Bridging the Tamar Visitor and Learning Centre Wins Sandford Award for Heritage Education

Staff and volunteers at the Bridging the Tamar Visitor and Learning Centre, part of Tamar Crossings, are celebrating after being recognised with the Sandford Award for excellence in heritage education.

The award, run by the Heritage Education Trust, is judged independently and regarded as the ‘gold standard’ for heritage learning.

National Recognition for Heritage Learning

Since its launch in 1978, over 500 heritage sites across the British Isles have received the Sandford Award, from castles and historic houses to archaeological sites and even zoos. Now, Bridging the Tamar joins that prestigious list.

This marks the first time the Centre has applied for the award, with Visitor Experience Manager Jane Cooper saying:

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

What the Centre Offers

Opened in 2019, the Centre highlights the heritage and engineering importance of both Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s 19th century Royal Albert Bridge and the 20th century Tamar Bridge.

The Centre includes:

• A flexible learning space for schools, families, and adult groups.

• National Curriculum linked workshops for EYFS, Primary, and Secondary learners.

• Outdoor visits to the Tamar Bridge with views of the Royal Albert Bridge.

During a visit in May, an Assessor from the Heritage Education Trust observed staff and volunteers working with primary school pupils and described the experience as “inspiring for the learners”.

Interactive features include bridge models, CCTV system simulations, and spotter trails. The Assessor noted:

“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.”

Celebrations and Next Steps

The achievement has been praised by Plymouth City Councillor Anne Freeman and Cornwall Councillor Andrew Long, Joint Chairs of the Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry.

They said:

“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 will be formally presented to representatives of the Centre at a special event at St Paul’s Cathedral later this year.