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 (KS1 & KS2)

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.

Flooding (KS2) 

Learn about what causes flooding, what happens when it floods & what can we do about it? This session includes a tour of the site & a visit to the Tees Barrage control room.

River Management (KS3, 4 & 5)

The Canal & River Trust manage over 2,000 miles of waterway. Visit us at Tees Barrage for a tour of the site, talk to operatives & learn first-hand how it works. If you have time we can also include information on other river management systems throughout our network.

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).

Habitats

With the help of a partner organisations we can also deliver additional habitats workshops - ask us for more details and availability.

Learning Resources

Use the following resources to support learning on your trip and back in the classroom:

All About Rivers

Local Studies

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!