school visits in london

School Travel

School Trips to London

Love to learn in london.

Our specially crafted school trips to London cover a range of topics in a fun, diverse, and engaging way.

From Tate Modern to the National Gallery, the London Eye to the Natural History Museum, a West End show to a Thames cruise, the choice is yours.

Choose from one of our many ready-made itineraries, or get in touch and we’ll help to tailor one to your school’s specific needs.

1 Night to See the Sights

2 Nights to Explore the City

3 Nights in the UK Capital

Charles Dickens 1 Night

All-Inclusive 1 Night

Business Studies 2 Nights

Drama & Theatre 1 Night

Art & Design 2 Nights

Fashion & Textiles 2 Nights

Law & History 2 Nights

Drama Day Trip

Museums Day Trip

Sightseeing Day Trip

London 1 Night

This exciting tour allows pupils to see a wealth of the capital’s most famous and informative places, such as the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and St Paul’s Cathedral.

London 2 Nights

This is the most popular of our school trips to London, including a scenic river cruise along the Thames, and a voyage of discovery on The Coca-Cola London Eye.

London 3 Nights

This trip is perfect for letting students fully immerse themselves in the Capital’s unique environment, with plenty of time for sightseeing.

London Charles Dickens 1 Night

School trips to London are perfect for pupils studying the life and works of Charles Dickens. Enjoy a guided city walk with a Dickens expert, and visit 48 Doughty Street, the author’s home.

London All-Inclusive 1 Night

This overnight and all-inclusive residential will include a selection of handpicked visits, from an open top bus tour to the world-famous Madame Tussauds.

The Making of Harry Potter 1 Night

Who doesn’t want to discover the magic behind the spell-binding special effects and secrets of the Harry Potter film series?

London Business Studies 2 Nights

Three days in the city is a perfect amount of time to visit the Bank of England, the Museum of Brands, Packages & Advertising, and a Blue Badge guided tour.

London Drama & Theatre 1 Night

This visit is full of fun workshops, which are designed to teach students the techniques that are used by actors on the stage. The workshops are followed by an unforgettable West End Show.

London Art & Design 2 Nights

This two-night Art & Design residential focuses on the city’s must-see galleries, ranging from the Tate Modern to the Saatchi Gallery.

London Fashion & Textiles 2 Nights

On this top tour, pupils will get the opportunity to participate in a fashion illustration workshop and see the impressive 24,000-piece dress and fashion collection at the Museum of London.

London Law & History 2 Nights

This is a fascinating visit for students who are interested in law and history. It centres on a selection of legal institutions around the city, such as The Old Bailey and the Middle Temple.

London Drama Day Trip

Check out our whistle-stop Drama Day Trip to the capital. You can pack in a visit to the National Theatre, the Globe, and a West End Show, and be back for bedtime.

London Museums Day Trip

Visiting the capital’s fascinating museums is a great focus for an educational tour, whether your interest is Natural History, Science, or Art & Design.

London Sightseeing Day Trip

This is what school trips to London are all about – seeing the fantastic sights and historic buildings that it has to offer, including Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and many more.

The Making of Harry Potter Day Trip

This tour gives people of all ages (including teachers!) a fun and educational day out. Iconic props, costumes, and behind-the-scenes secrets can be seen throughout your experience.

OUR CAPITAL CITY HAS SO MUCH TO OFFER

OUR ACCOMMODATION:

Refurbished in 2017, this is a purpose-built, 320-bed hostel located on the Thames riverside. The venue is very secure: it has CCTV; 24-hour staffing; electronic gates; is fully enclosed; the staff are very experienced in working with school and youth groups, and so we are confident that all of our groups will appreciate its excellent location and facilities.

Accommodation consists of en-suite rooms, all of which have bunk beds and security lockers, and groups will not be expected to share rooms with the general public. You’ll be able to access the internet from desktop computers, and free Wi-Fi is available at the ground floor reception, bar, and in all other public social areas.

6 Reasons Why You Should Organise an Autumn School Trip

Planning a school trip in autumn gives you the greatest return on investment. Find out here why a residential early in the academic year is best!

England’s Best Historic Destinations for Primary School Trips

You don’t have to travel far in the UK to find attractions that will bring history to life for your students. Here are 3 of our favourite UK history trips.

Bring London to Life: 3 Key Themes for Students

Planning a school trip to London? Here are 3 thematic ideas to help you rise to the challenge of building an itinerary for a visit to this vast capital city.

Top of the Class: How to Plan a School Trip

Are you overwhelmed by the logistical challenges of planning a school trip? No need to worry: we’ve got some insider tips that will help get the ball rolling.

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School visits

School children on the stairs at the British Museum. © Benedict Johnson.

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For on-site visits please contact the Box Office:

Phone: +44 (0)20 7323 8181 Email:  [email protected]

Plan a self-led visit to the Museum to explore the permanent collection or special exhibitions. You can also combine your visit with a facilitated session.

Our learning team recommend you visit the Museum before your educational trip. Please explore our free educational resources within our age group pages. Whatever your plans, please book in advance via the Box Office to make sure you get the most out of your visit. We look forward to welcoming you. 

Visit options

School sessions at the museum.

Book onto one of our popular school sessions , where an expert facilitator will guide your students when learning about the collection. Speak to the Box Office team, or explore our age group pages below. 

Self-led visits at the Museum

Please contact the Box Office team to make your visit booking. To aid your learning on your self-led visit, the Museum provides free downloadable visit resources . These include helpful information about the galleries and activity ideas, all based around your student's age group. 

Exhibition visits at the Museum

We offer a schools programme alongside all of our special exhibitions , including free access to special exhibitions for all school groups. 

Explore the 'Schools' tab on each special exhibition page to find out about schools exclusive morning views and teachers' resources.

Virtual Visits online

Connect your class to the Museum for a free live interactive workshop. For UK school children aged 7–11, these workshops cover areas of the history curriculum from prehistory and ancient Egypt tp the Indus Valley, Greek temples and Roman Britain.

Through live activities, interactive quizzes and thought-provoking questions your class will enhance their knowledge and understanding of the past.

Book now to join the tens of thousands of students who have been taught through the SDDC's Virtual Visits since 2011.

Age group pages online

Explore our full educational offer on the age group pages below: 

• Ages 3–7 (EYFS/KS1)
• Ages 7–11 (KS2)
• Ages 11–14 (KS3)
• Ages 14–16 (KS4)
• Ages 16+ (KS5)

Classroom resources at school

Continue your students pre or post-visit learning by downloading our free classroom resources based around the collection. 

Booking your visit

Before you book.

Before you call or email us, please have the following information ready:

• First, second and third choice of date and time
• Number of students and adults
• Galleries you want to visit
• Access or special requirements

Please read our terms of use before booking your school visit.

Please note that only bookings made directly by schools will be accepted. We don't accept bookings from third parties.

If you wish to book a virtual workshop please go to the Virtual Visit page to find out more.

Contact the Box Office

School bookings can be made up to two days in advance of any visit, subject to availability.

Cancellation

If you're not able to attend a session you must inform the Box Office at least 14 days before the session date.

Please see the full terms and conditions for further information.

Access and special educational needs

Most of the galleries and all special exhibitions are fully accessible. There's a range of facilities for visual, hearing and mobility impaired students.

Visit the Access and SEN page for more information.

Safeguarding

You can access the Museum's safeguarding policy below. 

Planning your visit

Adult to child ratios at the museum.

Please ensure there is 1 adult to every 10 children on your visit to the Museum. 

Risk assessments

All the information you need to enable you to complete your risk assessment for a trip to the Museum, including information about sessions taught by Museum staff. 

Find out how to get to the Museum on our Group visits page . For any accessibility needs go to our Accessibility at the Museum page. 

Coach parties are advised to use the metered parking at Montague Place. There's space for up to six coaches.

Dedicated areas for school groups

The Clore Centre for Education, the Ford Centre for Young Visitors and the Samsung Digital Discovery Centre can be accessed via the Great Court. Take the stairs on the east side of the Great Court down to the lower levels.

Lunch spaces

Please contact the Box Office team if you require a lunch space or storage. These are booked on a first-come, first-served basis.

London School Trips

Educational and fun ideas.

Capital city school trips for groups

London, the UK's capital city, has history and culture in spades, crammed full of attractions and learning opportunities to fuel the imaginations of young students. The range of first class sights, venues and educational options makes London a favourite destination for school groups, whether you are a short tube ride away, or travelling from the other side of the country.

The main reasons for taking a school trip to London are the wealth of historical sights and landmarks relating to both London's own history, and the country as a whole. The city is also the setting for a wide range of exciting educational venues that cater for school children, or, we can bring workshops to your London school.

Listening to feedback from school teachers about which London school trip workshops offer the best educational experience for their students has helped us put together the following list of school-friendly visit options. Click on any of the links below to find out more.

Willing to expand your search beyond the M25? We have a page for London and the wider South East region, and individual pages for the counties of Oxfordshire , Buckinghamshire , Essex , Hampshire , Hertfordshire , Surrey , Sussex , Isle of Wight and Kent .

Short on time? Get some suggestions

Let us find the perfect trip to London experience for your school trip.

The Bushcraft Company - Penhurst Place

Not everything can be taught in a classroom. We believe that some of the most important life skills are best learned outside. Get back to basics with our real outdoor experiences and give your students the chance to grow.

SEA LIFE London

Dive deep into a world of underwater discovery, students will understand and learn how to conserve the natural wonders of the world! Explore creatures of the Pacific Ocean, the Amazon rainforest and frozen extremities of Antarctic.

Gripped London

Gripped offers a lot of heart-racing fun for active minds! We're a great destination for schools Key Stage 2 & 3, with plenty of hands-on outdoor activities designed to challenge and excite.

Madame Tussauds London

Empower young people with the essential skills they need in their day-to-day lives. Students will gain an invaluable insight into the media by exploring its purpose, audience and influence – from the modern-day selfie to the concept of fake news.

Thames Rockets

Are you ready to experience London's #1 speedboat Attraction? SEE the sights, FEEL the speeds and hop aboard for the very best city sightseeing experience - guaranteed to top anything you've ever done before!

London Tour - Adaptable Travel

Adaptable Travel tailor make fantastic overnight school trips to London for groups based elsewhere in the UK. London is a world-class city that offers a huge range of attractions and educational visits that make it a superb choice for your next trip.

The Climbing Hangar London

Indoor climbing centre offering coach-led, or teacher-led climbing sessions, promoting fundamental movement skills, social skills, and resilience.

Hobbledown Heath

Looking to give your class a spectacular lesson about animals, the environment, geography or biology? Then Hobbledown Heath is the place for you! There are a variety of options available, tailored to Early Years learning, as well as KS 1,2&3

In-Park Secondary Learning Sessions

We’re ready to welcome you and your students back to the Royal Parks with our specially adapted safe and secure outdoor learning provision. All sessions remain curriculum-linked to meet learning outcomes but additionally give students time outdoors

The London Eye

Observe London’s iconic landscape from a unique classroom in the sky. Discover the city's geographical and historical features and analyse London’s changing architecture and its impact.

Primary School Trip to London with Equity

London has so much to offer for Primary School trips with excursions and attractions that link to all subject areas.Even though this is the biggest capital city in Europe, we choose excursions that are central so it’s easy for groups to travel.

London Field Sites

Field Studies Council uses sites across London including parks and urban spaces to deliver exciting fieldwork and outdoor learning day trips. We work in partnership with The Royal Parks and the London Borough of Lewisham at some of these locations.

The London Dungeon

With an inspirational cast of actors, the London Dungeon offers an exciting walk-through experience that lets you see, hear and smell historic London and its perilous past. Get pupils thinking about language, characters and stage directions!

Sandbox VR - London

Sandbox VR is the world’s most advanced virtual reality venue on the planet. Located just a minute walk from the British Musseum , it features 4 virtual reality arenas where you can transport yourselves into the most immersive gaming experiance.

Unforgettable Day Visits at The Hive

The Hive is in the heart of Epping Forest, within easy reach of east London. In the safe hands of expert environmentalists our memorable & affordable curriculum-led outdoor learning activities bring nature nearer for all ages & abilities.

Epping Forest field centre

Epping Forest field centre, is situated in the heart of Epping Forest, an area of around 2,400 hectares of wood-pasture. Visit Epping Forest for fun and engaging primary or secondary one day outdoor field trips in London

Hangloose Adventure Bluewater

Hangloose Adventure Bluewater can offer your students the ultimate London school trip ADVENTURE experience.

Kenwood House

Located in North London, Kenwood is a hidden gem of historical interest for school groups, with an internationally renowned art collection, Robert Adam interiors, acres of land to explore and links to the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade.

Up at The O2

Do something different. Step out of the classroom and climb over the world-famous and iconic venue, The O2. Teachers and students will have a school trip of a lifetime, make memories and inspire the classroom.

Hobbledown Epsom

Looking to give your class a hands-on lesson about animals, the environment, geography or biology? Hobbledown's the ultimate day out for schools! There are a variety of options available, tailored to Early Years learning, as well as KS 1, 2& 3

West End Workshops

Theatre Workout is a leading producer of drama and theatre-based workshops and courses in London's West End, in schools and online, offering multi-award-winning programmes led by industry professionals.

Field Studies Council - London South East

Five fantastic locations in the South East offering fieldwork for all ages to bring the curriculum to life. The choice of day and residential centres include a huge range of excellent urban and rural field sites from Box Hill to Bushy Park.

South East school trip at Lee Valley. The Regional Park Authority's Learning and Engagement Team provide a range of outdoor learning opportunities for all the key stages within Lee Valley Regional Park.

Shrek's Adventure! London

Experience a fictional world first hand in the magical, immersive world of Shrek’s Adventure! London. Your pupils will become the central characters in a live fairy tale adventure, meet well known characters up-close, speak to them and change their

The Royal Parks

Connect with nature and learn about the park environment, wildlife and heritage with hands-on practical activities in Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. We offer a wide range of safe, secure and fun outdoor London learning experiences.

In-Park Primary Learning Sessions

We’re ready to welcome you and your students back to the Royal Parks with our specially adapted safe and secure outdoor learning provision. All sessions remain curriculum-linked to meet learning outcomes but additionally give children time outdoors

Lullingstone Roman Villa

Lullingstone Roman Villa provides a hands-on insight into the lives of the Romans living there and brings the curriculum to life in a fun and engaging way. Lullingstone is amongst the most outstanding Roman villa survivals in Britain.

A year-round programme of visits for students aged 7-18. Choose from a selection of themed workshops and tour the awe-inspiring Palace of Westminster during your school visit to London.

Religious Studies London

Our tailored itineraries will allow students to look at different non-Christian faiths to see diversity of worship, while visiting places of major religious significance.

Staying in London for a night or two?

We have worked with lots of schools over the years, from rural Wales, villages in the the North East of England, and small towns in the Midlands, teachers have been requesting help with organising trips to London for their students. The list of attractions and venues suitable for schools is immense, from action-packed sight-seeing tour, to a long list of world class museums and art galleries. On a longer stay you will also have more time for leisure activities like river cruises and bus tours. We work with tour operators who can help organise the whole stay and itinerary for you, or we can assist you find school group accommodation in London if you just need a roof over your heads and already have your daytime activities planned.

Dance Trip to London with Equity

Develop dance skills and experience a West End show on our dance and performing arts trips to London. Students can take part in workshops led by dance professionals at the prestigious Pineapple Dance Studios and Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts.

Walton Firs Activity Centre

Walton Firs Activity Centre provides a range of outdoor education programmes within a beautiful rural setting near to London. Let us deliver our best quality and value service for your school, and a never-to-be-forgotten experience for your students!

School Residentials in London

Head to the capital to bring learning alive with a huge variety of activities and sights - not forgetting 22 National Museums on offer. Discover Big Ben, Trafalgar Square and Buckingham Palace, along with the Eye, Madame Tussauds and London Dungeons.

Juniper Hall Field Centre

Located in Surrey, Juniper Hall field centre is easy to reach but surrounded by the beautiful countryside of Box Hill. Visit for fun filled residential outdoor activity, geography and biology trips for all ages.

Creative School Trips

Theatre Workout is a Destination Management Company (DMC) specialising in creative and cultural group travel for schools, working with UK and international school groups and the group travel industry to deliver hundreds of school trips each year!

Drama In The Woods Day Visits and Camp Outs! North London

Drama and the Woods invite your students to join us for a wonderful day visit or camp out in the woods. Come along to run wild, connect with nature and explore drama and open-air theatre in a woodland environment.

Unforgettable Residentials at The Hive

The Hive is in the heart of Epping Forest, within easy reach of east London. In the safe hands of expert environmentalists our memorable & affordable curriculum-led outdoor learning unique residentials bring nature nearer for all ages & abilities.

Art & Design Trip to London with Equity

An Art & Design trip to London allows students to develop an appreciation for art in a stimulating yet familiar setting. From the collections of the National Gallery, to the countless other galleries across the city, there's plenty to explore!

Football Trips & Pro Experiences

Using sports facilities usually reserved for professional clubs, your football team can learn the skills and tactics to greatly improve their game at renowned clubs such as Fulham FC and Futbol Salou.

London for Primary & Middle Schools-Curriculum Travel

Curriculum Travel provides customized educational tours in London, catering to primary and middle school students. These tours enhance learning through varied experiences, specifically designed to achieve distinct educational goals.

YHA London Thameside

A warm welcome awaits you at our purpose-built hostel, based in the docklands area of London. With a coach drop-off just outside the door getting here is easy. Inside you’ll find great social spaces, full meals service and places to study.

Cultural Tour of London for International Schools

Museums and palaces overflowing with art, science and history, incredible theatre shows in the West End, bustling Oxford Street and Covent Garden, and iconic Big Ben and Trafalgar Square! London is the perfect destination for a cultural tour.

Looking for school workshops in London?

Discover London School workshops that can bring educational learning experiences into the classroom. The London workshops below can visit school groups in the capital and between them they cover a huge range of subjects and topics, from History to PSHE. Want even more choice? Find more London school workshops here!

International & Multicultural Dance Workshops

International & Multicultural dance workshops for schools help enrich your pupil's learning. Explore the globe, bring your international or multicultural day or week to life with these dance workshops.

Geography Online Workshops

Link up live with The Royal Parks' Learning team for a unique interactive experience for your students. These curriculum-linked sessions will inspire your students to explore the parks' incredible environments.

Safer Internet Day Workshops

Are you all sitting comfortably? Because it’s time to go on an exciting adventure into the Internet Jungle!

Religious Festivals

Religious Festivals is an action-packed journey through four unique celebrations observed by four different faiths: Lent, Eid, Hanukkah and Vaisakhi. Pick 'n' mix the topics to suit you and get ready for a full day of drama and discovery!

Medieval Britain

During this Drama Hut workshop your class will meet maid Ember Whitby in the year 1354. Join Ember as she gives your class an insight into medieval Britain- noble Knights, colossal castles and the petrifying plague!

Pirates on Parade

During this Drama Hut Workshop, you will join Pirate Penny for a boat load of fun! Penny will put her new recruits to work! You’ll be scrubbing the decks, firing the cannons, hunting for treasure and lots of sea shanty singing along the way too!

Inspire Reading for Pleasure

Even before the Institute of Education reported that reading for pleasure has "powerful influence on children’s cognitive development," schools were thanking us for inspiring their learners to read. Bring this empowering engagement to your school.

Virtual Reality VR Experience

Immersive Experiences’ VR programs cover the greatest variety of shows – more than any planetarium in the world, with over 200 experiences to enjoy, bringing learning and entertainment together. Perfect for SEN, SLD, PMLD audiences.

Big School Camp

More than just your average school trip The number one provider for on-site school outdoor experiences in the UK READY FOR A NEW ADVENTURE! Igniting young minds and building bonds through unforgettable school camps and outdoor activities!

Ancient Egypt Workshop & Wow Day

Dan Tastic Education brings history to life with incredible Ancient Egyptian Wow Days! Your pupils will be inspired & engaged by an array of props, videos & student interaction with one of our fun & entertaining Dan Tastic Workshop Facilitators!

Victorian Workshop

by Historic Workshops. Want a Victorian Day that is fun, yet also gives the children an idea what lessons (and teachers) were like in Victorian times? A teacher straight from Victorian Britain is here to show your children Victorian discipline!

Hands on History Online

Immersive historical learning experiences take you back in time with fully custom-made experiences.

Science Spectacular

Dan Tastic Education brings science to life with incredible Science Spectacular Wow Days! Your pupils will be inspired & engaged by an array of props, videos & student interaction with one of our fun & entertaining Dan Tastic Workshop Facilitators

Roman Britain Workshop: The Boudiccan Revolt 60AD

Step back in time to iron-age Roman Britain. Rumour has it that Camulodunum has been attacked by Boudica and the Iceni, and a revolt has begun. The pupils will learn about the Roman Britain through practical activities, drama and role-play.

A fun and participatory day of drama exploring The Victorians! Children will learn about the history of The Victorians, exploring their way of living and how this relates to their lives today.

Ancient Egypt: The reign of Tutankhamun

Step back in time to Ancient Thebes. A boy king has taken the throne after a time of turmoil, he is bringing back the old ways and restoring ma’at (order). The pupils will participate in the story of Tutenkamun’s reign.

Preparing for Panto!

During this Drama Hut Workshop, let us take the children on a behind the scenes exploration of this very British tradition! Dust off your jokes, crack open the dressing up box and join us for an opportunity to laugh, create and have some festive fun!

World War II and World War I

We bring World War II and World War I to life with modern 360° projection technology at 4K resolution (the same quality as fixed planetariums). Students and teachers will be left with vivid and lasting memories to motivate classroom learning

Mathematics

Explore fractals, the wonder of the universe and the power of numbers all around you

Virtual Reality Bespoke Workshop

Virtual Reality helps students gain a deeper understanding of the world around them and ignite their imagination. Your learners can be engaged and inspired by breath-taking scenes from around the world and gain a deep understanding of the topic.

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‍The Ultimate Guide to London School Trips

As an educator, you know a well-planned school trip can provide rich learning experiences for your students, as well as improving relationships and team spirit. Research from Learning Away shows that more than 80% of secondary school pupils felt improved relationships with their peers and teachers after a trip outside of the classroom. What better place to start than our very own capital city - London.  

Imagine exploring the city's iconic landmarks, delving into history at world-class museums, or even having a magical Harry Potter or world-class West-End theatre experience...  

Planning such a trip can seem daunting, right? That's where we come in. With Adaptable Travel, you're not alone. We help you create customised itineraries, linking fun activities with your curriculum goals. We handle all the safety checks and paperwork, so you don't have to worry.  

So, sit back and let us guide you through planning the ultimate school trip to London.

Key Takeaways

• London offers a wide range of benefits for school trips including stunning architecture, historical landmarks, and world-class museums all nestled amongst a vibrant multicultural atmosphere.
• Adaptable Travel provides tailor-made itineraries for educational trips to London, with a focus on subject-specific events linked to the curriculum, offering a fun and innovative approach to school trips.
• Safety is a top priority for Adaptable Travel, with comprehensive measures in place such as safety documentation, risk assessments, and a travel insurance policy, ensuring a secure and worry-free experience.

Benefits of Educational Visits

Why London? Well, just like a book isn't judged by its cover, this city's vibrant ambience, multiculturalism, and iconic architecture cannot be appreciated from a textbook alone. Not only does a trip to London offer engaging activities for students, but it's also an unparalleled platform for cultural exploration.

The city's unique blend of historical landmarks and world-class museums provides an immersive learning experience that cannot be replicated in a classroom. With every corner turned, there's a new opportunity for learning outside the traditional four walls of the school. From the grandeur of the Tower of London to the technological advancements showcased at the Science Museum, these sites offer educational value that encourages curiosity and enhances knowledge.

Visiting these sites not only provides subject-focused learning but also a fantastic way to spark interest in a breadth of topics from science and history to arts and culture. It's not just about the facts and figures; it's the tangible experiences, the stories behind the exhibits, and the atmosphere that create memorable experiences for students.

The benefits of school trips extend beyond academics as these trips also contribute to students' personal development. They learn to navigate new environments, work as a team, and expand their horizons.

So, when planning your next school trip, remember that London is not just a city, but a bustling, interactive classroom waiting to be explored.

Planning and Preparations

Let's dive into the nitty-gritty of orchestrating a successful educational journey, focusing on the crucial planning and preparations! With careful consideration of these elements, you're well on your way to creating a memorable educational journey for your students.

Firstly, Accommodation. London offers a vast array of choices from vibrant hostels with quirky, bright, and fun interiors to 3* hotels located in the heart of the city. Make sure you select a place that's comfortable, secure and conveniently located near the educational sites you'll be visiting.

Whilst it’s often convenient to be centrally located, some of our favourite accommodation options are located on the outskirts of the city – often providing cheaper options and better-quality facilities.  

All accommodation we use has been risk assessed and are STF assured . All assured accommodation adheres to a rigorous Code of Practice and Safety Management Standards that are verified each year. You can therefore relax knowing you’ll always be heading to accommodation that meets these standards.  

Next is transportation logistics. For large groups, our full-executive coaches are a convenient and cost-effective option that can not only transport you to and from your UK educational institution but around the city too - so long as it’s within the coach driver’s hours ! Don’t worry – we always plan our itineraries around these hours to ensure you can make the most of your time in London, with your coach driver also getting their entitled rest. If you plan well in advance, you can also get discounts on train tickets.  

As for educational objectives, your London itinerary should include activities, sites, and attractions aligned with your curriculum. You can view our full list of these on our website here . This enhances the learning experience while keeping the trip exciting and engaging.

Exciting Itineraries

Crafting an exciting itinerary is the heart and soul of any successful educational journey. London, a melting pot of culture, history, and innovation, provides an array of exploration options that cater to every subject. With over 170 museums in London including 11 National museums, it’s sometimes tricky to know where to begin.

Here's a list of some subject specific destinations that could spark the curiosity of your students:

• Science and Technology : Explore the wonders of human ingenuity and bring science to life at the Science Museum. Boasting a plethora of exhibits that are ever-changing, there’s guaranteed to be something for everyone here. If you prefer something smaller, there are the Centre of the Cell and Body Worlds museums to consider too.
• Psychology and Sociology: Go inside the family home of history’s most well-known psychologist - Sigmund Freud - and discover the story of psychoanalysis or visit the famous Old Bailey Court House.  
• History : Dive into the prehistoric era and learn about the evolution of life on Earth at the world-class Natural History Museum or delve into some of the darker history with a Jack the Ripper Walking Tour.  
• Arts and Design : Experience the magic of creativity at the Victoria and Albert Museum, boasting the World's largest museum dedicated to the arts. Similar museums include Tate Modern or the National Gallery, or if you’re looking for something more niche there’s The Cartoon Museum or Camden Street Art Tour!
• Geography: Step off the streets and onto the water with a Thames River Cruise, learning about the 215-mile stretch of river that runs through Southern England, or explore the Royal Botanic Kew Gardens.  
• Business and Economics : Take a look at the skyscrapers within London’s financial center with a Canary Wharf Tour. The likes of HSBC, Citigroup, Wells Fargo, Barclays, and many more have set up their headquarters or central offices here. Boasting impressive transport links, Canary Wharf is now easier than ever to reach with the brand new, Canary Wharf Elizabeth Line station.  
• Film and Media Studies: Wow your students with a world-class West-End Show or go behind the scenes to see how it all happens with a trip to the London Film Academy or the Guardian Newsroom Workshops.  

You can also take advantage of our FREE LONDON EYE offer on ALL School trips to London! (T&Cs apply)

To find out more about these visits (and many more!) click the relevant subject link above and browse our most popular visits.  

Remember, there's flexibility in choices. You can tailor your itinerary to suit your student's interests and learning needs, ensuring a truly customized learning experience.  

Bespoke Itineraries

We're experts at crafting bespoke itineraries that cater to your school's unique needs and preferences. Interestingly, 80% of our clients say that our custom itineraries are what set us apart from other travel companies.

With Adaptable Travel, you can let go of the one-size-fits-all approach and embrace a journey that's tailored just for you.

From choosing attractions that align with your curriculum to planning tailor-made activities that pique your student's interest, we've got you covered. But it doesn't stop there, our service offers a level of group-specific customization that goes beyond the usual. We carefully consider the age, interests, and study levels of your students to create a trip that's engaging and educational.

Here are four key features involved in planning a bespoke itinerary:

• Choosing attractions : We help you select attractions that supplement your teaching, making the trip an extension of the classroom.
• Tailor-made activities : We plan activities that not only entertain but also reinforce learning.
• Group-specific customisation : We cater to the unique dynamics of your group, ensuring each student is engaged according to their age and subject focus.
• Customised sightseeing : We structure sightseeing activities to enhance learning experiences, sparking curiosity and interest.

We believe that every school trip should be a memorable adventure. By creating customised itineraries, we aim to provide enhanced learning experiences that are fun, interactive, and insightful. So, whether you want to explore the wonders of the Natural History Museum or take a ride on the London Eye, we're here to make it happen.

Safety and Security

Ensuring everyone's safety and security is paramount when planning an educational trip. In a bustling city like London, it's a crucial aspect that teachers and organisers must consider. You have to think about risk assessments, emergency procedures, supervision guidelines, and even transportation safety. Not to forget, setting up clear communication protocols is a must. For peace of mind, you can explore our in-depth Safety and Insurance policies here.  

In the unlikely event of a crisis, having a well-thought-out plan could be a real lifesaver. Provide everyone with emergency contact numbers and familiarise them with evacuation routes. We also offer an Emergency Phone Line, so you can get into contact with us whilst on your trip, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Supervision guidelines are equally crucial. You need to ensure students are never left unattended. Establish a buddy system or break students into manageable groups with assigned supervisors. That way, you create a safety net around them.

Communication protocols should be in place to keep everyone informed and updated. Use group chats or social media platforms to share information quickly and efficiently. To help this easier, we have partnered with Vamoos – an app to keep all your travel documents in one place. This includes your itinerary, excursion tickets, weather forecasts, and maps. Once all of these documents are downloaded, you don’t need data to access them!  

So, when you're organising that school trip to London, remember, safety isn't just a box to tick. It's a commitment to your students' well-being and a vital part of a successful educational journey.  

Future Opportunities

Looking ahead, there's an array of exciting prospects on the horizon with Adaptable Travel. Did you know that students resilience, self-confidence and wellbeing improve drastically when learning aligns with real-world applications? That's why we're always evolving and innovating to offer more tours and destinations that align with the school curriculum, providing continued fun, inspiration, and real-world education.

Adaptable Travel has been awarded the Learning Outside the Classroom Quality Badge , increasing confidence in our practices. This means we provide and have demonstrated high quality learning outside of the classroom. You can read more about the wonderful works of LOtC here .  

We're not just about exploring London; our upcoming destinations span the globe, giving students the opportunity to learn about different cultures, histories, and ecosystems. Our innovative programs are designed to make education an adventure, turning every trip into a unique learning experience.

We are committed to expanding our curriculum offerings to cater to a wider range of subjects. Whether it's science, history, or art, we believe in providing engaging activities that inspire curiosity and deepen understanding. We don't just show students the sights; we immerse them in the subject matter.

Whether you're planning to explore the wonders of London or venture further afield, Adaptable Travel is here to create personalized experiences to meet your educational needs. Our experts work closely with you to tailor itineraries that align with your learning objectives and engage your students in meaningful ways.

So, what's around the corner with Adaptable Travel? More exploration, more learning, and more fun! Stay tuned for our future school trips, where we continue to break down classroom walls and turn the world into a learning playground. Remember, with Adaptable Travel, the horizon for educational trips is always expanding.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to plan a school trip to london.

Considering weather, cost implications, cultural events, exam schedules, and holiday seasons, spring and autumn are ideal for your school trip to London. These seasons offer pleasant weather and fewer tourists.

However, it's crucial to plan around exam schedules and coincide with cultural events to enhance the educational experience. Remember, holiday seasons can be more expensive and crowded.

We recommend avoiding travelling in June or July if possible as this is when costs will be highest and accommodation choices most limited.

Ultimately, the best time depends on your specific needs and budget constraints.

How can schools factor in special dietary requirements for students during the trip?

We understand the importance of catering to special dietary requirements to ensure everyone is happy and healthy.  

Allergy awareness is paramount, with vegan options and gluten-free catering readily available. Halal meals can be arranged with ease and cultural dietary customs are always respected.

We will ask for your dietary requirements once you book your trip and pass this onto any meal bookings, we make for you.

What strategies can teachers use to keep students engaged during the trip?

To keep students engaged during a trip, teachers can implement interactive activities. They can use the surroundings as a canvas for scavenger hunts or educational games. Additionally, they can opt for guided tours that are specifically tailored for students, offering intriguing insights and fun facts. Teachers can also encourage students to maintain personal journals, documenting their experiences and observations. These strategies promote active engagement, making learning fun and memorable.

How can schools ensure accessibility for students with mobility issues during the trip?

Navigating a bustling city like London might seem difficult for less mobile students. But don't worry, it's achievable!

Start by booking accessible transportation, and ensuring the chosen venues cater for all accessibility needs. With an Additional Needs form to complete during the booking process on our website, so long as we’re aware of every student’s needs, we can accommodate our trip planning best suit.  

Remember, every student deserves to be a part of this epic adventure!

So, don't hesitate, get in contact and start planning your trip to London today! With Adaptable Travel, you're not just planning a school trip, you're crafting unforgettable learning experiences for you and your students.

From the classroom to the capital, we turn London into a learning playground. Safety, learning, and fun interweave seamlessly, creating a tapestry of experiences that'll shape your students' futures.

With us, a school trip to London isn't just a drop in the ocean, it's a ripple effect of lifelong learning.

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Cross-curricular school trip to London

London has so many engaging attractions to excite and educate your students. We use our expertise to suggest the best visits for your trip.

• Key stage 2 – 16+

Explore our capital city with a school trip to London

London is crammed full of attractions from the educational to cultural and many of which are free, making it a popular destination for our school groups. The majority of London school trips we organise are often short, from overnight stays to 4 days, but we also have experience organising longer trips for international schools visiting from abroad.

We'll work with you to create the perfect itinerary that fits the focus of your trip, whether it's history, art, English, drama, a rewards trip or anything in between. We can recommend a varied mix of curriculum-based visits, sightseeing and fun attractions to make sure you and your students have a great time and get the most out of your trip. We also make sure students are entertained throughout the evening with dinner options at popular restaurant chains like Hard Rock Cafe and Rainforest Cafe.

Some highlights of our school trips to London:

The london eye, buckingham palace, west end matinee show, the tate modern, the science museum, thames river cruise, harry potter warner bros. studio tour.

What Teachers Say - Click here to read about Kirkcudbright Academy School's stay in London! 

We can tailor your itinerary to your unique learning requirements, please contact us for a bespoke quote.

• Depart school
• Arrive in London
• Matinee show in the West End
• Evening meal

Tower of London

Trafalgar square.

• That National Gallery

Tate Modern

• Science Museum
• London Dungeons
• Return to school

British Museum

Housing around 8 million objects, the British Museum is one of the largest museums in the world. Take your time exploring this haven of human history, art and culture.

Globe Theatre

On the South Bank of the River Thames, explore the famous reconstructed Elizabethan theatre associated with William Shakespeare, a must-visit for drama and English students.

Step on to authentic sets and discover the magic behind the Harry Potter film series. Tread the floor Hogwarts Great Hall, encounter animatronic creatures and wander down Diagon Alley. Located at the Studios where all 8 films were produced, the Studio Tour showcases the incredible British talent that made the series possible.The award winning education programme includes entrance ticket to Warner Bros. Studio Tour, a 45 minute lesson, planned and taught by qualified teachers in our purpose-built classroom and free green screen broomstick experience. Free teacher inspection visits, teaching resources and digital guides available.

The Tate Modern is London's free national museum of modern and contemporary art. See work by Picasso, Rothko, Dali and Matisse for free and check out the latest big installation in the Turbine Hall. Unmissable for students of art, design and photography.

Take a trip down the River Thames and pass some famous sights of the city of London.

V&A Museum

Get inspired at The Victoria and Albert Museum, the world's largest museum of decorative arts and design, housing a permanent collection of over 2.27 million objects. This is a top visit for art and design students and there may be a temporary exhibition on during your visit that piques your interest.

West End Show

Experience a live production in London’s West End!

Buckingham Palace has served as the official Royal London Residence for the British monarchy since 1837 and it is still the administrative headquarters for the Queen. A very popular reason for visiting it to see the Changing of the Guard.

The London Eye is a fantastic way to fully appreciate London's beauty and see the sprawling capital from as at the highest point, you'll have 360-degree views from 135 meters above! One rotation on the eye lasts around 30 minutes.

St Paul’s Cathedral

St Paul’s Cathedral is London's principal religious house and is the seat of the Bishop of London. You can go and see the spectacular building from the outside but you can even climb to the dome and head into the whispering gallery where sounds can travel from one end to the other.

Tate Britain

Entrance to the Tate Britain is free except for the major exhibitions. Tate Britain runs a school programme which may help to add further depth to your students' experience. You can also hop on the Tate boat which takes you to the Tate Modern in a matter of minutes.

The Houses of Parliament

The Houses of Parliament are must for any students interested in politics or hoping to study law in higher education. It is slightly tricky to gain admission, as you must write a letter to your local MP who should be able to organise a tour for your group around the chambers and up into Big Ben's clock tower. When the houses are sitting, visitors can sit in the galleries to observe committee meeting debates.

Imperial War Museum

The Imperial War Museum in Southwark is where London's infamous mental asylum Bedlam was. It is a fascinating museum and is more likely than not to have an exhibition going on when you're there. Its permanent exhibition on WWI trenches gives pupils an idea of what life was like for soldiers on the French battlefields. There is also an extremely moving and informative Holocaust exhibition.

The National Gallery

The National Gallery in Trafalgar Square houses one of the greatest collections of European paintings dating from 1250 to 1900. If you're short on time, visit the gallery's website to find out the thirty must-see paintings amongst the collection of over 2,300.

Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum is one of the most impressive buildings in London. The dinosaurs are always a popular place to start and don't miss the magnificent cross-section of a sequoia tree on the top floor, which dates back to around 400 AD.

The Science Museum covers the workings of everything from extraordinary space technology to ordinary household appliances. There are lots of interactive exhibits for students to try out from simulated earthquakes and 3D cinemas.

Trafalgar Square is one of London's most vibrant open spaces, home to Nelson's Column which commemorates the Battle of Trafalgar. It is a wonderful place to soak up London's buzzing atmosphere and an easy stop on your way to other attractions.

The Tower of London is a must for all those wishing to understand the life and soul of British history over the last 1000 years. London's most historic landmark oversaw imprisonment, torture, execution and murder most foul. The Tower currently houses the Crown Jewels. Whilst you are at the Tower, take a stroll down to Tower Bridge, which offers excellent views over the Thames.

Our school trips to London include:

• A detailed itinerary with pre-booked excursions
• Board and lodging as specified in your itinerary
• Return travel by executive coach
• Free teacher place for every 8 students on the trip
• 24-hour emergency back-up service
• Comprehensive travel insurance
• Assistance with inspection visits

Extras to budget for:

• Entrances other than those specified in your itinerary
• Hotel damage deposits
• Supplements for small parties, single rooms and additional adults

Get a quote ✅

Receive a no-obligation quote for your group from one of our educational travel experts.

Other trips you may be interested in

Cross-curricular school trip to Liverpool & Manchester

Visit two of the UK's most exciting cities to explore the industrial revolution and Britain's Colonial past

Cross-curricular school trip to Stratford-upon-Avon

Ye Olde England awaits! Uncover England's Tudor history in Shakespeare's birthplace

Cross-curricular school trip to York

Marvel at Medieval York with your history, geography or religious studies students

UK Activity Week School Day Trips

The best activity & enrichment week visits & fun day trips ideas

• No. 1 Warehouse
• Trade Expansion
• London, Sugar & Slavery
• City and River
• First Port of Empire
• Warehouse of the World
• Docklands at War
• New Port, New City
• Mudlarks family gallery

Fashion City

• Exhibitions and displays
• Walks, talks and tours
• Family events
• Museum accessibility
• Eating and drinking
• Group visits

The new museum coming in 2026 will be situated at the heart of the capital’s historic Smithfield area next to Farringdon. Until then, the fun continues at our Docklands museum!

• Conferences and meetings
• Dinners and receptions
• West Smithfield

Discover London Through History

Steeped in history: Tea drinking in Britain

From Chinese origins to becoming the UK’s national beverage, the history of tea is deeply entwined with colonial histories of sugar and the East India Company.

Medieval pilgrim shell tokens and St James’ Way

Explore London’s medieval scallop shell relics, symbolising the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage’s lasting enchantment across centuries.

Queen Victoria's chatelaine bags

These chatelaine bags, presumably belonging to Queen Victoria, are testimony to Medieval practicality and the skills of Jewish silversmiths.

Rare books: What makes them special and how to care for them

What makes a book rare? Tips on identifying special books, storage and safe handling techniques to preserve these literary artefacts.

Reach every London schoolchild

Celebrate the London collection

A new museum for London

• Memberships
• Corporate partnerships
• For families
• For schools
• Collections
• Get involved

Plan your free museum visit or online experience , and download our authoritative and fun resources for learning .

• Enquiries and booking
• Plan a school visit to the Museum of London Docklands
• Risk assessment advice
• Fashion City for schools
• Arts in our learning programmes
• Award-winning learning programmes
• My London Story
• School visits at our partner sites
• Supplementary schools
• Supporters of our learning programmes
• Beasts of London poetry competition
• Reimagining the Restoration

Plan a group visit

Find out everything you need to know to plan your school or educational group visit to the Museum of London Docklands.

Find out how our latest exhibition can support your teaching and how to book a free school visit. Open until 7 July 2024.

Events for teachers

Find out what's coming up in our free events programme for teachers.

Museum of London closure

Got questions about the closure of the Museum of London and our move to West Smithfield? Check out our FAQ for schools

Ready to organise your day? Plan your visit

Learning resources, by key stage:.

Early years foundation stage (ages 0-5) Key stage 1 (5-7) Key stage 2 (7-11) Key stage 3 (11-14) Key stage 4 (14-16) Key stage 5 (16-19) SEND

By historical period:

Stone Age to Iron Age Roman Medieval Great Fire of London Victorian World Wars Explore more

By subject or topic:

Archaeology Citizenship Diversity Geography History PSHE Explore more

Schools facilities

Room for lunch.

Bring your own packed lunch and use our designated space

Plenty of loos

We have toilets just for schools, so no one is caught short

Accessible to all

Our museum site is fully accessible

Happy snapping

Feel free to take flash-free photos to capture your visit

Treats to take home

Our shop has tons of pocket money goodies

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Source: Graham Lacdao

6 must-see attractions for school groups visiting London

2020-01-08T09:20:00+00:00

The capital is filled with museums, historical venues and one-of-a-kind sites linked to learning outside the classroom.

There’s so much to choose from in the city - where do you even start? We’ve highlighted some of the big attractions with information about what’s on offer for schools this year, whether it’s enhancing young people’s understanding of politics or bringing ancient history alive through artefacts.

1. UK Parliament

Where better to enhance an understanding of politics than where UK laws are made? Schools can book a free tour of UK Parliament, winners of the Best Education Workshops Award at the latest School Travel Awards ceremony. Following a tour, pupils can continue their learning inside its Education Centre - equipped with voting pods, tablets and interactive 360° projections. 

Choose from a selection of workshops for pupils from age five to 18: through roleplay, debating and voting, pupils can consider how UK Parliament makes laws and how they can get involved; or they can travel back in time with a People’s Parliament session, exploring how protesting has led to change. These are just a few of the activities available.

Stillness Primary School on a tour of Parliament.

An immersive film visit and SEND days can be arranged, as well as a travel subsidy for eligible schools. You can find out more in the education brochure on the UK Parliament website.

Requests are now being taken for school trips between 14th April and 21st July - online request forms  must be completed by 3rd February.

2. St Paul’s Cathedral

All Key Stages can take part in a Themed Guided Visit at the iconic cathedral, dating back over 1,400 years. Religious Studies, Art, History, Maths and Science are among the subject options available, using the church space to explore topics like symbolism, shape and design, and the Great Fire of London.

Alternatively, schools can opt for an hour-long general visit for cross-curricular learning, introducing pupils to the cathedral’s artefacts art and history, and the tombs and memorials of key figures such as Nelson and Florence Nightingale.

Secondary school groups will find plenty of opportunities to enhance their learning, including a Business Studies session where they will be asked the question: ‘Is it possible for St Paul’s Cathedral to be both a place of Christian worship and a viable business?’

SEND visits are also encouraged, with the site providing a range of resources that can be used during a trip alongside tailored Themed Guided Visits and workshops.

Find more information on the website .

Source: Pixabay

Thames Clippers operates 23 piers around London, including near Tower Bridge and Westminster.

Did you know that Thames Clippers offers a 10% discount on travel for school groups?

Traversing London by river boat could be a more scenic and less stressful option than the Underground, and there are 23 piers to stop off at across the city. Hop off at Bankside Pier to see St Paul’s, or the Westminster stop for a UK Parliament trip. Just book tickets in advance on the website .

3. National Gallery

Based in Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery is an exciting introduction to the world of art thanks to its impressive setting and vast collection. Gallery Educators are on hand to guide a school visit, designed for ages from four to 18. These sessions focus on between three and five paintings with the intention of creating a lasting impact surrounding as particular theme - examples include ’magical myths and beasts’, ’the world around us - plants and animals’ and ’religion in art’. 

Pupils can immerse themselves further in the gallery’s collection with a practical workshop. For example, Key Stage 1 students can practise their communication, dexterity and creativity by making a sculpture to take home at the end of their trip. Or, develop your own story linked to a series of paintings with the help of an actor.

Take a look at these and other available workshops available here .

4. British Museum

School groups of all ages can take a self-led tour of the British Museum, which houses major artefacts from two million years of history. Its collection understandably covers a great deal of content for Early Years to Key Stage 5 learning, with a full programme of sessions that can be paired with a visit to the museum.

Pupils aged 3-6 may be enraptured by printmaking, object handling or a Maths activity in the African galleries. Pick from Key Stage 2 workshops covering the ancient civilisations of Britain, Egypt, Greece or Rome.

Source: Visit London / Jon Reid

School groups visiting the British Museum can gain free access to special exhibitions.

Less obvious sessions include a Relationship and Sexual Health Education activity that considers the topic in the context of different times and cultures. Or, an artist-led Japanese printmaking workshop drawing on the inspiration of the collection.

There’s lots to discover – see the full list of opportunities on the museum’s online dedicated school section . 

Plus, the museum’s schools programme allows free access for groups into special exhibitions. For example, the museum is currently hosting Troy: myth and reality , which explores the historical truth behind the ancient Greek legend.

In October, a special Thomas Becket exhibition will be opening to commemorate 850 years since the Archbishop of Canterbury’s murder; you can sign up for details on the exhibition here .

5. ZSL London Zoo

Take learning outdoors with a visit to ZSL London Zoo, offering interactive sessions to classes of all ages, designed for up to 36 pupils. Here are just a few examples:

‘Hands on’ allows Early Years and Key Stage 1 to get to grips with different animal groups through sensory investigations of animal hair, scales and feathers.

Animal Behaviour Studies encourage A-Level students to carry out independent research into the zoo’s squirrel monkeys, collecting and recording data as a scientific researcher would.

Minibeasts, endangered animals, conservation and habitats are just some of the other topics covered during an on-site workshop, which can be combined with a general zoo visit. 

Once teachers have arranged their booking, they will receive a free entry ticket into the zoo, to better allow them to plan their school trip. Keep an eye on the Education Events page on the website, which lists exhibits and opportunities taking place throughout the year.

6. Tower of London

The once prison, royal residence and armoury was the most-visited paid attraction in London in 2018 according to the latest figures released. Pupils can experience the popular site themselves with a self-led visit, which includes tower admission, entry to the Jewel House and Crown Jewels and Lunchrooms for Key Stage 1 and 2 groups.

Source: © Historic Royal Palaces 2017

A week-long festival will take place at the Tower of London in June and London school choir groups can apply to take part.

Expand the trip with a curriculum-linked session, led by expert presenters who seek to bring the palace’s history to life. Key Stage 1 through to A-Level groups are covered, with workshops detailing topics the White Tower’s power and defences, and the life of a prisoner held in the Tower of London.

Keen for something a bit different? Key Stage 2 pupils can take charge of their experience with a ‘digital mission’. A choice of two self-led activities - ‘The Lady’s Royal Arrivals’ or ‘The Prisoner’s Perilous Plot’ - will challenge students to explore the palace while solving problems on an iPad.

London schools have been invited to join in with a week-long music festival at the Tower of London on 22nd to 28th June. Water City Music at the Tower is free for any school choirs, instrumental groups and bands to take part in, with family members of performers granted free entry. To find out more, email [email protected] .

• British Museum
• Historic Venues
• St Paul's Cathedral
• Tower of London
• UK Parliament

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School trips to London

A school trip to London is highly recommended to allow your students the chance to explore a cultural hub that is one of the most diverse and cosmopolitan cities on the planet. 

The city’s heritage means there’s nearly always something to learn around every corner, particularly if your focus is on literature, theatre, history, architecture, business, religious studies or general sightseeing. Samuel Johnson famously remarked that “When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life” – and we can see just what he was getting at.

Our school trips to London highlights include...

London school trips are a great way for your students to explore the world-famous city's attractions:

Coca-Cola London Eye

Natural history museum, the tower of london, imperial war museum, the west end.

• The London Dungeon
• The British Museum
• National Maritime Museum

Thames River Cruise

Warner bros. studio tour.

• Buckingham Palace 
• The Globe Theatre
• The Tate Modern London
• The Science Museum
• Olympic Park 

Why book a London school trip?

School trips to London offer young people a valuable new perspective outside of the classroom and a chance to experience the sights, sounds, hustle and bustle of a major global city. The capital also boasts a regular events programme that no other city can match, at least certainly not in the UK.

There are so many must-see locations for students in London , that provide tons of educational value. London offers a wide and diverse range of educational visits that will enlighten and expand the imagination of students and pupils across all age groups.

Whether it’s an educational tour of London for students or a fun-filled primary school trip , London has it all. Take a look at some of our most popular London school trips - perfect for primary, high school, or college students. Alternatively, please get in touch for more information or advice, we’re always happy to help.

Browse our curriculum-linked school trips in London

Such is the diversity of London’s offerings, there are venues, sites and attractions that can benefit students who study just about any subject! From Maths to Music, Media studies to Science, you can plan a London school trip that suits the learning objectives of any subject matter. 

Check out our range of curriculum-linked school trips in London below. 

Art & Design

Home to some of the world’s largest permanent collections and with a wide range of art on show, a school trip to London is guaranteed to incite a response from pupils and enrich and inspire their work.

In this exciting city, pupils will get to take in the latest thought-provoking collections, museums, galleries and innovative talent, whilst developing an understanding of British heritage and culture. Add to that the huge array of tourist attractions on offer and you’ll be guaranteed a trip to remember.

Learn more about our art & design trips to London here

Business Studies

Experience one of the world’s largest financial centres on a school trip to London.

The city is home to over half of the UK’s top 100 listed companies and offers fascinating visit opportunities for business studies groups. We’ll book educational visits that enhance your pupils’ learning, as well as group friendly accommodation, your leisure activities and even your meals – all at our great school group prices.

Learn more about our business studies trips to London here

Computer Science

A computing and computer science school trip to London offers pupils the opportunity to explore a range of computing and computer science themes at a number of intriguing visits and hands on workshops, whilst also enjoying a big city experience.

Choose from an app making workshop to a tech city guided walking tour where students can take a first-hand look at the businesses – such as ASOS, Spotify and Zoopla!

Learn more about our computer science trips to London here

For a school trip that will inspire and engage your pupils you need look no further than our very own capital city London!

We can create a London school tour itinerary to suit your tour objectives, the range of visits make it perfect for enrichment week, a cultural tour or a group bonding and reward trip. As well as being great fun, the visits offer pupils the opportunity to Experience big city life, widen their horizons, Learn new skills and develop resilience, independence and confidence.

Learn more about our cultural trips to London here

Design & Technology 

Explore a range of world-class museums, including the Design Museum, the V&A Museum and the Museum of Brands to name just a few. Get a taste for designing and making, electronics, robotics, materials, engineering and computing during our range of educational experiences.

Learn more about our design & technology school trips to London here

Drama & Performing Arts

From the magic of a West End show to interactive dance or theatre workshops or debating at the Royal Courts of Justice, a school theatre trip to London is guaranteed to inspire your pupils!

Whether your group is interested in performing arts, drama, English or literature, you’ll find it all on an English school tour to London! Plus, we work closely with theatres and agencies in the capital to give you access to great group prices, fantastic theatre seats and great availability on the most popular West End shows so you can be sure to get great value for your school theatre trip. That’s why around 600 school groups choose to travel to London with us each and every year.

Learn more about our drama & performing arts trips to London here

Geography, Geology & Environmental Science

Packed full of enthralling visits and attractions, a geography school trip to London provides a massive range of geography visits that will excite, inform and educate your group.

We’ve teamed up with London’s famous Blue Badge Guides to offer a unique geography tour on which your pupils will see for themselves the transformation that the east of London underwent as part of a vast urban regeneration programme.

Learn more about our geography trips to London here

With the curriculum changes placing greater emphasis on the history of Britain and its place in global history, London provides an ideal location for a history school trip.

Covering a large range of themes, the huge numbers of educational visits, museums, galleries and collections have tailor-made programmes required to suit the new curriculum. With our relationships with so many of these education departments, we can help you to maximise the educational benefit of your London visit.

Secondary school trip groups to London can greatly benefit from the educational tours that London provides. And is perfect for all ages.

Learn more about our history trips to London here

For an English school trip that focuses on works of literature and how they can be adapted for stage and screen, you won't be disappointed with NST's London literature study tour.

Learn more about our literature trips to London here

Investigate the mathematics that makes the capital city of London work! From the Wembley Stadium arch, to the Bank of England, your pupils will be surrounded by maths during a visit to London.

Have fun calculating the height of key landmarks, such as Nelson’s Column, or take the opportunity to consider the mathematical challenges engineers faced whilst building the iconic London Eye.

Learn more about our maths trips to London here

Media & Film Studies

If you’re looking to take your media & film studies group to a great budget destination that comes packed with educational benefits, choose London.

Our strong links with renowned organisations – plus expert service and advice from your dedicated Educational Travel Advisor – will make bridging the gap between the classroom and the day-to-day reality of this dynamic industry easier for you.

School trips in London allow media students to experience the fast-moving world of production and the creative industries.

Learn more about our media & film trips to London here

The wide number and variety of performance venues available in London make it an ideal music tour destination for a groups of all ages and abilities.

These outstanding venues, along with the great range of amazing West End theatre shows, workshops, backstage tours and leisure visits, mean NST can provide a great value itinerary that engages, wows and inspires.

Learn more about our music tours to London here

Musical Theatre 

London is a fantastic destination full of opportunities to expose your group to music. So, even if you’re not planning a performance music tour, why not take your pupils to the capital for a few days on a school trip in London, which is filled with West End musicals and vocal workshops - they could even try their hand at Samba drumming!

Learn more about our West End trips to London here

Primary groups

An exciting London primary school trip enables pupils to cover many aspects of their curriculum in a short space of time. We can create a school tour itinerary package around any theme of your choice, from the Tudors and Victorians to Science and Nature.

Primary school trips to London allow younger pupils to experience the great capital of England. Inspire them with the rich history of the city and show them the future plans to bolster London as an economic superpower.

Learn more about our trips to London for primary schools here

Psychology & Sociology

A psychology trip to London offers immense value to psychology and sociology pupils, and is an ideal way to boost grades.

We can tailor an itinerary to suit your group’s exact requirements, from our exclusive mental health visits to a Jack the Ripper walking tour, you can cover a wide range of study topics to cover GCSE and A level curriculum themes in and around central London.

Learn more about our psychology trips to London here

Religious Studies

A religious studies visit to London offers immense value to your pupils. Our itineraries can be tailored to groups’ requirements allowing pupils to see diversity of worship and investigate differing impacts of religious beliefs.

Explore topics (including the Holocaust) further, via a choice of focused study venues, all easily accessible from Central London.

Learn more about our religious studies trips to London here

This exciting destination offers pupils the opportunity to explore a range of science themes at a number of intriguing visits and hands-on workshops, whilst also enjoying a big city experience.

We’ll tailor-make your science school trip to London to suit your group’s specific learning requirements to include the best visits and attractions at great value for money learning outcomes.

Learn more about our science trips to London here

Sustainability

London plays host to a number of sustainability based visits which highlight the importance of protecting and preserving our environment, whilst also having links to the geography curriculum.

Learn more about our Sustainability trip to London here.

Experience the excitement of London with our 90 second video

London trip highlights – our groups love....

The city of London provides a chance for you to combine sightseeing with historical sites that offer rich educational benefits. Here’s what to expect from our London trip highlights. 

Lastminute.com London Eye / Formerly the Coca-Cola London Eye

Arguably the UK’s most famous landmark, the London Eye offers stunning aerial views of the city’s vast landscape. Sat on the banks of the River Thames, you’ll be able to see London’s symbolic landmarks, with views that span up to 30 miles on a clear day. On a school trip in London, you can catch a glimpse of Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and The Shard and admire the dazzling sunset, or opt for an evening visit and experience views of the twinkling capital from up on high. 

Your history students will simply love the offerings provided at the famous Natural History Museum. Embark on a journey through our extraordinary planet’s 4.6 billion-year history. Explore the world of the dinosaurs, travel through time and discover the evolution of the planet or be amazed by the earthquake simulator in the museum’s Red Zone. Quite simply, your students will take so much from their visit, and engagement in your history lessons will be transformed! 

Help to develop pupils’ understanding of the nature of authority and attitudes to crime and punishment in the early modern period on a Tower of London school trip . This is an ideal opportunity for a more in-depth study of Guy Fawkes and his attempt to destroy the Houses of Parliament in 1605.

The Imperial War Museum is a venue that is a synonymous venue that symbolises the history of war conflict. Your students will discover the surreal experiences of those who lived through the First World War, right up to the modern day, with a look at the continuing influence of war on our world. 

If arts and culture are at the centre of your London school trip, then a visit to the iconic West End is simply a must! This educational trip allows students to take in a show at one of the dazzling theatres, or why not explore a workshop that helps your students pull back the curtain on the creative genius of West End professionals? 

Browse our range of school theatre trips to London. 

Explore the Thames with a river cruise that takes in all the wonderful venues that line the river bank. Get up close and personal with Westminster Abbey and cruise past the London Eye. With a range of different river cruises available, unwind and relax as your tour guide educated your students on the historical significance of the river. 

Inject a little magic into your London school trip with a visit to the Warner Bros Studios. Discover the wizarding world of Harry Potter, with an in-depth look at the artistic creativity that helped make the Harry Potter franchise a global phenomenon.  With dedicated sections to the visual effects, props, sets, and costumes amongst much more, art and media students will simply love their time here. 

British Museum

Embark on an exhilarating journey exploring culture and history with a London school trip to the iconic British Museum. This symbolic attraction is home to an estimated eight million pieces, spanning thousands of years of global history. It helps students to build a deeper understanding of significant periods that have helped shape culture and history. Students will love the immersive and interactive learning experiences on offer as you navigate your way through the different exhibitions. 

They’ll learn about the wonders of Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece, the Roman Empire, amongst much more! The Museum caters for school group visits, so you can tailor your visit to extract the most educational value suited to your learning objectives. A school trip to the British Museum provides inspiration, learning enrichment and broadens the perspectives of any student lucky enough to explore this majestic venue. It will enhance your students’ appetite for learning and redefine both their and your approach to classroom-based learning! 

Embrace the allure of the natural world with a magical school trip to London Zoo. Situated in the heart of Regent’s Park, this conservation zoo allows students to engage with diverse habitats and awe-inspiring animals that amaze and captivate in equal measure.

Standout attractions include the Students can transport themselves deep into the South American archipelagos and discover the surreal experience of the giant Galápagos tortoises. Marvel at the three species of mischievous monkeys who frolic and swing between the trees, or take a deep sea dive into oceanic life and discover more about the wonders of the ocean. 

National Maritime Museum 

Located in Greenwich, the vividity of the National Maritime Museum will capture the attention of students across a diverse range of subjects. The centrepiece of this exceptional piece of architecture is The Great Map, where you can make your way through the hallowed halls of this stunning attraction.

Explore celestial navigation to observe the grandeur of the stars and outer galaxies, indulge in classic pieces of art from yesteryear and solve the mystery behind Nelson’s ship HMS Victory located inside a giant glass bottle. With dedicated school group visits too, you can make the most of the many inspiring workshops and learning programmes on offer to make your visit an unforgettable one for all.

The London Dungeon 

Combine history and horror with a nerve-shredding visit to the infamous London Dungeon. Delve deep into the dark with a journey through this spine-tingling exhibition that will leave your students both chilled and captivated by what they uncover.  With each echoing footstep, the Dungeon unveils its series of theatrical sets that offer a terrifying reconstruction of the city’s past.

You’ll be confronted by actors who recount the horrors of Jack the Ripper in the Whitechapel Labyrinth exhibition, discover the infamy surrounding Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot and step back in time to witness the inferno of the Great Fire of London. A school trip to London Dungeon brings out the depths of the city’s darkest secrets, combing entertainment and education in a way few places can replicate. 

Highlights of London Blue Badge guided coach tour

See the major sights of the city.

West End shows and workshops

Be wowed at the theatre then take a show-related workshop.

Spot famed landmarks and take in the 30-mile panoramic view.

Learn about the many layers of history that have built up along the river.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London

The Making of Harry Potter - Go behind-the-scenes.

Science Museum

Awe-inspiring galleries, interactive resources and inspirational exhibitions.

Discover the amazing diversity of life that has evolved on our planet on a school trip to Natural History Museum .

Art galleries

Appreciate works of art, both old and new, at the fantastic galleries on offer in the city.

Help to develop pupils’ understanding on the nature of authority and attitudes to crime and punishment in the early modern period on a Tower of London school trip . An ideal opportunity for a more in-depth study of Guy Fawkes and his attempt to destroy the Houses of Parliament in 1605.

Discover groundbreaking new WWI galleries and more!

London school trip experts

Hundreds of groups travel with NST to London every year, and members of our team regularly visit to London to really get to know the ins-and-outs of the area, from logistics and visits to our range of student-friendly accommodation. Your dedicated Tour Co-ordinator will use their knowledge of London to create an itinerary that’s tailor-made, perfectly timed and meets your exact school travel needs. They’ll be able to share their first-hand experience, suggest options you might not have considered and give you insight into the feedback other teachers have given us too.

Planning your first school trip?

If you're planning your first school trip, our essential guide will take you through each step of the process...

• Choosing your destination
• Gaining approval from your Local Authority and/or your Head
• Promoting your tour in school
• Confirming your booking
• Tailor-make your tour
• Completing your risk assessments (including a sample risk assessment)
• Quick reference timeline
• Pre-tour checklist

Additional support, resources & information

Tour planning service

With NST, you’ll get your own dedicated, knowledgeable Tour Co-ordinator who’ll work with you from start to finish. You’ll benefit from their unrivalled destination knowledge, and their experience gained from working with many other groups too. They’ll tailor-make your itinerary from scratch and take care of everything for you:

• Pulling together an itinerary that runs smoothly
• Planning the right balance of visits every day with realistic timings
• Pre-arranging and pre-booking your visits, entrance tickets, passes and meals

You’ll receive your final itinerary a full 4-weeks before you travel too.

FREE school trip promotion pack

We’ll support you and provide everything you need to advertise your school trip around school and to parents. Our free school trip promotion pack consists of:

• Parents’ letter & permission slip template for you to complete A3 posters to promote your trip around school
• PowerPoint presentation templates which you can tailor to your own needs
• Parents’ leaflets covering how NST manage safety, financial protection and details of our travel insurance
• Online parents’ video which showcases the benefits of taking a school trip

For selected destinations, we’ll provide a trip launch web page using video footage and imagery. This web page is provided by a weblink and can be shared with pupils and parents in many ways.

Risk assessment support including preview visits

Risk assessment plays a vitally important part in the planning and organisation on any school tour. Our risk assessment guide aims to help you understand more about your obligations and how you can more effectively manage group safety on your next educational visit and provide you with risk assessments for your trip.

Planning first school trip

Organising your first school trip can appear to be a daunting process. If you're planning your first school trip, our guide will help to take you through each step of the planning process, answering frequently asked questions and providing tips and support along the way. Our helpful guide covers the following:

View our essential guide to a successful school trip here .

Get live updates on your group's tour location

Locate My Trip uses GPS technology and is the easy, convenient way for your school to follow your location whilst on tour. Specifically designed to provide reassurance to both parents and teachers, NST will know where your group are 24/7. If your schedule needs to change, we’ll put plans in place to keep your tour on track. 

With Locate My Trip your group can also share photos and videos with the school and parents, via a secure link, to keep them updated on your experience whilst you’re away.

Watch our short Locate My Trip video here .

Your online school trip organiser - My Tour Manager

Save time and stay on track with your school trip admin with our online orgnaniser - designed to help busy teachers like you. With My Tour Manager, you'll be able to download FREE resources and access trip paperwork online and in one place. Your personalised checklist details what you need to do and by when, plus you'll receive fortnightly reminders too. What's more, you can take all your trip documents on the go whilst on your tour with our app, My Tour Manager-On-the-Go. Find out more and watch out short My Tour Manager video here .

FREE classroom resources

We've created a range of free resources and educational posters to brighten up your classroom! Take a look at our downloadable posters here .

Why choose NST...

Here's why thousands of teachers choose NST each year...

Unrivalled knowledge

Your dedicated tour co-ordinator will use their unrivalled local knowledge and expertise of London to create a tailor-made, curriculum-linked itinerary to meet your group’s exact needs.

• Making it easier for you

With our online school trip organiser, travel app , FREE classroom posters and trip launch resources to support in-school promotion.

• Risk assessment guidance

Our risk assessment guidance will help you to manage group safety on your next educational trip. 

• FREE group leader inspection visits

We offer a free inspection visit to your chosen destination to support your risk assessment planning. 

• Value for money

We’re committed to bringing you the best possible value trips to help make every penny count.

• Peace of mind

Your group’s location can be followed with our trip tracking device - Locate My Trip - plus you’ll have 24/7 support from us whilst you’re away.

• More than 50 years’ experience

With over 50 years’ experience, with NST you can rest assured that your group is in safe hands .

• Offsetting carbon emissions

For every trip taken, we'll plant a Maya nut tree in Peru to support reforestation, local communities & biodiversity. Plus, we'll offset an additional tonne of CO2 to guarantee carbon emission reductions. 

Looking for protection on your next school trip? 

Booking with a school travel company is the best way for you to protect parents’ money and give yourself peace of mind.  

Don’t forget – if your school arranges transport, accommodation and other services directly, you’ll be liable under the Package Travel Regulations – meaning you’ll have all the responsibilities of a travel company, both legal and financial. 

Financial protection from the moment you book

NST are fully bonded:

Managing safety on school trips

For your protection, NST's independently audited Safety Management System covers:

• 24-hour emergency cover
• Audited accommodation & transport
• Excursions & school visit assessment
• Group leader preview visits to assist with risk assessment planning

We're LOtC Council’s Quality Badge assured

The Department for Education advises schools to always look for the LOtC Quality Badge when choosing a school travel provider.

School trips to London

Need something bespoke.

A London school trip offers an unforgettable chance to experience the UK capital for your students.

This may be a student's first time in London, or it may be a city they know well. But the wonderful thing about London is that it offers so many exciting educational opportunities that you can visit over and over again without doing the same thing twice.

London is proof that you don’t have to travel too far for a school trip that will leave your students feeling inspired. And remember, all the educational trip itineraries on our website are examples – we’ll tailor-make your visit to London to meet your specific learning objectives and requirements.

Read more about school trips to London

Why visit london, cultural capital.

London is the UK's cultural capital, so it is a great destination for almost any subject. It's home to many museums and art galleries, such as the science museum and the national gallery, along with other important cultural and historical institutions.

London is also the UK’s primary destination for theatre, making it the perfect choice for performing arts groups, or even an English literature class. Your students will love seeing famous plays and musicals at London’s world-famous West End and can even take part in professional workshops to develop their own skills.

And English students, in particular, will love the Warner Bros. Studio Tour, where the world of Harry Potter is brought to life.

Discover fascinating history

London has been a major settlement for over 2,000 years, making it a historian’s paradise! History groups can focus on medicine through time or the experience of those living in wartime Britain.

Plus, London boasts some of the best museums in the world, from the grand institutions on Exhibition Road, such as the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Natural History Museum, to smaller, more niche museums, such as the Old Operating Theatre. This means that whatever your subject focus, you can be sure there will be a museum in London that can help you bring it to life for your students.

Experience multiculturalism and diversity

One of the most exciting things about London is how diverse and multicultural the city is. This makes it a great choice for a religious studies group, as your students will be able to visit important places of worship and enjoy guided tours focused on faith in the city.

See the sights

A trip to London offers students the opportunity to see important historic buildings and monuments that they will be familiar with but will be hugely excited to see for themselves – imagine the excitement of seeing Buckingham Palace or Big Ben for the first time!

Browse our trips

Medicine through time in london.

Cross Curricular Trip to London

Performing Arts Trip to London

English Literature Trip to London

Religious Studies Trip to London

WW1 History Trip to London

WW2 History Trip to London

Residential Trip to Lee Valley

Why Halsbury Education trips?

We build your trip around you.

Tell us your learning objectives, curriculum and budget and we’ll do the rest.

We’re trusted for a reason

We’re members of ABTA, ABTOT and the School Travel Forum. We also hold an ATOL and the LOtC Quality Badge.

Our Education specialists

Laura Lucas

Tour Consultant

Tom Moorhouse

Gaynor Mayor

Education Sales & Product Manager

Laura Martin

Language Sales & Product Manager

Emma Gray da Silva

Lou Della Rocca

Gail Biggins

Judit Eleod

Paul Hudson

Michelle Hallam

Caroline Hill

Gayle Flude

Vanessa Barbosa

Meet our education specialists and get to know more about the people committed to making your school trip the best it can be. 

Activities in London that your school group will love

Imperial war museum london.

Natural History Museum

West End Show

National Theatre Backstage Tours

Buckingham Palace

Westminster Abbey

Tower of London

Warner Bros Studio Tour - The Making of Harry Potter

The London Dungeon

Houses Of Parliament

Wicked the Musical

London Eye River Cruise

2012 London Olympic Sites Tour

How long should we spend in London on a school trip?

What's the best way to get around london on a school trip, which visits are a must on a school trip to london, are there any free things to do in london, can i arrange a cross-curricular school trip to london.

Let's chat!

Plan a school visit

Handy tips and info to plan your school visit

How do I book a visit?

Please see our available sessions for Primary Schools and Secondary Schools to book a visit. 

You’ll find it helpful to have a 1st, 2nd and 3rd choice of date and a time frame for your visit ready. Please try to book your visit at least 6 weeks ahead.

If you are a self-guided school group that does not require a National Gallery facilitated session, please book a self-guided group visit .

How many adults should I bring?

Please note that teachers are responsible for the behaviour of their group at all times during their visit.

Please read the guidelines in the Pre-Visit Information (sent to you in your confirmation email) and ensure they are shared with all accompanying adults.

How do we get to the Gallery?

Please follow the latest guidelines on travel and public transport..

[All links to TFL and Google Maps open in a new window]

Plan your journey on the TFL website .

Getting here by:, parking for:.

There is a parking space on Orange Street for Blue Badge holders only. Please book in advance by calling 020 7747 2885.

There are designated parking bays on St Martin's Street. Please phone Westminster Parking Information Service on 020 7823 4567 for more information.

Public car parks are available nearby in Leicester Square and Trafalgar Square .

The nearest bike stands are on Orange Street, St Martin's Street, St Martin's Place, and Duncannon Street.

The nearest Santander Cycles docking stations are on St Martin's Street, Craven Street, Pall Mall East, William IV Street, Charles II Street and Oxendon Street. Please check TFL for up-to-date information about nearby Santander Cycle docking stations.

Where should I arrive?

Booked school groups should use the  Getty Entrance.

Please arrive 20 minutes before your booked slot.

If you are running late, please call us on the phone number provided in your confirmation email. If you arrive late, your Gallery Educator may not be able to offer you your full session.

Visit an exhibition

We provide free exhibition entry to school groups on three mornings during the exhibition run. Entry is every 30 mins beginning at 10.00, with last entry at 12.30. Tickets can be booked by emailing [email protected] .

Teachers’ notes are available to help you make the most of your visit.

Please be aware that some exhibitions contain sensitive images which may not be suitable for all groups.

Facilities and amenities

Sandwich rooms.

You can book 30-minute slots in our sandwich rooms when booking a facilitated session. If your group is small, you may be asked to share with another group. Please arrive and leave punctually in time for the next group to use the space. 

Please keep us tidy

If you use our sandwich rooms, please make sure you leave the room clean and tidy by using the cleaning materials provided. 

Nearby parks

There are several parks close to the Gallery which might provide an alternative lunch or play spot in good weather.

There is cloakroom space but please try to bring the minimum with you and do not leave valuables. Students using the cloakroom must be accompanied by an adult.

There are two sets of public toilets near the schools’ area. Please allow sufficient time to ensure you are on time for your session.

You may use pencils and felt tips if you are doing your own activities, but please do not use wax crayons, pastels or ink pens in the Gallery. Materials for all workshops will be provided. 

All sessions are led by experienced Gallery Educators. Their aim is to help you and your students engage and respond to the collection of Western European paintings which date from the Middle Ages to the early 20th century.

Your Gallery Educator will meet you at the Pigott Education Centre entrance and take you back there at the end.

If you arrive early, or if you want to stay on after your talk, you are more than welcome to do so. We recommend you divide the class into small groups and try to avoid rooms where other school or adult groups are being taught. Our Explore the collection resource will help you to enhance your visit.

Please remember teachers and adult helpers are responsible for their students at all times and must stay with their group.

Mobile phones must be switched to silent.

Yes, though please be aware that the Gallery can get very busy and must remain accessible for all. 

Paintings are sometimes moved and rooms closed at short notice and there may be other activities taking place. It is advisable not to assume that you will be able to see a particular painting or room and plan any activities accordingly. 

You may use pencils and felt tips for drawing but please do not use wax crayons, pastels or ink pens.

Our Explore the collection resource can be used for any painting, in any room and in any order.

Yes, but you will need to book tickets separately. Please email [email protected] for more information.

Visiting guidelines

To help us keep the Gallery a safe and enjoyable place for everyone, please follow the guidelines listed in our Visitor Admissions Policy .

World Class Teachers

Call Us: +44 (0) 1932 247000

Request a call back.

7 Fun and Educational Trips in London

Educational trips have a positive impact on student learning, but where do you take a group of children for a day out in London? Read our 7 Fun and Educational Trips in London for some inspirational and educational school excursions.

Shakespeare’s Globe

Watch a live performance of a Shakespeare play in a setting befitting of the bard. Take a tour of the Globe then visit the museum to learn more about the life and work of England’s greatest poet. Built to a traditional design, the Globe is the best possible setting to witness a play performed just as it would be during the lifetime of one of the greatest playwrights.

Ideal for English literature students, you can book tickets and find out more about the globe by clicking this link .

Tate Modern

Where better to take art students than the Tate Modern in London? Home to many temporary and permanent exhibitions, you will find contemporary art with an International flavour at the Tate. Book in advance and make the most of the free facilities. You can go as an independent group or enjoy some of the brilliant Tate-led sessions if you prefer.

Make arrangements for your school party and plan your visit. For more details, visit the Tate web site .

British Museum

It’s free, open daily, and school groups can enjoy self-led visits to the British Museum or take fully guided tours instead.  You can view special exhibitions, displays and unique events at the British Museum, and it has excellent facilities for visiting students. Book in advance and enjoy free visits to all special exhibits.

Want more information? Find everything you need to know about making a group booking at the British Museum today.

Imperial War Museum

Open daily from 10 am, the Imperial War Museum (IWM) has some truly humbling exhibitions with free admissions for school groups. Along with many permanent exhibitions, ranging from the First World War Gallery to the Holocaust exhibition, there are also many temporary displays. Visit the museum to discover the impact of war told through genuine life experiences.

Bookings are being taken for group visits to the IWM in London right now. Request a visit by filling out the form.

Thames River Cruise

School trips on the Thames are perfect for a party of pupils. Offering a guided commentary along the river Thames, the history of London comes alive during a private hire cruise. With so much to see, river cruises are a fun way to learn about the capital and discover more about the geography of the city.

Tours along the Thames are available to book right here through a specialist river cruise company.

The Crystal

Described as one of the world’s most sustainable buildings, The Crystal hosts the largest exhibition on the future of metropolitan areas. Providing a unique exhibition for a school trip, it challenges pupils to think about cities in a different way. Perfect for science, geography or design and technology students, educational trips to The Crystal can be tailored to your needs.

Plan your school visit and read this brochure for additional information. Pupils love this exhibition!

Welcome to Kidzania, the biggest interactive kids’ city in London. Inspiring fun and learning, kids have over 80,000 square foot of city to explore and 100 careers to try.  Created specifically for children between the ages of 4-14, kids have the opportunity to experiment with over 60 real-life challenges in a host of professions. There’s something to suit all children here, and they get the chance to experience life as an adult in the real world inside this city run by kids.

Want your school to take part? Discover the Kidzania concept and arrange tickets through the booking page .  If you’re a teacher and would like to know more about our exclusive discount offer through World Class Teachers contact us today.

With so many amazing educational sites in London to visit, it’s easy to support student learning and give your pupils something fun and educational to look forward to.

Looking for teaching roles in London? Please contact us here at World Class Teachers if you are looking for new work opportunities, or call to speak to us on +44 (0)208 579 4501 .

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• Make a Booking

The ultimate guide to school trip ideas to London

Hostelworld Blog | Posted on July 15, 2018 |

London has the perfect blend of culture, history and beauty to ensure that any school trip goes down a treat. If you know the right places to go you can learn, experience the weird and wonderful aspects of the City and have fun doing it.

To help you out, we’ve put together a list of ideas for your school trip to London including; discovering some esteemed and incredible museums, visiting a royal park, getting some group photos at key landmarks, and experiencing Shakespeare in a new light through an open-air theatre. We’ve completed the guide by choosing our top hostels for school trips and given you some group tips to keep in mind when travelling.

1. Visit the best museums in London

Horniman museum & gardens.

Over-stretched walrus in the Horniman Museum

There’s so many fantastic and diverse  museums  around London that any curious mind is sure to be kept entertained. The Horniman Museum is one of our favourites. This beautiful treasure in Forest Hill was commissioned in 1898 after collector, Frederick J. Horniman opened his house and extraordinary collection to his community with the hope of enriching their lives. The Museum has since grown its collection and now holds an extensive range of items including a natural history collection, a Butterfly House and an acclaimed aquarium.

The most popular exhibit is the variety of stuffed animals including a stretched, overstuffed walrus, a tiger, kangaroo and some penguins. But perhaps the most fascinating item in the museum is the freaky man-made mermaid known as a “Japanese Monkey-fish”. This creature takes the shape of a fish below and a monkey head. Its strange features attract so much attention from visitors that Assistant Keeper of Natural History, Paolo Viscardi began researching its origins.  So far, he has discovered that this species has been represented in many religious depictions, most commonly T he Ningyo , since as early as the 19 th century. The Horniman and Gardens is full of fascinating stories like this and best of all, it’s completely free.

Address:  100 London Road, SE23 3PQ horniman.ac.uk

Natural History Museum

Overlooking the Natural History Museum

Credit: @yokeboy

Anyone fascinated by The Theory of Evolution should visit  The National History Museum . You can explore over 80 million specimen spanning an unbelievable 4.5 billion years. See the origins of everything from sea creatures and dinosaurs to mammals and ancient fossils. For something a bit more hands-on, book your group into one of their workshops or science shows. The museum is free for children, but make sure to book in advance if you’re going with a group. You can use their pre-booking check list   as a guide to booking.

Address:  Cromwell Road, SW7 5BD nhm.ac.uk

Science Museum

A space-suit showcased in the Science Museum, London

The Science Museum is probably one of the coolest museums in London, attracting over 3 million visits a year. It has hundreds of interactive exhibits; the first jet engine, rockets, computers, cars and trains from throughout the ages. Book your group into a viewing of A Beautiful Planet in their 3D cinema, and take a journey into orbit around our home planet. This is another fantastic free museum, but the exhibits and cinema may cost a small fee.

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2. Take a stroll around Hyde Park

A Monument in Hyde Park, London

Hyde Park is London’s most famous park, and is one of eight Royal Parks in the City. Set right in the heart of London, it covers a whopping 350 acres. Enjoy the serene views by the serpentine lake and visit a memorial fountain dedicated to Princess Diana. If you want to do something a bit more adventurous you can go boating, horse riding, or cycling. Take your pick of one of their educational walking tours or spend the day on a safari adventure with a campfire snack.

  Address:   142 ha, London, UK

3. Visit Shakespeare’s Globe

View from the outside of Shakespeare’s Globe, London

There are many, many theatres in London, including the infamous West-End. But for students especially, Shakespeare’s Globe is a must to see Shakespeare’s plays come to life. While you can see performances all year around, keep in mind that this is a very old, open-air building and pack for all weather. Take a guided tour of the globe and pop in to the exhibition to learn more about the building and the man himself, Shakespeare.

Address: New Globe Walk SE1 9D

4. Take pictures at key Landmarks

The London Eye, South Bank of River Thames, London

You can’t visit London without visiting the London Eye, an enormous Ferris wheel on the River Thames. It’s one of the most popular tourist attractions in the UK and although it only opened to the public in 2000, by June 2008, 30 million people had ridden the wheel. Just make sure you go on it before meals, and get some great snaps from a height.

Big Ben, London, England

Another key landmark for some great snaps is Big Ben, a Great Bell clock on a tower at the Palace of Westminister. At the time of its completion in 1859, Big Ben was the biggest and most accurate four-faced striking and chiming clock in the world. The Palace of Westminister, the meeting place of the House of Commons and the House of Lords is a striking palace and the centre of political life in the UK.

5. Take a short trip to the beach

Brighton beach, Brighton, England

If you’re planning on taking a trip outside of London, then Brighton beach is the place to go. It’s  about an hour from central London and is probably the best coastal city to visit at any time of the year. Its clean and vibrant beachfront is packed with amusements, places to eat and fun activities. Take a dip in the beach and go zip-lining, kayaking or bike riding before eating lunch in one of the delicious cafés by the beach. No matter what time of the year you plan on visiting, Brighton is packed with outdoor events  all year.

Address: Brighton Beach, Brighton, UK

6. See the best art in the world

Get those creative juices flowing and head to some art galleries in London to see some of the best art in the world. Many art galleries are free and are a great way to get a taste of London culture.

House of Illustration

The House of Illustration art gallery, London

The House of illustration is the UK’s only public gallery devoted to illustration. Situated at the heart of the King’s Cross regeneration area, this fascinating gallery has a full calendar, hosting exhibitions, talks, workshops, courses, live drawing classes, events and much more. If you’re visiting in December, book in for December Sketchmeet for a night of live drawing and challenges designed to get you thinking creatively.

Address: 2 Granary Square, N1C 4BH Free entry houseofillustration.org.uk

  Camden Arts Centre

Camden Arts Centre, London

Credit: Mark Blower

This arts centre is more on the contemporary side and exhibits new and upcoming artists in London. If you’re planning on travelling in September, you can visit Peter Fraser’s exhibition Mathematics . This collection attempts to draw our attention to the interconnected nature of the world, with the view that time, space and everything in between, can be described through mathematics.

Address: Arkwright Rd, London NW3 6DG, UK

7. Hostels in London for school trips

With so much accommodation in London ranging in price, style and location, finding the best hostel in London for your group can be a bit overwhelming. Here’s our guide on the best hostels in London  for school trips.

 Rest Up, London

Rest Up is a youthful and vibrant hostel about 20 minutes by bus from central London. The building is a unique pre-WW1 baroque style building. It blends a modern and minimalist style with an old British WW1 style perfectly, while their games room and terrace are brought to life through colour. If you want to add breakfast, lunch or dinner to your booking or if you just become a bit peckish, Rest Up have lots of tasty meals and snacks on their group menu.

Address : New Kent Rd, London SE1 4YT, UK

  St. Christopher’s Village

 St. Christopher’s Village, London

St. Christopher’s Village is a youth hostel in one of London’s most vibrant areas, about 15 minutes by bus outside of London, and well within walking distance of some major attractions. Its quirky, bright and fun interiors give the place a cool and positive vibe and is a multi-award-winning hostel. You can add breakfast to your bookings to get a head start on the day and stop by any of the cute cafes in the area for a mid-day breaks or hot-chocolate pick-me-up in the winter.

  Address: Borough High St, SE1 1HR, UK

  8. Transport for school trips

You can get around London easily by many forms of transport, but for groups it’s a bit more difficult. If you’re keeping to a budget, trains and buses are the best way to go.

A Subway in London, England

Credit: Leon Wanking

Make sure to book your transport methods well in advance of your trip. This will save you time and stress later. You’ll also get a discount for booking early, and with large groups this always adds up. This will also help you stick to your schedule better because you’ll need to get the transport at the time you booked for.

A red bus driving through London, England

Credit: negativespace.com

Buses across London are plentiful and often, you simply can’t go wrong! Again, just make sure to book ahead for groups to ensure you all have seats for services like Megabus.  If you’re booking transport keep track of the times and dates you booked for so you don’t miss them.

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Are you looking for the perfect London School Trip?

London is a very popular destination for school trips and other outings.  With so much to choose from you can cover so many different subjects and visit a number of educational sights and places of interest in a single school visit to London.

From historical sites to museums and major tourist attractions London offers it all and we understand making a choice for your school trip to London can be hard.  Here at UK School trips we have a wide range of venues, locations and service providers in and around London, to help you plan a one day school outing or a longer residential education visit including accommodation.

See a sample of our London based below or visit our plan your school trip page to refine your search or to search for London school trip ideas by distance.

School Trip Ideas, Educational Tours & Residential Group Accommodation London

Escape Hunt Kingston | Immersive Escape Rooms

Step out of the classroom and leap into new worlds in the ultimate learning adventure with Escape Hunt Kingston. Our age-appropriate escape rooms are the

Up at the O2 London

Up at the O2 is a breathtaking and exciting new attraction, mixing an exhilarating active outdoor challenge with a completely unique perspective on the Capital.

Frameless Immersive Art Experience London

Frameless Immersive Art Experience London is redefining the experiential immersive art world. Located in the heart of London, in Marble Arch, Frameless invites you and

Bridge Command London

Bridge Command London is a new immersive gaming experience, designed for school groups. With two star ship sets, they can accommodate up to 15 young

UNITE Students Accommodation London

Unite Students Accommodation London provides a fantastic option for educational school groups on overnight day trips with purpose build campus style accommodation. They offer rooms

Babylon Park Themed Attraction London

Babylon Park is an indoor, underground amusement park in the heart of London. Suitable for all school ages and is the ideal venue for a

Immersive Gamebox London Shoreditch

At Immersive Gamebox London Shoreditch your students can play in immersive group adventures with epic features like projection mapping, touch screens, motion tracking and surround

Immersive Gamebox London Southbank

Experience an immersive and exciting day with your school group at Immersive Gamebox London Southbank. Yout students must work together to achieve the highest score

SandboxVR Reward Trip Central London

SandboxVR, virtual reality London will provide immersive experiences for school groups that feel like the future. Sandbox is a VR experience for students who will

AirHop Chelmsford Trampoline and Adventure Park Essex

Wouldn’t you love to create a special school day out in Essex for your students that lives on in their memories? AirHop Chelmsford Trampoline and

Churchill War Rooms London

In the Churchill War Rooms London students can discover what life would have been like during the tense days and nights of the Second World

HMS Belfast London

Step on board this iconic London landmark the HMS Belfast in London. The most significant surviving Second World War Royal Navy warship, HMS Belfast’s unique

Bubble Planet Immersive Experience London

Bubble Planet is London’s newest multi-sensory world where your school group can step into a world beyond your imagination with VR technology, themed rooms. This

Van Gogh Immersive Experience London

The Van Gogh Immersive Experience London is a 360º digital art exhibition in London that invites your students to step into the universe of van

Coach Hire Services Ltd

With years of industry experience, Coach Hire Services Ltd takes pride in being a leading and reliable provider of coach hire services for school groups

Gravity Active Luton Trampoline Adventure Park

Gravity Active Luton Trampoline Adventure Park offers an exciting mixture of active fun, where your school students can explore the park, and learn to enjoy

Open Top London Bus Tour

Open Top London Bus Tour offers Hop On Hop Off Tours, which are informative way to explore London, covering all of its most famous landmarks,

The Coach Company – Nationwide School and Educational Travel Experts

The Coach Company is a fully managed group transport system with minibuses and coaches from 8 to 72 seats available nationwide, offering excellent rates for

Gripped Aerial Adventure Activity Park London

Gripped Adventure Activity Park Hounslow offers your school students a range of active adrenaline packed team building experiences from treetop nets to high ropes courses,

Hobbledown Heath Themed Adventure Activity Park and Zoo Hounslow London

Explore four themed villages in acres of beautiful woodland and meadow. Climb towers, crawl through tunnels, step inside one of the largest indoor play arenas

First Travel Solutions – School Trips and Educational Travel

First Travel Solutions provides a professional and efficient School Trip Transportation service, which is guaranteed to meet all of your requirements and improve your overall

Celtic Harmony Residential Camp

Celtic Harmony Camp, the UK’s largest Iron Age settlement, provides a program 1 and 2 night Prehistory Residential trips covering the Stone to Iron Age,

clueQuest The Live Escape Game Immersive Team Activity London

clueQuest The Live Escape Game Immersive Team Activity London is a live immersive experience for students, where teams are challenged to save the world. The

TOUROPE UK International Tourism and Education Tour Operator London

TOUROPE UK provides educational tours, in which students can fully immerse themselves into English culture and experience everything, whether it be using public transportation or

Harrow Hall Student Accommodation London

With its central location and comfortable facilities, Harrow Hall offers fabulous School Trip Accommodation for any classes looking to explore the wonderful city of London.

RSPB Rainham Marshes Nature Reserve

Inspire your class with a school trip to the fabulous RSPB Rainham Marshes Nature Reserve! Here, the safe and engaging environment will allow your students

The Lincolnsfields Childrens Residential Centre

Lincolnsfields Residential Accommodation is located within the Lincolnsfields Childrens Centre which is the home to other organisations and open for public access to the soft

Celesta Venues Accommodation Imperial College London

Celesta Venues Campus Accommodation London is part of Imperial College London, offers more than 700 bedrooms as Bed and Breakfast or room only from July

Southgate & Finchley Coaches Greater London

Southgate and Finchley Coaches is a Family run business, established in 1963. We have a fleet of 25 vehicles with seating capacities ranging from 16

Escape Hunt Immersive Escape Room London Oxford Street

Work as a team with your school mates in Escape Hunt, in London to find clues, solve puzzles and complete challenges before the time runs

Horseman Coaches of Royal Berkshire

With over 40 years’ experience, Horseman Coaches provides highly professional and comfortable transportation for both educational school visits and residential school trips.

Kura School Trip Coach and MiniBus Transport Nationwide

Kura nationwide school trip coach and minibus hire transportation, providing your educational group with a safer, greener, smarter transport experience for UK schools and colleges.

Accommodation YHA Greater London

Much of the YHA hostel network is available for use by groups and schools. We offer both group accommodation that’s great for teacher-led residentials as

Smart Russell Square London

This hostel is in the heart of London, a 10-minute walk from King’s Cross Railway Station and the British Library. It provides budget accommodation with

TravelStay Hammersmith Rooms Accommodation London

TravelStay Hammersmith Rooms provides self-catering group accommodation in West London, less than a 5-minute walk from Hammersmith Tube Station.

The Hive Residential Centre Essex

The Hive (Formerly Suntrap Forest Centre) is an environmental residential centre situated in Epping Forest on the edge of East London. It is perfect for

Smart Hyde Park Inn London

Just 150 yards from Bayswater Underground Station and Hyde Park, Smart Hyde Park Inn offers budget dormitories with free Wi-Fi access throughout.

Jump In Elstree Trampoline & Adventure Park

Jump in Elstree is a fantastic purpose-built adventure and trampoline park, perfect for reward trips. Your students will jump, dodge, climb and have the chance

Science & Dinosaur Digital Mobile Dome Nationwide

Science Dome offers a variety of shows for all age groups, including the Moon landings, a trip through the Solar System, Rocks and Soils, and

Willows Activity Farm St Albans Hertfordshire

Willows Activity Farm Hertfordshire offers curriculum-linked activities for Early Years Learning to KS1. Pupils will discover farmyard animals, enjoy endless fun activities through demonstrations, interactive

Learning at Epping Forest

Here at Epping Forest, students will have the opportunity to learn, explore and have fun in an exciting environment outside of the classroom. We create

OTHERWORLD VR Experience London

OTHERWORLD VR in Hackney London offers students a chance to learn and interact with virtual reality on a School Trip. Immersive Team-based experiences allow students

National Justice Museum Education Royal Courts of Justice London

At The National Justice Museum Royal Courts of Justice, London our inspirational educational visits use authentic courtrooms, museum spaces, objects and archives to help pupils

Field Studies Council London Sites Field Studies Council

FSC London offers a range of courses across the Capital City, using inspiring exciting natural built sites across London. Through working at a wide range

Celtic Harmony Camp, Outdoor Prehistory Centre

Celtic Harmony Camp, the UK’s largest Iron Age settlement, provides a program of Prehistory Residential and Day trips covering Stone, Bronze and Iron Age Britain.

Science Museum London

A trip to the Science Museum will enhance your classroom teaching and bring to life the science, technology, engineering, and maths that has shaped our

ZAPspace Trampoline Park London

ZAPspace Trampoline Park East London is Stratford’s only Freestyle Jump Trampoline Park, giving you unlimited access to our 3 storey trampoline park for a full

Keats House – London

We offer workshops on everything from exploring poetry to experiencing domestic life above and below stairs to investigating insects, flowers and trees in the garden.

Juniper Hall Outdoor Residential Centre Surrey Field Studies Council

Juniper Hall Field Study Centre is located next to Box Hill in Surrey, with its beautiful scenery and countryside surroundings its a perfect location for

Navrtar Free Roam Virtual Reality in London

Navrtar Free Roam Virtual Reality in London is a virtual reality experience for students. Being one of the UK’s first free-roam, it provides students a

Epping Forest Field Studies Activity Environment Centre Field Studies Council

FSC Epping Forest Centre sits within an area of 2,400 hectares of wood-pasture a Site of Special Scientific Interest/Special Area of Conservation, it has six

LEGOLAND Windsor Resort Berkshire

We offer bespoke Curriculum based LEGO Workshops for ages 3-11. Lead by our fully trained Education Team, we cover topics such as Robotics, Underwater Creatures,

Battersea Park Childrens Zoo London

Our guided tours teach children in an educational but fun way about animals and birds. We cover habitats, baby animals, colours, caring for animals, eating

The School Journey Association School Trips Nationwide

Inspiring and exciting educational trips designed to bring subjects to life, extend students’ learning and develop their appreciation of local and international cultures outside the classroom. There is simply

Hampstead Heath Schools Programme London

Hampstead Heath Schools Programme offers exciting school trips, where students have the chance to discover a natural environment and various different organisms, while still remaining

Hangloose Adventure Bluewater

Hangloose Adventure provides educational groups with an adrenaline packed school trip experience that will teach students core skills whilst also letting them enjoy a memorable

Escape Entertainment Team Building London

Escape Entertainment Team Building London offers stimulating and logical school trips, where students will be tested on their ability to communicate, work co-operatively and use

Clink Prison Museum London

Built on the original site of the Clink Prison – one of England’s oldest Prisons. You can experience hands-on original artefacts, including torture devices, &

Bunker 51 Laser Tag Paintball and Airsoft London

Bunker 51, a decommissioned Cold War Nuclear Bunker located a stone’s throw from The O2, North Greenwich; it is a brand new state of the

GO Paintball London Forest Paintballing

GO Paintball London provides school students with a fully fun immersive Forest Paintball learning experience , students will gain confidence, improve communication skills and achieve

UK Parliament Education Centre

Visiting UK Parliament is a great opportunity for students to deepen their understanding of democracy, governance and the political system. Visits include a guided tour

GO Laser Tag London Forest Laser Tag

GO Laser Tag London is a new premier forest fully immersive laser tag active learning experience, Your in safe hands with experienced instructors looking after

Lee Valley VeloPark Olympic Park London

Here at Lee Valley VeloPark, we offer physically challenging school trip experiences, where your students will have the opportunity to cycle in the London 2012

English Heritage Greater London

Iron Age Settlements, Roman Forts, Medieval Abbeys, Tudor Castles, Victorian Mansions and Gardens, and even World War Fortresses – you name it, our exceptional, out-of-the-classroom

Lee Valley White Water Centre Hertfordshire

Lee Valley White Water Centre provides a safe yet adventurous space, where students of all ages and abilities can take part in outdoor activities that

Immersive Experiences Mobile Planetarium School Workshops Nationwide

Immersive Experiences is the UK’s multi-award-winning immersive learning/entertainment outreach provider, reaching a record breaking 200,000 people a year.

Tower Bridge London

Tower Bridge is a world-famous landmark that provides educational groups with unforgettable school trip experiences. From exploring the high-level walkways to uncovering the history of

Imperial War Museum London

The (IWM) Imperial War Museum London provides students with an historical experience that cannot be found anywhere else. From exploring the causes of a world

The Hive Environmental Centre Essex

The Hive Environmental Centre Essex provides students of all ages with environmental education interlinked to the National Curriculum to support classroom-based learning through practical real-word

Ninja Warrior UK Watford Adventure Parkl

Ninja Warrior UK in Watford is a unique purpose-built indoor obstacle course inspired by the famous ITV hit show, students will climb, balance, jump and

Greenwich Theatre London

Greenwich Theatre is one of London’s premiere off-West End theatres, presenting a year round programme of high quality performances.

Sherlock The Official Live Game Immersive Experience London

Students on a school trip will enter into the world of Sherlock with immersive sets and environments from the show, as you work together as

The Golden Hinde School Tours and Workshops London

At The Golden Hinde, the use of costumed educators and reenactments makes history come to life. This historical school trip allows students to experience what

London Stadium Tours (Former Olympic Stadium)

The former Olympic Stadium in London that inspired world class athletes is now transformed into a fantastic multi-use venue. Pupils can tour the home team’s

Jump In Esher Trampoline & Adventure Park

Jump in Esher is a fantastic purpose-built adventure and trampoline park, perfect for reward trips. Your students will jump, slide, climb and have the chance

The Design Museum London

The Design Museum London is the world’s leading venue devoted to contemporary design. Students will experience the design industry with Its learning tours and workshop

Jump In Enfield Trampoline & Adventure Park

Jump in Enfield is a fantastic purpose-built adventure and trampoline park, perfect for reward trips. Your students will jump, slide, climb and have the chance

Absolute Travel School Tour Operator

Absolute Travel and Tours is one of the leading specialist school and group tour operators in the United Kingdom organising sports tours, adventure holidays, ski

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – the Making of Harry Potter

As the books were still being released while the films were being made, the production crew saved many of the iconic sets, props & costumes

The Lincolnsfields Childrens Centre

The Children at War Experience offers a unique hands-on insight into life in wartime Britain. We encourage each group to get into role and if

First Education and School Travel: All-Inclusive Residential Visits

First Education & School Travel is the UK’s leading school tour operator, providing all-inclusive residential school trip packages, including coach travel, accommodation, full board meals

Adaptable Travel UK and Worldwide Tour Operator

Adaptable Travel is the UKs most innovative school trips operator offering unique, safe and low-cost school trips and educational tours to destinations across the UK,

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​Educational Tours » ​STEM Tours » ​London

A school trip to the city of London is an excellent way to truly inspire a next generation of scientists.

A visit to the Science Museum will ignite curiosity, encourage scientific endeavour and spark imagination. From an all-new exhibition to stunning IMAX documentaries, along with the usual favourites including Wonderlab, Pattern Pod, and Exploring Space there’s no shortage of activity at the Science Museum.

And just across the road at the Natural History Museum, your school group could meet Museum scientists working at the forefront of space research. Get answers to pressing questions about our solar system, space missions, space travel, and the search for life on Mars.

In addition, London has seen some innovative, unique visits open for your students to explore, including Centre of the Cell, a wonderful science education visit and workshops set in a working biomedical research laboratory.

Curriculum Links

Pupils can witness science in the past, present, and future across a broad spectrum of scientific topics: astronomy, biology, chemistry, environmental science, geology, mathematics, physics, technology and more.

Earth and the atmosphere

Motions and forces

Physics in outer space

Earth and atmospheric science

Forces and motion

Particle theory

Ecosystems and biodiversity

Suggested Itinerary

London offers an educational itinerary like no other! Please contact us to discuss a 2, 3 or 4-day itinerary according to your curriculum requirements.

Coach trip to London

Visit Royal Observatory Greenwich

Evening meal at accommodation

Visit the Science Museum

Visit the Natural History Museum

Visit Centre of the Cell for a Science show and workshop

Board coach for return travel to school

Arrive back at school

Other Educational Visits Options (if necessary)

London Eye and Thames River Cruise

Old Operating Theatre

Sample Accommodation

With a choice of centrally located hostel and hotel accommodation we have all possible budgets covered.

YHA Thameside

YHA London Thameside is a purpose-built hostel situated just a stone’s throw from the banks of the Thames.

The hostel is well-equipped with 70 en-suite rooms for school groups, an on-site restaurant serving breakfast and evening meals, wi-fi access and nearby coach parking.

Royal National Hotel

Located on the edge of Russell Square and within walking distance from Covent Garden and Leicester Square, this large hotel is close to the underground and provides an excellent base for exploring London.

Students are normally accommodated in rooms for 2-3 beds with teachers in twin rooms.

Interested in this tour?

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You won’t find a sightseeing tour with Visions. We offer a fully immersive, hands-on, educational trip of a lifetime.

 Our team are on hand to help you create the perfect itinerary for your students.

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Fresh Ideas and Inspiration for education

10 fantastic free school trips and visits.

In need of some ideas for free school trips? In the present climate, teachers are tending to organise fewer trips and visits for their classes than in years gone by. This may be for several reasons, firstly the cost - budgets are tight and each pound spent has to be seen to be worthwhile and secondly, they are time-consuming - they need to be carefully planned, have to be linked to learning and objectives (not simply to have a nice time – heaven forbid!) and must be assessed for every possible risk.

Despite all this, if teachers can manage to arrange school trips, they are still incredibly worthwhile because getting children out of the classroom can provide so many benefits, not least in social and emotional development and increasing confidence.

Here is our selection (in no particular order) of some of the best free experiences for your consideration.

1. veolia – waste management  and recycling.

Offering free downloads, lesson plans and worksheets, Veolia also offer school and club visits for educational purposes. Specific Veolia locations offer free school tours at their facilities . We have been lucky enough to go to one of these and it is truly fascinating. KS1 packs are available here .

2. Pizza Express

Pizza Express have been running free school visits since 1999 and have it down to a fine art! Children get the opportunity to visit the kitchen, learn about food hygiene, find out about the fresh ingredients, knead their own dough and make their own individual pizzas which are cooked and can be taken back to school for lunch! How brilliant and all free of charge! Booking can be made via the website .

The RSPB have teamed up with Aldi to offer ‘trained educators’ who will come to your school and work with you in your school grounds, not just learning about birds, but about wildlife in general. The 90 minute sessions are entitled: Giving Nature a Home, Bioblitz and Big Schools Birdwatch and are currently offered in 17 cities around the UK. There is more information as well as free resources on the website.

4. Warburtons

Warburtons offer schools visits for 5-11 year olds to learn about bread making, food and healthy eating. The sessions are practical and informative and 99% of teachers would book a second visit or recommend the experience. The school visitor programme has been running for 20 years and has reached almost 30 000 children. Find out more here .

5. English Heritage

English Heritage offer free visits to over 400 of their sites for self-led groups. There is also the offer of a free familiarisation visit so teachers are able to plan the sort of experience they would like their children to have. Visits must be booked at least 7 days in advance and all the locations are listed at the website here .

6. The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT)

The Trust offers free admission and optional learning session to eligible schools until December 2017. Eligibility is for state-funded schools where a high proportion of children on roll are eligible for free school meals. There are excellent reviews from teachers endorsing the experience. Find out more here .

7. RNLI (Royal National lifeboat Institution)

Free visits available to locations of your choice all over the country, or an RNLI volunteer will come to see you in your school or setting. The outreach team aims to teach and inspire children, not only about the rescue work of the lifeboat crews and lifeguards, but also about water safety in general. There is a large selection of resources, including lesson plans, videos, and activity sheets, available for children and young people from ages 3 – 18. Find out more here .

8. Local libraries

Local libraries are great places to visit. You would be surprised by how many children have never been to a library. Local libraries often have temporary exhibitions or free events on. You could walk to the library with extra support from parent helpers for the walk. Children could be encouraged to bring their library card if they have one and choose a book.

9. Local Nature Walk

A nature walk can be such a lovely experience with your class. Often parents will help too. Depending on the time of year and place that you can walk to, children can collect rubbings, leaves, conkers, blackberries. They could be issued with a ‘What to spot’ list to tick off as they go. What can they identify? Go on a bug hunt or try to identify sounds heard on the walk.

10. Fire Station visits

Some local fire stations will accommodate small groups for tours of the station. They will also run community fire safety workshops.

With thanks to Beverley Smalley and Charlotte Parry for writing this blog. Beverley is an education specialist, writer and former primary school teacher.

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Dr Uta Staiger leads SELCS Turing Summer School in Barcelona

3 July 2024

European Institute Executive Director Dr Uta Staiger taught the summer school, offered by SELCS, this June.

This June, the European Institute’s Executive Director Dr Uta Staiger has led a summer school for UCL students exploring the city of Barcelona. Entitled ‘Barcelona: Spectacles and Speculations’ , the module constitutes one of three credit-bearing summer schools to and about European cities offered this year to students by UCL’s School of European Languages, Culture and Society (SELCS). 

Funded under the UK's Erasmus successor Turing, the summer school explored constructions and contestations, districts and divisions, spectacle and speculation, which all characterise Barcelona in one way or another. With recourse to the history of urban planning, literary texts, film, non-fiction material, and academic literature from a variety of disciplines, Dr Staiger led students on an exploration of the continual building and rebuilding of the city from the 1880s to today. 

In addition to seminars at the Universitat Pompeu Fabra , who hosted the summer school, the group ventured out for site-specific activities to situate and broaden discussions. These included a roundtable with translators, an object-finding mission to the Mercat dels Encants, a visit to a literary agency, guided walks, museum visits, and so on. 

With the taught part of the module completed, the students have now embarked on two weeks of self-guided study in Barcelona, during which they will research and begin writing their coursework. 

La reforma de Barcelona!… Quan un barceloní, quan qualsevulga català, pronuncia o escriu aquestes paraules, posa en elles tot son poder d’ensomni, tota la impaciència de la seva vocació per les creacions enèrgiques. 

The reform of Barcelona!... When a citizen of Barcelona, when any Catalan, pronounces or writes these words, he invests them with the full power of his imagination, with the impatience of his calling for vigorous constructions. 

                (Eugeni d’Ors)

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