Culross teacher information

You can explore the town and visit several historic buildings, including the Palace that dates from 1597 (ten years after the death of Mary, Queen of Scots). This fine building has original painted ceilings and other woodwork, and contains furniture dating from the 1600s and 1700s.

The reconstructed Palace garden allows pupils to compare flowers, fruit and vegetables grown in the early 1600s with those that are popular today. Look out for the Scots Dumpy hens (traditional Scottish fowl that are now a rare breed) who live near the garden and supply eggs for the tearoom.

The school visit offers opportunities for cross-curricular work and engaging with the Curriculum for Excellence. Pupils can enjoy guided tours of historic Royal Burgh of Culross, which includes visits to the Palace, Town House, Study and Jail. You can also take a guided tour of the garden (additional activity). Tours can be adapted to suit the requirements of your class – please discuss when booking.

Possible themes

• Town life in the late 1500s
• Merchants in the late 1500s
• Industry in the late 1500s

Resources for schools

• Illustrated guidebook (for sale at Culross)
• The village presents the life of people in the 1500s: the Laird, merchants and poor
• Costumes for children
• Panels and leaflets in the garden

Planning your visit

• To book: please contact Culross for a booking form.
• Book well in advance to avoid disappointment.
• Culross village buildings are open for school visits from Easter to October each year.
• Maximum number of pupils: we can accommodate large numbers – please check when booking. Classes will be split into groups of up to 20 pupils. Each group must be accompanied by a teacher/adult helper.
• Access: we regret that this historic site is not accessible for visitors using wheelchairs since the roads are cobbled and there are steps or spiral stairs within the buildings. There’s a video of Culross available for viewing. Please book this with the property manager.
• Other additional needs: please phone to discuss your requirements – we’ll do our utmost to accommodate your pupils.
• Parking: there’s a coach park at the east end of Culross. Your driver can drop pupils at the front of the Burgh before parking, if you wish.
• Toilets: there are accessible toilets by the café.
• Refreshments: the café is open from Easter to October. Pupils are welcome to picnic on the village green or in the garden. There’s a large room for children to use for eating packed lunches in bad weather.
• Clothing: pupils should be dressed appropriately for outdoors.
• The site has been risk assessed. Teachers should prepare their own risk assessment for the visit.

Charges

• For the latest charges, please contact the property.
• All class teachers are encouraged to make a free preparatory visit to the site.

During your class visit

• On arrival, please report to Reception in the shop (signposted). Trust staff will meet you there.
• Tours of the village and garden are led by Trust staff.
• Please allow at least 2 hours for your visit. The village tour takes around 45 minutes – and the tour of the Palace takes another 45 minutes.
• Classes will be split into groups. The number of groups depends on the class and number of activities (could be 3–4). Each group must be accompanied by a teacher/adult helper. This will be agreed when booking your visit.
• Teachers are responsible for their pupils and their behaviour.
• Pupils may take photos/films of Culross – but please NOT inside the Palace.
• Shop: pupils are welcome to visit the shop, in small groups and with teacher supervision.