School Visits
We offer hands-on, engaging school visits exploring curriculum themes through real objects, stories and spaces.
We are open all year for school visits
We are delighted to confirm that we are open all year for school visits, Monday through to Thursday, for both self-led and facilitated workshops. Visits must be pre-booked.
Schools visits to the museum are available all year, Monday-Thursday, priced between £4.50 and £9.00 + VAT per student depending on the activity.
Groups will have exclusive use of Gallery 6 (our dedicated learning space) and priority access to the museum. A minimum charge of £100 applies to workshops for groups with fewer than 15 students.
All facilitated visits include time for self-led exploration and the option of a free teacher familiarisation visit, which we highly recommend booking in advance
Find out more about our exciting selection of workshops below, and get in touch via our Booking Enquiry Form.
Please read our Booking, Cancellation and Refund Policy when making a booking enquiry.
Why visit the Powell-Cotton Museum?
A museum visit brings classroom learning to life. Our unique natural history collections offer pupils the rare chance to encounter real animal specimens up close supporting learning around:
- Animals and their habitats
- Adaptation and classification
- Evolution and biodiversity
- Human impacts on the natural world
Seeing these objects in person encourages deeper questioning, careful observation and scientific thinking in a way that screens simply can’t replicate. Our school sessions are designed to complement the curriculum while nurturing curiosity, discussion and critical thinking.
Find out more about our exciting selection of workshops below, and get in touch via our Booking Enquiry Form.
Please read our Booking, Cancellation and Refund Policy when making a booking enquiry.
Have a question or want to plan a visit?
Get in touch with our Learning team to discuss bookings, workshops and tailored learning opportunities
Our Workshops
Our curriculum-linked workshops bring learning to life at the Powell-Cotton Museum.
Designed for school groups, each session uses our collections to support classroom learning through discussion, hands-on activities, and enquiry-based exploration.
What Am I?
KS1 & 2
Have you ever wondered what a Museum Curator does?
Learn how to investigate and read objects by looking closely, asking questions, and making deductions using objects from the Museum’s collection which includes textiles, musical instruments, and world culture items.
Curriculum Links: History; PSHE.
Museum Safari
KS1 & 2
Explore the Museum’s animal dioramas. See different habitats that Percy experienced and spot some of the incredible animals that he encountered. This session focuses on adaptation, food chains, and habitats.
Curriculum links: Science
Percy’s Travels
KS1 & 2
This is an interactive storytelling session where your group uses objects, drawings, and clues to find out about the real-life travels of Percy Powell-Cotton. Become a detective and use the objects and clues to decide what you think happened when Percy met a lion. Then listen to Percy’s account to see if you were right.
Curriculum links: English; History.
Drawing from Nature
KS1 & 2
Drawing from Nature brings Art and Science together by looking closely and drawing our collection of animal skulls and bird taxidermy. It’s a fascinating way to compare animals and look at their teeth. This session works well with Museum Safari.
Curriculum links: Art; Science
Adinkra Textile Printing Workshop
KS1 to 4
In this hands-on workshop, learn about the traditional printing techniques of the Adinkra people from Ghana West Africa and the symbols used in their designs. Explore the basics of printmaking using traditional Adinkra Symbols and learn what they represent to create and block print cloth to hang up in the classroom.
Curriculum Links: Art, Printing, Geography, History, Africa Around the world, Maths
Mbitim’s Pottery Workshop
KS1 to 4
In this hands-on workshop, learn about the ceramic artist Mbitim, the Zande (South Sudanese) Potter. Discover how he made beautifully designed coil pots with tools he found in his surroundings. Children will learn how to use clay and tools to produce original work in the style of Mbitim.
Curriculum Links: Art, Pottery, Geography, History, Africa Around the world
Need to know more?
Our FAQs are designed to help teachers and group leaders plan a smooth and enjoyable visit.
Here you’ll find practical information on pricing, group sizes, booking and cancellation, lunch arrangements, risk assessments, and how to prepare for your visit. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, our Learning team will be happy to help.
How much? Is there a minimum charge for school groups?
Schools visits to the museum are priced between £4.50 and £9.00 + VAT per student depending on the activity.
A minimum charge of £100 applies to workshops for groups with fewer than 15 students
How many students and teachers can we bring?
We can welcome up to 70 children per day.
If your group has more than 30 pupils, you’ll need to book at least two workshops.
For groups under 10 pupils, a minimum charge of £100 applies. If you’re bringing a smaller group due to additional needs, please contact us to discuss pricing.
Supervision ratios:
1:4 for Reception
1:6 for KS1
1:8 for KS2
1:10 for KS3
Please note: these ratios do not cover one-to-one support, and at least two adults must accompany every group.
All workshops are delivered by our experienced Learning Team. However, group behaviour remains the responsibility of visiting staff, who must supervise pupils at all times.
How do I book / enquiry form link
Please make a booking enquiry by completing the online Booking Enquiry Form provided.
Please ensure you read our Booking, Cancellation and Refund Policy when making a booking enquiry.
Can I make a familiarisation visit?
We are happy for you to pop in for a familiarisation visit between 10:00 am-15:00 pm.
Please get in touch at learning@powell-cottonmuseum.org and we will arrange a time and date.
Can we have lunch at the museum?
We are happy for schools to bring a picnic and enjoy the lawns to the back of the museum. If requested in advance, we can provisionally book our function room as a back up plan for wet weather, however taking lunch outdoors will be the preferred plan.
Have you got a risk assessment?
Yes, please view our standard Risk Assessment here.
We are happy to discuss and amend risk assessments with teachers to ensure a safe and well-planned visit.
Booking & cancellation policy
We understand that plans can change. If your group size changes after booking, please let us know as early as possible ideally at least 30 days before your visit. This helps us ensure appropriate staffing, resources, and space.
Cancellations:
More than 30 days before your visit No charge applies.
Within 21 days of the visit 50% of booking cost retained
Within 14 days of the visit 75% of booking cost retained
Within 7 days of the visit 100% of booking cost retained
All cancellations and changes to group size must be confirmed in writing by email to the Learning Team.
For more information please look at our Cancellation Policy
