National Museum of the Royal Navy Hartlepool Schools Programme
Arrange a visitExplore the National Museum of the Royal Navy: Hartlepool!
Step aboard Europe's oldest floating warship, the HMS Trincomalee. Get hands-on with the Horrible Histories Pirates exhibit, and dive into the amazing story of the HMS Invincible 1744.
Flexible options are available for your class.
Discovery Visit
This flexible teacher-led visit allows your class to explore the quayside, ship and exhibits at your own pace and tailor your own experience to your specific topics and outcomes.
Follow Polly the Parrot on our Eliza’s Adventure trail to explore the decks of HMS Trincomalee and discover what life was like onboard. A Discovery Visit also includes the opportunity to explore the historic quayside, museum gallery and the Fighting Ships experience.
Discover More Visit
This 45-minute guided tour on-board HMS Trincomalee by one of our knowledgeable, costumed guides gives your class the chance to explore some of the exciting stories about the ship and discover what life on board was like.
The Discover More visit also includes opportunity to explore the historic quayside, museum gallery and the Fighting Ships experience.
Discover Live
The museum’s live displays are the perfect way to capture the attention of the whole class and further enhance your visit. All of the Discover Live experiences are hands-on, interactive and like nothing else the children will experience elsewhere. All activities are led by an experienced member of the museum’s team. The options you can choose from are:
Cannon firing display- Learn how gunpowder was stored onboard a ship and the role of the powder monkey in the heat of battle with a live cannon display.
Musket firing display - Feel the firepower of a musket. Learn why sailors use gunpowder onboard the ship and how sailors used firearms.
Rope Making – Teach your class the historical art of rope making! Using an authentic 1800s rope-making machine, all students get to make and take home their own rope.
Cutlass Class – Give your class the chance to discover their inner pirate! Guided by our experts, they'll learn cutlass positions and moves using safe foam swords, and everyone gets a chance to try.
Object Handling – Allow your class to get hands on with historical objects from seafaring life. Learn the distance between hard tack and a tallow candle!
Planning and booking your school visit
To make your school booking, please complete the booking request form here
UK school visits are required to be booked at least 7 days in advance.
To qualify for a UK school rate, a group must consist of a minimum of 12 paying persons
All school tickets are valid for one day only
Please note, for UK school visits, the museum’s opening hours are:
- April – Oct, Wed – Sun 10:00 – 17:00 (last entry at 16:00)
- Nov – Mar, Wed - Sun – 11:00 – 16:00 (last entry at 15:00).
Schools can book a visit on closed days but additional costs apply (please see the pricing section).
| Visit Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Discover Visit (self-led) | £4.50 per pupil |
| Discover More Visit (guide-led) | £7.50 per pupil |
| Discovery/Discover More Visit on closed days | £10.50 per pupil |
| Discover Live Displays | £30 per session + Discovery Visit Charge |
| Discover Live Displays Joint Cannon & Musket | £40 per session + Discovery Visit Charge |
| Teachers/Leaders | Free at ratio of 1:5 pupils over 5s Free at ratio of 1:3 for under 5s |
| 1-2-1 Supervision | Free |
| Additional Adults | £4.50 per adult |
Indoor lunch facilities can be booked when arranging your visit. Space is limited and subject to availability. There are also picnic benches located around the quayside.
The National Museum of the Royal Navy Hartlepool takes access to our on-site attractions seriously.
When exploring the Historic Quayside, wheelchairs can access all external areas of the site.
There are several toilets onsite including disabled facilities. Baby changing facilities are also offered.
Those in need of a wheelchair can request one on the day – subject to availability. We also offer free parking onsite including disabled parking as well.
Lift access is available to visitors and can be accessed inside Fighting Ships. However, there is restricted access to the Children’s Adventure Playship and onboard HMS Trincomalee.
We strongly advise a preliminary visit in order to familiarise yourself with the site and complete risk assessment paperwork. For groups already booked you will need to bring the booking reference as proof.
On arrival you will issued with up to 3 adult tickets or at weekends and holidays 1 family ticket. For groups that haven’t yet booked only 1 ticket will be available for the school.
A hazard information document is available upon booking to assist schools with completing their own risk assessments.
Our maximum for each visit are:
| Visit Type | Maximum Number |
|---|---|
| Discovery Visit (self-led) | 150 students |
| Discover More Visit (guide-led) | 90 students |
| Discover Live Displays (per session) | 30 students |
We offer free access to supervising staff members during your visit. We require a minimum supervising ratio as follows:
| Ratio | Age Group |
|---|---|
| 1:3 | under 5s |
| 1:5 | over 5s |
| 1-2-1 | can be accommodated in addition |
When navigating the museum, we ask that these ratios are maintained within small groups.
We recommend allowing at least 2 hours for a Discovery Visit and 3 hours for a Discover More visit.
Tours last 45 mins and visiting the rest of the site we recommend an addition 2 hours.
The visit includes a half hour lunch break
As part of the visit, pupils can also use the outdoor play park free of charge.
There is free coach and car parking on-site.
Book Your Visit
Plan your unforgettable group or school visit! Our dedicated Groups & Schools office is ready to assist you. They can help and answer any questions.
Contact them Monday-Friday, 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM to secure your spot.
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