Newton Farm Primary School and Nursery Class

Yesterday, we swapped school for and an exciting adventure at the Burrell Collection in Glasgow.

Nestled in the beautiful heart of Pollok Country Park, the museum provided the perfect backdrop for a day filled with history, hands-on learning, and a good dose of energetic fun. We wanted to share some highlights of our day with you

Part 1: Stepping Back in Time – The Knights & Castles Workshop

One highlight of our morning was the interactive Knights and Castles workshop. We became instant historians as we were introduced to the medieval world.

The workshop leaders were fantastic, bringing the past to life with stories and artefacts. We learned about who lived in castles, what they wore, and—most importantly—how they stayed safe!

Looking at Armour

Imagine the ooohs and aaahs when we were shown real, heavy pieces of replica armour! We had the chance to look closely at helmets, chainmail, and gauntlets. We learned about the different parts of a suit of armour and why it was designed that way (though we all agreed it looked very heavy to wear all day!). It was a wonderful sensory experience, allowing us to visualize the weight and texture of history.

Dressing Up

The room truly erupted with excitement during the dressing-up session. Every child had the opportunity to don a helmet, wrap themselves in a cloak or put on a dress. We saw mini-knights marching and princesses curtsying. Seeing them fully immersed in character was a joy, and it really helped them connect with the information they had been learning.

Part 2: Running Wild at the Play Park

After lunch (which was a military operation of its own!), it was time to burn off some of that knightly energy. We headed outside to the adventure play park, located just outside the museum entrance.

This isn’t just any play park—it’s designed with natural materials and features structures inspired by the collection itself. There were plenty of things to climb, balance on, and slide down.

The Infamous Zipline

Of course, the star of the show for Primary 2 was the zipline. There was a steady queue of eager children waiting for their turn to whiz through the air, shouting with glee. It was the perfect grand finale to our active day. The park’s setting within the woodland of Pollok Park made it feel like a real outdoor adventure, even though we were just minutes from the city centre.

Part 3: More to See Inside

After the park, we had some time to explore a few more of the museum’s 24 galleries. The Burrell is extremely family-friendly, with lots of low-level displays and digital interactives designed specifically for younger visitors.

The children particularly enjoyed the interactive screens , and the open spaces that allowed them to marvel at the sheer size of some of the ancient statues and doorways.

A Day to Remember

Our trip to The Burrell Collection was a resounding success. It beautifully balanced educational enrichment with physical activity and imaginative play.

Thanks to all the parent helpers who came along with us.