Book your school visit for the academic year 2025–26 by 30th September and enjoy an exclusive 20% discount on the final price.
To help you prepare, here’s what you can expect when booking:
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Quick response: We aim to get back to you within 7 working days after you submit your form.
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Plan ahead: We strongly recommend submitting your booking request at least six weeks in advance to help us accommodate your group smoothly.
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Final confirmation: Your booking is only confirmed once you receive a confirmation email from us. Please check your spam/junk folder, too!
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What you’ll need to tell us: The form asks for your contact details (name, email, telephone), school name and address, and which activity you’re interested in choose between our How to Build a Tunnel Under the Thames & Discovery Walk, or our Guided Tour (available for KS3+).
How to Build a Tunnel Under the Thames: A Guide for Young Engineers
A Hands-On History Experience for Schools
Bring the fascinating story of the Thames Tunnel to life with the How to Build a Tunnel Under the Thames: A Guide for Young Engineers, an engaging, interactive experience designed for school groups.
Set within the Brunel Museum, this on-gallery activity invites students to explore the history of the world’s first tunnel beneath a navigable river. Through a series of tasks and clues, pupils will uncover the real-life challenges faced by workers, learn about the groundbreaking achievements of Marc and Isambard Kingdom Brunel, and engage with hands-on activities that bring the tunnel’s story to life
Set within the Brunel Museum, this on-gallery activity invites students to explore the history of the world’s first tunnel beneath a navigable river. Through a series of tasks and clues, pupils will uncover the real-life challenges faced by workers, learn about the groundbreaking achievements of Marc and Isambard Kingdom Brunel, and engage with hands-on activities that bring the tunnel’s story to life
The activity sparks curiosity and teamwork while allowing students to connect with the real-world legacy of the Thames Tunnel.
What to expect:
● 1-hour self-guided experience suitable for KS1–4.
● Engaging, illustrated booklet with historical facts which students can take back to the classroom.
● Fun, hands-on activities to help pupils discover the history of the tunnel and the challenges faced by its workers.
What to expect:
● 1-hour self-guided experience suitable for KS1–4.
● Engaging, illustrated booklet with historical facts which students can take back to the classroom.
● Fun, hands-on activities to help pupils discover the history of the tunnel and the challenges faced by its workers.
Whether you’re teaching Victorian history, the Industrial Revolution, inventions, or transport, How to Build a Tunnel Under the Thames: A Guide for Young Engineers provides a hands-on opportunity for students to connect with the past. It’s a unique way for them to explore the places and stories that shaped this groundbreaking engineering achievement.
Curriculum Links
Supporting a range of curriculum areas across Key Stages 1–4, including:
History: Explore Victorian life, engineering innovation, local history in Rotherhithe, and significant individuals like Marc and Isambard Kingdom Brunel.
Design & Technology: Discover how Brunel used innovative solutions like the tunnelling shield, and encourage problem-solving and design thinking through activities.
Science: Learn about biomimicry, exploring how natural creatures inspired engineering solutions.
Art & Design: Develop drawing and observation skills, study how artists and engineers recorded large-scale works, and explore creative responses to engineering challenges.
English & Literacy: Engage with historical texts, discuss ideas, and expand vocabulary related to tunnels and Victorian history.
