School Visits
A visit to the museum offers children a tactile, engaging and fun experience
We are open all year for UK school visits by pre-appointment. We offer special ‘home-educator’ days for home-educating families to experience the museum during term time. We have a loans box service for UK Schools and have updated our workshops to complement a museum visit. Our learning offer is adaptable for all needs and we will discuss any special requirements your students have during the booking process.
Loans Boxes
Bring the Museum to your classroom with one of our loans boxes
SEND
We have put together a variety of resources to help plan visits for SEND students, ensuring their experience is tailored to their needs
Home Educators
Take a look at our home educators page for the latest open days. Open days are planned in collaboration with home educator networks.
Learning Resources
Explore our learning resources full of historical facts, insights and fun activities. Created to support teaching and learning in the galleries, the classroom and at home.
Important Notice for Schools: Disruptions to School Visits Due to Roof Repair Project
Dear Teachers and Educators,
We want to inform you that our museum is undergoing essential roof repairs as part of the MEND Roof Project, which will be taking place from now until May 2025. During this period, there will be disruptions to our usual school visit experience, as some galleries will be temporarily closed or have limited access.
We are working closely with contractors to ensure that these works cause minimal impact on your school visits, and we are committed to offering alternative arrangements where possible. However, please note that some areas, including key galleries, may not be accessible during this time. If your planned visit is affected, our team will contact you to discuss options.
For schools looking to book visits between now and April, we recommend getting in touch with us directly to confirm gallery availability and plan your visit accordingly. We are happy to help you navigate the closures and ensure that your students still enjoy a valuable and educational experience.
Thank you for your understanding and patience as we complete these essential repairs. We look forward to welcoming you and your students back for an exciting and uninterrupted experience once the project is complete.
For any questions or assistance in booking, please don’t hesitate to contact our team at learning@powell-cottonmuseum.org
Best regards,
Emma-Jayne
Head of Learning
Meet the learning team
When you contact our learning team you will talk to:
Emma-Jayne Hamlington
Head of Learning
Powell-Cotton Museum, Quex House and Gardens
Alison Day
Learning and Engagement Officer
Powell-Cotton Museum, Quex House and Gardens
Janice Le Corney
Learning and Engagement Officer
Powell-Cotton Museum, Quex House and Gardens
Emily Anderson
Loans Box Coordinator
Powell-Cotton Museum, Quex House and Gardens
Calling all curious creators! Home Educators – this one’s for you...
Join us on Thursday 22nd May at the Powell-Cotton Museum for a day of hands-on optical fun as we explore the science behind early photography and make our very own Camera Obscuras!
You can learn how this simple invention helped shape the way we capture the world around us – then build one to take home and experiment with at our next Home Education event.
As well as time to explore the museum and gardens, we’ll also have a selection of historic photography objects from our collections out on display for you to investigate.
This event has limited spaces – book now via our website to avoid missing out!
TIMES:
10 am – 11 am: Quiet hour – by request, this first hour is for families who need a calmer space to accommodate their SEND needs.
11 am – 2 pm: General admission for home-educating families. Includes entry to the museum and Quex Gardens.
📍 Suitable for children aged 4 years and older.
👩👧 Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
#Learning #homeeducators #homeeducatorskents #cameraobscura #creativity
Calling all curious creators! Home Educators – this one’s for you...
Join us on Thursday 22nd May at the Powell-Cotton Museum for a day of hands-on optical fun as we explore the science behind early photography and make our very own Camera Obscuras!
You can learn how this simple invention helped shape the way we capture the world around us – then build one to take home and experiment with at our next Home Education event.
As well as time to explore the museum and gardens, we’ll also have a selection of historic photography objects from our collections out on display for you to investigate.
This event has limited spaces – book now via our website to avoid missing out!
TIMES:
10 am – 11 am: Quiet hour – by request, this first hour is for families who need a calmer space to accommodate their SEND needs.
11 am – 2 pm: General admission for home-educating families. Includes entry to the museum and Quex Gardens.
📍 Suitable for children aged 4 years and older.
👩👧 Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
#Learning #homeeducators #homeeducatorskents #cameraobscura #creativity
We had a great day with budding artists from Dover Grammar School for Girls last week.
They got creative with clay and enjoyed time sketching in the galleries ready to start their GCSE work in September.
Have you booked your school visit for next year?
Take a look at our website to see the range of workshops we offer or drop us a line to find out how we can work with you.
#schoolsinmuseums #learning #schoolvisit #schooltrips #kidsinmuseums #teachers
We had a great day with budding artists from Dover Grammar School for Girls last week.
They got creative with clay and enjoyed time sketching in the galleries ready to start their GCSE work in September.
Have you booked your school visit for next year?
Take a look at our website to see the range of workshops we offer or drop us a line to find out how we can work with you.
#schoolsinmuseums #learning #schoolvisit #schooltrips #kidsinmuseums #teachers
Calling all Home Educators! Join us on Thursday 27th June, for a hands-on workshop where you`ll learn to create beautiful and unique prints using plants and flowers. Dive into the magical world of cyanotypes and experiment with various techniques that bring your prints to life with vibrant blue tones and intricate details.
Additional prints may have a small charge. Please wear weather-appropriate clothing for our outdoor adventure.
We look forward to seeing you there! Let your creativity bloom! #Learning #HomeEducators #homeeducatorskent
@Visit Kent @Visit Thanet- Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate @Kent Attractions
Calling all Home Educators! Join us on Thursday 27th June, for a hands-on workshop where you`ll learn to create beautiful and unique prints using plants and flowers. Dive into the magical world of cyanotypes and experiment with various techniques that bring your prints to life with vibrant blue tones and intricate details.
Additional prints may have a small charge. Please wear weather-appropriate clothing for our outdoor adventure.
We look forward to seeing you there! Let your creativity bloom! #Learning #HomeEducators #homeeducatorskent
@Visit Kent @Visit Thanet- Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate @Kent Attractions
Happy #InternationalPicnicDay! Join us for not one, but TWO enchanting Teddy Bears Picnics this summer!
We can’t promise the sun will shine, but we can give you a magical time. Discover, play and learn!
Dive into a world of imagination with our giant fuzzy felts!
Explore the museum and gardens.
Bring your delicious picnic and treat yourself and your cuddly companions to a day of relaxation and fun in our gardens.
Surestart loyalty cards are welcome. These are given to users of Thanet Children’s Centres on request and admit adults and over 5’s for £1 each, under 5’s go free.
#Learning
@Visit Kent @Visit Thanet- Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate @Kent Attractions
Happy #InternationalPicnicDay! Join us for not one, but TWO enchanting Teddy Bears Picnics this summer!
We can’t promise the sun will shine, but we can give you a magical time. Discover, play and learn!
Dive into a world of imagination with our giant fuzzy felts!
Explore the museum and gardens.
Bring your delicious picnic and treat yourself and your cuddly companions to a day of relaxation and fun in our gardens.
Surestart loyalty cards are welcome. These are given to users of Thanet Children’s Centres on request and admit adults and over 5’s for £1 each, under 5’s go free.
#Learning
@Visit Kent @Visit Thanet- Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate @Kent Attractions
Did you attend our Home Education Event in April - Frankenfruit?
We`d love to see how your plants are doing!
Janice from our Learning Team has shared her plant with us to show how much it has grown.... so big that she had to re-pot it!
How big are your plants? Share your photos below.
#Learning
Did you attend our Home Education Event in April - Frankenfruit?
We`d love to see how your plants are doing!
Janice from our Learning Team has shared her plant with us to show how much it has grown.... so big that she had to re-pot it!
How big are your plants? Share your photos below.
#Learning
Calling all nature lovers!
Join us for our next home educators` day on Thursday May 23rd. Explore our gardens to discover the brilliant birds who live here and make your own feeder to take home and lay on a feast for your feathered friends.
#Learning #Creative #Nature
@VisitKent @VisitThanet @BestKentAttractions
Calling all nature lovers!
Join us for our next home educators` day on Thursday May 23rd. Explore our gardens to discover the brilliant birds who live here and make your own feeder to take home and lay on a feast for your feathered friends.
#Learning #Creative #Nature
@VisitKent @VisitThanet @BestKentAttractions
Calling all little explorers! Join us for an exciting Big Bug Adventure where you can discover, play, and learn about fascinating insects in our gardens. Join in the interactive storytelling sessions with bug-themed books - it`s the perfect way to spark curiosity and creativity in young minds!
#Surestart #Learning
@VisitKent @VisitThanet @KentAttractions @Thanet_Childrens_Centres
Calling all little explorers! Join us for an exciting Big Bug Adventure where you can discover, play, and learn about fascinating insects in our gardens. Join in the interactive storytelling sessions with bug-themed books - it`s the perfect way to spark curiosity and creativity in young minds!
#Surestart #Learning
@VisitKent @VisitThanet @KentAttractions @Thanet_Childrens_Centres
Time is running out, and spaces are filling up fast for school visits this year!
If you`re eager to enhance your Science, Art, English, History, Geography, or PSHE lessons in a unique setting, don`t delay. Visit our website or give our friendly Learning Team a call today to secure your spot before it`s too late.
#Learning
@VisitKent @VisitThanet @BestKentAttractions
Time is running out, and spaces are filling up fast for school visits this year!
If you`re eager to enhance your Science, Art, English, History, Geography, or PSHE lessons in a unique setting, don`t delay. Visit our website or give our friendly Learning Team a call today to secure your spot before it`s too late.
#Learning
@VisitKent @VisitThanet @BestKentAttractions
When visiting us on Good Friday and Easter Sunday, meet our special guest, Kate from RSPB! Explore Kate’s interactive wildlife display showcasing different habitats and learn all about the fascinating creatures that call them home. Learn about RSPB’s conservation efforts, educational programs, and explore the wonders of local reserves. Join RSPB in protecting our precious wildlife and spreading awareness for a greener, healthier planet!
#Learning #WildlifeConvservation #Easter
@rspb @visitthanet @visitkent @kentattractions
When visiting us on Good Friday and Easter Sunday, meet our special guest, Kate from RSPB! Explore Kate’s interactive wildlife display showcasing different habitats and learn all about the fascinating creatures that call them home. Learn about RSPB’s conservation efforts, educational programs, and explore the wonders of local reserves. Join RSPB in protecting our precious wildlife and spreading awareness for a greener, healthier planet!
#Learning #WildlifeConvservation #Easter
@rspb @visitthanet @visitkent @kentattractions
Exciting news! Following the wonderful success of our thunder drum-making adventure, we can’t wait to share what’s in store for our Home Education Day on April 25th. Drumroll, please... Our theme for the day will be the amazing world of plants! Stay tuned for more details coming your way soon!
We’re full of excitement to dive into the fascinating realm of plants with you. From getting our hands dirty with plant-based crafts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
So mark your calendars and get ready to embark on a green adventure with us. Let’s celebrate the beauty and wonder of nature together on April 25th! See you there!
#learning #homeeducation
@visitkent @visitthanet - Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate @KentAttractions
Exciting news! Following the wonderful success of our thunder drum-making adventure, we can’t wait to share what’s in store for our Home Education Day on April 25th. Drumroll, please... Our theme for the day will be the amazing world of plants! Stay tuned for more details coming your way soon!
We’re full of excitement to dive into the fascinating realm of plants with you. From getting our hands dirty with plant-based crafts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
So mark your calendars and get ready to embark on a green adventure with us. Let’s celebrate the beauty and wonder of nature together on April 25th! See you there!
#learning #homeeducation
@visitkent @visitthanet - Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate @KentAttractions
Calling all parents and guardians of under 5s! Join us on Friday 15th March, for the kick-off of our Friendly Fridays in collaboration with Surestart Children’s Centres. Bring your little ones for a day of fun, learning, and laughter, exploring the animal kingdom through stories and play. Discover animals that awake when the sun goes down and follow the trail to see how many nocturnal creatures you can find.
#Learning
@visitkent @visitthanet @kentattractions
Calling all parents and guardians of under 5s! Join us on Friday 15th March, for the kick-off of our Friendly Fridays in collaboration with Surestart Children’s Centres. Bring your little ones for a day of fun, learning, and laughter, exploring the animal kingdom through stories and play. Discover animals that awake when the sun goes down and follow the trail to see how many nocturnal creatures you can find.
#Learning
@visitkent @visitthanet @kentattractions
We continue to celebrate #WomensHistoryMonth with our Female of the Species tours every weekend throughout March. Embark on a journey of empowerment and discovery with our female-focused tour, where you`ll uncover the surprising pursuit of women as hunters and collectors as well as learning about the artisans that created our newest collection, Nambian Narratives. Tours are included with your standard admission ticket.
#WomensHistoryMonth #InternationalWomensDay #Learning #ReimaginingTheMuseum #MuseumMaker
@visitkent @visitthanet @kentattractions
We continue to celebrate #WomensHistoryMonth with our Female of the Species tours every weekend throughout March. Embark on a journey of empowerment and discovery with our female-focused tour, where you`ll uncover the surprising pursuit of women as hunters and collectors as well as learning about the artisans that created our newest collection, Nambian Narratives. Tours are included with your standard admission ticket.
#WomensHistoryMonth #InternationalWomensDay #Learning #ReimaginingTheMuseum #MuseumMaker
@visitkent @visitthanet @kentattractions