School Visits

The Heugh Battery Museum preserves the only First World War battlefield in the UK and commemorates the bombardment of the Hartlepools in December 1914.

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.  We also offer access to objects used in World War II.

 Children will participate in activities both indoors and out whilst at the museum.  They will get the chance to explore items such as uniforms, 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  

You can visit us on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays, and you get the museum all to yourselves!

The museum is open from February to the end of November.  Some visits can be arranged for December and January depending on staff availability.

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.

Maximum number of children for any visit is 30.  Children will need to be split into 3 groups for our carousel of workshops.

You need bring a minimum of 4 staff/parent helpers to have a minimum of 1 adult with each group and one member of staff to accompany children who may need a toilet break during sessions.  

Staff and volunteers of the Heugh Battery Museum are not responsible for the behaviour of children whilst on site.  Staff MUST stay with groups at all times and take responsibility for the children’s behaviour.

There are three standard workshops provided during a visit to the museum. This can be organised for a full or half day visit. 

  • Guided tour of the site and the Bombardment of the Hartlepools 
  • Weapons and uniforms, including handling objects (WWI or WWII)
  • Self guided quiz tour of the site 
 

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 Staff HQ, accessible via a ramp.  

The self guided tour includes access to the Trench Experience, our re-constructed trench, which is underground and accessed by stairs.  

For further information about the accessibility of the site, please see our Access Statement available on this website.

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.

Lunch can be eaten in our summerhouse pods in the Poppy Tea Rooms area of the museum.  On fine days, schools parties are encouraged to eat in our outdoor picnic areas.

Accessibility Information

We have worked with AccessAble to make finding out about our facilities easier before your visit. AccessAble’s surveyors visited our venue in person to create a Detailed Access Guide. Click the button for detailed accessibility information to Heugh Battery Museum.

Take a look at the video below for accessibility information related to Heigh Battery Museum. Thank you to Digital Culture Network for producing the video. 

The Only First World War Battlefield in the UK

Open: Friday – Monday from 10am – 4pm
Heugh Battery Museum, Moor Terrace, Headland, Hartlepool, Cleveland, TS24 0PS
info@heughbattery.co.uk
01429 270746
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