Learning on the Yorkshire Coast

A group of school children gather around a National Trust leader on a beach — Outdoor learning on the beach | © National Trust Images/Trevor Ray Hart

Visit our exhibition room to find out how we can all take action to help tackle climate change. Learn about the creatures that make the edge of the sea their home and discover the history of Robin Hood’s Bay through our educational activities.

Our educational activities

We offer a range of activities for schools, youth groups and families. These sessions can be combined to fill a visit lasting up to a full day:

• Young environmentalist (KS1 -KS2) - a guided litter pick followed by a group discussion on the effects of climate change and litter on our beaches.
• Rockpool rummage (KS1 -KS2) - a hands on session exploring the rich diversity of the seashore. Opportunities to cover food chains, adaptations and classification.
• Beachcomber fossil hunt (KS1 -KS2) - exploring the beach, its fossilised treasures, and discovering more about the geology of Robin Hood’s Bay.
• 'A Different View' village trail (KS2 -KS3) - an orienteering trail through the twisting lanes and alleys of Robin Hood’s Bay.
• Exhibition talk & quiz (KS1 - KS2) - a talk about the human and natural history of Robin Hood’s Bay and how being by the sea has shaped this unique village. Followed by a quiz. (Indoors).

A child on a beach holds a large spiral shaped ammonite fossil — Fossil hunting on the Yorkshire Coast | © National Trust Images/Ian Shaw

We can create a personalised itinerary to cater for your group's needs. Maximum group size is 25.

If you have a special request, we will do our best to accommodate other suitable topics or activities not covered by our current range.

Our prices

Self-led activities are £10 per session (any group size, all equipment provided). Activities led by a member of our team are £1.50 per person (15-25 students per group).

The details

All activities, except the exhibition talk and quiz, involve time spent outdoors. We strongly recommend participants wear suitable clothing and footwear, including wellies and waterproofs for the beach.

Some activities are dependent on tide times, please get in touch for tide information for the day of your planned visit.

We offer free preliminary visits to group leaders, who have booked activities. Visitor centre staff will be on hand to discuss options and offer advice.

To discuss your requirements, or for booking information, please call 01947 885900 or send an email to ocseducation@nationaltrust.org.uk.

Additional information

Due to our size we can't accept bookings of more than 60 children. If your group is larger, please consider splitting your visit over 2 days.

Pay and display parking (not National Trust) is at the top of the village. No parking in the lower village. Find us above the slipway, a 15 minute walk from the car park.

Packed lunches may be eaten in the exhibition room in the event of bad weather.

There is only one toilet in the building. There are public toilets at Station Road car park at the top of the hill and next door to the Old Coastguard Station.

An entrance ramp and accessible lift to the first floor are available on request.