DFES Education & Heritage Centre

We went because my 2 year old son loves fire engines. I write this review with honest feedback as there were some pros and cons. I also write this from a business developer point of view as there are things that could be tightened up to improve the overall experience.

Pros. Free entry, well maintained and enthusiastic volleys. Lots if history, great building and not to over whelming.

Cons. I'm so sorry to say but the volunteers were 'too much' They are obviously very passionate about what they do which is fabulous, however they are very persistent and often repeating the same information. For example, 3 volleys pulled us to the windows to show us the horses names written outside on the floor in remembence of the horses. This is just one example but it happened multiple times. The volleys wander round the whole museum unaware of what information you've already been told or seen, then they go all over it again. Often pulling you in directions that you've been too or weren't planning to go to.

I had one lovely lady who almost showed us round the whole museum but was unable to pick up that my 2 year old son was uncomfortable with strangers. To make matters a little more annoying she was then telling me not to push him to do anything he doesn't want to I.e wear the fire clothes or get in the fire engine. Truth was he would, but didn't want to do it with someone he didn't know around. The volley told me around 5 times what to do with my son.

I feel bad writing this but there are a few things I would recommend to rectify this. Have volleys stationed in each room. This way people can wander as they please without the worry of being fed repeated information.

If people are interested in a certain object then approach them and give them information.

Don't take visitors on a tour if they don't request it. Especially if they have little ones as they often are the ones to dictate where they want to go.

Have one person on entry welcoming visitors. But keep it short. The volleys almost have TMI that it becomes overwhelming very quickly.

To be honest I left early. I found the volunteers too much and were over whelming for my little one. He just wanted to hang with mumma and nanna.

I think if the volleys toned it down and had some guidance/structure it would be a much more enjoyable experience.