The Longest Yarn: Schools and Groups

The Longest Yarn: An Immersive School/Group History Experience

Bring history to life through craft, local stories and immersive 360° film at Market Hall, Devonport.

This January, bring your pupils/groups to The Longest Yarn at Market Hall for a creative and immersive exploration of the Second World War.

Combining an extraordinary knitted and crocheted exhibition with two immersive 360° films, this school/group experience gives pupils the opportunity to explore history from a different perspective, discovering the people, places and everyday experiences behind historical events.

Find out more here

What's the experience?

During the 90-minute visit, pupils/groups will experience:

🧶 The Longest Yarn exhibition | 30 minutes
Explore hand-knitted and crocheted scenes depicting life and experiences during Brittan at war . The exhibition uses craft, storytelling and community collaboration to make history accessible in a completely different way.

⚓ HMNB Devonport in 360° | 21 minutes
Step inside the immersive dome for a new 360° film exploring HMNB Devonport and its naval history.

🎥 Devonport: A Tide of Memories | 23 minutes
Experience Devonport during the Second World War through immersive 360° film, connecting the wider story of the war with local history here in Plymouth.

Together, the exhibition and films offers young people an opportunity to consider how art, craft, storytelling and technology can be used to interpret and preserve history.

More than an exhibition

The Longest Yarn also has a powerful community story behind it. Knitters, crocheters, researchers, designers and volunteers have come together to create the work, with participants describing the friendships, confidence, purpose and connection they have gained through being involved.

For young people, it offers a chance to explore not only historical events, but also the role creativity and collaboration can play in telling stories and keeping memories alive.

Visit information
👥 Group size: Maximum 70 pupils per session
🎟 Cost: £7 per pupil, including VAT

Available January 2027 dates

• Tuesday 12 January | 10:30am–12pm
• Thursday 14 January | 10:30am–12pm
• Friday 15 January | 10:30am–12pm
• Tuesday 19 January | 10:30am–12pm
• Thursday 21 January | 10:30am–12pm
• Friday 22 January | 10:30am–12pm
• Tuesday 26 January | 10:30am–12pm
• Thursday 28 January | 10:30am–12pm

Booking process:

• After selecting a date, click "book now", select a 'Reserve your slot' ticket, you’ll fill out a form to provide contact details, group size and invoicing information - we will send a invoice to pay after your visit. 
• For groups under 15, evening screenings, or alternative dates or times, email enquiries@realideas.org with the subject line School & Group Booking. We try to be as accommodating as possible!

Give young people a different way to experience history, through craft, local stories and immersive technology.