Learning

Schools

A young visitor to The Workhouse dresses up as a Victorian pauper during our family toe-dipper tour © National Trust / Samantha Ball

Whether you're studying Victorians at Key Stage 2, the Welfare State at GCSE or the Condition of England at A-level, visit The Workhouse for a thought-provoking insight into life in a Victorian workhouse.

Universities

Smocks hang from pegs in a women's dormitory at The Workhouse © David Slaviero

A guided tour of The Workhouse can really bring history alive for university groups. Our experienced guides adapt their tours to suit your focus and love to share their knowledge with you.

Outreach

Slate bags hang from hooks in The Workhouse's school-room © David Slaviero

The Workhouse Outreach Box is ready and waiting for you to hire. Create a Victorian classroom display with interesting objects and dress-up in the pauper outfits. Please call 01636 817262 for further details and prices.

Street Child at The Workhouse

Puppets ready for use in a performance of Street Child at The Workhouse © National Trust

Street Child puppets ready for the performers to bring to life

© National Trust

In May 2011 we welcomed Cotton Grass Theatre to The Workhouse with their imaginative and innovative production of Street Child, based on the novel by Berlie Doherty. Over 150 pupils from two local schools joined us for a spectacular performance of puppetry, live acting and shadow-images.

What teachers say...

  • 'The visits..have been among the best during my 26 years of teaching'
  • 'Absolutely brilliant'
  • 'They could remember it for weeks afterwards'
  • 'One kid went home and described it to his mother as 'awesome' '
  • 'Pitched the talks just right for our SEN pupils'