Our busy Learning Department provides learning opportunities for all ages and abilities in the purpose-built Stavros Niarchos Foundation Learning Centre classroom and laboratory. School visits, CPD for teachers, family learning and more!
The Mary Rose Museum houses the wreck of King Henry VIII’s flagship alongside thousands of original Tudor objects reflecting all levels of Tudor life. There are two ways to experience the museum:
This completely teacher-led visit allows schools freedom to explore the museum and discover the story of the Mary Rose. Start with the 1545: When their world ended immersive sinking experience. See thousands of real Tudor artefacts and learn about life on board ship in 1545. STEM links include the excavation and raising of the hull, conservation science and the evidence from human remains found on board.
Add the personal touch to your visit. Be met by one of our volunteer guides at the Mary Rose Museum entrance who will introduce the ship and her story. Experience the 1545 Sinking film. Your guide will then explain the layout of the museum to allow you to lead your class around with confidence and answer any questions.
Ideal if you are not able to do a pre-visit. On very busy days, there is the option to bypass the 1545 experience and queue via our school entrance.
A fun practical STEM activity investigating why the Mary Rose sank. Was the ship unstable or overloaded? In small teams, load plastic models with weights to test your theories.
As a class try our tipping ship challenge.
Discover life above and below decks on King Henry VIII’s favourite warship.
Handle a wide range of replica artefacts to investigate how differently the officers and crew lived, worked and played at sea.
Dressing up for all with our replica Tudor clothing – bring the camera for a brilliant photo opportunity for the whole class!
Work with real and replica artefacts to investigate Tudor materials and their properties.
Were they fit for purpose?
How do they compare with modern materials?
Use digital microscopes to compare sample materials and see them in high definition!
Dispel some of those myths about Tudor life using evidence from the Mary Rose skeletons. A series of hands-on activities is designed to answer the question: Are we fitter and healthier than our Tudor ancestors? Pupils will discover the impact of work, diet and exercise on the crew and the officers.
A two-part challenge taking a closer look at life on board the ship:
Why did the Mary Rose sink and why is she so significant? Engage in a genuine debate comparing conflicting primary sources on the sinking of the ship before voting for the most likely theory.
Handle mystery replica artefacts. What does this amazing collection reveal about Tudor life?
Why did the Mary Rose sink?
Was the ship unstable or overloaded?
Were there other factors?
Test predictions relating to stability and load-bearing capacity of models. Use the scientific evidence to support or refute the theories.
Discover the evidence from the Mary Rose including artefacts, human remains and the latest scientific research.
Compare medicine in 1545 and today before trying some role play using costumes and props based on jobs on board. Will the Surgeon kill or cure his patients?
Meet a member of the Museum Management Team.
Suitable for students studying:
Our aim is that all teachers and pupils have a safe and enjoyable experience.
This guide is designed to make sure your day goes as smoothly as possible.
We strongly recommend a free pre-visit to the museum to conduct your own risk assessment.
With appropriate supervision and behaviour, there are no significant risks.
Teachers, 1-2-1 assistants and adult helpers are free of charge. Please make staff aware of any particular special needs or medical requirements to see if we can provide any extra assistance (see Accessibility p. 4).
The museum operates a one-way visitor route over three floors. (See Museum Map p. 5) This involves use of lifts and/or stairs. We expect a visit to last about 1 hour, but please allow an extra 30+ minutes if you wish to experience the 4D ‘Dive the Mary Rose’ film and/or 1545 Sinking Experience. You may have more or less time depending on time slots for lunch, workshops, queues during peak times or visiting other attractions. Workshop groups will be on a set timetable which you will be sent before your visit.
| Look | A mixture of artefacts, films, pictures, labels, activities and handling objects tell the story of the Mary Rose |
| Listen | Sounds bring the three different levels to life |
| Touch | Handling opportunities include replica objects |
| Smell | Find the original rope for a real Tudor scent! |
| Ask | The museum team are available to answer questions |
Most pupils are well behaved and a credit to their school. To ensure that all our visitors enjoy the museum, please ensure that staff, adult helpers and pupils behave in an appropriate way:
In the very unusual circumstance of groups or individuals behaving in an offensive or unreasonable manner, the museum reserves the right to ask you to leave the building.
You will be met on arrival at the museum entrance. Coat and bag storage is available in the Learning Centre for groups who have booked workshops, however, we cannot take any responsibility for loss or damage to personal belongings. Please advise pupils to bring as little as possible and no valuable items. All workshops have plenty of sensory elements. Please make us aware of any SEND pupils – we have a range of resources to help.
NB Please make use of the main facilities outside at the front of the museum, or in the Upper Deck gallery next to the 4D cinema, for whole group toilet breaks. Two emergency toilets are available in the Learning Centre for those undertaking workshops.
Every month we hold Relaxed Opening mornings aimed at visitors who may find the museum environment difficult, such as visually impaired or visitors on the autistic spectrum. During this time the lights in the museum will be at a higher level and sound effects will be turned down. Dates can be found on our website: https://maryrose.org/relaxed-opening/
We offer information in a variety of formats: text, AV, costumed guides, hands-on experiences. You can download a short introduction in symbol-supported text here https://maryrose.org/downloads/#maps-activities plus a Visual Story to help prepare anxious pupils: https://maryrose.org/accessibility/kids/
Ear defenders and lanterns are available to borrow from the museum reception.
All guide and assistance dogs are welcome.
The site, the museum and toilets are fully accessible by wheelchair. There is a toilet with adult-size changing facilities, including a hoist and adjustable table, near the museum entrance. Lifts are available to move from floor to floor. We have a number of wheelchairs available to borrow and a buggy service is available to transport visitors from the Dockyard gate to the museum (subject to availability). Please phone us to arrange: 02392 812931.
Toilets are situated at the Mary Rose Museum entrance, in the Upper Deck Gallery and in the Learning Centre
The museum is very dark to protect the artefacts. We offer a range of sensory resources, including a tactile painting of the ship. Visitors are able to handle real and replica artefacts.
There is an audio loop system in exhibition spaces. We also provide transcripts and subtitles for the audio-visual content in some areas.
Everything you need to know when planning your visit to the Mary Rose
Get your students some pre-knowledge of the Mary Rose with these downloadable pupil's guides
