Hands-On Learning
Our interactive gallery and garden spaces welcome children of all ages, including those with special educational needs, to explore, learn, and enjoy at their own pace.
Touch, create and explore
We encourage learning through hands-on exploration, creativity, and play. In our bright, welcoming interactive Gallery 6 you can handle over 400 objects, explore the collections up close, add to the community art gallery, or enjoy a quiet moment in the book corner.
Trails and Activities
Pick up one of our self-guided trails at the Welcome Space. Each trail encourages exploration, observation, and playful learning, from How to Be a Museum Curator to seasonal adventures like Easter egg hunts or bone-rattling challenges.
We also offer special family-friendly craft activities throughout the year. Check our What’s On page for workshops, drop-in sessions and seasonal events.
Outdoor fun for all
Our heritage gardens are great for free play, exploring, and family adventures. Walk along colourful borders, listen to nature, have a picnic on the lawns, or grab one of our garden games.
Sensory & Fidget Backpacks
We want every visit welcoming and accessible for families with children who have special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Our sensory and fidget backpacks contain a range of items to enhance the visit, including ear defenders, torches, talking tiles, textures, poppet toys, and activity boards.
What’s in a Backpack?
- Fidget Backpack: Ear defenders, animal puppet, squishy toy, 3-minute timer, torch, poppet toy, sunglasses, glitter wand, safari click-clack cube, magnifying glass, activity board, museum map.
- Sensory Backpack: Torch, ear defenders, talking tiles, smell boxes, fabric and texture swatches, sunglasses, magnifying glass, animal puppet, poppet toy, activity board, museum map.
All backpacks are free to borrow. Please return them to the Welcome Space before you leave.
