The Pass
Inspirational ideas for group days out and holidays
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Natural World
Natural World
With a new year approaching, museums and galleries across the UK are coming up with exciting new exhibitions. From Liverpool to London, there’s something to suit all group tastes.
Inside out
Groups can discover the past at the Milestones Museum where a full size historic street scene has been created inside a new building, providing all the interest of an open-air museum without any need to worry about the weather. Visits last approximately 3 hours and you’ll have access to a free audio guide, which describes the museum and takes a look at its collections. There are also plenty of facilities to choose from including extensive coach parking, a drop-off point outside the museum, accessible toilets, on-site refreshments, and a well-stocked gift shop. Special group discounts are available for pre-booked groups of 15 or more. To book in advance, contact Linda Owen on the number below or visit their website.
t
01256 403905
Past times
Another place where you can delve into the past is at one of Winchester’s Museums. Groups can first drop in at The City Museum, which is situated in the centre of the town between the High Street and the cathedral, and tells the story of the city from Roman times to the present day. Then you might like to visit The Westgate Museum - one of two surviving fortified gateways in Winchester. During the 16th to 18th centuries, the Westgate was used as both a lockup prison - for the drunken and disorderly - and as a debtors’ gaol. There is access to the roof for extensive views of the High Street and towards the Great Hall of the castle. For more information contact Winchester Museums on the details below.
t
01962 848 269
Count me in
There’s also plenty to see and do at the Bank of England Museum with a number of historical displays detailing the story of the Bank from its foundation in 1694, to its role today as the UK’s central bank. Groups can explore material drawn from the Bank’s own collection of books, paintings, banknotes, coins and photographs, plus there is a display of Roman and modern gold bars, alongside pikes and muskets once used to defend the Bank. You’ll also find computer technology and audio-visual displays. Admission to the museum is free of charge and includes a guide, which is available in a number of languages.
t
020 7601 5545
Rare finds
Guildhall Art Gallery is showcasing Victorian Celebrities in Photographs: G.F. Watts and his World, from 7 January 2007 to 13 April 2008. Organised by the Watts Gallery, the exhibition looks at 150 photographs of the artistic, political, royal and cultural celebrities of the Victorian era. Many photographs are being exhibited for the first time including images of leading artists, artists’ models, their wives and families. The exhibition also includes rare images of Queen Victoria, Prince Albert and the principal cultural figures of the day such as Tennyson, Dickens and Ruskin. To find out more contact the Gallery on the details below.
t
020 7332 3700
Living it up
There’s plenty for groups to see and do at Black Country Living Museum this winter. From the introduction in the modern exhibition halls to the reconstructed village, the museum offers groups of all ages, abilities and interests a day out with a difference. You can meet the characters in the original shops and houses, ride on a tramcar or fairground swing boat, or take a lesson in the old-fashioned school. Groups can also visit the horses, enjoy a pint of real ale in the Bottle and Glass Inn, chat by the coal-fired ranges or simply soak up the atmosphere. Booked groups of 20 or more are offered the services of a costumed guide. There’s also a range of refreshment facilities on offer including a self-service restaurant, cafe bar and 1930’s Fried Fish Shop, plus indoor & outdoor picnic areas.
t
0121 520 8054
Highlights
Next year promises to be an exciting time for National Museums Liverpool, as many of their venues will be hosting a range of events and activities to suit all ages and interests. Up-and-coming exhibitions include Joseph Wright of Derby in Liverpool, at the Walker Art Gallery, from 17 November 2007 to 24 February 2008, which displays works of one of the most significant British artists of the mid 18th century. Then The Beatles photographs of Michael Peto, at the National Conservation Centre, runs until 2 March 2008, and is a must-see for fans of the Fab Four. To find out more about their 2008 programme, visit the website below.