The education section is designed to help teachers and students explore the services on offer to educational, community and youth groups. You can find detailed information on our Exhibits, Workshops, Special Events, Demos & Shows as well as our Outreach programme.
Our workshops, programmes and exhibits have been developed to support the education curriculum in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland and are designed to provide a unique and stimulating experience for the user.
Shared Education groups can also benefit from using W5 facilities, as our workshops and exhibits encourage discussion and the sharing of ideas.
Please note, discounted group rates are available for groups that have 10 or more of one ticket type.
Book NowThe building and the majority of exhibits are fully accessible to wheelchair users with accessible toilets on every floor. Over The Hills and Far Away can be used by special needs groups over the age of 8 if it suits their developmental stage and workshops can be adapted to suit your requirements so please contact us to discuss how we can help you.
Please note that afternoon sessions are usually quieter and that strong magnets and strobe lighting are used in some areas of the building.
Learn moreYes. Groups are welcome to bring a nut-free packed lunch and snacks.
Yes. A designated lunch area will be allocated to your group when you arrive as part of your welcome and orientation.
Payment can be made on arrival at the ticket desk, or we can issue an invoice after your visit. We only charge for the number of pupils and adults who attend on the day.
We accept:
If you require an invoice, please bring either:
W5 is open for school and group visits from 10am-4pm on operational days.
Our opening days vary throughout the year, so please check our website here or contact e[email protected] for the latest information.
We recommend allowing around four hours to get the most from your visit. This gives your group time to enjoy their workshop, explore the interactive exhibition floors and experience Climbit.
If your schedule is more limited, we'll do our best to tailor your visit around your available time.
Schools
School groups receive a discounted education rate.
Community & Youth Groups
Eligible groups receive discounted admission.
Yes. Risk assessments are available for all W5 activities. Please contact e[email protected], and we'll be happy to send them to you before your visit.
Yes. We encourage teachers and group leaders to arrange a pre-visit to help plan their trip. Please contact e[email protected] to arrange this.
To amend your booking, please contact the W5 Learning and Engagement team at e[email protected], and we'll be happy to help.
W5 offers a range of curriculum-linked workshops for different age groups, including nursery, Foundation, KS1, KS2, KS3 and KS4+. Workshops vary in length from 30 minutes to 5 hours depending on the programme. You can view our full list of workshops here.
Groups should be dropped off at the W5 Group Entrance.
Coaches and minibuses should enter the Abercorn Basin car park (behind The O2 Belfast). At the first barrier, use the intercom to let the car park manager know you are dropping off a school or group visiting W5.
After dropping off your group, drivers should follow the road around the building to the designated coach park at the front of The O2 Belfast, where coach parking is available free of charge. Instructions for accessing the coach park are displayed at the entrance.
Our code of conduct for visiting groups is sent with confirmation of booking; please ensure that every leader in your group reads it carefully.
We require the following adult to pupil/student ratio:
*Please be aware that it is your responsibility to advise us on the ratio requirements for your group and you must ensure that this is adequate for the pupils’ needs and/or behaviour. Small groups will need a minimum of two adults to cover supervision in the event of accidents or sickness.
Get in touch to book or enquire about school class visits to W5.