THORP
PERROW
SCHOOL VISITS
INFORMATION
PACK
Why aren’t wellies part of school uniform?
Well, at Thorp Perrow, we think they should be.
We believe that in a world where children spend increasing amounts of time
indoors, learning outside the classroom can support the development of
healthy and active lifestyles - offering children opportunities for physical
activity, freedom and movement, and promoting a sense of well-being.
The natural world is something that children of all ages can discover, and our
outdoor classroom offers endless learning opportunities from EYFS through to
KS3 and beyond.
The range of learning environments available lend themselves naturally to a
cross-curricular approach in subject areas such as Maths, English, Science,
Geography, History, Art, Design and Technology, Music and PE.
We are passionate about nature and the environment, and we want
to inspire the next generation to love the world around them as
much as we do.
School Visits to Thorp Perrow
We welcome and encourage school visits to Thorp Perrow, and offer services
to make your day as effective and well-organised as possible.
School children are charged at £4 per child (under 4s are free) and one adult
for every ten children is admitted free. Additional adults are charged at the
group entry rate of £7.50
Entry to the Birds of Prey and Wildlife Centre is included in the cost of your
visit, and you are welcome to attend one of the captivating flying displays
held throughout the day. We can also arrange for the wonderful staff to talk
to your group about specific animals if you wish.
To assist you with preparation for your visit, we provide every group with a
free activity pack, which contains a range of ideas for study in the classroom
before your visit, things to do on the day, and ideas for applying your newfound knowledge and skills in your school setting. We also have access to a
wide range of educational resources, so if there is a specific topic or area you
wish to focus on, please let us know and we will endeavour to find ageappropriate resources for you.
We have a basic completed risk assessment available for your use, and offer
the opportunity for one member of staff per ~30 children to visit prior to
your trip. This gives the chance to look around, tweak the risk assessment for
specific activities, and see the Education Garden.
You are more than welcome to eat your packed lunches anywhere in our
grounds (providing you are responsible with removing litter), however our
beautiful tearoom is open all day serving hot and cold drinks, lunches, cakes
and treats. The tearoom offers a dedicated children’s menu, from which you
can pre-order should you wish, and there are several highchairs available for
very young children.
We offer the adults in your party a free takeaway tea or coffee and a pack of
ginger biscuits.
Disabled visitors are most welcome. The majority of the Arboretum is
wheelchair accessible, and we have mobility scooters available for hire. Carers
are admitted free of charge.
We are happy for you to use anything you find on the floor as part of your
visit but ask that you do not damage any of the plants or trees.
The Education Garden
As part of your visit, school groups are now being offered exclusive use of our
Education Garden. This is a space which was designed and created by a group
of ex-military personnel as part of their rehabilitation through the Help for
Heroes scheme.
The garden is a wonderful area, offering you a dedicated space away from
other visitors, which you are free to use as you wish (providing it is left in a
good condition for the next group).
Resources available in the Education Garden include
 A sheltered area perfect for picnicing etc
 A storytelling chair and seats
 Identification guides for minibeasts, birds, leaves etc
 Raised beds ideal for planting or digging
 A pond for pond dipping (we plan to improve this resource)
 Trapdoors and minibeast hotels
 Some basic gardening tools
How to Book
Please complete and return a school group booking form. You will find one
enclosed or can download one from our website. This form should give you
all the information you need, however if there is something further you wish
to discuss (such as resources for a specific topic of study) then please do not
hesitate to get in touch:
Web: thorpperrow.com
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: 01677 425323
The Small Print:
We do not have a set ‘maximum capacity’, and try to accommodate all booking requests, however on
occasion we may have to reject an application. We treat group bookings on a ‘first come, first served’ basis,
on receipt of the booking form.
You will be charged for the number of individuals present on the day of the visit. Payment must be made in
full on the day. Cheques should be made payable to Thorp Perrow Arboretum Ltd. A receipted invoice is
available on request.
Thorp Perrow Season Tickets and other discounted entry cards are not accepted as part of a group booking.