School Visits

Our Museum Education Service caters for the Foundation Stage as well as Key Stages one and two.

Younger children learn about the Victorians through: domestic life with hands-on washing, etc. and also Victorian leisure by playing with the toys of the period. They ‘attend’ our Victorian School. and in our role play we stage weddings and/or baptisms (bring your own doll!). They can learn about Durham City through our displays. There is lots of dressing-up so don’t forget your cameras.

Older children can choose from: Various aspects of Coal Mining, Crime and Punishment through the ages, Brass Rubbing, Drama Workshops and learn about Durham’s History from St. Cuthbert onwards through the museum’s displays.  

Who Do You Think You Are?

On the days listed below the children get a name from the period as they arrive and later get a potted biography when they find out if they are rich or poor, single or married, young or old, etc.

A Tudor Day: This can include brass rubbing, the planting of herbs, Tudor apothecaries, famous Tudors, drama workshops: ‘The Rising of the North’ and also a Mummers’ play.

A Victorian Day: A session in our Victorian school, brass rubbing, Victorian leisure, life in the Workhouse, Victorian domestic life, Victorian crimes and punishments. N.B. our drama workshops link with Victorian crimes.

A Second World War Day: This comprises: Life as a Bevin Boy, rationing with a tasting session, investigating a P.O.W. food parcel, a poster competition with prizes, plus drama workshops involving Evacuees and ‘The Home Guard’.

We are open from the February half term until the beginning of November. We can accommodate up to 32 children per visit. There is a garden where you can have lunch and also a gallery, should the weather be poor. We charge £2 for a half day visit and £3 for a whole day i.e. 10am to 2.15pm.

As well as Museum-based activities, outreach is also available - for more information, please contact 0191 3867848.

We guarantee you a very warm welcome!