school trips east midlands

East Midlands School Trips

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Everything you need to plan your next East Midlands School Trips, Educational Visit or Field Trip. Includes Key Stage suitability, Subjects, Topics, Resources, Workshops, Activities and more!

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An Inspector Calls UK Tour

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Les Enfants Terribles

An inspector calls.

Curve Theatre, Leicester

Student tickets from £18

Royal & Derngate, Northampton

Student tickets just £15

Beat Goes On

Wonder boy uk tour.

Go Ape: Sherwood Pines

Sherwood Pines, Nottinghamshire

Student tickets from £14

Frankenstein UK Tour

Various Venues

Derby Theatre, Derby

Student tickets just £12.50

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Find a teaching resource

WWT’s Make Your Own Binoculars Activity Resources

Download these free teaching activity resources from WWT for students to get creative making their own bird watching binoculars.

Matilda The Musical Plot Teacher Resource Pack

This educational resource from Matilda The Musical will help students learn more about how to create a plot structure.

KS2, KS3, KS4, KS5

Museum of London’s 3D Prehistoric Artefacts Online Exhibition

Get up close with some real prehistoric artefacts with this free online exhibition from the Museum of London.

Museum of London’s Great Fire of London Educational Game

A free interactive game from the Museum of London to learn more about the Great Fire of London.

Historic Environment Scotland’s Investigating Castle Life: Keeping Clean

Download this free teaching resource from Historic Environment Scotland to learn more about keeping clean in a medieval castle.

UK Parliament’s Introduction to UK Parliament Video

Watch this free educational video to give your students an introduction to the UK Parliament.

Museum of Bath Architecture’s Decorative Designs Heritage Hunt

Look more closely at the architecture around you with this free teaching resource from the Museum of Bath Architecture.

Lullingstone Roman Villa Historical Timeline

Use this free teaching resource from English Heritage to support learning at Lullingstone Roman Villa.

UK Parliament’s General Elections Assembly (KS2)

Download this free teaching resource from the UK Parliament to learn more about general elections.

Audley End House and Gardens Timeline

This educational resource from English Heritage explores a timeline of events in English History.

Explore workshops

Cogges Manor Farm’s Time Travellers – Anglo Saxons (Full or Half Day) Workshop

An interactive workshop from Cogges Manor Farm where students will be immersed into the every day lives of Anglo Saxons.

Les Enfants Terribles’ Storytelling with Puppets: Primary In-School Workshop

In-School Primary drama workshop from Les Enfants Terribles to explore Puppetry and Storytelling.

EYFS, KS1, KS2

Vamos Theatres’ Mask Making and Performing Residency Workshop

An immersive workshop residency from Vamos Theatre where your students will created their own masks and be introduced to full mask performance.

KS3, KS4, KS5, Higher

A Welsh Coal Mining Experience Tramroad Walk Workshop

A fun workshop from A Welsh Coal Mining Experience for students to learn the history of the tram road.

The Wallace Collection’s Exploring Identity: Armour and Printmaking Workshop

Enjoy this fun hands-on workshop from The Wallace Collection where your students will discover the links between armour and printmaking and create their own block-printing design.

Horniman Museum and Gardens’ Sound Around the World Workshop

Explore the science of sound with instruments from around the world in this hands-on workshop from Horniman Museum and Gardens.

The Auckland Projects’ Mosaics and Patterns workshop

Enjoy this fun and interactive workshop from The Auckland Project where students can create their own mosaics.

WWT Llanelli Birds, Beaks and Feeding Techniques Workshop

Learn more about birds diets as part of your school trip to WWT Llanelli.

Museum of Liverpool’s Little Liverpool – Early Years Workshop

A fun hands-on workshop from the Museum of Liverpool for early years students to create their own Liverpool.

St Albans Cathedral’s Geography Trail

Geography Trails to accompany your school trip to St Albans Cathedral.

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Here at UK School Trips, we offer teachers and educational group trip organisers free and direct contact to the UK’s top tried and tested school trip venues, accommodation/ residential centres , school workshops , educational tours and transport by using our website you’ll be brimming with school trip ideas in no time!

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Games Careers Week: Exploring Pathways Into The Creative Industries Between 24th and 30th June Organised by The National Videogame Museum (NVM), Games…

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From the makers of the award-winning Sherlock: The Official Live Game, comes a brand-new live immersive escape experience. After successfully completing a…

Sherlock The Official Live Game London

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School Trips

The Derwent Valley Line offers fantastic opportunities for school and college groups to travel at discounted group rates to visit great attractions, offering educational visits for schools. 

Your School Adventure by Train

School and college groups can travel at discounted group rates on the scenic Derwent Valley Line and visit Fascinating Museums, Historic Mills, Vast Caverns or discover the Natural World.

This information explains how to book group travel and highlights attractions between Derby and Matlock that offer educational visits for schools and colleges.

The Derwent Valley Line train service operates hourly between Derby and Matlock.

A Fantastic Journey

Travelling by train is a great experience for children as part of their school trip, making it a real day to remember.  Children will enjoy a scenic train ride on the Derwent Valley Line, passing through the picturesque and historic landscape of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site before arriving into the spa towns of Matlock Bath and Matlock.

The illustrated guide ‘Views from the Train Window’ shows what to look out for on your journey from Derby to Matlock.

Taking a school trip by train counts towards a Modeshift STARS award

School and College Groups Save 26%

School and College groups of 10 or more, travelling on the train service between Derby and Matlock can benefit from a 26% discount on standard rail fares.  For group fares, child rate is 5 to 17 years old on local journeys.

These sample group fares are based on off peak travel (after 0859). Slightly higher fares apply on trains before 0900. Sample fares are valid from March 2023. Contact East Midlands Railway for a quote for your school travel.

Group Bookings

Group bookings can be made by calling East Midlands Railway Group Travel Team on 03457 125 678. Select option 2, then option 2 again. or email [email protected].

The Group Travel desk is open 0830-1700 Monday to Friday.  One of the dedicated group travel team will take your details and help organise your travel needs. Enquiries must be made at least a week in advance.

School Trip Destinations along the Derwent Valley Line

The derwent valley line offers fantastic opportunities for school trips to  great attractions providing educational visits for schools., school and college groups can travel at discounted group rates and visit fascinating museums, historic mills, vast caverns or discover the natural world.  all just a train ride away on the scenic derwent valley line., there are variety of organisations offering educational visits for schools in nottingham, derby and along the line to matlock.  organisations offering school education visits include nottingham castle, galleries of justice, derby museums, derwent valley mills world heritage site, derbyshire wildlife trust, heights of abraham and peak district mining museum., most of these destinations are less than a 10 minute walk from the nearest station.  the locations in derby are about a 20 minute walk or there are frequent bus services from derby station into the city centre. getting there details are included for each location..

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School Trips Made Easy

Welcome to the Educational Visits UK Website.  Featured on this site are many of the finest attractions and museums in the country offering excellent opportunities for learning outside the classroom on day or residential trips.

You can either search our website for ideas to help you plan your next trip or why not join the hundreds of schools who use our services year after year by letting us organise your next school trip.  Contact us now for a free school trip quote.

Educational & Unforgettable

Educational visits is a one stop shop for exciting and inspiring school visits. Our huge range of fantastic attractions and top quality accommodation means we have something for students of any age and at any academic stage. Whether you know exactly what you want or need a little inspiration, we make it easier than ever to plan an educational and unforgettable trip .

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We can also create tailor made educational trips to your specification, so whether it’s key stage 2 maths or GCSE biology all you have to do is get in touch and we’ll plan, book and deliver an educational and engaging trip perfect for your students. Group rates and free teacher places are also available. Get out of the classroom today!

Is your Attraction or Museum missing from our website? Contact us today and let’s get you listed! 01677 427334

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Educational visits is a one stop shop for exciting and inspiring school visits. Our huge range of fantastic attractions and top quality accommodation means we have something for students of any age and at any academic stage. Whether you know exactly what you want or need a little inspiration, we make it easier than ever to plan an  educational and unforgettable trip .

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10 BEST Days Out in the East Midlands: My Top Picks (2024)

• Last Updated: April 26, 2024
• Destinations , Europe , United Kingdom

In this post, I’ll share some of my favourite days out in the East Midlands. From hiking in the Peak District to discovering the medieval city of Lincoln, there’s a lot to see and do here.

Table of Contents

I grew up in the Midlands and have explored almost every corner of this diverse region.

With its beautiful countryside, outdoor activities, historic towns and cities, and wealth of other attractions, it’s a seriously underrated part of the country.

Here’s all the information you need to make your East Midlands day out one to remember!

Quick Summary: My Favourite 3 Days Out

• Explore the Peak District National Park
• Family fun at Alton Towers (or an educational day out at Leicester’s Space Centre )
• Discover Lincoln , a beautiful historic city

10 Best Days Out in the East Midlands

Whether you’re looking for an exciting family outing, a romantic getaway, or a solo day out, I’m confident there’s something here that you’ll love.

See here for more hidden gems in the UK .

1. Exploring the Peak District National Park

I love the Peak District. It’s one of my favourite parts of England and I’ve been many times.

The Peak District National Park spreads across parts of Derbyshire, Cheshire, Staffordshire, and South Yorkshire. It’s an incredibly picturesque place and a perfect spot for hiking and enjoying the great outdoors.

Some of the most popular highlights of the park include:

• Chatsworth House: A grand stately home with a beautiful deer park
• Haddon Hall: Another stunning stately home to explore
• The scene ry: It really is fantastic
• The Pennine Way : One of England’s most famous long-distance hiking trails. This iconic trail offers breathtaking views – it starts in Edale (in the Peak District) and finishes near the Scottish border

Also, don’t miss the Heights of Abraham in Matlock Bath. This hilltop park is reachable by cable car and offers spectacular views of the Derwent Valley. You can explore the woodland trails and even take an underground tour in the natural caves.

On my most recent visit to the Peak District, I hiked up Mam Tor , one of the hills overlooking the village of Edale. This is a fairly easy hike, ideal for families. Edale also has a railway station, so it’s also a great day out for those without a car.

For a more challenging hike, try climbing Kinder Scout (the highest point in the East Midlands), via the “Jacob’s Ladder” route. This is also accessible on foot from Edale train station.

🤩 Coming from Manchester? Check out this guided day tour of Derbyshire and the Peak District!

2. Theme Park Family Fun

The East Midlands has several excellent theme parks.

My favourite one is Alton Towers , which I’ve been to several times. It’s the largest theme park in the UK and has a huge range of rides and other attractions, from adrenaline-pumping roller coasters to gentle water rides and mini-golf courses.

The park also puts on live entertainment and is a great place for families looking for a fun day out or something special to do on the weekend.

🤩 Click here to reserve your tickets now!

Gulliver’s Kingdom in Matlock Bath is another exciting theme park that’s especially designed for young children.

There are plenty of rides and other attractions that your little ones will love. Highlights include the log flume, Silver Mine Ride, Dino Explorer Cars, and Buddy’s Pirate Adventure.

For even more family fun, head to Twinlakes , an amazing 100-acre theme park, farm, and water park in Melton Mowbray. With 10 themed zones, this park is ideal for kids of all ages.

Plus, don’t miss a visit to Bolsover Castle , where your children can dress up as cavaliers and build their own fantasy castles. You can also enjoy a family picnic with wonderful panoramic views over the Vale of Scarsdale.

3. Discover Nottingham Castle and Wollaton Hall

Nottingham is one of my favourite cities in the East Midlands. It’s a seriously underrated place and is home to many fantastic sights, including Nottingham Castle and the majestic Wollaton Hall.

Built in 1068 by William the Conqueror, Nottingham Castle has been an integral part of the city’s history for nearly 1,000 years. I used to love coming here as as a kid, it’s so atmospheric.

Wollaton Hall is an impressive Elizabethan mansion and park situated in the heart of Nottingham. It’s an amazing place to explore and even houses its own Natural History Museum.

You can easily spend a whole day here enjoying the 500-acre grounds, which are home to herds of wild deer and lots of other wildlife.

4. Leicester’s Space and Science Adventures

The National Space Centre in Leicester is a really fantastic day out in the East Midlands. It’s a must-see destination for anyone with an interest in space exploration.

I have strong memories of visiting the National Space Centre on a school trip. It’s really fascinating and inspirational place, with something for people of all ages.

The centre features a range of interactive exhibitions on the latest space technology, a planetarium offering weekly shows, and the iconic 42-metre-high Rocket Tower.

Inside, you can learn all about our solar system, including exhibits of real meteorites, model rockets, and spacecraft. There are also simulations of what it’s like to live and work in space.

Additionally, the centre hosts events and activities like stargazing evenings and family days throughout the year.

Above all else, the National Space Centre is a great place to have fun while learning about science and space exploration.

5. Uncovering Lincoln’s Rich Heritage

Lincoln’s rich and vibrant heritage includes the magnificent Lincoln Cathedral and the awe-inspiring medieval Lincoln Castle.

The gothic Lincoln Cathedral was the tallest building in the world for more than 200 years, and its architecture is still awe-inspiring today.

Built over 950 years ago, the 11th-century Gothic cathedral is renowned for its intricate masonry and impressive spire, which was once the tallest structure in the world.

The cathedral is home to numerous historical artifacts and rare books such as the Laud Psalter, one of Europe’s oldest medieval religious manuscripts.

Lincoln Cathedral also has magnificent stained glass windows, a grand organ with more than 5,000 pipes, and a collection of ancient murals.

Lincoln Castle has a long and storied history, dating back to 1068 when William the Conqueror ordered its construction.

The castle has been used as a fortress, prison, court of law, and even a royal mint. Today, it’s one of the best places to visit in the East Midlands.

Inside, you can visit recreations of medieval dungeons and torture chambers, or climb the battlements for great views of the surrounding area.

There’s an excellent audio-guided tour that takes you around the grounds of the castle. This is a great way to learn about the history of this fascinating place.

Lincoln Castle also houses one of the four original copies of the Magna Carta .

This historic charter from 1215 limited the powers of the English king and established certain legal rights. It’s often viewed as a foundation of modern democracy and the rule of law.

6. Outdoor Activities in the East Midlands

The East Midlands offers many exciting outdoor activities, such as mountain biking, rock climbing, sailing, and rafting.

Ashby de la Zouch is a great destination for outdoor activities, with plenty of options to choose from.

The nearby National Forest has an extensive network of trails and paths for walking, cycling, and mountain biking.

The Tissington Trail is another great spot for walking or cycling. It passes through several attractive villages such as Hartington, Parsley Hay, and Alsop, as well as lots of picturesque English countryside.

For those seeking some water-based fun, you can go rafting along the River Trent. Or, head over to Rutland Water for sailing, canoeing, kayaking, and paddle boarding.

If you’re looking for something a bit more relaxing, there are plenty of gardens to explore, such as Kedleston Hall Gardens , or Calke Abbey with its secret walled garden. Both offer tranquil places to soak in the sunshine while surrounded by beautiful floral displays.

The Ashby Canal is another great place for a peaceful walk, with loads of wildlife and plenty of places to stop for a picnic. You can even hire your own narrowboat and explore the area by water.

7. A Taste of Market Town Life

Immerse yourself in the allure of East Midlands’ market towns such as Bakewell and Tissington.

Bakewell is renowned for its famous Bakewell Pudding, a delicious treat that has become synonymous with the town. The pudding is a quintessentially English dessert that’s part-way between a cake and a pastry, made with jam and almond paste.

At the farmer’s market in Bakewell, you’ll find a variety of delicious homemade produce, local meats and cheeses, and other fresh local products, perfect for a taste of authentic market town life.

Tissington is another delightful market town in the East Midlands. With its cobbled streets, historic buildings and variety of shops and cafes, it’s an ideal place to spend an afternoon exploring.

Visit Tissington Hall and its beautiful gardens and lake, or enjoy a peaceful stroll around the main square and soak up the local atmosphere.

8. Wildlife Encounters and Nature Reserves

The East Midlands is home to several beautiful nature reserves and wildlife sanctuaries.

One of the most well-known places in the region is Sherwood Forest (of Robin Hood fame), which is home to ancient oaks and centuries of history.

Here you can explore many different habitats, from ancient woodland trails to wetlands full of amphibians. It’s a real haven for wildlife and a perfect place for birdwatching. The last time I was there, I saw loads of deer too.

Another great spot for any nature lover is Rutland Water Nature Reserve, which covers over 1,200 hectares and includes a range of habitats from heathland and grassland to wetland areas.

There’s a huge range of wildfowl and other birds here, many of which are often seen along the shores of the lake. Other great places for encounters with local wildlife are:

• Wolds Wildlife Park
• Baytree Owl & Wildlife Centre
• ARK Wildlife & Dinosaur Park
• White Post Farm
• Icarus Falconry
• Rutland Falconry & Owl Centre

Each of these destinations offers a unique experience and allows you to get up close and personal with a variety of fascinating animals. You’ll learn all about their behaviour and the environment in which they live.

9. Learn About England’s Industrial Past at Derwent Valley Mills

Embark on a journey through time and discover the industrial history of the East Midlands at the Derwent Valley Mills .

It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site made up of a series of 18th-century industrial mill complexes. It was the birthplace of the modern factory system, which helped to revolutionize the production of textiles and other goods.

The mills are now preserved as a living reminder of Britain’s industrial heritage. Several of the old factories now host a range of educational activities and tours.

Today the site offers insight into how industry used to work, and how working conditions developed over time.

The UNESCO site includes the Cromford Mills , Richard Arkwright’s groundbreaking cotton mills that revolutionized the textile industry.

You can take a guided tour of the mill, which provides a unique insight into the history of these mills and their impact on the world. You’ll discover a collection of machinery, tools, and artifacts related to the development of industry right up until today.

It’s a fascinating glimpse into the past. This place is a must-visit for anyone interested in the region’s rich heritage and the birth of the Industrial Revolution.

10. Family-Friendly Museums and Galleries in the East Midlands

The East Midlands houses a diverse range of museums and galleries that cater to families and people of all ages.

Chatsworth House is a gorgeous stately home in Derbyshire. With immaculate grounds and lavish interior design, it’s a great place to come for a day out.

Inside the house, you can explore the grand interiors full of historic furnishings and paintings. There are also interactive displays, guided tours, and activities on offer for children.

The gardens are equally impressive, with water features, sculptures, and plenty of nooks and crannies to explore.

There’s a deer park and a little farm and adventure play area which the kids will love. The grounds of the estate also have a restaurant, a cafe, a shop, and even a garden centre.

Calke Abbey is a beautiful early-18th-century country house surrounded by 600 acres of parkland. The grounds are home to a range of interesting historical features, such as the walled kitchen garden, as well as a picturesque lake.

FAQs About Things to Do in the East Midlands

What can you do in the east midlands.

In the East Midlands, you can explore historical landmarks and historical cities, and enjoy unspoiled nature. The region is known for its rich history, scenic landscapes, and cultural heritage.

Where can I take my 4-year-old in East Midlands?

There are many child-friendly places to visit in the East Midlands, including museums, adventure parks, and (of course) the great outdoors.

I can personally recommend Gulliver’s Kingdom and Twinlakes Park – both are fantastic for young kids.

What is the East Midlands accent?

The East Midlands accent is a distinct regional accent that combines elements of West Midlands, Yorkshire, and East Anglian accents.

Some of the features that define this accent include a more glottal pronounciation of “t”s at the end of words (e.g. “but” becoming “bu”) and a higher vowel sound on certain longer words (e.g. “coffee” becoming more like “cawfee”).

What is good about the East Midlands?

The East Midlands is a beautiful part of the country with lots to see and do. Explore its stunning countryside or discover vibrant cities like Nottingham and Lincoln.

Which is nicer Derby or Nottingham?

Both Derby and Nottingham have their own unique attractions and charm, it depends on your individual tastes and preferences. Personally, I prefer Nottingham as there’s more to see and do there.

What is the largest city in the East Midlands?

Leicester is the largest city in the East Midlands, with an estimated population of more than 300,000. This ancient city was first recognised by the Romans and later used as a strategic stronghold by the Danes.

Final Thoughts: East Midlands Days Out

The East Midlands has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to enjoy inspiring natural landscapes, explore historical cities, or immerse yourself in the region’s vibrant cultural scene, you can do all that and more.

I hope this post has been helpful and helps you plan a perfect day out in the East Midlands. Let me know how it goes!

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Alex Tiffany

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• SafetyWing – if you’re a digital nomad like me, it’s essential that you have suitable insurance. It’s super flexible  and affordable , you can sign up for as little or as long as you want, and can activate and deactivate it whenever you need to.
• World Nomads – for  adventurous travellers , covers 200+ activities that many other insurers won’t, such as  skydiving, heli-skiing,  rock climbing, rafting, scuba diving, cliff jumping, and kiteboarding (not available for residents of every country – check here ).

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• I’m Alex Tiffany.  Former corporate city robot; lifelong travel addict.
• I’m on a mission to make adventurous travel accessible to all.
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Gilthill Primary School

• School Trips

Year 5 Visit to EMET Design & Creativity Showcase

• Art Showcase NTU June 2024 Year 5.pdf

Year 3/Year 4 Leicester Museum & Art Gallery

• Leicester Museum & Art Gallery 2024.pdf

Year 1 Time Travelling Trip to Southwell Minster

• Southwell Minster Y1 2024.pdf

Mill Adventure Parents Information Meeting & Medical/Consent Form

• Mill Adventure Parents Information Night 2024.pdf
• New Parental Consent Form NCC May 2024.pdf

Year 5 Visit to The Open Centre Derby

• The Open Centre Derby March 2024 Y5.pdf

Year 1 and Year 2 World War One Morning - Monday 13th November 2023

• World War One Morning November 2023.pdf

Year 6 Cloughton Residential - First Letter

• Cloughton first letter Oct 2023 (visit June 2024).pdf

Year 1 to Year 6 Theatre Visit

• Nottingham Playhouse - Y1 toY6 Cinderella Dec 2023.pdf

Mill Adventure - Year 4

• Mill Adeventure 1st Letter 2024.pdf

Year 3 and Year 4 Roman Day

• Roman Day Oct 2023.pdf

Year 3/Year 4 Magna Science Centre Trip

• Magna Science 2023.pdf

Year 1 Time Travelling - Southwell Minster

• Southwell Minster Y1 2023.pdf

Whole School Panto Pick-up Arrangements

• Panto pick up arrangements Dec 2022.pdf

Residential Visits 

At Gilthill we believe that residential visits are an important way to teach independence, teamwork, resilience and to prepare our children for the next stage of their education. We have designed our residential offer so it builds in length as the children move through school.

This starts in Year 2 with a one-night camp or stay-and-play opportunity in school. In Year 4, this extends to a one-night residential stay in a local adventure camp which is designed to provide a variety of outdoor activities. Finally, in Year 6 we have a week-long residential stay where the children get to develop their independence and resilience as well as enjoying time together with their friends. 

Unfortunately not the ones with chocolate chips.

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Living Rainforest

School Trips

London & South East Berkshire Science Geography Chemistry Biology Environmental Geography Wildlife

Why book Living Rainforest for School Trips and Educational Visits?

What size groups do you cater for?

Is there first aid on site, do you offer access for visitors with disabilities, anything else, reviews from schools...

★★★★★ "The Living Rainforest is just down the road and perfect for our Key Stage 2 Conservation unit. We took the sustainable future tour where they focused on the pressures associated with development and conservation. The worksheets were excellent and the education staff covered everything you need. It wasn't just the children who found it interesting. Well worth a visit. "

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