An Unforgettable Experience Awaits
Every curriculum subject can be enriched by an educational visit to London.
Trip Highlights
A bird’s eye view from The London Eye
Understanding conflict at the Imperial War Museum
A thousand years of history at the Tower of London
Interactive exhibits at the Science Museum
Itinerary suggestion
1 Depart school in your coach
2 Tower of London
3 Evening meal
1 Breakfast and packed lunch
2 Thames boat trip
3 Tate Modern & London Eye
4 Evening meal. Optional theatre visit
1 Breakfast and packed lunch
2 Science museum
3 Arrive school
*Excursion fees may not be included in this tour – please contact us to learn more.
**Coach subject to driver’s hours regulations
Recommended excursions
The Tower of London
The tower is in fact a castle on the north bank of the River Thames. It has a rich history of functions that include Royal Mint, palace to prison and home of the Crown Jewels. It’s a fantastic place for students to learn about the monarchy and landmark British periods such as the Tudors.
The London Eye
This is the world’s largest observation wheel and stands at 135m high. It’s the most exciting way to see over 55 of London’s most famous landmarks, with views as far as 25 miles on a clear day. Each of the 32 pods can hold 25 people so groups can experience the half-hour ride together.
Boat cruise on the Thames
Seeing the sights of London by boat is a fantastic way to avoid the crowds and show students how the city has developed along the riverside. Highlights include the South Bank, Westminster, St Paul’s Cathedral, the Tate Modern and a trip under Tower Bridge. Cruises range from half an hour up to three hours and talks can be tailored to specific educational groups.
West End shows
The ‘West End’ is the name that’s been given to the part of London west of Charing Cross station since the 1800s. This glitzy part of London is a celebrated hub of theatres and musical venues. England’s answer to Broadway is a fantastic place for students to see a commercial production of excellent quality at a discounted rate.
Madame Tussauds
Marie Tussaud’s waxworks came to London in the 1830s, and has since become one of its busiest tourist attractions. Find out what makes people queue to invest in one of the capital’s most expensive museum tickets.There are over 400 wax effigies, from ancient monarchs to US presidents to pop stars and sporting heroes – not forgetting the Chamber of Horrors.
Tower Bridge Exhibition
This combined suspension and drawbridge is a London icon that has spanned the River Thames since 1894. At the Tower Bridge Exhibition, visitors learn about the history of the bridge, see the Victorian engine rooms, and enjoy breathtaking views from the high-level walkways. Students watch interesting presentations on their journey to the upper levels.
The London Dungeon
Waxwork ‘prisoners’ are subjected in graphic detail to historical horrors at London’s goriest, most gruesome attraction. Costumed characters leap out of the gloom amid displays on the Great Plague, Henry VIII, and Jack the Ripper. The attraction’s theatrical appraoch, with a soundtrack of screaming and moaning is tremendously popular, especially with children.
National Gallery
This gallery on Trafalgar Square houses the national collection of Western European painting from the 13th to the 19th centuries. More than 2,300 masterpieces are on show including works by Picasso, van Gogh, Michelangelo, Monet and Turner – all for free. As well as temporary exhibitions there are lectures and workshops to help students engage with the art.
Tate Britain and Tate Modern
The Tate Britain is the national gallery for British art and contains the largest collection in the world. Covering the period from 1500 to the present day, major works including Turner, Constable, Stubbs and Blake. From here we visit the Tate Modern, a spectacular bankside warehouse that displays international modern art dating from 1900 and beyond.
National Portrait Gallery
The gallery was founded in 1856 with one idea in mind – to collect portraits of famous British men and women. With a current collection of over 160,000 portraits, it’s an unmissable trip for all arts and literature buffs, providing a richly intriguing historical insight. It was the first gallery of its kind in the world and is just off Trafalgar Square.
Victoria and Albert Museum
Get inspired at the world’s greatest museum of art and design, with collections unrivalled in their scope and diversity. Artefacts include ceramics, paintings, textiles, jewellery, photographs and medieval objects from European, North American, Asian and North African cultures. The museum’s collection of Italian Renaissance items is the largest in the world outside of Italy.
The Courtauld Gallery, Somerset House
With a collection that spans the early Renaissance to the 20th century, the Courtauld Gallery is a must-see for all students visiting London. An unrivalled archive of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist works highlights an exquisite collection of drawings, prints, sculptures and decorative arts, housed in the elegant setting of Somerset House on The Strand.
Theatre workshop
A pre-theatre workshop is a fantastic way to increase your student’s understanding of a show they are going to see and therefore enhance the experience as a whole. Trained, professional actors take the groups through entertaining and informative exercises that help with subject context, but also key skill areas such as confidence building and ensemble work.
Shakespeare’s Globe
The Globe is an Elizabethan replica of the playhouse Shakespeare wrote for, and is dedicated to the exploration of his work. Students can take a theatre tour to learn more about this celebrated venue, and there’s a chance to take a one-hour workshop based on your chosen Shakespeare play.
The Shard
This landmark building is now the tallest building in Western Europe and has become a dynamic feature of the London skyline. Master architect Renzo Piano created three levels of viewing for the 310m-high structure reached by a ‘kaleidoscopic’ lift. At the level 72, cloudscape views reach 64km around and the multimedia displays bring London landmarks to life.
The British Museum
The incredible collection at the British Museum showcases human history, art and culture. There is a vast collection of historical pieces from cultures all over the world including the Aztecs, The Egyptians, The Classical World, The Maya, and the Vikings.
Image by VisitBritain
The Imperial War Museum
The Imperial War Museum displays a collection of documents and artefacts from World Wars I & II and conflicts up to the present day involving Britain, the Commonwealth and former empire countries. Military and personal items are displayed supporting students in placing war and conflict into context.
Image by ©Graham Hogg CC BY-SA 2
The Churchill War Rooms
This bunker and museum beneath the streets of Westminster contains detailed documentation about Churchill’s life and political career. See the cabinet war rooms which have remained as they were in 1945 where Churchill and his cabinet planned their war time strategies. Visitors have the chance to hear Churchill’s war time speeches and comprehend his failures and successes using an interesting interactive display.
The Natural History Museum
Through an amazing collection of specimens and exhibits students can explore the diversity of life on earth, the forces that shape the earth and our planets evolution. They will also learn about the relationship between life forms and their environments. Curriculum linked workshops and on-line resources are available.
The Science Museum
The ever popular Science Museum has a collection of over 300,000 items related to science, engineering, technology and medicine. Exhibits include the oldest steam locomotive and the first jet engine. There are great interactive exhibits, digital technology and a 3D cinema (charge applies). Educational resources are available for schools.
Image by Heather Cowper CC BY 2
Houses of Parliament
The Houses of Parliament have witnessed many important historical and political decisions and also survived the famous gunpowder plot of 1605. Guided tours are available to provide students with an insight into the life of a politician. You will need to contact your local MP to organise a visit.
Buckingham Palace Changing of the Guard
Buckingham Palace is one of the few working royal palaces remaining in the world today. Enjoy the Changing of the Guard almost every other day from 11.15 AM in front of this iconic landmark.
Warner Brothers Harry Potter Studios Tour
The doors are open for everyone at the studio where it first began. You and your students have the chance to go behind-the-scenes and see many things the camera never showed. From breathtakingly detailed sets to stunning costumes, props and animatronics.
London Zoo
Welcome to the world’s oldest scientific zoo! Students can explore the various zones featuring over 756 different species of animals.
Typical accommodation
YHA Thameside
Why groups like it:
- Good transport connections to central London
- Modern purpose-built comfortable hostel
- Specialises in providing accommodation for student groups
Facilities:
- 24-hour reception
- Free Wi-Fi in communal areas
- Restaurant and café bar with internet access
Safestay Elephant and Castle
Why groups like it:
- Central location close to Elephant and Castle
- Converted 18th century listed building
- Multi-bedded rooms available with and without facilities
Facilities:
- Lounge bar serving snacks and light refreshments
- Free Wi-Fi throughout the building
- Pool room & internet room
Learning outcomes
Subject focus
Students can:
- Experience learning outside the classroom through discovering culture, history, politics, geography, science and the arts
- Gain a deeper understanding of British and world history
- See original artworks and live performing arts
- Start to understand the political heart of England
- Build confidence and learn to value the skills and techniques needed for personal and team success
- Discover, explore and have fun with fellow students and teachers
Student outcomes
Students will have had an opportunity to:
- Add context to their studies in a wide range of subjects
- Gain a better understanding of the political system at the Houses of Parliament
- Gain independence and self-confidence
- Strengthen existing friendships and make new friends
- Gain personal organisation skills, co-operation skills and work with others in a variety of environments
“
The trip was incredibly well planned, and easy to lead. The staff are really helpful and kind and are quick to act on any queries or problems that arise.
St Ivo School
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