Frequently Asked Questions

Our boxes contain a combination of real and replica objects and may include some costume and archive material. 

Each box includes a contents list, object information and a Book of Delight.

Any school, group, business and individual in the North East of England can borrow a Box of Delights.

Schools with a 25 mile radius of Discovery Museum can apply for a membership.

Each box can be loaned per half term. When a box is in high demand, we may need to restrict the duration of the loan. 

Join our schools membership service for reduced rates and priority booking.

• There are two different membership packages available.

• Subscriptions run from September to July. Schools are invoiced on a rolling membership each year unless they request cancellation or changes to their membership status.

Prices:

Schools within a 25 mile radius of Discovery Museum can join as members.

Email us at boxesofdelight@northeastmuseums.org.uk and we'll send you a payment form to complete. You can then choose some or all of the boxes you'd like to borrow for the academic year.

Alternatively go to our website and find the box you want to borrow, submit an enquiry and we'll send you a payment form. If you want to book more than one box mention the others in 'Additional Needs'.

School with a 25 mile radius of Discovery Museum can become members.

Just click on the box you want, submit an enquiry and we'll send you a payment form to complete.

We check all enquiries carefully so will let you know if your school is already a member.

Email us at boxesofdelight@northeastmuseums.org.uk and we will check our records and get back to you.

Member schools can book boxes at any point throughout the year.

We open for general bookings on Monday 16th September.

If you are a Newcastle Local Authority school then you will be sent an Authorising Journal form.

All other schools, groups, academies and individuals will be sent an Invoice form.

Membership schools: If booked in advance, your boxes will be delivered to/collected from your school via courier. Short notice bookings, please follow the same procedure as non-membership schools.

Non-membership schools: Boxes are to be collected from/returned to Discovery Museum by a member of your school staff. We suggest that you do this by car. Once you have booked your box you will receive a confirmation email with details about how and where to collect your loan.

There is a car park directly outside of Discovery Museum and parking is £1 per hour.

Don’t worry, but please let us know as soon as possible, and preferably before the end of your loan period by contacting us on 0191 277 2293.

Our Book of Delights, which can be found in each box, contains a wealth of creative ideas for using our objects, including lots of activities and games. 

Email: boxesofdelight@northeastmuseums.org.uk

2024-25 MEMBER COURIER DEADLINES We have 6 fixed points in the year when boxes are delivered. Please book your boxes before the courier deadlines below. If you miss the courier deadline your school will need to make your own arrangements to collect and drop back loans boxes to the museum.

Autumn 1 - w/c 9th Sept - w/c 21st Oct (Booking deadline Tue 3rd Sept)

Autumn 2 w/c 11th Nov - w/c 16th Dec (Booking deadline Friday 1st Nov)

Spring 1 w/c 13th Jan - 17th Feb (Booking deadline Friday 3rd January)

Spring 2 w/c 10th March - w/c 7th April (Booking deadline Friday 28th Feb)

Summer 1 w/c 28th April - w/c 19th May (Booking deadline Friday 18th April)

Summer 2 w/c 9th June - w/c 14th July (Booking deadline Friday 30th May