BBC Tours

Booking at a glance:

Planning a school visit is easy and flexible.

• Each individual tour can accommodate up to 20 people, including supervising adults 
• For larger classes, we can offer two shorter 45‑minute tours during the same visit, allowing more students to take part 
• Separate arrival times will be provided for the two tours, as there is no waiting area on site 
• Tours are tailored to your group’s age, interests and needs

To book or discuss the best option for your class, please call 029 2063 6464.

What students will experience:

On your visit, students will:

• Go behind the scenes of BBC Cymru Wales at Central Square
• Explore one of the largest BBC newsrooms in the UK
• Discover how TV and radio programmes are made
• See cutting‑edge broadcast technology, including augmented reality, virtual reality and robotic cameras
• Take part in interactive activities such as news and weather presenting, sports commentary and the BBC Bitesize trail quiz
• Meet friendly, knowledgeable guides who share insider insights and real‑world career stories
  

Curriculum for Wales:

Our educational tours offer a rich enrichment experience that supports all six Areas of Learning and Experience.

Students will:

• • Develop future career aspirations
  • Challenge perceptions of the roles and opportunities available within broadcasting
  • Build creativity, communication and collaboration skills
  • Understand the role of the BBC as a public service broadcaster
  • Explore innovation, technology and digital production in a real workplace
    

What We Offer Visiting Schools:

BBC Tours offers school groups an inspiring behind-the-scenes visit to BBC Cymru Wales at Central Square, Cardiff. Students can explore the workings of modern TV, radio and digital broadcasting, including one of the largest BBC newsrooms in the UK, production spaces and broadcast technology. Tours are tailored to the age, interests and needs of each group, with interactive opportunities such as news and weather presenting, sports commentary and the BBC Bitesize trail quiz.

Why Choose Us for an Educational Visit:

BBC Tours gives pupils the chance to step inside a working broadcast centre and see how programmes are made in a real live environment. The experience supports the Curriculum for Wales and helps pupils build curiosity, creativity, communication and collaboration skills. It also introduces students to media careers, digital production and the role of the BBC as a public service broadcaster, making it a memorable enrichment opportunity outside the classroom.

Subjects and Topics Covered:

Subjects and topics include English, media, communications, digital technology, IT, citizenship, business studies, leisure and tourism, music and drama, creativity, teamwork and careers education. The visit can also support wider themes within the Curriculum for Wales, including the expressive arts, humanities, languages, literacy and communication, science and technology, and health and wellbeing.

Accreditation and Awards:

BBC Tours at Central Square has received a Visit Wales Gold Award and a Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice award, recognising the quality of the visitor experience.

Group Sizes Catered For:

Each individual tour can accommodate up to 20 people, including supervising adults. For larger school groups, BBC Tours can offer two shorter 45-minute tours during the same visit, with separate arrival times because there is no waiting area on site. Groups are encouraged to call 029 2063 6464 to discuss the best option for their class size and requirements.

Itineraries, Resources, and Workshops:

School visits can be planned as a 90-minute tour or, where appropriate, shorter 45-minute visits for larger groups. The tour route and content are adapted to suit the age, interests and needs of the group. Activities may include exploring key areas of BBC Cymru Wales, learning how content is made, and taking part in interactive experiences linked to presenting, commentary and digital production. Teachers can discuss requirements in advance so the visit is shaped around their pupils.

Book online now for 90-minute tours or to arrange 45-minute shorter tours please call 029 2063 6464.

Risk Assessment:

Risk assessment information is available for school visits. The tour takes place in a working broadcast building with clear visitor procedures, security arrangements and guided supervision throughout. Schools are asked not to arrive more than 15 minutes before their tour time. All adult visitors must bring photo ID, and bag restrictions apply. Supervising adult ratios are required for school groups, with one adult for every 10 children aged 8 to 11 and one adult for every 15 children aged 11 to 16, not including any additional ALN support.

Education Department Information:

For school visit enquiries, bookings and access requirements, please contact the BBC Tours booking team on 029 2063 6464. The team can advise on group sizes, tour options, accessibility requirements, BSL/English interpreter requests and the best format for your school visit.

Pricing Information:

Educational visits are priced at £5 per student, with free teacher places included. Bookings for 90-minute tours can be made online, and schools wishing to arrange shorter 45-minute tour options should call 029 2063 6464.

Facilities:

Bathroom facilities are available at the start of each tour. There are no catering facilities on the tour itself, but there are cafés and restaurants nearby in Cardiff city centre.

Accessibility and Disabled Facilities:

The building is fully accessible for disabled and neurodivergent visitors. Disabled toilets are available, guide dogs are welcome, and facilities are available for visitors with visual or hearing impairments. Schools should let the booking team know about any specific access requirements in advance so guides can be informed and suitable adaptations can be made. If a BSL/English interpreter is required, schools should call 029 2063 6464 and the team will endeavour to arrange one.

Opening Hours:

School visits are available on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays during term time. Standard 90-minute tour start times are 10.30am, 12.30pm and 3pm. Shorter 45-minute tours may be available for larger school groups by arrangement.