Informal learning
The museum is a free venue for everyone to explore the archaeology, geology, art and history of the Peak District. Take a journey through time and place in the Wonders of the Peak gallery, see the recreated study of Victorian archaeologist and geologist William Boyd Dawkins and enjoy a changing programme of exhibitions and displays by visiting artists and organisations and from our collections.
Families can enjoy the displays together with free quizzes and activities. And we're putting more information about our collections online so you can find out more about them during your visit or when you're out and about in the local landscape.
We run events and workshops throughout the year. We take part in local and national celebrations including British Science Week, Buxton Fringe Festival and the Festival of Archaeology. Find out what's on via our social media channels.
Group and educational visits
Groups can tour the museum on a pre-booked, self-guided visit free of charge. Booking your group visit in advance helps prevent clashes with other groups or events on your preferred day.
Visits take place during normal opening hours. We suggest touring the museum will take between one and 2 hours depending on how long you spend looking at the displays.
A series of school resources to help plan activities before, during, and after a visit to the gallery are attached to this page:
- downloadable gallery activity sheets for Stone Age to Iron Age topics and for Romans
- downloadable gallery activity sheets for Roman topics
- specially curated handling boxes which give children the opportunity to handle real objects over a thousand years old
- padlet boards with useful video and sound clips, extra information and helpful webpages
Groups can book the handling boxes for use during the visit. These are themed around the main education resources and popular topics linked to the Wonders of the Peak gallery, the Stone Age to Iron Age and Romans.
To make or discuss a booking contact us by, email: buxton.museumeducation@derbyshire.gov.uk or telephone: 01629 533540.
More information about group and educational visits is attached to this page.