Bridging the Tamar Visitor and Learning Centre is awarded prestigious Sandford Award for Excellence in Heritage Education

Run by the Heritage Education Trust, the independently judged Sandford Award is the ‘gold standard’ for heritage learning, recognising the exceptional contribution of heritage organisations to formal and informal education.

Over 500 heritage sites and services across the British Isles have received the Sandford Award since the first awards were made in 1978. They include museums, galleries, castles, churches, historic houses, cottages, palaces, archaeological sites - and even zoos. Now the Bridging the Tamar Visitor and Learning Centre has joined this prestigious list of Award winners.

This is the first time the Bridging the Tamar Visitor and Learning Centre has submitted an application and Visitor Experience Manager Jane Cooper is delighted with the result.

"We are really proud of the educational experiences we provide at Bridging the Tamar and delighted that this award recognised our high standards” she said. “We welcome the recommendations for further improvement and continue to develop our offer to include learners of every age."

Opened in 2019, the Centre showcases the renowned heritage and engineering significance of both Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s 19th century Royal Albert Bridge and the 20th century Tamar Bridge. It also offers a dedicated and flexible learning space and offers informal learning opportunities to visiting families and adult groups.

The space is also home to the Centre’s programme of formal National Curriculum linked educational workshops designed for EYFS, Primary and Secondary aged learners. Schools can choose from a variety of session options and undertake a visit outside crossing the Tamar Bridge to admire the views of the Royal Albert Bridge alongside.

An Assessor from the Heritage Education Trust visited the Centre in May where they saw staff and volunteers working with a class of primary school pupils.

Reporting that the day was “inspiring for the learners”, the Assessor highlighted the engaging space with its interactive models of bridges, simulations of the bridge’s CCTV systems and a quiz and spotter trail to explore the site.

“Bridging the Tamar Visitor and Learning Centre is a space showcasing the heritage and engineering significance of two famous River Tamar crossings “ they said. “Visitors can engage with the stories surrounding the 19th century Royal Albert Bridge, constructed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, and the contemporary 20th century Tamar Bridge. When visitors stand on the Tamar Bridge and appreciate the scale of the structure, they cannot help but feel in awe of its imposing towers and position as it links up and connects local communities.

Learning is at the heart of the site with themed interactive displays and activities inspiring the next generation of engineers. A visit to the Bridging the Tamar Visitor and Learning Centre will leave lasting memories spanning a lifetime.”

News of the Award has been welcomed by the Joint Chairs of the Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry Plymouth City Councillor Anne Freeman and Cornwall Councillor Andrew Long. “We would like to congratulate the Bridging the Tamar Visitor and Learning Centre for being honoured with this Award.

This recognition is testimony to the hard work and commitment of the team and highlights the Centre’s commitment to delivering high quality and engaging educational experiences which celebrate the history of these iconic structures”.

The Award was formally presented to representatives from the Centre at a special ceremony at St Paul’s Cathedral in November this year.