School Trips at Bristol Museums
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Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, Queens Road, Bristol, Avon, BS8 1RL
MONTHS OPEN
DAYS OPEN
AGE GROUPS SERVED
Listed under: Victorian Educational Tour | 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 part of the Culture & Creative Industries at Bristol City Council. The collection of historical sites includes:
- M Shed
- Bristol Museum & Art Gallery
- Blaise Museum
- The Red Lodge Museum
- The Georgian House Museum
- Kings Weston Roman Villa
- Bristol Archives
See website for latest learning sessions across all sites: Bristolmuseums.org.uk/learning
Online activities including webinars and online resources are also offered along with along with loan boxes for local schools and CPD opportunities. Workshops and webinars are also available for Home Educating Families. Each museum has its own unique learning experiences, objects and displays to explore:
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 artworks from the Renaissance to the present, 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 immerse 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 their 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 traffic in enslaved Africans, 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.
Explore three public galleries (Bristol Life, Bristol Places and Bristol People), ground-breaking 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.
Address: Princes Wharf, Wapping Road, Bristol BS1 4RN
Blaise Museum
Step back in time at Blaise 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, A Victorian Christmas, and natural science workshops. 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. Immerse yourself in the splendour of the Great Oak Room, see the beautifully restored knot garden, the 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. Address: Park Row, Bristol BS1 5LJ
The Georgian House Museum
Wander through this period house museum, originally built around 1790 and once home to a Bristol sugar plantation 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 for:
- Primary schools
- Secondary schools
- Home Educators
- Adult Learners
- Group travel organisers and coach groups
- Overseas students and EFL groups
- Early Years
- Teachers
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 five years Bristol Museums have engaged with 94% of Bristol Primary Schools. We have worked hard to make the museums accessible to all communities and continue to do so.
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.
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 support 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
- Ships and Sailors
- Brilliant Bristolians
- Bristol and the Transatlantic Traffic in Enslaved Africans
Blaise Museum:
- Toys
- Habitats/Wildlife/Natural science
- Iron Age
- Victorian Christmas
The Red Lodge Museum:
- Tudor Portraits
The Georgian House Museum
- 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 Lunar New Year and the Wildlife Photographer of the Year and special learning experiences too, like Dinosaur Takeover and an annual Philosothon for secondary school students.
Group Sizes Catered For
- Learning workshop are suitable for school groups of up to 35 children
- Special sessions are available for Home Educator groups
- Coach groups and adult learning groups are welcomed across the museums
- Groups of 10 or more must be booked in advance
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.
Materials, Resources & Information Provided
- Teaching resources are available across many curriculum topics including loan boxes with objects for children to handle.
- Bristol Museums also deliver webinars and online assemblies.
- Topic-based museum guides are also available to support independent visits
- Online resources to support teaching on a wide variety of History topics for KS2-4 students
Photography, Filming & Audio Restrictions
- Photography is generally permitted across all museums.
- Please enquire at time of booking as some object matters may be sensitive to light or copyright
- Filming requests should go via Bristol Film Office.
- You are encouraged to share your photos with Bristol Museums and Bristol Museums Learning 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.
In some cases you will receive the risk assessment upon booking.
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 and optional dressing up.
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.
