Archive and Library

Archive and Library

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.

Venues with this Activity

Norfolk’s wonderful museum of rural life and the Workhouse

This fifty-acre site with its magnificent Georgian workhouse invites you to explore two centuries of life on the land. There are recreations of shops and homes, extensive displays on farming and village life and the popular Collections Gallery - a real treasure trove. 

The Museum is run by Mortehoe Heritage Trust, a registered charity managed by local people. It is situated in the heart of the cliff-top village of Mortehoe, 1.5 miles north of Woolacombe on the coastal road. Entry is through the village Car Park opposite Mortehoe Post Office.

Visit the home of the famous literary Brontë sisters - Emily, Charlotte and Anne. The parsonage in which they grew up and wrote countless works in the 19th Century is beautifully preserved.

One of the finest surviving medieval halls which contains the legendary Round Table.

Round Table

The Round Table has been famous for centuries for its links with the legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table.

Queen Eleanor's Garden

A re-creation of an enclosed medieval garden.

Schools

Guarding Dartmouth for over 600 years!

One of the most beautifully located fortresses in England. For over 600 years Dartmouth Castle has guarded the narrow entrance to the Dart Estuary and the busy, vibrant port of Dartmouth. It offers stunning views of the estuary and out to sea and offers a great family day out, whatever the weather.   

The British Library is a treasure trove of the written word, housing just about every famous manuscript you can think of.

Here you can find:

  • The Gutenburg Bible

  • Caxton's Chaucer

  • Shakespeare's Quartos

  • Magna Carta

  • Lindisfarne Gospels

  • Captain Scott's Diary

The Natural History Museum is home to life and earth science specimens comprising some 80 million items within five main collections: botany, entomology, mineralogy, palaeontology and zoology.

Compton Verney House is an 18th-century country mansion at Compton Verney near Kineton (between Stratford-upon-Avon and Banbury) which has been converted into the Compton Verney Art Gallery. 

Visitors of all ages are warmly welcomed to Warwickshire’s award-winning art gallery, housed in a Grade I listed mansion and surrounded by 120 acres of stunning 'Capability' Brown parkland.

Welcome to Exeter Cathedral, one of the great cathedrals of England, and one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture anywhere. This is a very exciting time in the life of the Cathedral; a time of development and change as we work hard to improve facilities and the experience people have when they visit.

The un-stately home and country estate

With peeling paintwork and overgrown courtyards, Calke Abbey tells the story of the dramatic decline of a country house estate. The house and stables are little restored, with many abandoned areas vividly portraying a period in the 20th century when numerous country houses did not survive to tell their story.

Our Dynamic Earth is a 

A world famous museum telling the story of the people of North East England during the Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian periods.

The story of Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian life is told by our costumed staff and volunteers in a unique living and working museum which hosts over 300,000 objects.

Nestling in 300 acres of countryside, Beamish boasts a railway station, a farm, a mill, a colliery village and police and fire stations.

County Durham's coastline has emerged from a polluted industrial past to become a haven for wildlife

Durham Coast is a wonderful place for walkers and for those who want to enjoy the scenery from the cliff top paths.

The magnesian limestone that underlies this area has given rise to a spectacular landscape of cream-coloured cliffs intersected by steep-sided wooded valleys, or gills.

The most historic hill on the South Downs

Cissbury Ring, just north of the coastal town of Worthing, is one of the jewels in the crown of the new South Downs National Park. It's the largest hill fort in Sussex and has a history dating back over 5,000 years.

Welcome to Clan Donald Skye, a magnificent 20,000 acre estate in south Skye. Enjoy an outstanding holiday experience, exploring the historic gardens and woodland trails around Armadale Castle, learning about highland history in our fascinating Museum of the Isles or staying in our self-catering lodges.

A precious landscape on the Suffolk coast

Tucked away on the Suffolk coast, Dunwich Heath offers you peace and quiet and a true sense of being at one with nature.

A rare and precious habitat, the Heath is home to special species such as the Dartford warbler, nightjar, woodlark, ant-lion, adders and much more.

Discover how the Royal Navy helped shape the modern world through stories of courage and determination in our three exhibition galleries.

Stephenson Railway Museum is open Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays until 2 November 2014 and all week during school holidays (excluding Christmas holidays). With heritage train rides on Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays.

200 years since George Stephenson built his first locomotive Blucher.

Explore the universe from the Big Bang to the darkest reaches of Space.

Expect the unexpected including a space toiler, a seven-toed cat and a pregnant man.

Delve into the archives of scientific geniuses such as James Lovelock or peer into the future of the latest psychological advances.

The Yorkshire Air Museum is the largest independent air museum in Britain and is also the location of  The Allied Air Forces Memorial. It is a Registered Charity and nationally accredited museum (No.66).

A unique collection of vehicles from around the world. Over 400 amazing cars and bikes from nostalgic classics of the 50s and 60s, glorious Bentleys and Rolls Royces to exciting super cars of today, like the Jaguar XJ220.

Our Halls include:

Explore what life was like for Hampshire people in the past by wandering through Milestones’ old cobbled streets. And as you wander round you may also encounter some of our costumed characters…

Enthusiasts will enjoy our collection of beautifully restored vintage vehicles - and so will kids of all ages!

The Andrew Jackson Cottage highlights Carrickfergus' strong American and Ulster-Scots connections as well as telling the story of Andrew Jackson, the 7th president of the USA, whose parents emigrated to America from Carrickfergus in 1765. Located less than a mile from the town centre off the Larne Road, this single storey building has been restored to its original state.

The Denny Tank is located in West Dunbartonshire, in the town of Dumbarton on the River Clyde, close to Dumbarton Castle. It was built by the Denny family, Victorian shipbuilders and designers, famous for their work on the Cutty Sark and inventors of the Denny helicopter and Denny hovercraft.

Welcome to Kirkcaldy Galleries, the town’s new cultural venue and visitor attraction. Situated in the heart of Kirkcaldy, a £2.5million refurbishment programme has restored many of the original features of the War Memorial building, as well providing a fresh, contemporary space for visitors to enjoy.

After receiving a warm welcome at the new reception area, you can explore

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