21st, 22nd and 23rd June,   5th and 6th October 2011

Hollycombe runs special days just for schools and educational parties during late June and early October when children can combine the fun of the fair with education on our industrial past.  The education days are planned to be part of the curriculum and not just a day to ride on the fairground.  On these educational days we will be running, by steam power, the Edwardian Fairground and the Quarry Railway

Every school booking a visit during our Educational Days receives, free of charge, our Resource Pack which includes information on the history of steam, the Industrial Revolution, railway, road steam, work sheets and much more to help in the preparation for your visit.   Hollycombe now has a purpose-built Education and Visitor Centre which offers undercover facilities, partly funded by a £1,000,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.



Each day will start at 10:00 and end at about 14:00, including a number of talks which are all individual and can be tailored to pupils' interests, each lasting approximately 15 minutes.  The following talks will be available for pupils if booked in advance:
  • A guided tour of a Steam Engine, to show the principles of its operation.
  • A tour of the Farm including the Barn with its steam powered machinery and our animals.
  • A talk on Rail Transport - braking systems, steam and diesel locomotives, etc.
  • An illustrated talk showing the development of the Fairground.

Hollycombe offers opportunities to cover many parts of the curriculum including:
  • History:
 The industrial Revolution, Victorian and Edwardian life.
  • Geography:
 Farming, transport.
  • Engineering:
 The mechanics of steam power, steam and diesel propulsion, pulley systems.
  • Design and technology:
 Fairground art, mechanical design.
The cost of the day is £6 per child and all accompanying adults are FREE!  It is the responsibility of the school to ensure that sufficient adults are present to supervise the children.

If you would like to visit Hollycombe in advance to see what we are offering, you will be most welcome on any of our open days (adults only, maximum three).  The dates for our open days can be found here.  Please contact Mrs Rosemary Gooding in advance to guarantee your free entry.

Please respond as soon as possible to be sure of your place as we will be limiting the numbers visiting on each of the Educational Days.  If you have any queries, please call our Schools Liaison Officer, Mrs Rosemary Gooding, on 01483 274855.

Click here for downloadable information on the days, and information on the resource pack.  This file also includes the booking form.