Planning your school visit
_tcm44-19450.jpg)
Here you can find information about planning a school visit to the museum.
Price
General admission including teacher-led visits is free.
Teacher-led sessions using Arresting Solutions box is £20 per group.
Museum staff-led sessions cost £1 per child for Derbyshire schools or for schools staying in Derbyshire overnight. The sessions cost £2 per child for non-Derbyshire schools. All accompanying adults are free.
How to book
To make or discuss a school booking phone Martha Lawrence on 01629 533543 or email martha.lawrence@derbyshire.gov.uk
How many children can attend a museum-led session?
Ideally each session should be for no more than 35 children (due to space and resources available) but we are happy to discuss your individual requirements. Many larger groups plan a full day's visit to Buxton and visit either Poole's Cavern (opens in a new window) or Buxton Opera House or follow the Buxton Town Trail.
What times are visits available?
Museum-led sessions are available Tuesday to Friday 9.30am to 5.30pm. Teacher-led sessions are possible during normal opening hours. The museum is open Tuesday to Friday 9.30am-5.30pm, Saturday 9.30am-5pm and, from Easter to the end of September, Sundays and bank holidays 10.30am-5pm.
What resources are available?
If you book a museum-led session, the museum will provide all the materials and equipment you will need. For teacher-led visits, we can give you advice and send you examples of our worksheets for you to make copies. If pre-booked we can provide clipboards and pencils for the group.
How many responsible adults should we bring with us?
All accompanying adults are free. The adults are responsible for the children at all times during the visit so ensure you have enough to be able to do so. Accompanying adults should be prepared to assist with a group of children during the session.
How do we pay for a museum-led session?
Pay on the day of your visit by cheque (payable to 'Derbyshire County Council'), cash, or credit/debit card. You will be issued with a receipt. We do not invoice schools.
Do you have a risk assessment available?
Yes - we send schools a copy of our risk assessment with their booking confirmation. If you would like to be sent a copy beforehand, contact Martha Lawrence on 01629 533543 or email martha.lawrence@derbyshire.gov.uk
Where can the coach drop us off?
Coaches can drop off and pick up groups immediately outside the museum but will need to park elsewhere. The nearest coach park is in Spring Gardens. Cars or minibuses can park in the pay and display car parks opposite the museum (Market Place/Town Hall car parks).
Can we come by train?
The museum is a short ten minute walk from Buxton Railway Station.
What about coats and bags?
Coats and bags can be left on the coat rack in the reception area.
Where do the museum-led sessions take place and how long do they take?
Time Detectives and Everyday Romans sessions mostly take place in Gallery One, the large art gallery on the first floor. Access is up a flight of stairs. A chairlift is available for anyone with mobility difficulties.
Art Explorers and Arresting Solutions sessions mostly take place in Gallery Two, on the ground floor. The Art Explorers session usually involves time spent in the displays on the first floor as well. The sessions last approximately two hours but can be adapted to suit your timetable.
What about lunch?
Unfortunately there is no space in the museum for schools to eat lunch or snacks. In good weather, The Slopes or Pavilion Gardens are pleasant places to picnic. In case of bad weather, many schools book St Anne's Church Hall (next door to the museum) for lunchtime. Enquiries about booking the hall should be made directly to Father Higgins on 01298 23777.
Is there a shop?
Yes - the museum shop stocks a wide range of fun gifts and souvenirs relevant to your visit and at pocket money prices, as well as a variety of books.
What else can we do in Buxton?
Poole's Cavern (opens in a new window) is just fifteen minutes walk from the Museum. The show cave is famous for its unique stalactites and stalagmites including the longest stalactite in Derbyshire. Take a journey back in time with an expert guide and follow in the footsteps of poets, royalty, outlaws, Romans and Celts. The underworld adventure is suitable for all ages and abilities. Phone Poole's Cavern on 01298 26978 or email info@poolescavern.co.uk
The Tourist Information Centre can provide a Buxton Town Trail leaflet which takes in the main attractions such as the Crescent, Opera House and the former Devonshire Royal Hospital. Ring 01298 25106 for further details.
Tours of Buxton Opera House are available for school or community groups by appointment. Learn the history of this fascinating building, designed by the celebrated theatre architect, Frank Matcham, and take a look behind the scenes. Ring 01298 72050 or email education@boh.org.uk for details.
If there is anything else that you want or need to know, please just ask.