Self-directed School Visits

Planning your self-directed visit

Self-directed visits are free however we ask that you complete our booking form to inform us of your group numbers and arrival times.

We recommend teachers and all accompanying adults undertake a pre-visit to familiarise themselves with The Box and read the following practical guidance to ensure your group have the best possible experience:

• Plan Your Visit
• Getting Here
• Learning Resources
• Teachers’ Hazard Assessment (Risk Assessment)
• Accessibility

Before visiting, if anyone in your group has COVID-19 symptoms, we ask that you please postpone your visit to The Box.

Arrival

The Box is located near Plymouth’s city centre and is within easy reach of public transport links. Guidance on travelling by foot or public transport is available on our Getting Here page.

Coach drop-off points are located next to the museum entrances on North Hill. For minibus and Coach parking please visit the Plymouth City Council website.

We recommend your group enters via our step-free street level entrance on Tavistock Place. We ask that you split into smaller groups each with an accompanying adult before entering.

On entering please report to the welcome desk where our staff will greet you and provide information on current exhibitions and navigation of the galleries.

During your visit

Whilst visiting the galleries, teachers and accompanying adults are responsible for their group’s behaviour and care. Students must be supervised at all times during their visit. We recommend the following adult/student ratios:
Foundation stage – 1:6
Key stage 1/2 – 1:8
Key stage 3/4 – 1:10
Post-16 – 1:15
SEND – 1:5

Toilets

Toilets and wheelchair accessible toilets are available on both floors. Situated on the ground floor our Changing Places toilet includes a hoist, height adjustable changing bench, shower and height adjustable sink. We recommend school groups use the first floor toilets as the ground floor toilets can become busy.

Lockers

Lockers are available on site and cost £1 each. You may take bags and coats into the galleries however please do not leave items unattended or block access routes or fire exits.

If you have large items please ask a member of staff for advice. Please note cloakrooms and bag drops are reserved for facilitator-led sessions.

Galleries

We welcome groups who wish to explore our galleries using sketchbooks, clipboards or similar items. Students using art materials are asked to use dry materials such as graphite, coloured and conte pencils.

Groups may be asked to delay a visit to a specific gallery due to workshops taking place. Please be considerate of other visitors and mindful of noise levels, particularly when gallery workshops and talks are taking place.

Photography is allowed however we ask that you do not use flash or tripods and always enquire with staff about any possible restrictions in place.

Food and drink

We cannot guarantee lunch space for schools or groups on a self-directed visit. Food and drink is not permitted in the galleries. Designated eating areas are the large steps leading up towards the shop and the outdoor picnic benches on Tavistock Place. These seating areas are used on a first come first served basis. The Box café seating area is reserved for visitors purchasing food and drink.

Shop

The Box shop is located on the ground floor. We ask that groups visit with 4-6 students at a time with an accompanying adult.

First Aid

In the event of a first aid incident contact a visitor assistant or volunteer identifiable by their uniform or Box lanyard. Staff and volunteers are present in the galleries, the Box shop or the welcome desk.

Fire Alarm

If a fire alarm sounds a staff member or volunteer will direct your group safely to the nearest exit. Do not stop to collect belongings or return to the building until told it is safe to do so. Safe refuge areas for wheelchair users are on both floors. The Box fire muster point is situated outside Arts University Plymouth.

We hope you enjoy your self-directed visit. Why not share your experience online? You can tag us using @theboxplymouth on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.