Days out for schools

·Trains, planes & automobiles..

The National Railway Museum
The National Railway Museum is now free for everybody and is the largest of its kind in the world. There's something for all ages with the brand new wing called "The Works", providing an interactive, hands on experience to the visit for children and adults a like. (Allow 2-3 hours)

In addition to the National Railway Museum visit York Model Railway. It contains 14 model trains all on the move at once and is sure to keep the children entertained for a while! (Allow 30 minutes).

Eden Camp
Experience the sights, sounds and smells of life during wartime Britain at Eden Camp. You will be transported back in time to a series of original huts from a Prisoner of War Camp built in 1942. The huts detail all aspects of the war from the rise of Hitler to women at war, the Blitz and a replica MKIX spitfire. (Allow half a day)

Yorkshire Air Museum:
Former RAF Elvington is one of the largest WWII Bomber Command Station open to the public. British, French and Canadian aircrews flew to missions on the continent from here. You can visit the control tower, sit in a cockpit of a Jet Provost or Canberra. Don't forget the impressive Barnes Wallis collection of the 'Dam Busters' fame. (Allow half a day)

· Vikings galore!
The JORVIK centre would be the ideal place to begin in search of Viking history. Visitors are able to whizz around the reconstruction of the viking settlement based on real remains and experience what life was really like through the sights, sounds and smells of Viking York. (Allow 1 hour, 30 minutes).

New for 2006! For an interactive experience, move onto the DIG. The DIG provides adults and children will experiencethe ultimate archaeological adventure and have the opportunity to learn about 2000 years of Yorks history. Visitors can experience a simulated, realistic excavation and then analyse their findings at 3 work bases. (Allow 2 hours).

Visit Barley Hall, a restored medieval town house where costumed guides re-enact what life was like in the 1400's. It provides a hands on experience for all with the chance to try on costumes. A memorable experience! (Allow 1-2 hours).

Travel on to Murton Park just 3 miles from the City centre and take part in a visit to the Danelaw Viking Village, children will be provided with costumes and carry out a range of activities discovering how villagers worked and lived in a Dark Age Village of wattle and daub. (Allow half a day).

· Roman York
Visit the Yorkshire Museum and Gardens to explore some of Britains greatest archaeological and geological treasures. For 2006, the museum will be celebrating the 1700th anniversary of the proclamation of Constantine of York as Emperor in a special exhibition (between 31st March - 29th October 2006) called 'Constantine the Great' . (Allow 2 hours for museum visit in total).

York Minster is the largest medieval Gothic Church north of the Alps. It is a prime example spanning from Roman remains in the foundations through its time as a Norman Church and of course the 250 year period it took to complete. The Minster also offers amazing views from the Tower, spectacular stained glass and audio tours of the Undercroft. (Allow 2-3 hours with audio tour and Tower).

Exploring Roman York wouldn't be the same without taking a walk on York's Bar Walls. Dating back to Roman times and originally built as defences, the walls have been added to and rebuilt over time and now have parts from across the centuries. The walls also offer superb views of the city. (Allow 2 hours).

A new attraction available for school groups is brought to you by a company called Odds Bodkins. They offer a historical half day experience aimed at Key Stage 2 children. Sessions include a costumed role play that lasts 10 minutes. The chosen era is then discussed with the children (i.e Romans, Vikings, Tudors etc). The children also have the opportunity to handle artefacts and discuss points raised in the roleplay. The second half of the session group activities and workshops are set up. (Allow half a day).

A tour of roman York is the ideal interactive and educational experience for school groups. Roam'in Tours offer guided walks of the city in full roman costume and can offer full props, talks and interesting slide shows.