What is there to do?
Pupils can actively engage with the story as they experience it through a variety of multimedia and interactive displays, exhibits and activities.
If you’re looking to bring history, RE and the Welsh language to life for your pupils, book a group visit to the Mary Jones Pilgrim Centre. The redeveloped Grade 2 listed building, playground and picnic area set on the edge of Llyn Tegid provide the perfect setting for pupils to learn while having plenty of fun. Pupils can also see Thomas Charles’ inkwell and visit his grave.
School groups of all ages can learn about the story of Mary Jones, the importance of the Bible for the Welsh language, the Bible itself and the impact of Bible Society’s work around the world. Welsh language and English language visits can be provided. Visits can be shaped around the curriculum for history, Welsh language and RE. Pupils complete a workbook based on the exhibition during their visit to focus their learning.
Curriculum links
A range of different subjects are covered during the visit:
- Welsh, e.g. information about William Morgan translating the Bible into the Welsh language and the Bible being used as a way of helping people learn to read
- History, e.g. the life stories of Mary Jones, Thomas Charles and William Morgan are an important part of the history of Wales
- RE, e.g. the influence and impact of the Bible in Wales and the world
- Geography, e.g. significant religious sites in Wales and around the world
- Maths, e.g. putting various dates in order
The practicalities
The suggested maximum number of children that we can accommodate is 35. However, if your group is larger, please contact us to see how we can accommodate you.
We have a generic risk assessment form for school groups. Please contact us for a copy and complete it before your visit.
The cost is £2.50 per child, with no charge for teachers. A ten per cent discount will apply for groups of fifteen or more children.
Yes. Children can take photos, video and audio; copyright on the material within the centre remains with Bible Society.
Please contact our Education Officer, Nerys Siddall, on 01678 521877 or by email at [email protected]
If it is raining, please bring waterproofs and appropriate footwear. The car park and café are a short two-minute walk from the centre.
Qualified first aiders are available when the centre is open.
- There is a small shop in the centre where you can purchase books and souvenirs
- There is a play area on site
- Ample toilet facilities
- Access to the Llyn Tegid
Please note that pupils should bring their own packed lunches.
There is wheelchair access throughout. See our accessibility statement and contact us directly if you have any further questions.
School visits are welcome by prior arrangement at any time of the year.
You can find our general visiting hours in the 'visit us' section.
A typical visit to Mary Jones Pilgrim Centre
The visit begins with a warm welcome from a member of staff on arrival of your bus/coach.
The pupils walk through the graveyard to Mary Jones Pilgrim Centre, past the grave of Thomas Charles.
Inside Mary Jones Pilgrim Centre, pupils are provided with a workbook to complete as they gather information from the interactive displays, exhibits and videos.
The workbook focuses on Mary Jones, the Bible and the impact of the Bible worldwide.
A member of Mary Jones Pilgrim Centre staff will remain with the children throughout the visit.
After the exhibition, pupils have a chance to discuss and reflect on their visit.
If school groups have brought packed lunches, they can use our picnic tables and enjoy the picturesque view of Llyn Tegid.
Drinks, snacks, chocolate and ice cream are available to purchase in Caffi Pererin.
There is also an opportunity to enjoy the play area during the visit.
Further opportunities
We are happy to contact other places in Bala that have a connection to Thomas Charles and organise additional visits that will further enhance your trip. For example, you can visit the statue of Thomas Charles outside Capel Tegid as well as his former home, where the safe he used to store Bibles still exists.