Schools
Combine excellence in teaching with enjoyment in learning.
Bring the Romans to life by exploring the unique reconstructed Commanding Officer's House, Barrack Block and Gatehouse. Discover the remains of Roman buildings on the Fort site and visit the Museum to find out more about the life of a soldier, how the Romans were buried, in addition to many fascinating artefacts from the excavations. The exciting Time Quest gallery allows visitors the unique opportunity to excavate real Roman artefacts. Work on a reconstructed excavation platform, identify finds and study them under the guidance of a Gallery Interpreter. Use high-powered microscopes, rebuild a sheep's skeleton, write on a wax tablet and handle all sorts of Roman objects.
Arbeia is an essential part of any study of the Romans, but we can also provide exciting days out as part of science, maths, art and literacy topics. Students studying tourism, marketing and archaeology topics are also catered for.
Our dedicated Schools Online site is currently being redeveloped for the new school term and will be relaunched shortly. Until then, please contact Arbeia Roman Fort with any enquiries on (0191) 456 1369.
What is there to see?
Please see our Displays and Curriculum Links section for more details.
How do I book?
All school and group visits to Arbeia and Time Quest must be booked in advance. For booking requests and information please contact the museum on 0191 456 1369. A confirmation letter and information pack will be sent to you when you have made your booking. If you would like to make a visit enquiry for an event that requires booking you can use our online visit enquiry form.
Can I make a preliminary visit?
Visits are self-guided (except Time Quest), so it is highly recommended that you visit Arbeia before you come with your group. You will then be familiar with the layout of the Fort, the content of the museum and the location of the toilets, shop and Education Room. A preliminary visit will also give you the opportunity to meet the staff and visit Time Quest for free.
How do I pay?
Admission to Arbeia is free. Admission to Time Quest is £1.00 per person (educational groups). Visits to Time Quest last an hour per group. 20 per group with 4 adults is the ideal, but we can take parties of up to 30 (up to a maximum of 90 per day). You must obtain your Time Quest ticket from the shop before entering Time Quest. We can only accept payment on the day. Any cheques should be made payable to Newcastle City Council.
We do offer an option for schools to be invoiced - please specify this at the time of booking.
What do I do on arrival?
Please arrange your party into groups before arrival. All visiting groups should see a member of the front of house staff as soon as they arrive. The front of house staff will show you where to store bags and where to pay, and explain the procedures for the day.
How many adults should I bring?
Each group of ten children should be accompanied by one adult. Please try to prepare the adult helpers as well as your pupils. The adults are responsible for the children at all times during the visit.
Are there any safety issues?
Arbeia and Time Quest can be hazardous in places. There are walls, banks and sunken features which should be approached with caution. Please do not leave children unsupervised and do not allow anyone in your party to climb onto the walls.
Where can we have lunch?
The Education Room is available for on-site preparatory and follow-up work. Packed lunches can also be eaten in the Education Room if booked in advance. The room seats 30, so you may have to stagger lunch if there are more than 30 in your group. When the Education Room is unavailable if the weather is poor, other indoor arrangements will be suggested. An outdoor picnic area is also provided.
Are there toilets?
Arbeia has accessible toilets.
Is there a shop?
Small inexpensive items for children are on sale in the shop, where there is also a hot drinks machine.
Do you have a risk assessment?
No, but we have already identified the hazards for you. The hazard identification forms can be found in the download section of the schools online website.
Are there any downloads?
Teacher's packs and hazard ID's can be found in the download section of the schools online website.