Politics and Citizenship school trips to Washington DC

Return flights from the UK to Washington DC

Return overseas transfers

Accommodation with breakfast and evening meals at restaurants

Travel insurance

1 teacher place for every 10 students

24/7 emergency support while on your trip

Home » Trips » Politics and Citizenship school trips to Washington DC

An Unforgettable Experience Awaits

Discover the story of American democracy on our Politics and Citizenship school trips to Washington DC.

As the city at the heart of US political life, students will visit the institutions that shape government, law and leadership, from the US Capitol and Supreme Court to the façade of the White House. Through iconic sites, expert‑led visits and interactive experiences, this trip helps students explore democracy, rights, equality and power in a real‑world context while building a deeper understanding of how political systems work in practice.

Want more out of your school trip?

Why not add New York and Philadelphia to create a multi-centre East Coast tour? Visits such as the United Nations Headquarters and a Civil Rights and Social Justice Tour in New York, and Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia complement the attractions in Washington DC and give students a chance to experience other major North American cities.

Request a quote

Trip Highlights

Guided tour of the Capitol, meeting place of the Senate

Interactive and immersive visits at The People’s House and Spy Museum

Bike tour of the city’s iconic landmarks

The Supreme Court and Library of Congress

Itinerary suggestion

1 Flight to Washington DC (approx. 7.5 hours)

2 Airport transfer to accommodation

3 Check in at accommodation

4 Evening meal at local restaurant

1 Breakfast at accommodation

2 Guided tour of the US Capitol

3 Supreme Court and Library of Congress

4 Guided bike tour of the city and its landmarks

5 Evening meal at local restaurant

1 Breakfast at accommodation

2 The People’s House: A White House Experience and The White House Visitor’s Center

3 Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream

4 Ford’s Theater and Museum

5 Evening meal at local restaurant and evening sporting fixture (seasonal)

1 Breakfast at accommodation

2 International Spy Museum and time at leisure (depending on flight time)

3 Airport transfer

4 Overnight flight to the UK

1 Arrive in the UK

Recommended excursions

Guided tour of the Capitol and Visitor Centre

Meeting place of The Senate and the House of Representatives, The Capitol is among the most architecturally impressive and symbolically important buildings in the world. Guided tours here begin with a short film and include stops at the Rotunda and National Statuary Hall. The Exhibition Hall displays documents, artifacts, and interactive exhibits.

45 mins View on map

Bike Tour of Washington Monuments and Memorials

Explore the heart of American democracy on a guided bike tour of Washington’s most iconic landmarks. Your expert local guide will help students connect classroom theory with the real-world setting of US Politics while enjoying a bike ride through the city at the heart of American political decision-making.
The tour is also available by coach.

Ford’s Theater Museum and Theater Walkthrough

President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated at Ford’s Theatre in April 1865 by Confederate sympathiser John Wilkes Booth, at a time when the nation was emerging from the Civil War. The theatre and accompanying museum explore the political impact of Lincoln’s death, the fragility of political institutions and the consequences of political violence for democracy. The theatre has been preserved to look as it did on the fateful night in 1865.

View on map

The People’s House: A White House Experience

The interactive and immersive exhibits at the People’s House give students insight into one of the world’s most recognisable buildings and an engaging look at the history of the United States presidency. Groups can explore faithfully replicated rooms such as the Oval Office (and even sit at a replica of the Resolute Desk) and the Press Briefing Room while learning about the history of the White House and the people who have lived and worked there.

View on map

Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream

Located just steps from the White House and the US Treasury, the Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream offers citizenship, politics and history students a thought‑provoking insight into how democratic values, economic systems and social opportunity shape life in the United States. Through immersive galleries, films and hologram-led discussions, the centre explores the idea of the “American Dream” and examines how it is influenced by government, education, health, entrepreneurship and access to financial resources.

View on map

International Spy Museum

The International Spy Museum lets students step into the secretive world of espionage. With interactive exhibits and hands-on missions, explore how intelligence work has influenced major moments throughout history. Students can see genuine spy equipment, learn about the work of double agents, and discover the science behind surveillance. The museum also offers a selection of workshops for students on forensics and code-breaking (subject to change).

View on map

The White House and Visitor Centre

The White House is the official residence of the President of the United States, recognized worldwide as a symbol of the prestige of the presidency. Built between 1792 and 1800, the sprawling 132-room mansion has been home to every President except George Washington. Groups can visit the nearby visitors centre with a video and exhibits relating to the White House and First Families.

2 hours View on map

Belmont-Paul Women’s Equality National Monument

Set inside a historic house, just steps away from the US Capitol, the Belmont‑Paul Women’s Equality National Monument tells the story of the trailblazing women who fought to change history and campaign for women’s rights, and the ongoing fight for equality today. Through displays for personal stories, immersive exhibitions and original documents, the Monument shows how this group left their mark on both history and democracy.

View on map

Supreme Court and Library of Congress

Students can visit the courtroom, with its velvet drapes and marble pillars, where the nine court justices hear some of the 6,500 cases submitted to the Supreme Court each year. The Library of Congress is the largest library in the world, with nearly 128 million items, including historically significant manuscripts on around 530 miles of bookshelves.

2 hours View on map

Washington monuments

Visit some of the monuments that honour those who helped shape the US nation. The Washington Monument is a towering 555-feet high marble obelisk, The Lincoln Memorial is a symbol of freedom, the Martin Luther King Jnr Monument promotes love and tolerance, while monuments to the Vietnam War, the Korean War, World War II commemorate those that died.

Half day View on map

Arlington Cemetery

This military cemetery was established during the Civil War, and since then deceased veterans of America’s conflicts have been buried here, and their white headstones stretch out over 624 acres or rolling hills. A tour here can bring the military history of the United States to life. Don’t miss the elaborate Changing of the Guard Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

2 hours View on map

Mount Vernon

The plantation home of the first President of the United States, George Washington, lies just 16 miles south of Washington DC and is perfect for a day trip. Students can visit the Mansion, Washington’s Tomb, the plantation and estate, which includes a 4-acre demonstration farm. Tip: Head to The Ford Orientation Center for exhibitions on George Washington’s life.

Half day View on map

Washington Sporting Fixture

Experience American sports culture from the buzz of the crowd to the dramatic moments on the court or field, and everything that makes game day special. The sports on offer vary throughout the season.

National Archives

The National Archives in DC provides students with a unique opportunity to access the original documents that founded American democracy in 1774. View the US Government’s Charter of Freedom, the US Constitution, Bill of Rights and Declaration of Independence.

2-3 hours View on map

Image depicting an account of African American history and culture

Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture

Featuring over 36,000 artefacts, the museum is dedicated to documenting African American life, history, and culture. Students will have access to a range of interactive exhibitions, explore what it means to be American, and understand how American values are reflected in African American culture.

View on map

National Museum of American history

Students can take a tour through the history of the colorful US nation at the National Museum of American History. The museum holds more than three million artefacts – all true national treasures. They include the original Star-Spangled Banner, Abraham Lincoln’s top hat, Dizzy Gillespie’s angled trumpet and Dorothy’s ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz.

2 hours View on map

Learning outcomes

GCSE Curriculum Links

US Constitution, separation of powers, checks and balances
Congress, Presidency and Supreme Court in practice
Civil Rights, equality and the role of the judiciary
Democracy, representation and political participation
UK-US comparisons of political systems and institutions

A-Level Curriculum Links

US Constitution, federalism and separation of powers
Congress: structure, powers and effectiveness
Presidency: executive power and limitations
Supreme Court, civil liberties and rights
Comparative analysis of US and UK political systems

Help with visiting Washington DC with students

Transport

Washington DC has an excellent public transport system for conveniently getting around.

We can arrange coaches if you wish to tour the city sites in the comfort of your own coach, or tickets for the Hop On Hop Off bus tour.

Excursions

With so much to see and do in Washington DC, we will work with you to plan your tour and pre-book all your excursions and activities. Entrance fees for many visits can be pre-paid before travel.

Tour guides

We can book half or full-day guides to enhance your experience for walking tours or coach tours.

Meals

We can arrange breakfast in your hotel (if available) or in a local café. Evening meals can be pre-booked at restaurants or themed restaurants such as the Hard Rock Café in Washington DC.

“

Thanks to all the team at Travelbound, Bryony especially, for a fantastically organised visit to the US. We had a wonderful visit, superbly organised, action-packed days and super fun evenings. It was all we could have hoped for.

Norwich High School for Girls

“

Our trip to Washington and New York was a great experience for everyone, and Travelbound did everything possible to accommodate us with a lot of flexibility and communication!

Shoreham Academy

Group Of Multiethnic People Jumping At New York City Skyline

“

A wonderful trip to Washington, Philadelphia and New York, students made memories that will last a lifetime. The trip went perfectly.

Abbey Grange C of E Academy

“

Fantastic trip to Washington DC organised with Travelbound. They were responsive to our requests and were accommodating to the various requirements we had. The app was particularly useful and meant that it was easy to show bookings at restaurants and excursion. Overall, it was a well planned trip.

Surbiton High School

“

Very good service and personalisation of our trip

Kelvinside Academy

Typical accommodation

Comfort Inn Downtown DC/Convention Center ★★★

Why groups like it:

Centrally located and great value boutique style hotel
Close to nearby major attractions including White House and Verizon Center
Deluxe hot buffet breakfast included!

Facilities:

Rooms with TV, hairdryer and fridge
24-hour reception
Free Wi-Fi

Hyatt Place DC US Capitol Hill

Why groups like it:

Close to metro stop
Modern property
Spacious rooms

Facilities:

Free WiFi
Hot breakfast included
Large communal spaces

Ready to start planning your school trip?

If you have any questions or would like to start planning your trip, contact our educational specialists on 01273 244572 or request a quote below, tailored to your group and learning objectives.

Request a quote