Spend the night with your class in these amazing spaces to give pupils an experience they will never forget.
1. HMS Belfast
The iconic ship in London saw a lifetime of epic adventures. UK school groups are invited to step aboard and experience the realities of life on a warship in this ultimate immersive sleepover experience. Kip in a Ship, as it is known, gives children aged seven to 16 the chance to spend the night on board a ship which made history during World War Two and beyond.
Children can sleep in original sailors’ bunks, pick up new skills in nautical themed activities, explore the ship’s upper decks after dark and even enjoy a Royal Navy inspired dinner. With four packages to choose from, you can be sure to make the most of your stay.
2. Science Museum
Young campers can experience a sleepover like no other at London’s Science Museum, with a night full of activities. Inspired by its exhibition Turn It Up: The power of music, the experience includes science shows and workshops to delve into the science of music and sound, as well as the chance to see the museum after dark.
The fun doesn’t end there, as after some rest and breakfast the next morning, campers can explore Wonderlab, the interactive gallery with hands-on exhibits and immersive experiences. From May, the museum’s exciting space-themed Astronights are also back with a stellar programme. The maximum party size is 150, with a ratio of one adult to six children, so large groups can enjoy this together.
3. The Deep
Discover The Deep after dark with a school sleepover, and bed down for the night next to incredible marine life, including sharks, rays and turtles. The school sleepover in Hull is ideal for a memorable, fun and educational trip with your students. For a small additional charge per child, you can add a 40-minute educational workshop for your group, and explore more about The Deep’s turtles and penguins.
4. The Novium Museum
Children start their unique overnight experience once The Novium Museum in Chichester has closed, and enjoy a special night of activities and games before settling down amongst the Roman baths and museum displays. School groups start the night with lights out and torches on, hunting for objects and clues hidden on different floors of the museum, followed by themed craft activity and a big building challenge.
Snacks and refreshments are provided, before bedding down with a special bedtime story. The morning starts with breakfast overlooking the cathedral, before children are picked up for the day. Aimed at seven to 11-year-olds, one of four different themes can be chosen: Stone Age, Romans, Pirates and Smugglers or Space.
5. ZSL Whipsnade Zoo
The UK’s biggest zoo is inviting schools to spend the night at soft play, with the launch of Hullaba-snooze – a new overnight experience at Whipsnade Zoo’s Hullabazoo indoor play. Spending the evening within roaring distance of the park’s amazing animals, groups of 20 or more can bed down in the heart of the Bedfordshire attraction.
After the zoo has closed to the public, young guests can run wild in Hullabazoo soft play before joining an entertaining ZSL host for an animal-themed treasure hunt. Groups will wind down with colouring and a craft activity making a souvenir of their stay, before settling down on their camp beds with a bedtime story and a night inside the zoo’s huge soft play area. In the morning, a tailored tour will take pupils around the zoo before opening to the general public.
6. Natural History Museum
Schools can spend the night at London’s iconic Natural History Museum in Dinosnores. After setting up camp in one of the museum’s amazing galleries, you’ll be treated to an evening of awesome activities with plenty to learn and discover along the way. You will have the chance to explore the museum by torchlight, get creative in a dinosaur t-shirt workshops and enjoy an educational science show.
At midnight, it’s time to settle down to sleep. In the morning, breakfast is served bright and early and you’ll discover incredible facts about the natural world in a trail around its galleries before opening to the public.
Have you been on a school sleepover to remember? Let us know by emailing editorial@schooltravelorganiser.com.
