Castles and Crowns

Brighton Museum & Art Gallery

A vibrant attraction to enjoy in the heart of the city. From ancient history to the present day, explore art, design and culture.

www.brightonmuseums.org.uk

Location:
Pavilion Gardens, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 5FN
Entry pricing:
Group pricing - Girl: £4.25 Adult: £8.92. Under 5s are free. Minimum group size of 12 to qualify for group rate pricing offered.
How to book:
To book a group visit, email info@rpmt.org.uk or phone 03000 290900 and select option 1 for Group & School Bookings
How long do we need for activities?
2+ hours
Additional information:
Recommended for all ages, in particular Rangers. Wildlife Photographer of The Year and Egyptians and Ancestors exhibitions included in ticket price.

Guildford Castle

Discover the history of Guildford’s Norman castle and climb to the top of the Great Tower for stunning views of historic Guildford and beyond. In the gardens you can find a bandstand, an Alice through the looking glass statue and a pond, as well as stunning floral displays.

www.guildford.gov.uk/article/25594/About-Guildford-Castle

Location:
Castle Street, Guildford, GU1 3UW
Entry pricing: The Castle grounds are free to enter. For admission to the Castle Keep, group pricing - Girl: Free Adult: (19+) £5.
How to book:
To book a group visit, email judi.austin@guildford.gov.uk with your requirements
How long do we need for activities?
1+ hour
Additional information:
The Castle Keep is open on Saturday from 12noon to 4:30pm, with last admission at 4:00pm. It is closed on Sundays. The Castle grounds and gardens are open every day from 9am to 7:30pm. Most parts of the Castle grounds are wheelchair accessible. On the Sunday, there will be a band playing – a perfect spot for a picnic! There are areas with steps and steep slopes, particularly around the Castle Keep. Need to wear Guiding uniform.

Hampton Court Palace

Discover the home of Henry VIII, admire the Great Hall and Tudor kitchens, and discover the spectacular baroque palace built for William III and Mary II. Explore 60 acres of magnificent gardens and the famous maze.

www.hrp.org.uk/hampton-court-palace

Location:
Hampton Court Way, East Molesey, KT8 9AU
Entry pricing:
Special Girlguiding pricing - Girl £11.20 Adult(18+) £22.40. Plus concessions for seniors (65+) and full time students (18+). Minimum group size of 15 (including adults) to qualify for special discounted pricing.
How to book:
Follow this link to book Group tickets. Select your tickets and visit date, confirm selection, and order your Guidebooks (at extra cost) if required. Check all your details at checkout then enter the promo code LASER20JUN or LASER21JUN for Saturday and Sunday visits respectively.
How long do we need for activities?
3+ hours
Additional information:
500 tickets available per day for Girlguiding. Suitable for all sections. Ticket price includes access to all open public areas of the palace, the gardens, courtyards and the Maze and Magic Garden play area (under 12s). Reserved area for Girlguiding with toilets and quiet space. Tailored resources available – details coming soon!

Kensington Palace

Explore the birthplace of Queen Victoria and home to young royals for over 300 years. Walk in the footsteps of royalty in  the magnificent King's State Apartments.

www.hrp.org.uk/kensington-palace

Location:
Kensington Palace Gardens, London W8 4PX
Entry pricing:
Special Girlguiding pricing - Girl: £8.68 Adult (18+): £17.29. Plus concessions for seniors (65+) and full time students (18+). Minimum group size of 15 (including adults) to qualify for special pricing.
How to book:
Follow this link to book Group tickets. Select your tickets and visit date, confirm selection, and order your Guidebooks (at extra cost) if required. Check all your details at checkout then enter the promo code KPLASER20JUN or KPLASER21JUN for Saturday and Sunday visits respectively.
How long do we need for activities?
2-3 hours
Additional information:
500 tickets available per day for Girlguiding. Suitable for Guides and Rangers only. Ticket price includes entry to the Last Princesses of Punjab exhibition. Reserved area for Girlguiding with toilets and quiet space. Tailored resources available – details coming soon!

Leeds Castle

Leeds Castle is a 900 year old castle surrounded by 500 acres of grounds and gardens. Now a tourist attraction, it offers fun and entertainment for all ages, all year round.

www.leeds-castle.com

Location:
Maidstone, Kent, ME17 1PL
Entry pricing:
Special Girlguiding pricing - Girl: £8.95 Adult (19+): £10.45. Free adults to child ratios - 1:6 ages 3-11, 1:10 ages 12+. Minimum of 10 girls per booking.
How to book:
Please use this special Girlguiding link for booking
How long do we need for activities?
4-6 hours
Additional information:
200 tickets available for Girlguiding. Suitable for all ages. Included in ticket price: Free parking, the castle, public falconry display at 2pm (weather permitting), play areas, maze and grotto, obstacle course, beach, Bird of Prey Centre, Dog Collar Museum. Paid for attractions: land train, boat, adventure golf - see website for details. Entry before 2pm. Need to wear Girlguiding uniform.

Lewes Castle & Museum

Visit Lewes Castle, a Norman Castle built by supporters of Wiliam the Conqueror. Climb the steps to the top of the Castle Keep for stunning views across Sussex and explore the history of this 950-year-old fortress. Visit the adjoining Museum to view artefacts from prehistoric to medieval Sussex and discover the story of Lewes through the town model and short film.

www.sussexpast.co.uk/attraction/lewes-castle

Location:
169 High St, Lewes BN7 1YE
Entry pricing:
Girl: £7, Adult(18+): £12, under 5's are free. Discounts available for groups of 10 or more.
How to book:
Tickets can be booked online via the website from 1 April
How long do we need for activities?
1.5-2 hours
Additional information:
Only open to the public on Saturday 20 June. Suitable for all ages. Tickets include entry to the Museum of Sussex Archaeology and to Lewes Castle. Children’s trail and storytelling sessions included. 50% discount for English Heritage members. Some areas are not accessible – there are a lot of steep steps up to the castle keep and towers. All children’s activities will take place in an accessible part of the grounds.

Parham House & Gardens

Parham is one of the country’s finest Elizabethan houses and contains an important collection of needlework, paintings and furniture. The house is set at the foot of the South Downs in West Sussex and remains a much-loved family home.

www.parhaminsussex.co.uk

Location:
Pulborough Road, Pulborough, RH20 4HR
Entry pricing:
Special Girlguiding pricing - Girl: £7.50 Adult: £14.50. Special pricing offered is for groups of 10 or more girls. Up to 2 free adults with each group. Under 5s free.
How to book:
Bookings by email - bookings@parhaminsussex.co.uk - or phone - 01903 742021. Group payments at least 2 weeks prior to date of the visit. Please ask when booking if you have any questions about accessibility. Please state when booking that you are part of the 'Castles and Crowns' event.
How long do we need for activities?
2-3 hours
Additional information:
Opens on Sunday 21 June only. Suitable for age 7 upwards. Gardens open at 12 noon and the House opens at 2pm. Must wear Girlguiding uniform.

Penshurst Place and Gardens

Dating from 1341, Penshurst Place is one of England’s oldest family homes. The fortified manor house includes a medieval hall, and state rooms containing tapestries, armour, antiques and works of art. The 11 acres of formal gardens, Toy Museum, Adventure Playground, Woodland Trail, and ancient parkland are complemented by the Porcupine Pantry Café and Gift Shop.

www.penshurstplace.com

Location:
Penshurst Place, Penshurst Road, Tonbridge, TN11 8GD
Entry pricing:
Special Girlguiding pricing - Girl: £8.50/£7.50 for house and garden/garden-only entry. Adult: £15/£14 for house and garden/garden-only entry. Pricing is for minimum group size of 12. Leaders over 18 are free of charge for a ratio of 1:12.
How to book:
Dedicated group booking team. Email contactus@penshurstplace.com or call Lucy Menard or Katie Askey on 01892 870307
How long do we need for activities?
Can spend up to a full day here
Additional information:
Gardens are open between 10am and 5pm. The House and Toy Museum are open between 11:30am and 4pm, with last entry at 3:30pm. Private guided tours of the house (before 11:00am or at 3:30pm) and garden (between 10am and 4pm) are also available at extra cost and include entry to Penshurst Place. For pre booked groups, a room for leaving bags and lunches is provided. Kiosk on site provides take-away hot and cold drinks and light snacks.

Preston Manor

Feel the Downton Fever and explore the “upstairs downstairs” life of Edwardian society.

www.brightonmuseums.org.uk/preston-manor-gardens

Location:
Preston Grove, Brighton BN1 6SD
Entry pricing:
Group pricing - Girl £7.22 Adult: £11.90. Minimum group size of 12 to qualify for group rate pricing offered. Under 5s are free.
How to book:
To book a group visit email - info@rpmt.org.uk - or phone - 03000 290900 and select option 1 for group and school bookings
How long do we need for activities?
1.5 hours
Additional information:
Suitable for all ages. Ticket price includes Ghosts, Edwardian Manor House - an intimate look at upstairs/downstairs life in the Edwardian era, nursery, and - new for 2026, access to the gardens, pet cemetery and secret garden.

Royal Pavilion & Garden

The Royal Pavilion is one of Britain’s most eccentric and extravagant palaces previously occupied by three monarchs, George IV, William IV and Queen Victoria. Built as George IV’s pleasure palace, it has been restored to its original 1823 splendour with Indian architecture contrasted with interiors inspired by China

www.brightonmuseums.org.uk/visit/royal-pavilion-garden

Location:
Royal Pavilion & Garden, Brighton, BN1 1FN
Entry pricing:
Group pricing - Girl: £11.05 Adult: £18.27. Minimum group size of 12 to qualify for group rate pricing offered. Under 5s are free.
How to book:
To book a group visit, email - info@rpmt.org.uk - or phone - 03000 290900 and select option 1 for group and school bookings
How long do we need for activities?
1.5 hours
Additional information:
Suitable for all ages. Included in ticket price: spectacular new dragons exhibition brings the dragon to life as never before!

English Heritage sites

Free tickets available for Girlguiding groups to sites across the country via English Heritage's Education Visit programme

www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/

Locations: check out the places to visit page on the English Heritage website
Entry pricing:
FREE entry for all girls and leaders to all venues
How to book:
Please complete the education booking form

National Trust places

Free tickets are available for Girlguiding groups to National Trust sites across the country via National Trust's Education Group Access Pass offer

www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Location:
See the National Trust website to find all the sites available.  For each property, you can find visitor information, things to see and do, and contact information.
Entry pricing:
Free entry for all Girlguiding groups to National Trust places across the country. Follow the National Trust link above to plan and book a visit near you.
How to book:
Please complete this form with your group’s details to receive your ‘Education Group Access Pass’ (EGAP), allowing free admission for your group to National Trust properties. Your EGAP card will be posted to you by the National Trust.

Please note:

• You must register for the EGAP via this form by 31 May

• Following submission of your form, you will receive an email from the region office to confirm when you will be live on the National Trust’s EGAP system

• Once your group is live on the system, you will then need to contact your chosen venue by phone to arrange your booking. Say that you are a Girlguiding group and have/have applied for an EGAP

• Leaders can also book a pre-visit (free of charge) to familiarise yourselves with the property ahead of the visit

• The EGAP is valid for 12 months, so you can plan and enjoy other visits to National Trust properties for your group, too!

• You will need to take your EGAP card with you on the day of your visit(s)

The Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace

One of the finest working stables in existence. You will see carriages and cars used by the Royal Family and marvel at the spectacular Gold State Coach used at King Charles III's Coronation and Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee.

www.rct.uk/visit/the-royal-mews-buckingham-palace

Location:
Buckingham Palace Road, London, SW1W 0QH
Entry pricing:
Special exclusive discounted pricing for Girlguiding - Girl (5-17): £6.75, Girl (18-24): £9, Adult: £13.50
How to book:
The Royal Mews, Buckingham Palace For groups of less than 15, enter Promo Code 25GUIDERM just before checkout. For groups of 15 or more, book via 'group bookings' then enter Promo Code 25GUIDERM just before checkout. To secure these prices, bookings must be made in advance and by 19 June 2026 at the latest.
How long do we need for activities?
45 minutes to visit the site; 20 minutes for the arts and crafts activity - although of course you are welcome to stay as long as you like!
Additional information:
During your visit, pop into the Livery Room to take part in some fun arts and crafts activity inspired by the horses, and history, of the Royal Mews. While you are in the area, why not pop into the Girlguiding shop, which will be open on both Saturday and Sunday during our Castles and Crowns weekend.

Windsor Castle

Royal residence founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, it has since been the home of 40 monarchs. Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world.

www.rct.uk/visit/windsor-castle

Location:
Windsor Castle, Windsor, SL4 1NJ
Entry pricing:
Special exclusive discounted pricing for Girlguiding - Girl (5-17): £12, Girl (18-24): £15.75, Adult: £24
How to book:
Windsor Castle For groups of less than 15, enter Promo Code 25GUIDEWC just before checkout. For groups of 15 or more, book via 'group bookings' then enter Promo Code 25GUIDEWC just before checkout. To secure these prices, bookings must be made in advance and by 19 June 2026 at the latest.
How long do we need for activities?
State Apartments 1 hour and St George's Chapel 30 mins.
Additional information:
Don’t miss Queen Mary's Dolls' House, or Guard Change at 11.00 on Saturdays. Please note that St George’s Chapel is closed on Sundays.

Key information

How do we book and pay?

We have created a list of venues to choose from, with costs for each venue. You can book and pay directly with your chosen venue. We have worked to get the best discounts, at what is a very popular time of year. Some venues offer optional extras, e.g. guided tours, which you can add to your booking at an extra cost.

Travel grant and micogrants for youth led heritage projects

There is no travel bursary fund for Castles & Crowns, and you will need to budget for your group's travel. If the cost of travelling to a venue is a significant barrier to anyone in your unit being able to take part on this event, the Access to Guiding grant may be able to cover travel expenses for those who need it. Please note that in the unlikely event of the travel expenses requested exceeding the funding available, we will prioritise claims based on need.

The Heritage Youth Partnership have a limited number of £600 microgrants available for youth-led heritage projects, which will bring about positive change in your community and share the heritage work that your group has undertaken.

We want to visit a venue that isn’t on the venue list, can we go there instead?

Yes, you are welcome to go to any venue for your Castles and Crowns adventure.

Can families join in?

This is an event for Girlguiding members and unit leaders/helpers. Places are restricted. Parents are welcome to join you to make up the required adult ratio numbers.

How many adults should we have?

• Rainbows: 1 adult for every 5 children with a minimum of 2 adults.
• Brownies: 1 adult for every 8 children with a minimum of 2 adults.
• Guides: 1 adult for every 12 children with a minimum of 2 adults.
• Rangers: 1 leader with a recommended second adult.

What activities will we be doing at the venue?

There are no additional planned activities. Every group can plan their visit to suit their needs and what they want to get out of the visit. It would be a good idea to sit together before you travel to plan your route and which areas are a must to visit! We will provide a few suggestions and ideas to get you started, over the coming weeks so keep an eye out on the website!

Will there be a badge?

A badge has been specially created for this event and will available to buy on our online shop soon. Badges will be dispatched in May.

Will there be a dedicated first aid point?

There will not be a designated first aid point; leaders will need to take responsibility for first aid for their own unit.

Is there an event consent form for participants?

Each unit will be responsible for issuing and collecting their own consent forms and arranging their own Emergency Home Contact.

Is the event accessible to those with restricted mobility?

If you have anyone in your unit with accessibility requirements please check with the relevant venue.

Will I have to do my own risk assessment?

Yes, you will be required to create your own risk assessment for the visit to your chosen venue.

What do we wear?

Please wear guiding uniform. Please ensure appropriate clothing for the weather – sun hats, sun cream, waterproofs – and comfortable footwear.

Will we need to bring our own lunch?

Units will need to arrange their own lunch. Some of the venues will have facilities to purchase lunch on site but please check the venue website for details.

How can we share our experiences of the weekend?

Everyone will be encouraged to share photos and updates from their events using the hashtag #LaSERCastlesandCrowns and by tagging the region social media accounts in so that we can see and share. Please ensure you have up to date and correct photo consent for your girls when sharing photographs publicly. You can also send us your photos and stories on our website.

The region communications team will be looking at other opportunities for PR. If you think you have a special Castles and Crowns story, please get in touch with communications@girlguidinglaser.org.uk.

Contact details

If you have any queries please email info@girlguidinglaser.org.uk.