Preparing for your School or Group visit
Find practical information including parking and site maps, risk assessment guidance and what to wear and bring.
Accessibility
We believe science is for all. Please visit our Accessibility page for more information about our site.
Coach Parking
Ample free coach parking is available on our hardstanding. It is just a 2 minute walk from the coach park to our main entrance.
We also have Blue Badge parking suitable for cars and small minibuses.
Free Preview Visits
We are happy to offer teachers and group leaders a free visit before your trip to view our site and ask questions.
Please get in touch to book a date.
Risk Assessment Guidance
Download our guidance document designed to help you write your risk assessments.
Site Map
Your group will be welcomed at our Main Entrance, then taken to where you may leave bags and coats. Please note all items are left at your own risk.
A personalised itinerary will show you where and when to meet for your scheduled activity sessions.
What to Wear and Bring
Groups should dress according to the season and weather, including suitable footwear, coats and sun protection.
Groups should bring packed lunches and water bottles. We will assign you a covered picnic space for lunchtime.
Your visit includes time in both indoor and outdoor areas. Please note, our historic buildings are unheated and our outdoor areas may be closed on the rare occasion of being too slippery.
Transport Bursary
We are partnered with the Great British School Trip, a scheme offering transport bursaries for eligible schools. Please visit the GBST website for more details.
We will soon be announcing our own transport bursary scheme for eligible schools from September 2026. Please sign up for our Schools and Groups newsletter to be notified when the scheme starts.