Visits by educational groups

We welcome visits by school groups engaged in school projects and curriculum teaching. We are keen to support teachers in using the Museum as a learning resource.

A visit affords a unique opportunity for illustrating, in model form, how the Vale of White Horse countryside looked in the early 1930’s, with special reference to geography, landscape, buildings, road and rail transport, farming and domestic life. We also illustrate rail operations in the twenties and thirties.

Planning your visit

We arrange these visits during school hours on weekdays throughout the year with the exception of December and when the Museum is open for public viewing. You can see our public opening times here.

We recommend that teachers make a prior visit on an ordinary weekend opening. For teachers planning an educational visit we issue a complimentary ticket for free admission to a public showing. Please contact our office to arrange this.

The exhibits at the Museum are not suitable for children under 7 years of age as most exhibits are 1.4 metres above floor level.

Fees for educational visits associated with curriculum teaching

The minimum charge is £45.00 and this covers entrance for 20 persons. It is payable in advance and should accompany the Booking Form. (click to download)

There is an additional charge of £2.00 per head for parties exceeding 20 in number up to a maximum of sixty. This payment is due at the time of admission, or it can be made in advance if preferred.

Arranging a visit

Please apply in writing to the Museum addressing your request to the Special Shows organiser. Bookings should be made at least three weeks in advance of a proposed visit.

We will confirm your booking in writing.

During the visit

We insist on close and adequate supervision at all times and we require the following ratio of adult supervisors to children, made up of teachers, volunteers and parents.

Primary Schools – 1 adult to each 5 or 6 children

Secondary Schools – 1 adult to each 10 to 12 children

A member of school staff must be in overall charge of the party and, for safety reasons, children may not move unsupervised between sections of the Museum.

Museum staff do not supervise children directly.