The Heugh Battery Museum offers an amazing opportunity for school children to come and learn about the impact of World War One on the civilian population as well as about the experience of soldiers serving their country in many different conflicts. Children will participate in activities both indoors and out whilst at the museum. They will get the chance to hold items such as hand grenades, steel helmets, rifles and shells. Children are encouraged to ask lots of questions whilst visiting the museum, and we hope that it will help to underpin learning taking place back at school.
We have provided answers to some frequently asked questions, but if you have any further queries, please contact us (telephone: 01429 270746 or email: info@heughbattery.co.uk
When can we visit the museum with our school?
You can visit us any day of the week, but we are open to the public on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. To get the museum all to yourselves, it is best to book your visit for a Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday.
The museum is open all year round (apart from Christmas)
How long will our visit last?
Schools usually arrive at the museum at 10 am and leave at 2 pm. However, we can adjust the timings on our activities to suit whatever length of visit you choose. Just contact us to let us know what you would like to plan.
How many children can we bring?
Space is limited in many areas of the museum. 45 pupils are our limit. If you have a larger party, please do contact us to see if we can arrange an additional workshop.
Children should be divided into 3 or 4 groups (depending on the workshops you have booked) prior to arrival at the Heugh Battery Museum.
What activities do you offer?
There are three standard workshops provided during a visit to the museum. This can be organised for a full or half day visit. Approximate timings are provided next to each of the activities
- Guided tour of the site and the Bombardment of the Hartlepools (50 minutes)
- Weapons and uniforms, including handling objects (50 minutes)
- Trench Experience (50 minutes)
We can provide other workshops such as Postcards from the Front, the War at Sea or Homefront. Please contact us if you wish us to provide an alternative or additional workshop.
Please request a Teacher’s Information Pack to find out more about how these activities can be mapped to your curriculum.
Where will the activities take place?
The guided tour of the site takes place mostly outdoors and does involve walking on grass, uneven surfaces and steps. It is recommended that visitors wear appropriate shoes and clothing. The site does get very cold and experiences strong winds, even in summer.
The Weapons and Uniforms workshop takes place in the armoury, which is accessed by two steps. This workshop can be moved to the cafe area if access is an issue.
The Trench Experience takes place in our re-constructed trench, which is underground and accessed by stairs. This talk includes sound effects and experiences that may not be suitable for some pupils. Please contact the museum if you have any concerns, and the activity can be tailored to suit your needs.
For further information about the accessibility of the site, please see our Access Statement available on this website
Will there be opportunities for children to experience objects hands-on?
Yes, each workshop gives pupils the chance to hold or get close to large and small exhibits. They will be allowed access to one vehicle (weather permitting). We ask that children are not allowed to climb on any of the large exhibits and that they do not run on site.
Where can we eat?
There is some space in our cafe area for children to eat packed lunch, but this is limited and sometimes children will be required to sit on the floor. On fine days, schools parties are encouraged to eat in our outdoor picnic areas.
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