Information for Schools

Planning your visit to Snibston Discovery Park

Opening times

10am to 5pm from April until October, weekends and school holidays and 10am to 3pm weekdays from November to March. Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and one week in January. Ring the Booking Office for details.

Admission

Please see How to Visit
Minimum adult to child ratio is 1 : 10. One free adult will be admitted for every ten students.
Students must be accompanied at all times by an adult and remain the responsibility of their teachers.
Please ensure your students respect other visitors and museum objects.

Galleries

You will need to indicate on the booking application form which galleries and facilities you require and the order of importance to your visit. To enable you to make these decisions we have enclosed gallery information relevant to your group's key stage/s.

Museum shop / Tourist Information Centre

If you wish to visit the shop you must pre-book (see booking application form). You may also visit the Tourist Information Centre which also sells gifts and souvenirs.

Eating facilities

Please note that no food, drink or sweets are to be consumed on indoor galleries.
For parties wishing to bring packed lunches with them, we have a number of outdoor picnic areas which cannot be pre-booked. However, you will need to book indoor eating facilities in case of inclement weather and we cannot accept your booking if we cannot accommodate you in these facilities.
Small groups may be able to use the café by prior arrangement if they wish to purchase food on site.

Special needs

Please let us know if your group has any special needs. We will try to tailor our service to accommodate individual requirements.

Teachers' preliminary visits

You are encouraged to make a free preliminary visit to the museum prior to bringing your group. If you wish to speak to an Education Officer during your pre-visit or a large number of teachers wish to pre-visit, please contact the Booking Office in advance on 0116 305 3456. Please give at least two working days' notice.

Parking

There is a drop off/pick up point in the lay-by on the access road in front of the museum. Coaches can then park on the coach parking area (usually on the events arena unless an event is taking place).
Disabled parking is directly in front of the museum for badge holders.

On arrival

You need to arrive at least 10 minutes before your first gallery/area booking to allow you to book-in with admissions staff and organise your group.
Enter by the front doors into the museum foyer where you will be received by a member of staff who will direct you to the trolleys in which to leave coats and bags (but not valuables). However, space is limited and we would ask you to leave your belongings on the coach whenever possible.

Information desk

While on site further assistance can be sought from members of staff who are easily identifiable, and the group leader may seek assistance from the information desk in the foyer.

Booking office

Please contact the booking office for enquiries regarding visits resources, events for schools.

              Telephone: 01530 278456
              Fax: 01530 813301
              E-Mail: museums-bookings@leics.gov.uk

Address:

              Booking Office
              Snibston Discovery Park
              Ashby Road
              Coalville
              Leicestershire, LE67 3LN

Terms and conditions

These terms and conditions apply from the date on your confirmation / timetable.

All groups will be charged entry, please see enclosed charges sheet. You may pay on the day of your visit by cash, cheque or Visa. Alternatively you can be invoiced after your visit. Cheques should be made payable to Leicestershire County Council.
A minimum ratio of 1 adult to every 10 or part of a group of 10 children is required for supervision.
It is the responsibility of adults to supervise ALL students at ALL times.
Gallery times allocated MUST be adhered to.
No food/drink/sweets to be consumed on the galleries.

Cancellations must be received in writing at least 5 working days before the date of the intended visit. However visits booked for the summer term require 10 working days notice of cancellation in writing. Failure to give the required notice will result in a cancellation fee of 50% being levied.
If a booking is made less than 10 working days in advance of the visit and is then cancelled, the cancellation fee of 50% will be applicable immediately.