Our amazing historic home offers a unique sense of place that will bring learning alive like nowhere else. Your group can delve into the history of the fire service within the walls of a once-operational fire station, learning more about the brigade by exploring our historic engine house and our ‘Fiery Blaze to Fire Brigade’ exhibition. What’s more, the breadth of our museum archive lets your group get up close and personal with their topic in a unique way. From equipment that illustrates how the Great Fire of London was fought, to understanding the experiences of World War II through interaction with original objects, we can bring history to life for the youngest to the oldest visitor. Our fleet of amazing vehicles – from 200-year-old fire engines to a full-sized RNLI lifeboat – adds another exciting dimension for learners. Groups enjoying our guided learning workshops engage with their subject through hands-on interaction with real items from our collection, while costumed characters help visitors engage with the people of the past. The museum’s exhibitions – covering everything from the history of the fire service to the modern emergency services – add an extra dimension to every visit, providing an amazing and unique backdrop for your workshop.
What activities are available during educational visits?
We offer a selection of in-house workshops, delivered by our learning and discovery team, which include time to explore the museum. We also welcome school trips wishing to undertake self-guided tours.
Guts and Gore; Medicine through time is the ideal workshop for students studying topics that include medical history at GCSE level, supported by our Blood, Bandages and Blue Lights exhibition telling the story of the ambulance service. Using the primary sources interpreted within the exhibition, students are given a hands-on learning experience in an engaging and alternative learning environment. They will engage with the objects and stories, challenging what they tell us and highlighting the relevance of history study within the wider world.
Which curriculum topics do we cater for?
Biology School Trip
MedicineHealth disease and the development of medicines (KS3/4)Human Body
Our Blood, Bandages and Blue Lights exhibition, telling the story of the ambulance service, presents a wonderful opportunity to GCSE students studying topics that include medical history. Using the primary sources interpreted within the exhibition, students are given a hands-on learning experience in an engaging and alternative learning environment. They will engage with the objects and stories, challenging what they tell us and highlighting the relevance of history study within the wider world.
What size groups do we cater for?
For guided workshops we can usually cater for single groups of up to 70, dependent on the workshop(s) required. Numbers for self-guided visits are dependent on availability and must be pre-booked. Contact the museum for more information.
On-site classroom facilities?
Two fully-equipped learning and discovery rooms are available at the museum. Groups visiting us for guided workshops are given exclusive access to these during their visits for classroom work and as a space to eat packed lunches. They can also be made available as a lunch space to self-guided groups, dependent on availability.
Is there first aid on site?
Yes, We have a First Aider on site during your visit however school groups should provide there own first aid cover.
Access for visitors with disabilities
Yes, Our workshops can be adapted to suit everyone's needs.
Visitors with Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Yes, Our workshops can be adapted to suit everyone's needs.
Anything else?
Our workshop is a full day (10am-2pm), All group visits must be booked in advance.
We are bursting with school trip ideas on places that deliver first class teaching both outside the classroom and as in-school workshops. Feel free to use our tailor-made trip form and we can help you find the perfect experience for your class!