Canal & River Trust – Explorers: Brecon Basin
Photos of Canal & River Trust – Explorers: Brecon Basin
What will students see and do?
Located in Abergavenny in south Wales, Brecon Basin is the ideal place for a primary history, engineering or science visit.
Take part in a guided walk, starting at Brecon and finishing at the Abergavenney Museum. As you walk, pupils will find out how the canal links to the River Usk and what the canal basin used to look like. They’ll be able to spot old tramways and limekilns, too.
The canal was built in the early 19th century to transport materials previously brought down from the mountains by tram-road, making this a great location for learning about the Industrial Revolution.
Workshops for KS1 and KS2 pupils are available free of charge. If you can’t travel, the Canal & River Trust can deliver free workshops in your school instead.
How does the trip link to the curriculum?
There’s plenty of local history to be discovered at this site. Learn why the canal was built over 200 years ago and what was carried, and take part in a guided local history trail.
Alternatievely, you can focus on bridge building – find out why an arch shapes are regularly employed and build bridges of your own.
During the summer you can focus on science topics with guided pond dipping and minibeast hunts.
Subjects covered
Teaching resources provided
There are numerous downloadable resources available on the Canal & River Trust website, including learning packs about canals, life on the English waterways, bridges and wildlife habitats.
Minimum and maximum group size
Enquire with the team to discuss group size requirements for this visit.
Details of risk assessment
The Canal & River Trust encourages teachers interested in arranging a school trip to set up a pre-visit. There is a document on the website to assist you with your risk assessment planning.
Before your visit you can download waterside safety resources to introduce the topic to your pupils.
Don't miss our downloadable A-Z guide on completing a risk assessment
Facilities on-site
Facilities at this location are limited. Picnic benches are available along the route. The nearest toilets are in Brecon town centre.
Opening times
Get in touch with the team to discuss timings for your visit if you intend to take part in a workshop.
Pricing
School visits to Brecon Basin are free.
Travel arrangements
There’s a pay and display car park at this location. Guided walks can take place anywhere between Brecon and Pontymoile.
Address
The Wharf, Govilon, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire
NP7 9NY
Book your school trip to Canal & River Trust – Explorers: Brecon Basin
For information on booking your school trip to this venue, click below.
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