Practicalities for your school visit

Accessibility

We will make every possible effort to adapt our sessions to suit the accessibility needs of each group. Please contact us to discuss further on NERangerService@nts.org.uk

Four of our properties have accessibility guides available online for your reference:

Castle Fraser accessibility guide

Crathes Castle accessibility guide

Fyvie Castle accessibility guide

House of Dun accessibility guide

Cancellations and amendments

Please let us know as far in advance as possible if there are changes to your anticipated
pupil numbers, arrival time or if you will no longer be able to attend.

All of our activities take place outdoors. Inclement weather means we may have to change
the plan for your visit, but we will always try to go ahead if possible. In the event that we
have to cancel your visit, we will work with you to find a suitable alternative date. If this is
not possible, you will be fully refunded for any pre-payment.

Evaluation

We’d love you to share your experience of visiting with your class. Please complete our online survey after your visit.

Inclement weather

Outdoor learning means adapting to the elements. Unless the weather becomes a risk to safety, we will proceed with our planned sessions – rain or shine!

Suitable clothing should be worn for conditions (waterproofs and warm layers in cold weather; cool protective layers in warm weather, full trousers, hat, etc). For all outdoor activities, sturdy footwear such as walking boots or wellies are recommended.

To keep everyone safe, we may have to postpone or cancel a booking in the event of severe weather. This includes high winds (>40mph), Met Office weather warnings (Yellow, Amber or Red), extreme heat/freezing temperatures, or heavy snow/ice.

Indoor visits

You can also arrange a visit to the indoor areas of our Trust properties in the North East. Ask the rangers to put you in touch with the relevant teams from each place.

Parking

• Barry Mill: Car park with coach access
• Castle Fraser: Car park with coach access
• Craigievar Castle: Car park with coach access
• Crathes Castle: Car park with coach access and accessible parking
• Drum Castle: Car park with coach access and accessible parking
• Fyvie Castle: Car park with coach access and accessible parking
• Haddo House: Car park with coach access and accessible parking
• House of Dun: Car park with coach access and accessible parking
• Leith Hall: Car park, but main gate limits vehicle size
• Pitmedden Garden: Car park with coach access and accessible parking

Toilets

• Barry Mill: Accessible toilet outside the shop
• Castle Fraser: Toilets outside walled garden and accessible toilets in castle courtyard
• Craigievar Castle: Toilets in car park
• Crathes Castle: Accessible toilet in café
• Drum Castle: Toilets in courtyard and accessible toilet to side of castle
• Fyvie Castle: Toilets in the castle and accessible toilet in walled garden
• Haddo House: Accessible toilets in the house and courtyard
• House of Dun: Accessible toilet in the courtyard
• Leith Hall: Accessible toilet in the courtyard
• Pitmedden Garden: Accessible toilet outside walled garden

Visiting the shop

All North East properties have a gift shop available during the opening hours of the main building. Please discuss your requirements with us when booking.

Where you can eat

We will create a ‘dry space’ during all of our sessions to allow your pupils to leave bags and packed lunches. This space is also available to use when eating snacks and lunch. Please discuss your requirements with us when booking.

Sustainability

As advocates for nature, we design our sessions to re-use supplies and use natural materials
wherever possible. While visiting our sites, please do your best to leave no trace so that we can
minimise human impact on nature. Designated waste and recycling facilities are available at all of our sites.