Many museums around the country house natural history collections that offer children the opportunity to engage with a wide variety of species from around the world. Using the collections of Victorian explorers and naturalists offers children a historical perspective with a cross-curricular approach which has a great appeal. Yet for many, the larger collections of the Natural History Museum or Manchester Museum may be too far for the average class to visit. Look no farther than your local museum and  you may find collections closer to home...