Workshops
We offer curriculum-linked workshops and resources for all ages year-round.
Our workshops provide pupils with an entertaining and immersive experience.
Each workshop includes:
- support from a dedicated member of our Learning Team who will meet you on arrival and be on hand to help throughout your session
- a mixture of replica and original objects for your class to explore
- hands-on learning and resources, activity guides and downloadable materials before your visit, to ensure a smooth experience
- where possible we will provide a designated lunch space
Workshop themes
We have a number of different workshop themes for you to choose from. Can't find what you are looking for? Or need help with your booking? Please Contact Preston Park
Traditional Toys
Overview
After a brief introduction to old fashioned toys, children will:
- enjoy learning through play
- discovering how toys worked before battery power and computer games
- be inspired to make their own optical illusion toy to take back to school with them
This workshop is suitable for Key Stage 1 and 2.
Duration and times
Duration is approximately 1 hour.
Start times are 10am, 11:15am and 1pm.
Price
£35 per workshop (for up to 30 children), plus £1.50 museum admission charge per child.
Victorian School Day
Overview
During this strict School Day workshop, children will discover through role play what school was like for Victorian children.
The workshop includes:
- taking part in lessons
- learning to write their name using a dip pen and ink
Suitable for Key Stage 1 and 2.
Duration and times
Duration is approximately 1 hour.
Start times available are 10am, 11:15am and 1pm.
Price
£35 per workshop (for up to 30 children), plus £1.50 museum admission charge per child.
Victorian Home
Overview
Discover the different objects found in the home and how they were used by members of the household both practically and as decorative items.
This workshop is a great opportunity to compare those items to our modern appliances and understand the impact of electricity and heating.
Children will look at decorative ceramics within the collection to inspire them to create their own plate design to take back to school.
Suitable for Key Stage 1 and 2.
Duration and times
Duration is approximately 1 hour.
Start times available are 10am, 11.15am and 1pm.
Price
£35 per workshop (for up to 30 children), plus £1.50 museum admission charge per child.
WW2 (November only)
Overview:
During this two-hour workshop discover what life was like for children during the war years and evacuation. Children will look at the impact that war had on the everyday activities, jobs and material things that we take for granted today through a range of activities and tasks. Activities include:
- write your name tag
- create an ID card
- write a postcard home
- crawl into a shelter
- hande a range of original and replica artefacts
- shop for rations from our friendly shop keepers on the street
- try wartime food - if you are feeling brave!
Suitable for Key Stages 1 and 2.
Supported by Arts Council funding through the Making a Mark in Tees Valley Programme.
Duration and times
Duration is 2 hours.
Our WW2 workshop runs on 11, 13, 18 and 20 November 2025, start times available are at 10am and 12.30pm.
Price
£50 per workshop (for up to 30 children), plus £1.50 museum admission charge per child.
Victorian Christmas (December only)
Overview
This fun festive workshop explores the origins of our modern Christmas. Children will learn about how the Victorians, like the Ropner family who lived at Preston Hall, celebrated Christmas and the traditions that we still have today.
Plus, create traditional decorations, cards and crackers to take home and hear the story of 'A Night before Christmas'.
Suitable for Key Stages 1 and 2.
Duration and times
Duration is approximatley 1.5 hours
Our Victorian Christmas workshop takes place throughout December, start times available are 10am and 1pm.
Price
£45 per workshop (for up to 30 children), plus £1.50 museum admission charge per child.
Anglo-Saxons (March only)
Overview
Join us as we discuss what has been discovered at local archaeological dig sites, and how the treasures on display tell us about life for the Anglo-Saxons.
Students can undertake a series of activities and create their own clay pot to take back to school.
Suitable for Key Stage 2.
Duration and times
Duration is approximately 2 hours.
Our Anglo-Saxons workshop runs from the 17 to 19 March 2026, start times available are at 10am and 12.30pm.
Price
£50 per workshop (for up to 30 children), plus £1.50 museum admission charge per child.
Portraits (January only)
Overview
Students will discover some of our local heroes and how they helped shape the museum, local area and wider world such as Col. Spence of the 5th DLI and Robert Ropner, owner of Preston Hall and major shipbuilder during the late Victorian era. They will explore different portraits, how to read them as sources, mix colours from a limited pallet and create work using sketching, specialist paints and paper.
Suitable for Key Stages 1 and 2.
Duration and times
Duration is approximately 2 hours
Our Portraits workshop is available to book from 20 to 22 January 2026, times are 10am to 12 noon and 12.30 to 2.30pm
Price
£50 per workshop (for up to 30 children), plus £1.50 museum admission charge per child.
Mini Beasts (summer term)
Overview
Join us for a fun and informative session using bug-catching equipment whilst exploring Preston Park's grounds searching for insects! Children will discuss habitats, identify and record their findings during the mini beast hunt as well as understanding how to gently and safely catch and release the creatures.
Suitable for EYFS and Key Stage 1.
Duration and times
Duration is 1 hour
Our Mini Beasts workshop is availble to book during the summer term.
Price
£40 per workshop (up to 30 children), plus £1.50 museum admission charge per child.
How to book
Once you have made your booking online, a member of our Learning Team will be in touch to confirm numbers and arrange payment.
