What is it?
Archives and Libraries are generally physical locations in which there are expansive collections of certain objects, most commonly books and historical records. There can be more specific types of archives and libraries with more specialist content, but the most largest and most popular types encompass a wide selection of topics.
What does it involve?
Visiting an archive or a library generally comes from a desire to further research a specific subject, but it can also be to use the resources available, such as computers, scanners or a newspaper microfiche machine.
Why do it and what are the benefits?
Libraries are incredibly important places for learning, as they can provide a safe space for studying and the freedom for the students to educate themselves in pretty much whatever topic they have interest in. A lot of libraries and archives also put on activities and groups to encourage independent reading and learning.
What equipment do we need?
You shouldn’t need to provide any equipment for a visit to a library or an archive! The venue should have everything you need, but if you have a specific study activity in mind you should always check beforehand to see what they are set up for.
Who is it suitable for?
Archives and libraries are generally reasonably quiet places, so noisier groups of young children may not be as welcome – however, it will depend on the venue, as some will have dedicated children’s corners!
Costs?
Libraries are generally free to access! Some more specialist archives may have an entry fee, but if you research beforehand you shouldn’t come across any surprise costs.
Issues/Things to think about? (unsuitable for age groups, medical conditions etc)
Make sure to tailor any trips to an archive or a library to the needs and interests of the group of students!
How do we include?
Most venues will have great disabled access! Everybody should be able to join in with a visit, but always check beforehand if you have concerns about your group of students.
Doing it abroad?
There are libraries and archives all around the world, and visiting one whilst abroad can be fantastic for getting some more detailed information on local history and culture!
Main website:
Consult individual venue websites to see their specifics.
Bailiffgate Museum and Gallery is a people’s Museum, where fascinating stories of the past are told about the town and district of Alnwick. A historic building in the town’s Castle Quarter, which was previously a church, provides a calm and beautiful setting in which to celebrate our distinctive heritage, hold exhibitions and host events.
Schools
Ayscoughfee Hall Museum is set in a Medieval Hall dating back to around 1451. This fascinating grade I listed building includes exhibitions, displays and educational opportunities for all to enjoy.
There's always something going on at Ayscoughfee, whether it's concerts, theatrical performances, craft sessions or art exhibitions.
Malmesbury’s pretty old; archaeological digs have shown there was a Neolithic fort here around 2,500 BC so people have lived here for four and a half thousand years! So Malmesbury may be the oldest town in the country.
It claims as well to be the oldest borough as King Alfred (you know, the king that burnt the cakes) granted a charter to the town in 880 AD.
Explore the life of Beatrix Potter one of the most iconic and influential figures of the Lake District at the Armitt Museum.
Armagh Public Library, the oldest library in Northern Ireland, was founded in 1771 by Archbishop Richard Robinson as part of his plans to establish a university and to improve the city of Armagh. Built to the design of Thomas Cooley, the building has housed both the Library and the Library Keeper's residence from the start.
The oldest county museum in Ireland is set in Armagh's beautiful Georgian tree lined Mall. Its collections capture centuries of stories relating to the people who lived, worked and had connections with this famous city and historic county.
FHT Travel Ltd provides a knowledgeable and professional student group travel services, with bespoke visits based on each institute’s subject specialism needs and offering great value for money. Whilst away, a full and varied programme can be arranged, giving students the ideal opportunity to enhance their studies away from the institute.
ABTA and ATOL Bonded
The Aldeburgh Museum is housed in one of the most important timber-framed public buildings in England. Dating from the first half of the 16th Century it originally contained six small shops on the ground floor and a spacious meeting chamber on the first floor. The Town Council still meets here today and it provides an attractive display area for the Museum.
Discover Eastleigh’s past, and meet Mr and Mrs Brown a local locomotive engine driver and his wife. There is always something new to see with a regularly changing programme of special exhibitions, workshops, talks and events, plus Family Friendly activities, cafe, and gifts.
This unique collection interprets the rich architectural history of Bath and the men who transformed a provincial town into the world famous Georgian Spa. It demonstrates how classical design influenced the buildings and illustrates the construction of a house from the cellars to the rafters.
We cater for Key Stages 1 to 4.
Charnwood Museum features a wide range of exhibits reflecting the history, geology, archaeology and industries of Charnwood and the surrounding area. Permanent displays include ‘Coming to Charnwood’, ‘The Natural World of Charnwood’, ‘Living off the Land’ and ‘Earning a Living’.
There's so much to do at the newly refurbished Manchester Central Library:
Book a tour of the magnificent Grade 1 listed Bruce Castle with one of the curators? See behind the scenes. Discover more about the history of the building and the fascinating people who lived here.
Schools
Fermanagh County Museum is a registered museum, under the MLA Accreditation Scheme for museums. The museum is located within and around the historic Enniskillen Castle and was established in 1976 by Fermanagh District Council. The museum collections reflect Fermanagh's history, culture and environment.
With its majestic Norman nave and glorious 13th century chapter house, this is a great little stop to get the kids' imaginations going.
It's what you wish to make of it, but a valuable stop whether taken as educational, religious or whimsical.
Discover the history of lead mining in the Peak District and how it has shaped the landscape since Roman times. Interactive exhibits and climbing tunnels for the kids. Lots of relics to see, plus hundreds of rock and mineral specimens.
Fairlynch Museum and Arts Centre is one of the very few thatched museums in the UK. The building, a typical example of a 'marine cottage orné' and Grade II listed, dates from 1811.
The museum opened in 1967. It aims, for educational and general interest to exhibit artefacts and information about the history and development of Budleigh Salterton and the Lower Otter Valley.
Most of the Society’s archive is housed, by kind permission of the family of the Boer War hero, General Sir Redvers Buller, at their home, the historic Downes, on the edge of the town. Access to this is by appointment only and material is usually brought to the museum in High Street for examination.
Strabane District Council established its Museum service in 1997. The core of the councils museum collection is formed by "The Dunbar Collection". This is a collection which encompasses several collection areas such as photography, Victoriana, Militaria, fine arts and folklife.
The Menin Gate Memorial to the Missing is a war memorial in Ypres, Belgium, dedicated to over 54,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers who were killed in the Ypres salient in World War I and whose graves are unknown. The memorial is located at the eastern exit of the town and marks the starting point for one of the main roads out of the town that led Allied soldiers to the front line.
Discover 300 years of history and over 1 million objects that changed the world in the UK's largest railway museum.
Includes a huge array of locomotives, including the Mallard, a replica of Stephenson's Rocket, Hogwart's Express, the Queen's coach, the Duchess of Hamilton and Japan's high speed train Shinkansen.
Climb aboard locomotives, be a signalman and walk underneath 80 tons of metal!
Follow the incredible story of the GWR through lots of imaginative displays and plenty of hands-on exhibits. Build a bridge and shunt wagons. Have a go at putting a locomotive together. Take a ride on our train-driving simulator.
A truly children-friendly museum with loads of drop in artsy and fun sessions plus interactive elements in all their exhibits. Trails, toddler sessions and plenty more to keep kids happy and interested. Free, too!
With plenty for the kids and a new archaeology gallery, the North Lincs Museum has a lot to offer!
Narberth Museum has just opened in the historic Bonded Stores. Discover more about the people and places that made this ancient market town. Lots of hands-on fun and interactive exhibits for families whatever the weather.
A world-famous stone circle and on-site museum at the heart of a prehistoric landscape.
With its huge circular bank and ditch and inner circle of great standing stones, covering an area of over 28 acres, Avebury forms one of the most impressive prehistoric sites in Britain.
The Bushcraft Company offer residential school trips with a difference, taking students into the wild and giving them real back-to-nature experiences they will never forget.
A 15-year-old boy fell 60ft over the edge of a cliff whilst on a geography school trip, miraculously only suffering minor injuries.