Organising school visits to Museum of Norwich at the Bridewell
Bookings
Advance booking is essential for all school visits.
To make an enquiry call 01603 493636 or email norwichcastle.bookings@norfolk.gov.uk.
Planning your visit
- We can usually provide areas for lunch. Ask us when booking your visit and please leave lunch spaces clean and tidy. Lunch spaces must be booked in advance
- The museum opens at 10am. If you arrive early, be aware that there is no sheltered place to wait outside the museum
- We can offer school events Tuesday to Friday, subject to availability
- The museum is in the city centre and has no parking on-site, but there are drop-off points very close by
Covid-19
If any member of your group is at a higher Covid risk and you would like to discuss possible accommodations, contact us in advance of your visit on 01603 493636 or norwichcastle.bookings@norfolk.gov.uk.
Pre-visits
We recommend that teachers come to the museum for a pre-visit before bringing a school party. Pre-visits are available while the museum is open to the public.
Check the Museum of Norwich opening times.
Teachers can get in free - just pop in or book a complimentary ticket on Art Tickets. You must bring your school ID with you to show to reception staff.
Admission and workshop fees
Your booking confirmation will have the details for the price of your visit.
Access
We aim to make our activities as inclusive as possible. If anyone in your group has particular access or learning needs contact us in advance to discuss.
There is a maximum of two wheelchairs permitted at any one time on the upper floors of the museum, and wheelchair-users must be able to self-transfer into an evac chair in the event of an emergency. The Undercroft is not wheelchair accessible (the Undercroft is not open to general visitors). If anyone in your party has mobility difficulties, we would recommend making a pre-visit to assess risk and suitability - see Pre-visits section on this page.
Find more access information about the Museum of Norwich.
On arrival
Ask your coach driver to drop you off and pick you up at the bus stop on St Andrews Street. The museum is very close by on Bridewell Alley.
On arrival you will be met by a member of staff. The group leader will be asked to sign in and record the number of students and adults in the party. You'll be directed to the cloakroom and your lunch space (if applicable). If you've booked a facilitated visit, you'll then be directed to the meeting place for your introduction.
Running late?
If you're taking part in an event or workshop and you're running late, call the booking line on 01603 493636 or Museum of Norwich on 01603 629127.
Responsibilities and expectations during your visit
The group leader has responsibility for adult helpers and for:
- Briefing students and adult helpers before the visit on health and safety (you will be sent a risk assessment), and on roles and responsibilities (see below).
All visiting teachers have responsibility for:
- Their pupils' behaviour throughout the visit including led sessions and breaks
- Sole responsibility for the welfare of their pupils during breaks and lunchtimes
- Staying with their group at all times, especially during breaks and lunchtimes
- Being responsible, in case of evacuation, for escorting their group to the fire assembly point, taking the register and reporting any missing person to museum staff
Adult helpers are expected to assist teachers with the above.
Students are expected to have a responsible attitude and show regard for the fabric of the museum, its contents, other museum visitors and museum staff.
Departing the museum
When you are ready to leave, we recommend you phone your driver to check the coach is waiting for you. If there's a delay you'll then be able to wait in the museum rather than on the roadside.
After your visit
We'll send you an evaluation form to complete and we welcome your comments on how the visit went. We're also happy to receive children's work and photographs.