National Museums Scotland

School visits at the National Museum of Costume

Clothes - they can carry a cultural or social meaning and can define a decade, or even a time of day!

Follow the story of fashion from the 1870s to the 1950s at historic Shambellie House, set in beautiful wooded grounds near Dumfries - an ideal destination for art and design students or even a school picnic!

From strait-laced Victorian dress to wartime Utility wear, put your pupils in the shoes of the people who wore the trends of their time. What was life like for a Victorian servant or a school child? Find out first hand when you step back in time at the National Museum of Costume.

  • Explore the fashions of the past through real and replica costume
  • Have fun with our Victorian games, including croquet, whips and peeries, gird and cleeks.

What do we offer schools at the National Museum of Costume?

  • Free admission for all pre-booked school groups
  • Opportunities for students to use the historic collections for further study
  • Bookable lunchroom (November - February), toilets, museum shop
  • Download our free teachers' resources to accompany your visit to National Museum of Costume.

How to book - it couldn't be easier!

Your school visit should be booked in advance. Telephone 0131 247 4041 or email schools@nms.ac.uk

Cost

Admission to all our museums is free for all pre-booked school groups. The cost for workshops and activities is £2 per pupil, unless otherwise stated.

Maximum group size

Sessions are for one class (33 pupils) unless otherwise stated. Groups need to be split into smaller groups for Victorian School Lesson (16-18 pupils).

Cancellations

If you need to cancel please give as much notice as possible. We may have to charge an administration fee if you cancel within three weeks of your planned visit.

What we need to know

  • Name and address of school
  • School telephone number
  • Name of group leader
  • Name and age of pupils
  • Number of adults (ration 1 adult: 10 children)
  • Preferred dates for your visit
  • Packed lunch / cloakroom requirements