Finding Isaac Newton In England: 7 Places to Learn on Location (FREE Printable)

Sir Isaac Newton is a pretty famous guy, right? He’s most known for being hit by an apple and discovering the Law of Gravity and his Three Laws of Motion. But did you know he also made outstanding contributions to the advancement of mathematics, astronomy, and theology?

He was so good at math (in addition to all those other subjects) that he was the Warden and Master of the Royal Mint of England for 30 years. Yet, surprisingly, there is no single museum dedicated to Newton’s life and accomplishments, but you will find numerous places across England to learn about this great scientist who lived from 1643 to 1727, during the turbulent times of King Charles I of England & Oliver Cromwell.

Don’t miss the FREE printable “Where to Find Isaac Newton In England” found at the end of the post.

If learning on location about Sir Isaac Newton is on both your homeschool and family travel bucket list, then these seven places in the United Kingdom make the perfect itinerary to use the world as your textbook to learn about this famous scientist.

Finding Sir Isaac Newton in Lincolnshire, England

Newton was born and spent his early years in Woolsthorpe, England, north of Cambridge, and returned there later in life to accomplish some of his greatest endeavors. Be sure to include these places when you visit:

• Woolsthorpe, England – His hometown. It’s where it all started. Visit Woolsthorpe Manor and experience hands-on learning about his discoveries in optics, astronomy, and physics. Don’t forget to take a photo under the famous apple tree (yes, it still stands in the side garden).
• Grantham, England – Newton went to school just up the road from Woolsthorpe, at King’s School, established in 1329 and still open today. Every two years in Grantham, the Gravityfields Festival brings an opportunity for science lovers of all ages to explore science in a fun and innovative way. The next Gravityfields Festival is in 2020.

Finding Sir Isaac Newton In Cambridge, England

• Trinity College, Cambridge – Believe it or not, Newton was considered an ‘unremarkable student’ whilst at Trinity College. When the college closed for 2 years as a precaution against the Great Plague, he went home to Woolsthorpe Manor to continue his studies. It was there that he developed his theories for calculus, optics, and the laws of gravity and motion.

Don’t you just love that his greatest accomplishments happened while he was learning at home!?

Now, you can visit the  Wren Library on the Trinity College campus, to see one of his famous notebooks, and the Chapel where you’ll find a statue of him among 6 other great thinkers from Trinity College.

Finding Sir Isaac Newton in London, England

• The British Library – Among the many fantastic historical works housed in this famous London library, you will find  Newton’s private notebook. Interestingly, he wrote much of his scientific findings in code, which was only cracked in the 1960s. Pop in and have a look!
• Science Museum – There is so much to do and learn, you’re likely to get so side-tracked with all the amazing hands-on activities for every age, you’ll forget about Isaac! For a pop quiz, you can also test out your Latin by trying to read/translate a copy of His book, Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia Mathematica, located in the Cosmos & Culture Gallery.
• The Royal Mint Museum, London – For 30 years Newton was Warden and Master of the Royal Mint. Since the museum is located in the Tower of London, you can super-size your day exploring even more English history!
• Westminster Abbey – His later years were filled with eccentricity and Sir Isaac Newton died in his sleep on 20-March 1727. After his death, hair analysis revealed large amounts of mercury, which may have been due to his studies in alchemy, and was likely a contributing factor to his erratic behavior prior to his death. It is said that Voltaire attended his funeral. You’ll find Sir Isaac Newton’s grave and statue in the Nave at Westminster Abbey.

Let’s Learn on Location in England!

So are you ready to pack your carry-on? There’s nothing better than learning science on location. Planning an educational family adventure where you weave your curriculum into your itinerary can be a daunting task. Here are a few more learn on-location resources I think you’ll love:

• Grab your free printable – Where to Find Isaac Newton in England.
• Read these posts about England.
• Plan your ultimate UK family travel adventure.

So if you aren’t quite ready to cross the pond and visit jolly, Olde England, you’ll enjoy this post about where to find Isaac Newton’s discoveries in the United States. 

This list of Isaac Newton Resources is perfect for those who want to study virtually.