Ninth heritage education award for Tatton Park

Ever wondered what it would be like to have been a World War II evacuee, a Victorian servant in a country manor house, or even a Viking perhaps?

These are some of the fascinating education programmes which have won a ninth Sandford Award for Cheshire East’s Tatton Park, one of the North West’s leading heritage visitor attractions.

Over the years, Blenheim Palace, the Tower of London, and the King Richard III Visitor Centre are among recipients of this award, which raises the profile of the winners as a must-visit place of historic interest, together with its education provision. Tatton Park met all criteria in each of the six judging categories placing it among some of the most famous visitor destinations in the country.

More than 125,000 school children have joined in history-led education projects at Tatton Park during the past five years and around 6,000 children and adults in family groups have also taken part.

Making the award, the judging panel said: “A visit to Tatton Park provides an almost time travelling experience whether visiting the house, gardens, or parkland. The programme includes living history workshops facilitated by costumed interpreters, the chance to examine real and replica objects, storytelling, and trails. Children are given the chance to learn through involved exploration.”

Frank Jordan, Cheshire East Council deputy chief executive and director of Place, said: “I congratulate our team at Tatton Park on gaining this award once again, and on delivering a consistently strong, captivating, and entertaining education programme throughout the year.

“The award endorses the high standard of teaching and innovation and recognises the quality and heritage of one of the borough’s most outstanding visitor destinations.”

The education team at Tatton Park has been delivering imaginative learning programmes for many years, utilising all aspects of the parkland, mansion house, gardens, old hall, and farm. Children from schools throughout the North West and further afield take part in a wide range of workshop activities that offer a unique living history experience.