National Museum of Rural Life
Bring learning for sustainability to life with a visit to our museum, farmhouse, and historic working farm.
Select your visit type
During your visit
Is there parking for our bus or minibus?
We have a designated bus drop off location.
After drop-off, buses can park in the coach park outside the museum the entrance of which is via the mini-roundabout.
Where can we leave our bags and coats?
All school visitors have a designated lunch space and/or tubs designed to hold jackets and school bags.
However, these items are not held securely so we advice keeping any valuable items on your person at all times.
Where can we eat our lunch?
On your booking confirmation we will assign you a lunch space should you require one.
We also have an outdoor picnic area for those lucky enough to visit on a sunny day!
Is the space we'll be visiting fully accessible?
The museum galleries, including Garden Detectives, are fully accessible via lifts.
We have accessible toilets on all levels, as well as at the farm.
The tractor trailer has a wheelchair lift, making it accessible.
There is an Adult Changing Places (U) toilet on the ground floor of the museum.
You can also read our full accessibility information.
Can I take photographs?
We are happy for you to take photographs, including flash photography, in the general museum and farm but not the farmhouse.
Is there a shop/café?
There is a Museum Shop left of the Orientation Area (please ensure there is a ratio of 1 adult to 10 children when in shop).
There is a café to the right of the Orientation Area. Take-away tea/coffee/liquids are not permitted in the museum.
Do you have a risk assessment we can use?
Download our Risk Assessment Guidance for Schools and other Educational Visits to help you write your own risk assessment for your visit to the National Museum of Rural Life.
Do you have behaviour guidelines?
We have developed an agreement which sets out what we aim to offer during your visit, and in return what we ask from you.
We ask that pupils visiting in school groups are accompanied at all times during their visit at a ratio of:
1 adult: 5 pupils (under the age of 5)
1 adult: 10 pupils (primary school pupils)
1 adult: 15 pupils (secondary school pupils)
Where pupils require support on a 1:1 ratio, this adult should be included over and above these ratios.
Do you have safety guidelines?
We ask that pupils visiting in school groups are accompanied at all times during their visit at a ratio of:
1 adult: 5 pupils (under the age of 5)
1 adult: 10 pupils (primary school pupils)
1 adult: 15 pupils (secondary school pupils)
Where pupils require support on a 1:1 ratio, this adult should be included over and above these ratios.
We will send you full safety guidelines, a booking checklist and our agreement with you with your booking confirmation. Please check them before your visit. In addition, please read, sign and follow any safety notices and instructions from Visitor Experience staff.
Contact us
If you have any questions about schools visits, please don't hesitate to get in touch:
Schools visits at National Museums of Rural Life