending around lunchtime. After lunch, you are welcome to enjoy the Gardens at your own leisure.

Workshops usually take place in the morning on arrival and start promptly at 10am.

Group sizes are usually between 15-20 children. Depending on the availability of our school leaders, and of the size of your visit, we will work with you to ensure all children have the best possible learning experience.

We will send an invoice to the finance contact provided at the time of booking. If you require a purchase order number on the invoice, please specify when booking your visit.

The Gardens open to the public at 10am. We advise an arrival time from 9.45am.

We recommend the Amphitheatre or Showground for picnics.

We try our best to accommodate your group needs but this will depend on availability on the day.

Capel Manor Gardens is an outdoor venue with little indoor space. We advise to check the weather in advance of your visit and come prepared with rain coats, suitable clothing and footwear. Similarly, in hot weather, plan ahead and come prepared with suitable clothing, sun cream and a hat.

Yes, there is ample free parking and some accessible parking bays on site.

Yes, coaches may use our overflow parking area. This is located just before the main car park and is a grassy area on the left. Coaches are welcome to drop-off outside our main entrance before parking in this area.

The Gardens are mainly on one level with step-free access. The paths are mostly compacted gravel, tarmac or stone and are suitable for mobility scooters and wheelchair users. There are accessible toilet and car parking facilities. We also have a limited number of mobility scooters and wheelchairs available to hire. A £5 deposit for mobility scooters is required and refunded upon its return in good condition. Please let us know in advance if you wish to reserve any in order to avoid disappointment.

No, you will not be charged for additional supporting adults. Carers enter the Gardens for free.

Yes, we advise doing a recce of the Gardens in advance to help plan your day and complete your risk assessment. Please notify us in advance of your date so we can grant you free access to the Gardens.

Our animals are on special diets, please do not feed them.