Learning at Crossness
A day pupils remember: real engines, hands-on learning and activities for every age.
About Learning Visits
Pupils and students can explore the site, stand beside our enormous engines and learn through practical activities, trails and exhibitions. Visits are designed to be enjoyable, memorable and closely linked to classroom learning.
We welcome schools, colleges, universities, families and community groups. Visits can be adapted to suit different ages, interests and areas of study.
For Schools
We welcome primary and secondary schools, including pupils with SEND.
School groups usually arrive at 10am and leave at 2pm, but timings are flexible. An indoor lunch space is available. Pupils explore the site, see the engines and take part in practical activities. The day combines hands-on learning with stories about engineering, public health and the Great Stink.
Every visit includes:
- a guided tour of the engines;
- time in the Great Stink exhibition;
- a choice of hands-on activities linked to history, geography, science and maths;
- self-led trails around the site.
Our volunteers help pupils look closely, ask questions and make connections with what they have been learning at school.
Curriculum links
- Victorian public health and the Great Stink;
- engineering and the beam engines;
- the Thames and London’s sewer system;
- forces, materials and sanitation.
£100 per class. Up to two classes per day.
If you are a local school or a SEND school and the price is a barrier, get in touch. We may be able to offer a discount.
“The children had a wonderful time and were fully engaged throughout the day. […] The hands-on experiences really brought the history and learning to life, and the children came away buzzing with enthusiasm and knowledge.”
Willow Bank Primary School Year 2 visit
“The trip has become an annual event that all look forward to. The visit fits within the students’ learning as part of the Pearson A level course on Poverty and Public Health, with the chance to see in person the feats of technology and engineering of the age. […] some of our students who have an interest in engineering have found the trip to be inspiring.”
Guru Nanak Sikh Academy, Year 13 visit
For Universities & Colleges
Crossness welcomes university and college groups from the UK and overseas.
Students can examine Victorian engineering and sanitation in the place where the machinery and buildings still survive. A visit combines historical context with the chance to explore the site, see the engines at close quarters and consider the wider challenges of urbanisation, public health and the environment.
The site is particularly relevant to courses in:
- engineering;
- public health;
- architecture;
- history;
- art and design;
- environmental studies.
A typical visit lasts about 2½ hours and can include an illustrated talk about Joseph Bazalgette’s sewer system and its historical context, and a guided tour of the site and engines. Coach and minibus parking is available.
£10 per person
Minimum charge of £150 for groups of 15 or fewer
“Having visited Crossness several times with university students […], I highly recommend it as an educational visit. The students have a great time and learn a lot that would be hard to teach in a classroom. It’s a fantastic way to learn about wastewater management, but also the broader challenges of urbanisation and environmental pollution.”
Lecturer in Environmental Engineering, UCL
For Families
Free family craft activities are available on selected Open Days.
Children and adults can make something together to take home. Each activity explores a different part of the Crossness story and introduces a range of materials and techniques.
Check the individual event page to see what activities will be available when you visit.
For Community Groups & Organisations
We offer guided visits for local community groups.
We can also visit your venue to give an illustrated talk about the history and significance of Crossness. The venue will need to provide a projector and screen.
We can work with children’s community groups to plan a suitable visit. When you enquire, tell us the age of the group, its interests and any access or support needs.
Ready to Arrange a Visit?
Send an enquiry with the form below. We will contact you to discuss the visit and check suitable dates before anything is confirmed.
You can also email [email protected].