Learn

SoapWorks

An interactive experience all about the science of soap

SoapWorks is an interactive experience all about the science of soap, open to schools and education groups for bespoke learning sessions.

Situated inside what was once the village’s schoolroom at the Lyceum, the exhibition is designed to encourage more children to engage with the STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).

SoapWorks explores why we need soap, how it gets made, what we like to buy and why, and all the different ways we use it. Learners are invited to have lots of fun discovering the story and science of soap and its life-saving properties, as part of our learning programme.

Also explored in the exhibition is the story of William Lever, who went from selling soap to creating the world’s first multi-national company, right here in Port Sunlight. Explore how the people who lived in the village and worked in his soap factory, and the workers in Unilever’s factory here today, have changed how we wash our bodies and clean our homes.

Experiences

Workshops

Visiting SoapWorks

SoapWorks is accessible for school groups Monday–Friday, all year round. Timings and activities can be discussed with our learning team during your booking.

To find out more about our learning programme and to book a visit to SoapWorks with your school group, get in touch: learning@portsunlight.kinsta.cloud

General visitors will also have opportunities to explore SoapWorks alongside family activities during half terms throughout the year. Keep an eye on our What’s on page for more information about these activities.

SoapWorks opened in 2021 and was made possible thanks to funding from Association of Independent Museum’s Biffa Award History Makers programme.

Getting here

SoapWorks is located in the Lyceum on Bridge Street, Port Sunlight CH62 4UP.

Free parking is available a short walk away at Port Sunlight Museum or you can park on the surrounding streets. We would recommend visiting by train as Port Sunlight station (Merseyrail) is less than a two-minute walk away.

Facilities

SoapWorks has toilets, including an accessible toilet and baby changing facilities. The space is level-access throughout with a permanent ramp at the entrance.

Get in touch

We’re on hand to help you get the best out of your experience.

Use the form below or get in touch via email at learning@portsunlight.kinsta.cloud.

First Name

Last Name

Email Address

Contact Number

School / Organisation

Year group attending (if applicable)

How many attendants?

What experience / workshop are you interested in?Please select one…Full Day ExperienceHalf Day ExperienceSolo ExperienceGuided Visit to SoapWorks OnlyStep Back in Time School DayWellbeing WorkshopsWar in the VillagePlant ExplorerArchitect for the DayThe Art of AdvertisementSunlight in NumbersStorytelling and CraftsSudsy Science DayUrban Sketch Crawl – History/GeographyUrban Sketch Crawl – Art/HistoryArts & Crafts MovementHistory Detectives – Historical Objects Through TimeHistory Detectives – Studying the CensusSoap Making & Victorian Wash DayGuided Visits to Museums (Port Sunlight Museum, Workers Cottage & SoapWorks)

What is your preferred date for your experience?

If first choice not available, what is your alternative preferred date for your experience?

How will you be travelling to Port Sunlight?WalkCoachPublic transport (bus)Public transport (train)

Do you have any specific access needs or areas of support for the group attending?

What are you hoping to gain from your visit to Port Sunlight?

Preferred contact method?Phone callEmailPlease note that by submitting this form, you will be subscribed to our mailing list so we can occasionally get in touch with you to share news and updates about our learning programme. You can opt-out at any time.