Learning at Ravenglass Railway Museum
Ravenglass Railway Museum is a great place for a school visit. There are many opportunities for learning from the museum, the railway, the site and the community it serves. Located in West Cumbria, the Museum tells the story of the historic Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway which opened in 1875 and still carries 100,000 passengers every year behind beautifully preserved steam locomotives. The museum offers an extensive archive and exhibits that share the history of the line and allows visitors to get up close to the locomotives and coaches. The Museum’s schools programme was developed by the education specialists Innovate Educate in consultation with local primary schools. It offers a range of resources for Key Stage 1-3 students visiting the Museum, complemented by classroom-based sessions and resource boxes covering STEAM curriculum topics such as the science and technology behind operating the railway as well as the social history of the line and local industries, the workforce, and the Railway’s place in the Eskdale community. The museum’s learning resources are available to download free online. (ravenglassrailwaymuseum.co.uk/visit/learning) In addition to the year-round offer, the railway runs very popular seasonal events such as the Santa Express and teachers can use the web resources in conjunction with such a visit. Bespoke itineraries for half- or full-day visits are also available which encompass any or all of a wide range of activities including tours of the Museum and Workshop/Engine Shed, visits to the restored Victorian Signal Box, ‘Meet the Engine’ with one of the museum’s locomotives in steam, and a partial or full return trip on our railway. We like to think we offer visits which are a little bit different – how often do pupils get up close to a working steam engine? Sessions for older students and college groups can also be arranged. We’re always happy to chat so why not get in touch to discuss your requirements or make a booking? Contact museum@ravenglass-railway.co.uk, 01229 717171, @rermuseum