Schools
We offer an exciting guided tour experience for schools both inside our attraction as well as outside exploring the Roman sites of Chester with your very own Roman Soldier.
Our schools package is for 3 hours (to include a lunch break in a separate lunch space). Each school group will have a designated Roman soldier. To book or enquire please fill in the form below – please note your booking won’t be confirmed until you hear from us that the selected date is available.
Click here to find out more
Prices
Our 3 hour school packages are priced according to the number of children. See our booking engine below for further details. Teachers are free. All prices include VAT. The cost per Student is £10 + £2 VAT. Timings are in arrival slots 10am, 10.30, 11 or 11.30 is available. Afternoon slots are also possible for students.
Risk Assessment
We know that not everyone has time to visit the site to complete a Risk Assessment. We have prepared this video to help with the process
1. The Inside tour
The children will be transported back to the time of the Romans, where they will travel across the sea to the North of Brittania, to the Roman Fortress of Deva!
Once they have arrived and boarded a ship the children will learn why the Romans invaded Britain and built the fortress of Deva and what it was like to live in Chester as a Roman Soldier nearly 2000 years ago. There will be ports to explore, streets to walk down, a hospital, a Roman bath, an amphitheatre and plenty of hands-on activities.
2. The Chester walking tour – The Roman Army Needs You!
Your class will be enlisted into the Roman Army, where they will meet a veteran of the legion who will put them through their paces and have them working together as a team to become the finest soldiers the world has ever seen!
The Roman soldier will march the school group through Chester chanting as they go and carrying their shields ready to create Roman military formations.
Risk Assessment
Please view the below document for a general risk assessment as well as extra information regarding your visit.
Download risk assessment or email us deva@bigheritage.co.uk
Book your tour here
Unfortunately, our booking system requires a booking fee.
To remove the fee, please use the code “schoolfee” (Case Sensitive) at checkout via the payment window.
Please note – Bookings are non-refundable in the event of absent pupils.
If you are unable to pay via card, or have a group over 120, then please click the button below and fill in the attached form
FAQs
How much is the school tour per child?
The charge per child is £10 plus Vat (we ask for a minimum of x15 children per group)
If we have more than 30 children do we need to split into two groups and why?
In order to experience Deva at its best, we suggest groups of no more than 35 children. Groups larger than 35 will be split and each assigned their own Roman Soldier.
How much are accompanying adults?
All accompanying adults are free of charge
How many adults should attend?
Usual ratio for children and adults over the age of 5 is 1 adult to every 8 children.
What time should we arrive?
We suggest arriving no earlier than 10 minutes before your assigned start time. This is to ensure there is no congestion and things run smoothly for everyone. Start times are 10am, 10.30 and 11am and each tour is x3 hours.
Where can our coach park and is this pay and display?
Coach parking is available at Little Roodee car park which is a short 5-10 minute walk away. Please note this is a ticketed car park and parking must be paid for upon return to the coach.
Are there toilets the children can use?
We have mixed toilets available
Is there an accessible toilet?
We have an accessible toilet on site
Can the children have lunch on site?
Yes, we have lunchrooms available. Your group has half an hour for lunch within the 3hr tour day. We ask that you bring packed lunches, as no food is available to purchase on site. We also ask that all rubbish is taken with you as we don’t have the facility to dispose of it.
Do you have a gift shop?
We are unable to open our gift shop during school tours
Where are lunches stored?
You will be shown on arrival where to store your lunches. Usually, it will be in one of our lunchrooms. You are welcome to store any bags here, but we do recommend taking any personal belongings round with you.
Do the children get to dress up and experience being a roman soldier?
Yes they do
What do the children need to bring with them?
All children as well as accompanying adults should wear sensible shoes and clothes. Please note a part of the school tour is based outside, therefore it is advisable a waterproof coat be worn. All children and adults should also being a packed lunch – no food can be purchased on site.
How long is the tour together with time for lunch?
We usually suggest to allow 3 – 3.5 hours for the internal tour and Roman Soldier walking tour as well as half an hour for lunch.
What happens if the weather is bad?
We will reorganise activities for inside the building
How many other schools are there the same time as us?
No more than 4 school groups (120 children) will be attending Deva at the same time. We limit numbers to ensure everyone enjoys their experience.
Can we visit beforehand to complete a risk assessment?
Yes, you can. We do encourage teacher visits beforehand. Please contact the museum and let us know a time and date you wish to visit. Due to ongoing shows at a weekend, site visits are only permitted during weekdays until 6pm.
We do have our own risk assessment which you can read here
Can I pay via credit/debit card?
Yes. Please follow the standard booking procedure to pay via card.
Can I pay via BACS/invoice?
Yes please contact us via the send an enquiry button for the relev
Do you have a contact number I can contact you on?
To contact us, please email bookings@bigheritage.co.uk
When does payment need to be made?
Payment must be made at time of booking. BACS/Invoice payments must be made at least 1 week before your arrival – the relevant date will be displayed on your invoice issued at confirmation of your booking. Please note, any cheques should be made payable to Big Heritage CIC.
