Tees Barrage
Navigation Way, Thornaby, Stockton-on-Tees, TS18 2QW
A trip to Tees Barrage offers a truly unique experience for schools. The structure itself is an incredible feat of engineering, designed to control the flow of the river to combat flooding and the effects of tidal change.
The site is made up of a river barrage, road bridge, footbridge, barge lock, fish pass and white water course (with four Archimedes screws!). The barrage team are on duty 24/7 monitoring the water levels and are happy to talk to pupils about their important work, inspiring young minds about potential future careers. The barrage has rejuvenated the surrounding community, making a real difference to the environment in terms of habitats and recreational use.
Workshops
Tees Through Time
Explore the River Tees from its source to its mouth, incorporating Geography & Local History through hands on activities.
Barrage Tour
What exactly is the barrage? What does it do and how does it work? Join us for a tour of the site and an exclusive visit to the control room where all the technology happens. Meet the control room team and ask them all your burning questions about the barrage. They might even let you press some important buttons!
Bridges of the Tees
There are lots of bridges over the River Tees. In this hands on workshop you will explore how purpose influenced design, and then discover why the barrage is so much more than just a bridge.
Water Safety
Learn how to spot the hazards of being near wter, what to do in an emergency and our SAFE message (Stay Away From the Edge).
We can also link with partner organisations to deliver additional habitats workshops - ask us for more details.
School trip at Tees Barrage
Learning Resources
Use the following resources to support learning on your trip and back in the classroom:
Discover more about Tees Barrage.
Facilities
- Dedicated classroom space with an amazing view over the River Tees.
- Basic toilet facilities.
- Picnic benches & a bookable indoor lunch space.
- Free preliminary visits & website resources.
- Lots of free parking (including coaches).
Price
Visits to Tees Barrage are FREE!
