School Trips at Bristol Museums
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Art Gallery, Queens Road, Bristol, Avon, BS8 1RL
MONTHS OPEN
DAYS OPEN
AGE GROUPS SERVED
Listed under: Art and Design | History | Science | Day Trip Destinations | Educational Tours | Arts & Galleries | Castles | Historic Buildings | Historical Heritage | Ships & Maritime Museums | Museums | Archaeology | Geology | Roman School Tours | Tudor Workshops
What we offer on a school trip
Bristol Museums are a major part of the Bristol Culture service run by Bristol City Council. The collection of historical sites includes:
- M Shed
- Bristol Museum & Art Gallery
- Blaise House Museum
- The Red Lodge Museum
- The Georgian House Museum
- Kings Weston Roman Villa
Bristolmuseums.org.uk/learning
Each museum has its own unique learning experiences, objects and displays to explore, as follows:
Bristol Museum & Art Gallery
Discover Bristol’s world-class collections, from dinosaurs and gems to magnificent fine art and Egyptian artefacts. Whether you’re seeking art, history or science, Bristol Museum & Art Gallery offers a range of one hour, half or full day learning experiences for all ages.
Take time to study magnificent art, discover the dinosaur that once roamed Bristol, see original Banksy works, find out fascinating facts about rocks and soils, get up close to Egyptian mummies, handle objects from the ancient Greeks and emerge yourself in natural history. Bristol Museum & Art Gallery is home to world class collections housed in spectacular architecture, just waiting for you to explore!
For some children, just stepping inside the magnificent building provides the wow-factor. Little faces light up and the expressions say it all. Come and see us! Address: Queens Road, Bristol BS8 1RL
M Shed
Learn about Bristol’s place in the world at this vibrant Harbourside museum, from Banksy and Aardman to Fry’s Chocolate and Concorde. Unwrap stories of Bristol’s past with a range of interactive local history sessions, including; the city’s connections to the transatlantic slave trade, its maritime heritage and world famous chocolate making. Find out about Bristol at War and discover some of the brilliant people who have helped to shape the city, including Brunel and Cabot.
Explore three public galleries (Bristol Life, Bristol Places and Bristol People), groundbreaking temporary exhibitions, family-friendly events and be amazed by the museum’s largest exhibits - the boats, cranes and trains.
A balcony provides one of the best panoramic views of Bristol and its historic harbourside
Bristol YHA, is just a couple of minutes stroll along the harbourside too. Convenient for school residential trips.
In-school activities such as assembly are also offered for local schools, along with teaching resource packs, loan boxes for the classroom and CPD opportunities.
Address: Princes Wharf, Wapping Road, Bristol BS1 4RN
Blaise House Museum
Step back in time at Blaise House Museum, an 18th century mansion set in beautiful parkland. Once a family home, it’s now the ideal setting for learning about life in the past with displays of toys, costume and domestic objects. Visit with your friends and family or join us as part of a school visit.
Latest learning sessions include; Toys, Iron Age, Archaeology, A Victorian Christmas, World War Two plus literacy and natural science workshops. Special events are available for Home Educators and don’t miss the seasonal family fun and formal learning activities in the summer. Address: Henbury Road, Bristol BS10 7QS
The Red Lodge Museum
Experience 400 years of history contained within this house, from Tudor origins to a Victorian girls’ reform school. Immerge yourself in the splendor of the Great Oak Room, see the beautifully restored knot garden, the newly discovered Well and three of the oldest rooms in Bristol! The Red Lodge Museum is the idea school trip for children to learn about The Tudors.
Schools are invited to explore what life was like in Tudor Bristol in 1574, when Elizabeth I visited the city. Children will unlock the messages disguised in Tudor portraits, handle objects and dress in costume before making sketches of Dame Joan, as she poses in the magnificent Great Oak Room. See website for latest learning sessions. Address: Park Row, Bristol BS1 5LJ
The Georgian House Museum
Wander through this period house museum, originally built c. 1790 and once home to a Bristol sugar plantation and slave owner. The townhouse spread over four floors reveals what life was like above and below stairs. Travel back in time as you take in the elegant furnished rooms and step into the basement kitchen where hard-working servants prepared meals and house-keeping duties. Address: 7 Great George Street, Bristol BS1 5RR
Together, Bristol Museums deliver an award-winning and inspiring educational programme that meets the needs of all kinds of learning groups:
- Primary schools
- Secondary schools
- Home Educators
- Cubs, Beavers, Guides and Brownies
- Adult Learners
- Group travel organisers and coach groups
- Overseas students and EFL groups
- Early Years
For more details see Bristolmuseums.org.uk/learning.
What makes us a great choice for education?
“Bristol Museums are a place where history comes alive and creative minds thrive!
In the last three years Bristol Museums have engaged with 95% of Bristol Primary Schools. We have worked hard to make the museums accessible to all communities.
Experience our award-winning learning programme for yourself and let us take you on a journey of exciting handling sessions, costumed role-play, story-telling, gallery activities and career-inspiring meet the expert opportunities. You’ll encounter extraordinary museum objects and amazing artworks from some of the UK’s finest collections.
What’s keeping you in the classroom?”
Jane Hack, Senior Engagement Officer, Formal Learning at Bristol Museums
Accreditation and Awards
Bristol Museums offer an award-winning learning programme, with the following accreditations:
- The Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC) Quality Badge
- The Sandford Award for Heritage Education.
- The MAX Literacy Award
- In April 2019 Bristol museums also became winners of 3 ‘Hoop’ awards under the categories; ‘Best for Learning’, ‘Best for Holiday Workshops’ and ‘Best for Bring-along-baby’ activities.
What is typically included on our school trips?
The following school workshops are offered throughout the academic year aimed at different ages and Key Stages. We are continuously adapting and improving our learning offer to help you fulfill your curriculum:
Bristol Museum & Art Gallery:
- Ancient Egypt
- Rocks and Soils
- Discover Dinosaurs
- Ancient Greeks
- Stone Age to Iron Age
- Themed Art workshops
M Shed:
- Discover Chocolate
- Bristol at War
- Significant Bristol People
- Bristol and the Transatlantic Slave Trade
- Bristol through Time
Blaise House Museum
- Toys
- Habitats/Wildlife/Natural science
- At home with the Harfords(includes literacy/drama)
- Iron Age
- World War Two: Evacuation
- Archaeology in Action!
- Victorian Christmas
The Red Lodge Museum
- Tudor Portraits
The Georgian House Museum
- Time Travellers: Bristol in the 1700s
- English Adventure: Wordy Dot Wordsworth
Kings Weston Roman Villa
- Roman Life at Bristol’s Villa
Learning experiences are tailored to curriculum requirements, age and learning needs.
In addition, Bristol Museums run special events and exhibitions throughout the year such as Chinese New Year and the Wildlife Photographer of the Year and special learning experiences too like Dinosaur Takeover and an annual Philosothon for secondary school children.
Group Sizes Catered For
- Learning workshop are suitable for school groups of up to 35 children
- Special sessions are adapted for Home Educator groups
- Cubs, Guides, Brownies and Beavers are also catered for with the chance to earn badges
- Coach groups and adult learning groups are welcomed across the museums sites.
- Bristol Museums can tailor itineraries to meet your group travel needs. From behind the scenes tours and meet the curator experiences to special gallery talks and reserved café tables. The museums will strive to create a memorable experience for all.
Materials, Resources & Information Provided
- Teaching resources are available across many curriculum topics covered, including loan boxes with objects for children to handle.
- Bristol Museums also deliver in-school learning sessions and assemblies, including Bristol & the Transatlantic Slave Trade and Chinese New Year
- Learning materials are also available to support independent visits, such as the ABC activity trail of M Shed.
Photography, Filming & Audio Restrictions
- Photography is generally permitted across all museums.
- Please enquire at time of booking as some object matters maybe sensitive to light or copyright
- Film requests should go via Bristol Film Office.
- You are encouraged to share your photos with Bristol Museums via social media channels.
Risk Assessment Details
To make your planning easier, we have school visit risk assessments available for download via the website bristolmuseums.org.uk/learning.
These are tailored for specific workshops.
Education Officer Information
School and group enquiries should be directed to the Learning Team
- E-mail: museumbookings@bristol.gov.uk
- Telephone 0117 922 3567
- Complete an on-line enquiry form at bristolmuseums.org.uk
Pricing Information
Museum entry is Free. Groups must book in advance. Charges apply for learning sessions, exhibitions and special events.
School workshops range from £3-£6 per child depending on length of session and resources required. Accompanying adults are free. Most school workshops require a ratio of 1 adult for every 6 children.
Groups: 1 in 10 go free with an adult group booking.
For more details see Bristolmuseums.org.uk/learning.
Clothing Requirements
No, not unless specified at time of booking e.g. for outdoor based activities.
Some sessions encourage dressing up. For example in Tudor Portraits, children will have period costume to try on.
You may wish to encourage children to dress accordingly – for example schools have previously come as evacuees for World War Two and worn pirate hats for Ships & Sailors workshops.
First Aid Information
There will be staff on site who will be available and trained to perform First Aid in the event action is required.
Available Facilities
Bristol Museum & Art Gallery:
- Shop
- Café
- Breastfeeding friendly
- Toilets
- Baby changing
- Disabled toilet
- Lunch room
- Lift to all floors
- Venue Hire
M Shed:
- Shop
- Café
- Breastfeeding friendly
- Toilets
- Baby changing
- Disabled toilet
- Lunch room
- Lift to all floors
- Conference suite and studios – available for CPD events
- Easy access for coach pick-up and drop-off. Coach parking nearby.
**Both museums have lunch rooms that can be pre-booked for school visits**
The Historic Houses are a little more restricted. For details of facilities and access at each museum, see bristolmuseums.org.uk.
Accessibility & Disabled Facilities
Access varies from site to site. Please contact the museum you wish to visit directly to discuss your requirements. See website for details: bristolmuseums.org.uk
Concessions for disabled people. Assistance dogs welcome.
Opening Hours & Information
Bristol Museum & Art Gallery and M Shed
Open Tuesday – Sunday 10am-5pm.
Plus Bank Holiday Mondays and Mondays during school holidays.
The Historic Houses
Blaise Castle House Museum
Seasonal opening hours apply. Open Thursday to Sunday, 11am-4pm.
Plus Tuesdays and Wednesdays during Bristol School holidays.
Closed January – March.
See website for full opening days and times
The Georgian House Museum
Seasonal opening hours apply. Open Saturday – Tuesday, 11am-4pm.
Closed January – March.
See website for full details of opening times
The Red Lodge Museum
Seasonal opening hours apply. Open Saturday – Tuesday, 11am-4pm.
Closed January – March.
Testimonials
Bristol Museums are always getting positive feedback and thank you letters from schools. See individual workshop pages for testimonials. Here are some recent examples:
Bristol at War at M Shed…
“During the trip the children were able to handle artefacts, learn about the role of women during the war and experience life as an evacuee. For the trip, the children dressed in role and it was great to see so many little ‘evacuee’ children arriving at school… an excellent day was had by all.” - Key Stage 2 teacher
Tudor Portraits at The Red Lodge Museum…
“Dame Joan Young in role was a captivating surprise for the children and made the workshop purposeful, meaningful and exciting… The experience has always been excellent, but the new format was outstanding!” - Year 4 teacher
Discover Ancient Egypt at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery…
“My class had a wonderful time in the Egypt workshop. They learnt so much and I really liked the way the children were having to use primary evidence. It’s sometimes quite a tricky thing to do in schools.” - SENCO, Junior School
Other Information
Bristol Museums produces a Learning Newsletter issued once a term. This is an informative way of keeping up to date with latest workshops, exhibitions, news and special offers Sign up for your copy.
