HEXHAM ABBEY – INFORMATION FOR VISITING SCHOOLS
*Please read carefully in advance of your visit*
We are delighted that your school group is visiting Hexham Abbey and hope
you will find the following information useful.
Your activity day will be led by the Education Officer and a team of experienced, CRB checked volunteers but please can we stress that the safety and behaviour of children is the responsibility of school staff at all times. It is essential, therefore, that you have enough accompanying adults to supervise children in small activity groups of around 10-15 while in the Abbey, as well as on visits to the toilets and during lunchtime.
Labels
It would be a great help to us if your pupils could come with name labels. This allows us to use their names and helps us get to know one another in the short time we have together.
Getting Here
The coach ‘drop off’ zone is adjacent to the main entrance to the Abbey on Beaumont Street. Coaches are able to park free of charge in the Wentworth Car Park where there is also ample parking for cars and minibuses. Please ask the coach driver to speak to the traffic warden on duty who has a little hut near to the Tourist Information. It is approximately a 10/15 minute walk from the Wentworth car park to the Abbey and around 20 minutes from the railway station.
*If you are delayed on your journey to the Abbey, please would you let the office know by calling 01434 602031. Please note that in such an eventuality, we might need to amend the content and timing of the day.*
Valuables
Inside the Abbey coats, bags and lunches etc. will be left on pews unattended although generally in view. For this reason please could you advise your pupils not to bring valuables with them and remind all adults to keep handbags etc with them at all times.
Toilets
Please be aware that the Abbey has limited toilet facilities. For this reason we advise staggered trips to the toilet, especially at lunchtime. Two toilets are situated at the top of the Night Stair in the Abbey. An additional two toilets are available in the Monastic Workshop. These are outside the Abbey but are at ground level. There are some serviceable public toilets adjacent to the Sele Park.
Visitors with additional needs
If members of your party have additional needs please discuss this with the Education Officer in advance so that we can do all we can to help. There is wheelchair access around the main body of the Abbey but not to the Crypt or the Night Stair. There is a ramp in to the Monastic Workshop and its toilets but the toilet doorway will not accommodate a large wheelchair. There is a disabled toilet in the nearby Queen’s Hall, 100 metres along from the Abbey, on the other side of the road.
Lunch
If the weather is fine you are welcome to picnic and have some playtime on the Cloister lawn or you could visit the Sele Park next to the Abbey. The Monastic Workshop, if appropriate, is usually available as an indoor lunch venue but we would ask that visiting parties collect all rubbish, wipe tables and sweep floors at the end of the lunch time.
In the nearby market square there are a number of outlets that serve take away teas and coffees.
Abbey Shop
The Abbey Gift Shop is next to the main entrance on Beaumont Street and sells a range of souvenirs and pocket money items. Visits to the shop can be planned in advance but please can we draw your attention to our £2 schools’ souvenir pack which you can pre-order to collect at lunchtime. We also have a new range of beautiful commemorative postcards at 50p each which will look great on displays back in the classroom!
Equality and Diversity
Hexham Abbey welcomes people of all faiths and none to enjoy its beautiful architecture and atmosphere and to explore its fascinating history.
Our activity workshops are experiential and reflective but do not presuppose any religious commitment. Our opening and closing times reflect Department for Education guidelines in that they are broadly Christian in nature.
Health and Safety
A visit to the Abbey is generally regarded as a low risk activity but please be aware that visits to the Crypt and Night Stair involve steep and uneven steps.
The Abbey is open to the general public each day and it is important that visiting school parties are aware of this and children are reminded not to go off on their own.
For further information about other potential risks please read the Hazard Information to inform your own risk assessment planning.
Toni Bush – January 2011
From Hexham Abbey Gift Shop
Please can you let the Education Officer know in advance if you would like your pupils to visit our gift shop. Otherwise they can order one of our £2 souvenir packs. These can be pre-ordered and delivered to you during the lunch break!
Special Schools’ Souvenir Pack – £2
Stunning New Postcards – 50p each
(19×13 cm)
