school business trip ideas

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Top 12 Educational School Trip Ideas for Student Success

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Learning is a never-ending process. It’s not only an educational institution that teaches you! And when it comes to students, what better way than a fun and engaging field trip!?

After all, who doesn’t enjoy a great field trip? It allowed students to leave life’s routine and experience something completely different. And, when it serves the purpose of an educational trip, students can’t wait!

But planning a school trip is more than just fun and excitement! It must add value to the students learning! If you have ideas for student educational trips, this article is for you!

Here, we list the 12 best school trip ideas to help students enhance their learning journey.  

We are your companions, like the best essay writing websites that help you prepare the paper by offering abundant ideas, knowledge, and understanding of your requirements.  

We’ve listed the fun learning opportunities for students of all ages at different price points that teachers can have a look at. Let’s get started!  

Idea 1: Local Museums

What better way than spending a day at the local museums that hold the history of the places?  

It doesn’t have to be a history museum; it could be art, science, or a combination!  

Museums and school trips are both fun and educational. Students get to learn about different cultures, periods, and history and gain appreciation for the work of artists and scientists.  

It is also a great approach to give a sense of belonging to them about their place’s history.  

Museums are also a great way to help students write a paper about it. Instead of having to reach out to a research paper writer who already holds the ideas and expertise to write the best essay, students can do the job on their own with a bit of help from them.  

Idea 2: Outdoor Adventures

Often surrounded by four walls and classes, why wouldn’t students love a fun outdoor activity? Nothing gets students outdoors like an educational trip. A trip with the teacher ensures that they are aware of what to do and what not to do, but in all, they will have great fun.  

An idea of the campground or state park sounds excellent. Students will get to explore nature while learning about the environment. Further, other activities include rock climbing, zip-lining, and hiking. With, outdoor adventure trips seek additional care from teachers!  

Idea 3: Cultural Destinations

When planning a school trip, consider embarking on an educational adventure at a cultural destination that speaks history and culture. It could be a historic site, a cultural center, or an archaeological site.  

In such trips, students explore customs, beliefs, and cultures. Museums are also a great idea, but the cultural destination holds its value! Students can gain insight into the people’s lifestyles in other countries and the periods they lived through, and even participate in workshops to learn more about them.  

Idea 4: Farm Visits

Educational trips for students , especially younger children, demand simplicity and fun learning. They barely understand the history of exploring around the museums. Here, a fun farm visit is both exciting and educational!  

Farms are perfect for exploring nature closely. Such a trip with the teacher will help students learn about the importance of sustainable farm practices, healthy food choices, and animal husbandry. Plus, they’ll enjoy watching and feeding animals.

Idea 5: Aquariums and Zoos  

Next on our list of school trip ideas are Aquariums and zoos. They offer many educational opportunities for students, especially the younger ones! Here, they will be able to learn about animals and their habitat.  

In fact, it is a way for them to see the animals they’ve always seen on screen and paper.  

In aquariums, they can uncover the ocean’s mysteries and lifestyles. Plus, it is always great to see some wildlife close!

Idea 6: Art Galleries

Art has its own way of expressing itself. It speaks differently to everyone. With art gallery trips, students can immerse themselves in art and history.  

They can explore the work of famous artists, view unique art, and get a deeper understanding of cultures and traditions worldwide.  

Idea 7: Theater and Dance Performance

A bit of entertainment included in the learning process does no harm. A field trip for students to theater and dance performances encourages appreciation of performing arts.  

To ensure that these cultures stay extinct, the student must know what theater and dance performance is! They will be exposed to different forms of art. Further, it can be an essential lesson to them on collaboration, communication, and expression.  

Idea 8: Theme Parks

The theme park is also a great field trip suggestion, depending on the subject. You can give students a thrilling educational experience at amusement or theme parks.  

They can learn more about physics and engineering while riding and playing! Further, from a business perspective, they get the idea behind what it takes to run a successful business . Amusement parks are also a place to practice mathematics by calculating the cost of food and rides.  

Idea 9: Industrial Sites

If your students are more into business, visiting factories and industrial sites can significantly help them.  

Here, they can learn how things are made from scratch. They can learn the manufacturing process, discover the importance of safety measures, gain insight into the product, and more.  

Factories can be eye-opening experiences for students to help them understand the value of hard work and effort.  

Idea 10: Charity Events and Fundraisers

A learning journey towards sympathy and affection teaches a lot. When you let your students attend charity events and fundraisers, you teach them the importance of helping others.  

Charity events provide great insight into how a small contribution can make a big difference. Further, charities and fundraisers can be something other than a school trip. Students can volunteer in these activities.  

Idea 11: Business Tours

Business tours are a great initiative to explore the world and entrepreneurship firsthand. On such a trip, students learn about different industries and how they operate, and they even meet entrepreneurs who can share inspiring stories.  

Going on a business tour and exploring a part of the world they want to become familiar with can be an invaluable experience for students.  

Idea 12: International Trips

While it might be a bit costly, compared to other ideas mentioned on the list, an international trip gives the students the taste of another culture.  

Here, they can explore different customs and businesses, learn about foreign languages and foreign cultures, and accept the beauty of the places. International trips are an unforgettable experience for everyone!  

Wrapping Up

This summarizes our list of the top 12 best school trip ideas for students.  

We have listed some of the most popular ideas, from museums and art galleries to amusement parks and international tours. Depending upon the subject, curriculum demand, and students’ wants, you can go with the trip that best suits the student.  

Further, consider the age and learning perspective of the students. A school trip is a significant responsibility for teachers and must be carried out carefully to be a success. With these ideas, you can come up with the best suit!

Have you ever planned any of the school trips? What ideas did you move forward with? Do let us know!

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8 school trip ideas: Business Studies

School trips to provide inspiration for tomorrow’s young entrepreneurs.

It is vital for pupils to gain an understanding of the business world to prepare them for the jobs market. In addition to equipping students with practical skills, Business Studies is a dynamic subject that also covers communication, problem solving, team work, decision making and time management.

In a recent speech education secretary Michael Gove said: “For each individual young person, for each individual business, and for the wider economy, it’s never been more important to provide skills that lead to employment.”

Here are eight ideas that offer memorable learning opportunities and introduce pupils to the world of business.

1. Chelsea Football Club

The Business of Football provides an exciting insight into matchday and non-matchday operations at Chelsea Football Club. Aimed at complementing GCSE studies, students complete an education workbook with answers provided by an experienced guide.

The tour and case study focus on merchandise, marketing, finance and staffing. It’s also a good resource for coursework and revision related to sport, leisure and tourism.

Teachers can also combine the session with a guided stadium tour that gives pupils access to areas of Stamford Bridge normally reserved for players and officials. All stadium tours include entry to the onsite museum.

2. Blenheim Palace

The ancestral home of the 11th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough and birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, Blenheim Palace combines history with modern subjects such as Media and Business Studies.

The education department offers talks and tours which look at the palace as a tourist destination and the issues it faces as both an international attraction and World Heritage Site.

The 18th century palace has starred in historical films including Hamlet and The Young Victoria, and more recently it can be seen in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix and Gulliver’s Travels.

Looking behind the scenes, pupils are asked to consider the pros and cons of allowing film crews to use the palace.

3. Cadbury World

Learn about chocolate and the corporate world at Cadbury World in Bournville, Birmingham.

The attraction has downloadable worksheets for students to use as they tour the attraction, with two devoted to business studies for KS3 and above. They both focus on different facets of business, including production, merchandising and display, marketing and promotion, people in organisations, customer service and retailing.

Pupils will find out how the UK confectionery market is broken down into five different categories, such as snacking, sharing and giving, and learn how identify sales and promotions techniques. Educational talks are available to groups of 30 or more students.

4. Alton Towers

A variety of talks are offered in the dedicated education centre at Alton Towers, including a business-themed session. Keeping customers happy is vital to a theme park’s success, and KS4 and KS5 pupils will find out how Alton Towers motivates its staff to deliver excellent customer service and how the park manages visitors’ expectations.

Using Alton Towers as a case study for the hospitality industry, students will explore the products and services the resort has to offer. The talk also covers employment, the variety of roles and their structure, providing an insight into a ‘day in the life’ of a staff member. Workshops end with a question and answer session.

5. Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways

On a visit to Wales make tracks to the Ffestiniog Railway. Founded by an act of parliament in 1823, it’s the world’s oldest independent railway company and was formed to bring slate from the quarries of Blaenau Ffestiniog to the newly created harbour town of Porthmadog.

In more recent years, the tourist traffic has made a significant impact on the social aspects of the area, bringing in money and creating jobs.

Its sister heritage line, the newly completed West Highland Railway, was a huge engineering project covering some of the most sensitive areas of Snowdonia.

Pupils will learn how the railway worked with wildlife agencies such as the Countryside Council for Wales and the RSPB as well as local landowners and government bodies. For schools interested in following the story of ‘slates to the sea’ a joint visit with Llechwedd Slate Caverns is recommended.

6. RAF Museum London

Situated on the historic site of Hendon’s London Aerodrome in Colindale, this north London museum is one of two – the other is located in Cosford in the West Midlands - that tells the story of the Royal Air Force through its people and collections.

The London collections include some very early aircraft designs through to the latest modern day jets and military aircraft. At a Business Studies session for KS5 and above, students will find out how the museum markets itself and functions as a business through a presentation followed by a question and answers session.

A separate workshop focuses on the museum’s operation in the leisure and tourism sector and includes a SWOT analysis session where students learn how to evaluate a business venture’s strengths and weaknesses.

Sessions can be tailored to suit specific needs and also linked to a self-guided visit with the help of downloadable museum worksheets.

7. Spinnaker Tower

Soaring 170-metres above Portsmouth Harbour and the Solent, the Spinnaker Tower is taller than the London Eye, Blackpool Tower and Big Ben and will make a lasting impression on students.

The tower’s education resource pack provides many cross-curricular links, including Business Studies. For example, KS3 pupils can study the effects of tourism on the local economy and learn how to interpret statistics and diagrams.

For KS4 and KS5 the tower has teamed with Action Stations, based in nearby Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, to offer an informative workshop that focuses on aspects of two contrasting attractions. This includes customer service, different types of businesses working in competition and as partners, marketing and media.

8. Twycross Zoo

A trip involving animals is always popular and Twycross Zoo in Warwickshire combines lessons on wildlife and the natural world with insightful sessions that help pupils focus on business and careers.

The extensive range of GCSE sessions include taking an in depth look at business and customer services at the zoo, marketing and careers. Older pupils can have first-hand experience of what it is like to work in a zoo through four themed career days.

The structured programme of activities and presentations cover zoo keeping, veterinary practice, animal behaviour research and conservation. They can be booked individually or as a series of days for the same group.

• Business Studies
• KS3 (Ages 11-14)
• KS4 (Ages 14-16)
• KS5 (Ages 16-18)

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Business Studies school trips & Business Student Convention

Elevate your Business Students' learning at our annual convention at the magical Disneyland® Paris. They'll learn firsthand from entrepreneurs, business owners, and executives, including those from renowned brands like Walt Disney Corporation. Or create your own business studies school trip for an exclusive insight into the globe's top financial and business hubs. Our business studies events and educational tours are meticulously crafted to seamlessly integrate with classroom learning, offering invaluable exposure to authentic business settings.

Business Studies Trips & Events

Voyager School Travel offer a range of exciting school trips for business studies & economic students. Our school trips aim to inspire future business leaders and allow them to discover how businesses and economics shapes the modern world. 

Annual Business Studies convention at Disneyland® Paris

Join us at Business Lab , our annual business student convention where business owners and executives from well-known brands, such as Disney, share their real-life case studies to support your Business Studies classroom teaching— all at magical Disneyland® Paris.

Business Students School Trips and Educational Visits

Your students will be able to see firsthand the power, domination and complexities of some of the largest businesses in the world, in some of the most thriving cities in the world! From the Stock Exchange in London to Wall Street in New York , there’s plenty of great educational excursions available on your business & economics school trip!

Business & Economics School Trip to London

London is the thriving capital city of England with some of the worlds largest and most successful businesses choosing to set up their headquarters in the city. With world famous locations such as Canary Wharf, the Stock Exchange & the Financial District, there’s plenty for your students to see and do on a Business school trip to London.

View our Business & Economics School Trips to London

Business & Economics School Trip to New York

Business and economics students can take in USA’s capital of finance, where the world’s stock and trade market is constantly awake. Take a walk down the famous Wall Street and Downtown Manhattan & past the World Trade Center to capture a snapshot of just how busy the life of a trader is.

The heart of the financial district is home to some of the world’s most renowned banks including Goldman Sachs and J.P Morgan, as well as New York’s infamous stock exchange building. These provide the perfect backdrop for the cultural and historical learnings of the United States financial and economic climate, perfect for an economics school trip.

View our Business & Economics School Trips to New York

What You Can Expect From Us

We understand that a school trip should be the perfect mix of education, immersion and fun! Our Business & Economics school trips can offer all of the above, and our team will work with you throughout the whole process to ensure your trip meets all the curriculum and requirements you need. Whatever area of the Business Studies or Economics syllabus you want to cover during your school trip, you can be sure that your students will return home with a great amount of knowledge as well as fantastic memories to cherish!

Book Your Business Studies School Trip Today

Are you interested in one of our Business studies school trips? Click the button below to request a quote! Our expert team are ready to answer any questions you may have, contact us today.

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Suggested school trips & events for business students

Business Studies student convention at Disneyland® Paris

Attend our exclusive business studies student convention live from Disneyland® Paris & experience Disneyland Park & Walt Disney Studios® Park

• Admission to live convention & both Disney® Parks
• Curriculum-linked student assignments

Cross-curricular school trip to New York

We have so many exciting experiences waiting for your students in the Big Apple

Cross-curricular school trip to Amsterdam

Explore world-class art and history attractions in this trendy floating city

Cross-curricular school trip to London

We'll suggest the best attractions for your group and build your itinerary

Europe has long been the global centre for business innovation

For students of Economics and/or Business Studies, Europe is a rich hunting ground for insights and experiences to enhance vocational learning.

You don't have to go far, a school trip to London to see the stock exchange in action or a stroll through the streets of the City will give the student an eye-opening perspective of the wealth that is generated there, manifested vividly in the architecture and the workers within.

Further afield, a trip to Berlin , Brussels or any major capital such as Madrid or Paris will further increase a student's awareness of the mechanisms that make the global economy tick.

Need help booking and organising your school trip?

We have created a number of useful guides that can help you plan and book your next school trip with Voyager School Travel.

• School trip travel hub
• How to book your school trip
• How to promote your school trip
• Create a more affordable school trip
• Fill places on your school trip
• The essential school trip kit list

Why choose Voyager School Travel for your school trip?

You are in specialist hands

Our team use their teaching, language & destination experience to organise educational trips that are not only enriching but hassle-free.  Read more →

Safety assured, bonded & accredited

As a member of the School Travel Forum & protected through ABTA & ATOL you can be sure of our high standards.  Read more →

Trusted by teachers

Schools trust Voyager School Travel to organise the educational trips for over 32,000 passengers a year.  Read more →

We deliver the educational elements

Signature educational experiences with our own language & activity instructors allow  teachers to enjoy the trip too.  Read more →

Stay at our own residential centres

Groups staying at our own residential centres in France will benefit from high quality learning, safety & service. Read more →

Our own overseas teams

Peace of mind knowing our French m anagers, instructors, coach drivers & support team will look after your every need. Read more →

For teachers who are serious about the educational outcomes of their school trip.

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Home » Best Business Field Trips for High School Students

Best Business Field Trips for High School Students

If you’re a high school student who’s interested in business, then you’ll want to check out these business field trips. From Wall Street to Silicon Valley, these trips will give you a behind-the-scenes look at the world of business.

Wall Street

A trip to Wall Street is a great way to learn about the financial markets. Students will be able to see the stock exchange, meet with traders, and learn about the inner workings of the financial world. Nothing beats joining the hustle and bustle associated with downtown New York City.

Silicon Valley

A trip to Silicon Valley is a great way to learn about the tech industry. Silicon Valley is located in the San Francisco Bay Area and is home to some of the world’s largest tech companies. Students will be able to tour the campuses of companies like Google and Facebook, and they’ll also get to meet with some of the industry’s top leaders.

A trip to Denver is a great way to learn about the energy industry. Denver is home to many energy companies, and students will be able to tour some of the facilities. They’ll also get to meet with industry experts and learn about the latest trends in the energy sector.

Business School Programs

Picking the right business school is extremely important when starting at a university. Its important to know what kind of business you want to study, and which schools have the best options for your future. Schools like Harvard, Stanford, Columbia, University of Chicago, University of Pennsylvania, and so many more strive to provide the best educational resources for the future leaders of tomorrow.

The Bottom Line

These business field trips are an excellent way for high school students to visit major tech companies, meet with entrepreneurs, and learn about the latest innovations in the tech world.

We offer a variety of business field trips, and we’re sure you’ll find one that’s perfect for your group. Contact us today to learn more!

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260+ Field Trip Ideas for Grades Pre-K Through 12 (In-Person and Virtual)

Get out of the classroom and explore the world!

Field trips are a quintessential school experience. You usually only get one or two a year so it’s important to do it right! Our roundups of unique field trip ideas have something for every age, subject, and interest. We’ve even got resources like permission slip forms and chaperone tips. Get ready to leave the classroom behind to take learning on the road!

Preschool Field Trip Ideas

Early-grade field trips help kids learn about the world and also teach them good field trip behavior. These are our top picks for the pre-K crowd, but many of the options on our kindergarten list are perfect for this age group too.

• Library: Not every student’s parents take them to story time. Schedule your own trip, and show kids that having fun isn’t hard when you have a library card!
• Farm: Whether you learn how vegetables are grown or where milk and eggs come from, the farm is always a hit.
• Grocery store: Go behind the scenes at the supermarket, and use this trip as the foundation for lessons on healthy eating.
• Park: From local playgrounds to majestic national parks, it’s always worth getting kids into the great outdoors.
• Children’s museum: This is the age group most children’s museums were designed for! They’ll love all the hands-on fun and excitement.
• Post office: Learn how mail is sorted and shipped, and teach students about stamps and other mail-related items.
• Bank: Money is a new concept for these kiddos, and they’ll be fascinated to step inside the vault and learn other bank secrets.
• Fire station: There’s just something about a fire truck that gets every little one excited.
• Nursing home: Is there anything sweeter than watching seniors and wee ones spend time together?
• Animal shelter: For kids who don’t have pets at home, this can be a good introduction to animals. Others will just enjoy the time with dogs and cats waiting for their forever homes.

Elementary School Field Trip Ideas

@mjdstoronto

These are the prime field trip years! Here are our favorite trips for every grade.

• 14 Kindergarten Field Trips (Virtual and In-Person)
• 15 First Grade Field Trips (Virtual and In-Person)
• 15 Second Grade Field Trips (Virtual and In-Person)
• 15 Third Grade Field Trips (Virtual and In-Person)
• 23 Fourth Grade Field Trips (Virtual and In-Person)
• 22 Fifth Grade Field Trips (Virtual and In-Person)

Middle and High School Field Trip Ideas

@salinasvalleybasingsa

For this age group, you’ll need to step up your game a bit. (They’ve probably already been to the zoo, the aquarium, and the art museum.) Try some of these locations, which offer educational, social-emotional, and real-life learning opportunities.

• Food bank: Hold a food drive, then arrange a trip to your local soup kitchen or food pantry. Volunteering makes for truly meaningful field trips.
• Recycling facility: In a time when reducing landfill waste is more important than ever, a trip to a recycling facility can help drive home the message.
• Theater: Many theaters offer behind-the-scenes tours for schools and discount pricing when you buy tickets in bulk. (Want to go virtual? Check out the Hamilton Education Program !)
• Community college: Parents sometimes take kids on college visits, but a community college trip offers opportunities for even more students to see themselves getting a higher education.
• TV station: Kids interested in communications or technology will find this completely fascinating.
• Courtroom: There’s no better way to understand the justice system than to see it in action.
• State or county capitol: Every government class should visit a local capitol to meet with officials and see how the government works.
• Local business: This can be a cool way to learn about managing a business, working with customers, or discovering how products are made.
• Wildlife rehab facility: Introduce students to the people who help injured wild animals recover and live free once again.

Virtual Field Trip Ideas

@edtech_tusd

The terrific thing about virtual field trips is that they eliminate so much of the hassle. No need to collect permission slips, arrange for buses, or recruit chaperones. Plus, they’re usually free!

• 40 Amazing Educational Virtual Field Trips
• 20 Terrific Virtual Art Museum Field Trips
• 18 Incredible Virtual Zoo Field Trips
• 15 Fascinating Aquarium Virtual Field Trips
• 3 Science Virtual Field Trips Let Kids Travel the World

Field Trips by Location

If you live in one of these cities, check out some of our favorite spots.

• 16 Cool Field Trips in Houston, Texas
• 21 Terrific Field Trips in Chicago, Illinois
• Top 10 Washington D.C. Field Trip Ideas

Field Trip Tips and Resources

There’s a lot to do when you’re organizing an off-site field trip. These resources are here to help.

• Preparing Parent Chaperones for a Field Trip
• Free Printable Field Trip and School Permission Forms To Make Your Life Easier
• Things To Do Before Taking Your Students on a Major Field Trip
• Mistakes To Avoid When Planning a Field Trip for Students
• Why I Hate Field Trips (And How I Learned To Deal)
• Help! Is There Any Way I Can Get Out of Our End of the Year Field Trip?

Bonus: Looking for a laugh? Check out  Ways School Field Trips Are Like The Wizard of Oz !

What are your favorite field trip ideas? Come share your thoughts in the  We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook !

Plus,  virtual college campus tours to explore from home ..

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The Best PreK and Kindergarten Field Trips (Both Virtual and In-Person!)

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Business Studies Trips

With the business and economic landscape fluctuating more than ever in recent years, there’s never been a more exciting time to be studying this diverse subject.

We provide dynamic business studies school trips to three key destinations on the global stage, offering students the chance to gain a real insight into where many of the world’s important business and economic decisions are made. Business studies trips also offer a number of workshops in which students take a hands-on approach in a number of fields, from analysing the financial markets to trying their hand at marketing.

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Learn Business Skills

Known as the city that never sleeps, New York is a constant hive of activity and is home to one of the most famous financial districts in the world. Not only will students be guided around this iconic area of Manhattan, but the Federal Reserve Bank Museum and the Museum of American Finance also provide a wealth of insight into banking and economics.

London also offers a number of exciting business trips for students, with the London Docklands, Bank of England Museum and Museum of Brands all providing fantastic learning opportunities for pupils. Designed to meet your learning objectives, business studies school tours to London can help students engage with specific case studies and develop their understanding of key study topics.

View our Business Studies Trips

• Disneyland® Paris, France
• Business Studies
• Disneyland® Park
• Walt Disney Studios® Park
• New York, USA
• Meet industry professionals
• Specialist workshops
• Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Aaslmeer Flower Auction tour
• Tour of the Heineken Brewery
• Barcelona, Spain
• Guided tour of Barcelona
• Explore the famous Boqueria Food Market
• Berlin, Germany
• Guided tour of the city
• Guided tour of the EUREF (European Energy Forum) Campus
• London, United Kingdom
• Visit the Museum of Brands and Bank of England Museum
• Guided walking tours of London's business and financial centres
• Brussels, Belgium
• Concept Chocolate tour and workshop
• A tour of the European Parliament

Why choose Next Generation Travel for School Trips?

• Award Winning Service
• Trusted By Our Customers
• Expert Tour Planners
• Book with Confidence

At Next Generation Travel we take school trips seriously. We are destination and subject experts with an award-winning service. You can count on us for the perfect balance of educational and personal development. We take great pride in ensuring our customers’ satisfaction by going above and beyond to meet their travel needs. But don’t just take out word for it…

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Support and resources for planning your trip

We have been operating school tours for over 35 years so we know a thing or two about planning a school trip. One of the benefits of this is that we have an abundance of knowledge and supporting documents to share with you. In our resources area you will find everything you need for your school trip planning:

• Frequently asked questions
• Parent letters
• Insurance documents
• Risk assessment documents
• Planning tips

Featured Resource

A Guide To Risk Assessment

You need to know you can book with a tour operator who has everything covered for you.

This guide will assist you completing your own risk assessments covering areas such as:

• What is a risk assessment
• Event specific risk assessments
• Emergency procedures

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This unique resource is available free of charge to all schools who book a Surgery & Treatment tour with Anglia.

Take a look at our top recommended educational history visits for your next trip to Berlin.

Getting the right mix of teaching and learning techniques is crucial to help your students achieve their academic, vocational and personal potential.

Next Generation Travel is very pleased to announce that it is now a partner of the International Guild of Battlefield Guides.

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Business Studies School Trips

With a range of exciting destinations for business studies groups to choose from, at NST we’ll help your group to meet your learning objectives, whatever your budget. What’s more, we work hard to bring you a choice of business-related school visits so that you can mix and match to create your ideal itinerary. From banks and stock markets, to department stores and football clubs, there are plenty of choices that will spark your pupils' interest.

Browse our business studies school trip destinations

London day trip, london day trips.

The City is home to over half of the UK’s top 100 listed companies and offers fascinating visit opportunities for Business Studies groups.

Learn more here

The Midlands

A visit to the Midlands is a must for business studies groups for its diverse array of visits.

Find out more

Business LIVE! Conference Disneyland® Paris

Bring business studies to life for your students and show them the many different paths a career in business could take at our Business LIVE! conference - all whilst enjoying the magic of Disneyland®!

Learn more here

This global city plays host to a number of influential organisations. From major financial institutions on Wall Street to the United Nations headquarters, making a business studies school trip to New York a unique experience for students.

The world’s second biggest economy provides a great opportunity to gain valuable insight into local industries.

Find out more about or business trips to China by getting in touch. 

This is a fascinating hub for your pupils to visit, and a place where they’ll undoubtedly gain a greater understanding of global politics and business. Find out more about our business studies trips to Brussels.

Immerse your pupils in the culture of one of Europe’s most dynamic cities on an NST Business Studies tour to Berlin.

The global city of Prague provides groups with a great example of a new economy that has grown since the 1990s.

Find out more about our business studies trips to Prague here

Business LIVE! Conference New York

Inspire their future career in the city that never sleeps at our NEW Business LIVE! NYC conference. Bring business studies to life for your students and fire their future career ambitions.

Business LIVE! UK

Business LIVE! UK combines a conference led by expert industry speakers, workshops & talks, team-based challenges and outdoor adventure activities. This three-day weekend event is designed to bring business studies to life for your students and fire their future career ambitions whilst also improving their ability to work together as a team, improve self-confidence, develop resilience and learn new skills.

Our most popular business studies school trip destinations...

New York is home to a number of influential business and organisations. We’ll book educational visits for your business students that complement in-class studies with unique learning activities, group friendly accommodation, and a host of leisure activities.

As one of more popular destinations, hundreds of business studies groups travel with NST to experience London every year. Owing to its status as the world’s largest financial centre, the City is home to over half of the UK’s top 100 listed companies and offers fascinating insights for business students.

Take a look at one of our student adventures...

Planning your first school trip.

If you're planning your first business studies 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 geography resources and educational posters to brighten up your classroom! Take a look at our downloadable posters here .

Speak to one of our school travel experts

Our team of school travel experts have unrivalled destination knowledge and experience so they can help to bring your tour ideas to life and might even suggest options you hadn’t already thought of too! So get in touch today and we'll help to create a bespoke, budget-friendly tour itinerary to meet your specific learning requirements.

Why choose NST...

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

• Unrivalled knowledge

Your dedicated business studies tour co-ordinator will use their unrivalled local knowledge and expertise 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 your in-school promotion.

• 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.

• More than 50 years’ experience

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

• Risk assessment guidance

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

• 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 . ​

• 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.

Business Studies School Trips

Are you looking for a way to help your students take the business theory they’ve learned in the classroom and see how it applies in the ‘real world’? Then take your students on a trip to the business and financial capitals of the world!

Read more Read about Business Studies School Trips

Business studies school trips abroad.

We offer a wide range of educational visits and tours to different cities and countries, tailor-made to support the curriculums for business and economics students.

For example, our business studies trips can include visits to large organisations and institutions, like the stock exchanges in Barcelona , Frankfurt and New York , as well as busy newspapers, TV towers, glass manufacturers, and even diamond factories.

A trip to Frankfurt or New York would see your business students explore one of the world’s most important financial centres, where they can learn about how and why these cities have become so important to the global economy.

Or you could visit Disneyland® Paris to discover the marketing behind the magic, or head to the other side of the world to see how Japan has become a world leader in innovation and technology.

For something a little different, why not head to Prague , where you can discover how the country’s economy has boomed since the fall of communism? In fact, the Czech Republic has been described as one of Europe’s most flourishing economies, with the lowest unemployment rate in the EU, making this a great destination in which to explore the important links between politics and economics.

There are some fantastic educational activities for you and your group to enjoy that will give your students the opportunity to gain a greater understanding of business models and practices, the power of marketing and the essentials of finance and human resources.

Experiencing this first-hand will not only help your students to better understand the theory taught in the classroom, but it will also provide them with tangible experiences that they’ll be able to recall during exams.

A business school trip will encourage your students to learn in dynamic and stimulating learning environments outside of the classroom, helping to boost their understanding of the subject and perhaps even inspire future career ambitions.

Why arrange a business studies school trip?

Explore important financial centres.

You’ll be able to choose from a great range of destinations for your trip, including some of the world’s most important financial centres, such as Frankfurt, New York and Tokyo.

Frankfurt is home to both the European Central Bank and the Deutsche Bundesbank and is considered the financial capital of the Eurozone. As such, it should be no surprise that so many of the world’s top companies have their European headquarters based in the city. It is also home to one of the world’s largest stock exchanges.

Meanwhile, New York is considered the finance capital of the world and is home to Wall Street. Many Fortune 500 and Fortune 1000 companies have based themselves in the city, as have many of the world’s biggest banks, including Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley and JP Morgan.

Or you could head to Tokyo, the capital of the world’s third-largest economy and another important financial centre. Many of the world’s largest investment banks are based in the city. A highlight of your trip to Japan will be the Tokyo Stock Exchange, where your business studies students can take part in a game where they simulate trading stocks!

Learn more about brands

If you’re looking for educational tours where your students can learn more about the development of brands, the importance of innovation, research and development or even global marketing strategies, then we’ve got plenty of options for you.

You could choose to visit Paris, where you can visit a variety of businesses, from a local bakery to Charles de Gaulle Airport.

You could even pop over to Europe’s biggest theme park, Disneyland® Paris to enjoy a specialist workshop and learn more about the Disney brand and how it’s marketed. Pupils will also learn about the corporate structure and the various roles within the organisation.

Or in Barcelona, you can visit a variety of well-known brands, from wineries and breweries to newspapers and even footballing behemoth FC Barcelona!

Enjoy the trip as much as your students

Originally founded by former teachers, and with many former teachers still among us, we understand the value of business studies school trips and how to make them successful.

Your trip will be completely tailor-made, to ensure that it meets your specific requirements and learning objectives. And we’ll be on hand throughout the process to answer any questions you have.

In fact, we’ll be with you every step of the way, from now until you return home at the end of your trip. While abroad, you’ll be able to reach us with just one phone call, at any time of the day or night. And, with this comprehensive level of support while you’re away, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy experiencing business studies as much as your students.

School Business Studies Trip to Brussels

Brussels is the ideal choice for educational trips that help your students better understand the role of global markets!

School Business Studies Trip to Barcelona and Costa Brava

Barcelona is Spain's economic hub, making it a great choice for a fun-filled experience of the business world!

School Business Studies Trip to Frankfurt

Frankfurt is the financial centre of the Eurozone, making it a fantastic choice for a business studies school trip!

School Business Studies Trip to Prague

A business studies trip to Prague offers students the opportunity to discover how its economy has developed since Communism!

School Business Studies Trip to New York

Considered the world's premier financial centre, where better than New York for business students?

School Business Studies Trip to Disneyland

Discover the marketing magic behind one of the world's biggest global brands on a business studies trip to Disneyland® Paris!

School Business Studies Trip to Tokyo

The largest metropolitan economy in the world, Tokyo is the perfect destination for an unforgettable business studies school trip!

School Business Studies Trip to Paris

The dynamic French capital, Paris, offers an exciting range of activities and visits for business studies school trips!

From £289 pp

4 days, 3 nights

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Why choose halsbury.

School trips designed by teachers for teachers

Originally founded by teachers in 1986, we understand the pressures on you as Group Leader and are here to make the process of running your school trip as easy as possible.

Learn more about Halsbury Travel

School trips tailored to your curriculum

We'll design your trip around your specific learning objectives and curriculum, to ensure your school trip is a truly educational experience.

Discover how we’ll tailor your school trip

Health & safety prioritised

As a proud Assured Member of the School Travel Forum, the health and safety of your group is always our priority.

Find out how we ensure your health and safety

Support every step of the way

We'll be with you every step of the way, from your very first enquiry until the moment you return home, including 24-hour support while you’re on your school trip.

Find out about the support we offer

Financially secure school trips

We're ABTA bonded and all our air tours are ATOL protected , so you can be sure that your school trip is financially secure.

Find out more about our accreditations

Rewarding loyalty scheme

You'll earn loyalty points from your very first school trip with Halsbury. These can be used towards a discount on your school trip or a free gift for your school.

Explore our loyalty scheme

The Halsbury Difference

Originally founded by teachers in 1986 and with several former teachers in our team, we understand the pressures on you as Group Leader and work hard to relieve them.

Trips tailored to your curriculum and learning objectives

We’ll design your trip around your specific learning objectives and curriculum, to ensure it meets your particular requirements.

Work together with other teachers in your school to save thousands of pounds on future school trips with our multi-trip loyalty scheme!

24 Best Ideas for Field Trips for Schools for All Ages

Leah Nguyen • 08 Aug 2023 • 6 min read

The best part of when you’re a student is probably going on a school field trip (no homework, no sitting around waiting for recess, who doesn’t like it?)

That’s why as a teacher, coming up with a field trip that ensures the students are having the time of their life but also educative has been the top priority.

Here are 24 awesome ideas for field trips for schools that offer tons of fun and great lessons!

Table of Contents

The importance of field trips in education, kindergarten field trips ideas, primary school field trips ideas, middle and high school field trip ideas, homeschool field trip ideas, bottom line, frequently asked questions.

Field trips for schools provide many positive aspects to students’ learning pathways. They can:

• Provide hands-on, experiential learning: Students learn best when they have opportunities to directly experience and interact with what they are studying. Field trips allow students to make real-world connections to classroom concepts, for example, a field trip to the science museum will let students interact with real experiments that they only have seen through textbooks.

• Supplement the curriculum: Field trips can complement and reinforce what students are learning in the classroom. Visiting places related to curricular topics brings lessons to life.

• Develop real-world skills: Field trips provide opportunities for students to practice skills like observation, critical thinking, collaboration and communication in authentic settings outside of school.

• Inspire continuous learning: Experiencing new places can spark students’ curiosity and motivation to learn more about related topics when they return to the classroom. Field trips ignite students’ imagination and natural sense of wonder.

• Foster social and emotional growth: Field trips for schools in groups give students opportunities for social interaction, teamwork, responsibility and independence – skills that contribute to social-emotional learning and development.

• Expose students to new people and places: Field trips broaden students’ experiences and exposure to the world, helping them build background knowledge and vocabulary. This can be especially valuable for underserved students.

What are Good Ideas for a Field Trip?

From homeschooling to high school, these field trips for schools will bring great memories to students and enrich their experience with the outer world.

#1. Zoo – Kids love seeing and learning about different animals at the zoo. Focus on the smaller animals and insect exhibits. You can collaborate with the zoo to have tour guides talk about wildlife and animal behaviours.

#2. Farm – Seeing farm animals up close like fluffy sheep and cute rabbits will surely enchant all the young kids. They can also pick produce, and experience rural life firsthand. Petting zoos are especially fun for kindergarteners.

#3. Botanical garden – Colourful flowers, plants and outdoor spaces make botanical gardens a sensory-rich experience for kindergarteners. Consider a children-friendly space if available.

#4. Fire station – Seeing a firefighter in real life is like observing a superhero on missions, and your little ones sure are fond of that! Kids love seeing a real fire truck, meeting firefighters and learning basic fire safety. Many stations offer station tours and demonstrations.

#5. Orchard – Picking and tasting fresh produces in an orchard connects kids to the cycle of nature while engaging multiple senses. You can contact a local orchard and plant out in advance, but be aware if there’s any kid that is allergic to the fruit.

#6. Cooking class – A hands-on cooking or baking lesson allows kindergartners to develop early math, literacy and fine motor skills through food prep and following recipes.

#7. Nature centre – Field trips to nature centres provide opportunities for kids to experience and learn about the outdoors through guided hikes, activities and exhibits.

#8. Nursing home – Intergenerational field trips for schools give kids a chance to talk with and learn from seniors while bringing joy to residents. Kids this age often connect easily with the elderly.

#9. Aquarium – Tanks full of fish, turtles, rays and other aquatic creatures inspire wonder in primary school students. Many aquariums have interactive programs and touch pools.

#10. Theatre – Watching a live performance designed for children gives students an introduction to the performing arts in an interactive and engaging way.

#11. Camping – A 1-day outdoor camping provides plenty of activities. Nature observation, outdoor cooking (don’t forget the S’mores), campfire programs and games will bring the camping experience to life for students.

#12. Virtual museum visit – Can’t organise this year’s field trip? Not a problem because there are plenty of exciting virtual museum tours that you can show students in the class. You can triple the engagement and discussion by organising an interactive quiz to test students’ knowledge after that.

Host fun quiz games with AhaSlides

Lessons can be learned in a fun way. Make engaging quizzes for students with our free education templates❗️

#13. College campus – Visiting a local college campus can inspire and expose students to future possibilities as well as provide an engaging learning experience.

#14. Art museum – Art museums offer exhibitions and programs tailored for teens that expose them to new artists and develop their visual literacy and critical thinking skills.

#15. Science museum – Hands-on exhibits and interactive activities at science museums bring concepts to life in engaging ways that capture teenagers’ interests.

#16. Community service project – Volunteering as a class for a community service project teaches valuable skills while engaging students in important social issues and causes. You can choose an animal shelter, a food bank, or a community shelter. The choices are endless, depending on what your learning objective is.

#17. Business/industry tour – Touring a local business or area of industry relevant to student’s interests can provide real-world connections and potential career exposure. It also encourages students to know the importance of small businesses in supporting the local economy.

#18. Indoor recreational areas – These areas are often equipped with exciting activities such as indoor rock climbing, zipline and adventure games that will bring the adrenaline rush to the young blood. They also have team-building activities that are perfect for bonding and learning the spirit of teamwork.

#19. Farmers market – Bring your kids to a local farmers market to learn about produce, talk to farmers, and get ideas for meals. Kids can help pick out fresh items to cook at home, making this a nice bonding lesson.

#20. Artisan workshop – Sign up for group knitting or crocheting lessons just for kids. It’s a great hands-on way to learn a useful life skill.

#21. Trampoline park – Great for all ages, trampoline parks are a unique indoor field trip option for physical education and socialising during homeschooling. Kids get lots of exercise too.

#22. Working studio – Artisans like ceramicists, glassblowers, woodworkers and more may welcome student groups to observe and learn from their creative process. Kids come away inspired.

#23. World cultures VR – In the age of technology, we can tour around the world from the comfort of our houses. Equip the kid with a VR headset and let them explore different locations around the world to learn about each distinctive culture immersively.

#24. Performing arts venue – Theaters, orchestra halls, opera houses and dance companies offer backstage tours, workshops and lectures for students of all ages. Kids can get inspired by the creative process.

With proper planning, guidance and age-appropriate structure, field trips for schools can provide students opportunities for hands-on learning, team building, developing responsibility and independence, and unplugging in the outside world – all valuable educational benefits. Just be sure safety, preparedness and educational goals are prioritised in your planning.

What is a field trip in the classroom?

A field trip in the classroom is an excursion outside of the school that has an educational purpose.

What is the purpose of a field trip?

The primary purpose of field trips for schools is to provide students with educational experiences beyond textbooks and classrooms that complement and reinforce curricular aims while developing important skills and social tendencies in students. Field trips offer “invisible” benefits that transcend direct academic goals.

How do you organise a school field trip?

Here are the key steps to organise a successful school field trip: · Identify learning objectives · Get administrative approval · Coordinate logistics · Plan pre-trip lessons · Prepare chaperones · Conduct the field trip · Conduct post-trip debrief · Evaluate and improve.

Leah Nguyen

Words that convert, stories that stick. I turn complex ideas into engaging narratives - helping audiences learn, remember, and take action.

More from AhaSlides

• Educational School Trip Ideas

Educational School trips can be among the most memorable and most anticipated days of the year, but after a while, it can get difficult to find unique and relevant destinations. Based on grade levels and general curriculum guidelines across the U.S., here are some ideas on where to take your class for an educational school trip.

Young Students:

The appropriateness of some attractions such as memorials and certain museums can make it hard to find a good destination for youngsters. For Pre-K through 2nd grade, the following destinations are great for all manner of educational discussions and activities:

Aquarium & Zoo Pumpkin patch, apple orchard, or working farms Children's Museums: some great ones include the Children's Museum Indianapolis, the National Children's Museum in Maryland, and the Children's Museum of Houston. Beach (regional) Some free trips include visits to local establishments like bakeries, libraries, nursing homes, fire stations, wildlife sanctuaries or animal shelters, and city parks.

Elementary Students: 

White House South Facade iStockphoto

Grade school is an intense developmental time for students. A fun and inviting learning experience can make even the most reluctant students into science enthusiasts or obsessive readers. Students are often too young for sites like Ground Zero but their added years make more adult museums a plausible destination.

Aquarium & Zoo: the Audubon Nature Institute of New Orleans is among the best zoos in the world and offers a variety of programs for all grade levels. Washington, D.C. monuments, memorials, parks, and government buildings Local or state government buildings: Visit a courthouse, state capitol, firehouse, police station, etc. Caves and caverns State or National parks Wildlife Sanctuaries and Reserves

Historical Sites: Plimoth Plantation in Massachusetts features a replica of the original Mayflower and living history presentations. Colonial Williamsburg is also a great destination but chances are your home state has comparable attractions like Missouri's George Washington Carver National Park or the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument in Montana. Civil War battlefields are a popular destination for grade school field trips.

Science Museums:  Some of the best include Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry, one of the most interactive museums in the world and the largest in the western hemisphere, the National Air and Space Museum and the Natural History Museum in Washington, D.C.

You can also check out:

Best Educational Trips for Kids

Middle School:

Morning Glory Pool Pixabay Public Domain

The in-between years of grades 6-8 are enlightening but difficult times for most students. They are no longer young children but they aren't quite teenagers and they are just starting to figure out who they are as humans. Experiences are what sticks in the minds of tweens developmentally so field trips are wonderful forms of education.

Amusement park education days (Six Flags, Cedar Point, Hersheypark, etc.) Art, science, and history museums Theater: music and/or play performances from Broadway to the Grand 'Ole Opry. Civic learning opportunities: Habitat For Humanity, Red Cross, local hospitals, and other organizations often allow student volunteers to help with projects. This is a great opportunity for students to learn how their actions can affect others and the joys of helping people. Environmental Service: tree planting, National or State Park volunteering, National Wildlife Federation, and Roots & Shoots, an organization through the Jane Goodall Institute, put students to work in the dirt. These kinds of services can teach students the importance of environmentalism and creating a more sustainable future. Living History presentations: Colonial Williamsburg, Historic Jamestowne, and Jamestown Settlement are but a few examples and all located in Williamsburg, Virginia. Other living history museums include Living History Farms in Urbandale, Iowa and Connor Prairie Living History Museum in Fishers, Indiana. Monticello, Thomas Jefferson's home in Charlottesville, Virginia lets students try on clothes from the closets and tour the home with a historic personality.

Strange Museums: Odd is memorable and museums like the International Cryptozoology Museum in Portland, Maine, Philadelphia's Mutter Museum, the Poe Museum dedicated to Edgar Allan Poe in Richmond, Virginia, and the OZ Museum in Kansas definitely meet the criteria while remaining educational.

Government and American History: local, state and federal government buildings are a great way to expose your students to the inner workings of government. Boston, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., New York City, and Birmingham, Alabama are great for historical tours on every era of American history.

Top Field Trip Ideas for 6th Graders

Fun Class Trips for 8th Graders

High School:

Pritzker Pav Chicago Shutterstock

Once you enter high school, most of the field trip opportunities drop away in exchange for college prep classes and mounds of homework. This doesn't mean high schoolers don't appreciate a day away from the desk if anything they might appreciate it more. Their age also makes it easier to find educational opportunities. Trips in high school can help inspire future careers but they are also great for boosting morale in-between holiday breaks.

Amusement park education days (Six Flags, Cedar Point, Hersheypark, etc.)

Hospitals: students can tour a healthcare facility to see how professionals strive daily to save lives. They can look into shadowing a doctor or nurse if they have an interest in medicine.

TV Station: local TV stations can give behind-the-scenes access to the everyday workings of journalism and operating a TV station.

National Parks:  If you're in Hawaii, check out the Volcanoes National Park. For those of you in the continental U.S., Yellowstone, Yosemite, Olympic, and the Everglades are among the best national parks.

Anthropology, paleontology, archaeology sites: Cahokia Mounds Historic Site in Collinsville, Illinois, Historic Jamestowne in Williamsburg, Virginia, and the Mammoth Site in South Dakota are excellent options for these areas of ancient science.

Service Opportunities: like the middle school suggestions, classes can volunteer at a number of organizations such as Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, and more.

Botanical Gardens/Arboretums

Museums : by this point, students have seen a lot of museums but there are some that are constantly evolving and are consistently called the best museums in the country. The Met and Guggenheim museums in NYC are always recommended, as are any and all of the Smithsonian museums, the International Spy Museum in D.C., and the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago.

You can also check out: Best Beaches for Senior Trips Top 10 Senior Trip Ideas

Written by Josh Hettinger

View all posts by: Josh Hettinger

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20 Best School Trip Ideas for Transformative Learning Experiences

Embarking on a school trip is a pivotal aspect of the school experience, providing a distinctive chance to liberate students from the confines of the classroom. As these excursions are limited to only a few each year, their significance becomes even more pronounced. Recognizing the importance of making each trip impactful, we present a comprehensive guide to the best school trip ideas. Tailored for every age group, subject, and interest, our curated selection goes beyond conventional learning environments. Join us as we usher in a journey beyond textbooks, where learning truly hits the road! In this comprehensive guide, we will unveil captivating and educational destinations, guaranteeing that every school trip evolves into a memorable and enriching experience for both educators and students alike.

Best Science and Technology (STEM) School Trips

Best culture and history school trips, best nature and ecology school trips, best industry and career exploration trips.

• Science Museums

Taking a trip to a science museum ranks among the most exceptional school trip ideas, for students of any age. These museums provide an immersive environment where students not only encounter captivating scientific phenomena but also develop a heightened curiosity and appetite for scientific knowledge. Regardless of their educational abilities, all students benefit from specialized activities that plunge them into the world of science, fostering an engaging and enriching experience. Science museums are meticulously designed to enhance scientific learning, ensuring that students return to the classroom with a renewed fascination for scientific processes, creating an immersive and dynamic atmosphere for effective learning.

Beyond knowledge acquisition, the significance of these museum trips lies in unlocking students’ creative potential. The experience encourages them to invent new products and employ imaginative solutions to overcome various scientific challenges. What makes visiting a science museum stand out as one of the best school trip ideas is its unique ability to seamlessly blend education with enjoyment. Students gain a fresh perspective on science in a different setting, surrounded by specialists with unparalleled scientific knowledge, resulting in an entertaining and enlightening experience that contributes significantly to their educational journey.

• Planetariums

Visiting a planetarium is a unique and unforgettable experience. While daily media reports highlight human achievements in space exploration, our knowledge about celestial bodies like the sun, moon, and Earth remains limited. The planetarium serves not only as an educational tool for acquiring astronomical knowledge but also as a powerful medium for cultivating awareness and love for our planet. By showcasing the infinite wonders of the cosmos, the planetarium sparks curiosity and inspires exploration in various fields of study.

Additionally, it provides a serene escape from daily stress, offering a tranquil space under the starry sky that promotes relaxation and restores creativity. As a regional information center, the planetarium also connects communities with the latest developments in scientific happenings, making it a valuable resource. Above all, the planetarium plays a crucial role in nurturing the imagination and creativity of children, making it a rewarding experience for both education and personal development.

• Physics Day at Amusement Parks

Physics Day is a day to celebrate physics and bring more attention to how important it is to our lives, and what better way to experience it than at an amusement park. This innovative approach uses amusement parks as laboratories to teach fundamental physics concepts, offering students an engaging experience that sparks interest in science. Amusement parks serve as rich environments, providing countless practical examples for experiments and measurements related to key physics principles, such as rotational mechanics, centrifugal force, and conservation of energy.

The activities during Physics Day not only offer an exciting incentive for students to explore science but also serve as excellent motivators for classroom discussions and lessons. By applying physics concepts to real-world situations like roller coasters, the trip enhances understanding and retention of theoretical knowledge. This hands-on learning experience goes beyond traditional lessons, providing a memorable and impactful way for students to grasp complex physics principles, making Physics Day at an amusement park an ideal and effective school trip.

Makerspaces are collaborative workspaces equipped with a range of tools, from high-tech to no-tech, fostering an environment for making, learning, exploring, and sharing. Whether stocked with 3D printers, laser cutters, or simple supplies like cardboard and Legos, these spaces instill a maker mindset, encouraging the creation of something out of nothing and exploration of individual interests. Makerspaces play a crucial role in preparing students with 21st-century skills in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), providing hands-on learning experiences that enhance critical thinking skills and boost self-confidence.

These spaces cover a spectrum of skills, including electronics, 3D printing, coding, robotics, and woodworking, contributing to a holistic educational experience. Moreover, makerspaces serve as incubators and accelerators for business startups, fostering entrepreneurship and inspiring success stories. Visiting a makerspace provides students with a dynamic and immersive experience that goes beyond traditional lessons, making it an ideal and enriching school trip.

• Hydroponic and Aquaponic Farms

As traditional agriculture faces environmental challenges, hydroponics and aquaponics offer alternative methods that utilize less space and minimize adverse effects. Hydroponics, a soilless system using nutrient-charged water to feed plants, proves beneficial with advantages such as resource efficiency, high-quality harvests, and suitability for indoor and urban gardening. Aquaponics, a combination of hydroponics and aquaculture, introduces a symbiotic relationship between fish and plants, creating a self-sustaining ecosystem that efficiently utilizes fish waste as a natural nutrient source.

Both systems present a unique opportunity for students to explore STEM concepts, including biology, chemistry, and environmental science, while showcasing the advancements and sustainability of modern agricultural practices. The visit allows students to witness first-hand the differences between hydroponics and aquaponics, promoting critical thinking about ecosystem dynamics, sustainability, and the application of technology in agriculture.

• The Theater

Whether it is to a children’s theater or to see Mary Poppins on Broadway, a visit to the theater will be impactful to students of any age. Beyond enhancing literary knowledge, attending live plays contributes to increased tolerance and empathy, fostering emotional intelligence crucial for understanding diverse perspectives. While the accessibility of movie versions may seem cost-effective, research indicates that live performances have unique educational advantages, creating more profound emotional connections. In today’s world, where creative thinking skills are essential, arts education, including theater visits, plays a vital role in developing independent and resourceful learners, influencing academic improvements across subjects. Despite the decline in demand for arts education, the majority of research advocates for its integration, emphasizing that theater trips provide students with opportunities to broaden their horizons and evolve both as individuals and learners.

• The Library 

Libraries hold a very important role in our civil society. These excursions introduce students to the valuable services libraries provide, such as lending materials, supporting research, and disseminating information. While trips should complement well-supported school library programs, research indicates that a library staffed by a certified librarian enhances students’ test scores, reading ability, and information literacy. Visits to public libraries provide insights into catalog searches, borrowing processes, and the role of libraries in civic engagement. Academic library trips benefit students, emphasizing the importance of libraries in research and postsecondary learning. Digital libraries and online resources expand access to library services, while engaging with visiting librarians enhances students’ understanding of electronic databases and available resources. Advocacy for robust school library programs remains crucial, with trips serving as valuable supplements to in-school learning.

• Historical sites

Understanding the people, places, ideas, and events that shaped society into what it is today is tremendously important to our sense of identity and community. What better way to transport oneself to a different time than by physically being where such events took place. Landmarks such as castles, palaces, and abbeys increasingly accommodate school visits, offering diverse experiences suitable for students at all education levels. These excursions serve as catalysts for sparking children’s imaginations, placing historical teachings into a vivid context, and providing interactive, hands-on experiences tailored to different key stages. Historical site visits prove to be cost-effective and relevant to the curriculum, engaging students in tasks and captivating their interest. Teachers find these experiences transformative, enhancing both enjoyment and comprehension of the subject, and inspiring students to explore other educational historical sites, galleries, and museums.

• Art Museums

Did you know that consuming art in a museum can combat loneliness, reduce stress, and make life feel more meaningful? That’s what’s behind this study published in the Journal of Positive Psychology. There is much more to it than just psychological benefits, teaching children how to appreciate art and feel comfortable in an artistic setting can have profound impacts on their critical thinking skills, tolerance, and cultural engagement. 

Artworks in museums serve as tangible links to history, unfolding stories and perspectives from various eras. This immersive encounter with the past not only deepens historical understanding but also cultivates an appreciation for diverse artistic expressions. Beyond history, the visit fosters the growth of budding artists, potentially sparking passions that students may not have discovered otherwise. The cognitive benefits are extensive, with studies indicating that engagement with the arts enhances performance across various academic disciplines, offering students a holistic and enriching experience.

The affordability of many art galleries ensures inclusivity, allowing students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds to partake in this cultural exploration without financial constraints. Additionally, a school trip to an art museum imparts essential values such as respect and contemplation. Students learn to navigate the gallery environment with decorum, developing an understanding of the importance of thoughtful observation and inquiry. In essence, the combination of historical enrichment, artistic inspiration, cognitive development, affordability, and character-building makes an art museum visit a uniquely comprehensive and impactful school trip choice.

• National Park

The power of wilderness and the beauty of nature are some of the most awe-inspiring forces that remind us of the profound and intricate wonders woven into the fabric of our existence. National parks serve as living classrooms, offering ranger-led programs, interactive exhibits, and hands-on activities that immerse children in subjects like science, history, and conservation. The physical activities available, such as hiking trails and bike paths, contribute to promoting overall well-being, instilling a sense of environmental consciousness, and creating enduring bonds through shared adventures in the great outdoors. A school trip to a national park with proper guidance on how to appreciate the surroundings can become an unforgettable experience.

• Zoo and Aquarium

Zoos and aquariums are noteworthy selections for school outings, driven by a host of compelling factors. These trips encourage hands-on learning as children witness and interact with animals in their natural habitats, fostering a deeper understanding of the natural world. These experiences instill environmental awareness by showcasing conservation efforts and educating children on the importance of protecting diverse ecosystems.

The trips also play a pivotal role in developing empathy and compassion, as kids get up close to animals, learn about their behaviors, and gain insight into their needs. These excursions stimulate critical thinking skills as children ask questions and seek answers about the animals they encounter, promoting an inquiry-based approach to learning.

A visit to an aquarium complements these benefits by offering an educational experience about marine life, ecosystems, and the interconnectedness of the underwater world. Aquariums further contribute to environmental awareness by highlighting the impact of pollution and climate change on the ocean’s delicate balance. They inspire creativity through the vibrant colors and patterns of aquatic life, encouraging children to express their imagination through artwork or writing. Aquarium field trips also foster curiosity, prompting children to inquire about the fascinating aspects of underwater life and inspiring a thirst for knowledge. 

• Camping Trip

Organizing school camping trips stands out as one of the most effective educational strategies, offering students a dynamic environment to collaborate with adults, cultivate meaningful relationships, and appreciate experiential learning. The active involvement of teachers in this informal setting, detached from the routine curriculum, is instrumental in fostering camaraderie among students and educators alike. These camping excursions provide a platform for students to hone various social skills, including relationship-building, teamwork, and tackling personal challenges. Beyond social development, such trips contribute to the cultivation of independence and confidence, instilling a sense of responsibility through activities such as cabin maintenance and meal preparation. The exposure to novel experiences during camping fosters decision-making and leadership skills, empowering students to take on roles of guidance and support for their peers, thereby lessening the academic burden on teachers. 

• Recycling facility

We’re often taught that we must recycle, and depending on where you are, how to do it properly. But judging by the sheer amount of misplaced trash , we are still a long way from understanding the intricacies of recycling and the real impact that our daily consumption has on our environment. 

Visiting a recycling facility proves to be an enlightening and impactful school trip, offering students valuable insights into the complexities of recycling processes and environmental sustainability. The firsthand experience students obtain at a recycling facility unravel the intricate operations involved in sorting and processing recyclables, shedding light on the challenges faced by recycling centers, such as market limitations and financial constraints. Students learn about the significant role they play as consumers, understanding the repercussions of their choices on recycling viability. It emphasizes the importance of responsible consumption, advocating for sustainable practices, and encourages students to prioritize reducing, reusing, and making informed decisions to support effective recycling initiatives in their communities.

• Botanical Garden

Botanical gardens are peaceful havens frequently found in the midst of vibrant urban areas or spanning peaceful natural settings. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, botanical gardens serve as living museums, curated collections with scientific, educational, and cultural significance. These gardens provide an immersive experience that transcends the visual, allowing students to connect with nature, destress, and recharge. Botanical gardens also offer insights into local history, environments, and cultures, making them valuable educational resources. Exploring these meticulously designed landscapes becomes a journey into the intricate relationships between native plants and the cultural diversity of the region, fostering a holistic understanding of the natural world.

• Government Building

It has taken centuries to shape our modern society into the organized civilization that it is today. We have created numerous branches of governments and systems of checks and balances in order to ensure the equitable distribution of power, safeguard individual rights, and establish a stable framework for the functioning of our intricate societal structure. This is, understandably, very confusing to a lot of people but particularly to a child just entering civil society. 

A school trip to a government building provides first-hand experience into the democratic process and the civic institutions that make up our society. It helps demystify the political system, making it more accessible and relatable. Here, students can observe how laws are debated, policies are formulated, and public issues are addressed. 

Farm visits are an exciting opportunity to immerse oneself and have a firsthand encounter with the agricultural process, allowing students to witness the intricate journey of how food is grown and animals are reared. Beyond the basics of farming, these visits also shed light on sustainable land management practices employed by farmers, emphasizing the crucial role agriculture plays in fostering biodiversity and environmental conservation.

The experience goes beyond the cultivation aspect, offering a valuable educational opportunity for children to establish a direct connection between the origins of their food and the farming process. By engaging with the agricultural landscape, students gain a holistic understanding of the significance of farming in our daily lives, fostering appreciation for the hard work of farmers and the importance of sustainable practices for a healthier planet.

• Healthcare Facilities

Students, especially younger ones, commonly experience heightened anxiety when it comes to hospitals and healthcare facilities. But a hospital should be perceived as a haven of healing and care, where compassionate professionals work tirelessly to alleviate concerns, prioritize well-being, and create a comforting environment conducive to recovery. A hospital visit makes a great school trip because it provides students with a unique opportunity to demystify the healthcare environment, fostering a deeper understanding of medical practices and nurturing empathy.

The  visit also contributes to career awareness, allowing students to explore diverse jobs within the healthcare sector and emphasizing the significance of teamwork and cooperation in providing societal benefits. By experiencing the various roles within a hospital, students gain firsthand insight into the diverse array of professions involved in healthcare. 

• Media and Broadcasting Studios

The media has had a lasting impact on our lives, and a visit to their studios provides a unique opportunity to witness firsthand the operations of vital communication hubs that keep communities connected and informed. Exploring the inner workings of media studios allows students to grasp the economic impact these entities have on local communities and understand the significance of their public service role, which extends to providing crucial information during emergencies.

A visit to TV, radio, or newspaper stations serves as an immersive educational experience, offering insights into the dynamic world of communication. Students can learn about the diverse careers within the industry, from journalism and production to technical roles, fostering an appreciation for the collaborative efforts that go into creating content across different media platforms. This hands-on encounter not only sparks interest in potential career paths within media but also aligns with educational initiatives that aim to provide students with a broader understanding of the professional landscape.

• Startup Incubators

Our world is changing at an accelerated pace and those that innovate will navigate and thrive in the dynamic landscape, shaping the future and staying resilient amidst the evolving challenges and opportunities. Startup incubators serve as dynamic hubs for early-stage businesses, fostering innovation at its core. Students gain firsthand insights into the intricate workings of these incubators, witnessing how they act as catalysts for startup growth by providing essential resources such as office spaces, mentorship opportunities, business education classes, and vibrant networking events.

One remarkable aspect of the incubator experience lies in its emphasis on innovation. The incubators showcase how they cultivate groundbreaking ideas. By immersing students in this environment, the trip facilitates an understanding of how innovation is nurtured, encouraging creative thinking and problem-solving skills. A school trip to a startup incubator becomes a transformative educational experience, instilling an appreciation for the collaborative spirit, innovative thinking, and diverse skills required to thrive in the ever-evolving landscape of business and startups.

As we conclude this exploration into the 20 best school trips, it’s evident that the potential for transformative learning experiences lies beyond the walls of the classroom. Each destination, meticulously selected for its educational value and impact, offers students a journey into realms that extend far beyond textbooks, fostering curiosity, creativity, and personal growth.

Whether delving into the wonders of science, immersing oneself in the rich tapestry of culture and history, connecting with nature and ecology, or exploring potential future careers, these school trips serve as catalysts for a holistic education.

In the spirit of expanding educational horizons, we invite you to explore World Camps, where our dedication is unwavering in providing you with the information needed to make the best educational choices for your child. Regardless of your location or where your travels may take you next, World Camps stands as a global resource, committed to enhancing your child’s educational journey. Let the adventure continue beyond the classroom, and may each school trip be a stepping stone towards a brighter and more enriching future.

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• Plan A School Trip

School trips – The ultimate teacher guide

There’s lots to think about when organising and leading an educational excursion, but these pointers will help set you on the road to success…

Find the perfect school trip

Start planning school trips early, educational and learning value, the cost of school trips, helping parents budget for school trips, free uk school trips, risk assessments and school trips safety, school trips insurance, accredited providers of school trips, getting assistance from the school trip venue, inspection visits, adult to pupil ratios, preparing the children, make time for reflection, school trip ideas.

Find perfect school trips in an instant with our school trip finder . Explore school trips by subject , region , type or simply browse our extensive school trip directory until you find something your pupils would love.

It falls under the category of ‘common sense’, but in teaching, where time is often in short supply, it bears repeating: allowing adequate time for planning a school trip is essential, as rushed school trips , planned days or weeks before rather than months in advance, will be both a more stressful experience for you as organiser, and at risk of underperforming educationally. 

One of the key findings of Ofsted’s 2008 Learning outside the classroom report was that learning outside the classroom (LOtC) was “most successful when it was an integral element of long-term curriculum planning and closely linked to classroom activities”. 

Gill Harvey, chief executive of the School Travel Forum , says that many school trips don’t get beyond the planning stage because teachers “haven’t gauged parental interest and got approval from the headteacher first.”  

Making an enquiry with school trips venues or providers should be “the last step in the process”, she continues.  

As the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom (CLOtC) highlights in its guidance , “the objectives for [your] visit should be defined carefully and must relate closely to classroom work.” 

In its 2008 report , Ofsted noted that, “Too many residential and other visits […] had learning objectives which were imprecisely defined”.  

When thinking about educational school trips, headteacher Tracey Bowen stresses that its “vital to be clear about why you’re going. What’s your intention? What do you want to get out of it?”. 

She continues: “We spend a phenomenal amount of time planning school trips, checking what the content of a workshop is, explaining what our needs are.” 

It’s important to think carefully about where you choose to go – as Tracey points out: “You can get brochures through and think, ‘Oh, that looks great – we’ll go there!’, but unless you’re careful, you can end up thinking, ‘That’s not what it said on the tin!’.” 

“Unless you’re careful you can end up thinking, ‘That’s not what it said on the tin!'”

More fundamentally, for a successful school trip, your choice of destination should be informed by your learning objectives . 

The CLOtC advises that if your outcomes can be “successfully achieved in the grounds of your school, or within easy access in the local area, then it is unlikely that travelling for hours to reach a more distant venue will enhance the learning experience” – but of course there will be many instances in which an external provider located further afield will be essential. 

Steve Craven, director of NST Travel Group, recommends being flexible with your travel dates, transport options, departure points and accommodation location to get the best price for school trips, and recommends not being afraid to ask for advice on making your financial resources stretch a little further. 

Consider the length of your school trip, too – the longer the trip is, the more expensive it will be. If you’re going on a residential school trip, filling your itinerary with a mix of free and paid-for options will help to keep the cost down.  

When it comes to the cost of transport, Sylvia Holland, a KS4 lead practitioner at Impington Village College and Impington International College who regularly organises MFL school trips abroad, says, “Since Brexit and the pandemic there has been a noticeable increase in the costs of flights, but being flexible with our travel dates has enabled us to benefit from the best prices available.” 

Her school has also benefited from community and charity funding, government grants and school fundraising. She recommends looking into The Turing Scheme . 

Schools usually take pride in offering an array of trips – but that may ring alarm bells for some parents, says Nikki Cunningham-Smith…

According to figures from Gingerbread, a national charity supporting one-parent families, lone-parent families are five times as likely to have an income of less than £200 per week. This makes it very difficult for them to cover the cost of school trips.

The cost-of-living crisis can’t help but loom large in this kind of conversation. And it’s not likely to be going away any time soon.

One demographic it hits particularly hard are, of course, parents of nursery and school-age children. The National Foundation for Educational Research recently found that over the past year, there have been significant increases in the  numbers of pupils requiring additional welfare and financial support . This is simply so they can access basic learning, social and extracurricular provision.

As you’d expect, the financial pressures are greatest in special schools and the most disadvantaged mainstream schools. Special school senior leaders are reporting especially high increases in need for pupil welfare support (from 28% to 36%) and financial support (33% to 43%) over the last year.

Spikes in support

Households are now under strain when paying household bills. This is combined with food costs soaring to their highest point in 45 years. Plus there’s the impact of rising interest rates on mortgage repayments and rents. This has resulted in households everywhere having far less disposable income.

Many more households hence have less in the way of savings. They’re increasingly living pay cheque to pay cheque, affording little wriggle room for unexpected expenses. (Though one thing that hasn’t changed is the threshold for Pupil Premium in light of these developments, in a way that might enable more families to become eligible for it).

Because it’s not just children currently eligible for Pupil Premium who are receiving extra support. In 63% of secondary schools, leaders report that just over half of those pupils receiving additional support from their school weren’t PP-eligible.

The same could be said for around 42% of special schools. This suggests that the current eligibility criteria for free school meals may be too restrictive.

SEN children

One parent of a SEN child once highlighted to me how difficult it can be to access trips due to the additional costs incurred from having a pupil on the SEND register. This is something other parents and teaching staff may not realise.

The example she gave me was having to buy three sets of ear defenders priced at £30 each at the start of a school year. This is one cost that not all parents will face.

Another parent told me how she had previously tried to keep her daughter off school in the week leading up to one trip. This was specifically so that she’d miss the building buzz and excitement, and hence not know the extent to which she’d be missing out because the parent couldn’t afford to pay.

In a post-pandemic climate, where pupil attendance is still giving us significant causes for concern , how can we tackle these anxieties that seem so closely associated with paying for school trips?

Parental finances

One thing we can do is provide parents with clear timetables at the start of the academic year that record proposed trips and upcoming costs. This help with parents’ budgeting.

If your capacity extends to it, you could even look into setting up financial literacy support sessions for any parents needing to improve their ability at budgeting successfully.

Where possible, look to provide a monthly payment system. Here, parents regularly deposit small sums in a dedicated account, before then making withdrawals once a trip has been arranged.

There’s scope to subsidise the trips themselves using Pupil Premium and/or SEND funding. Or you can approach your PTA about supporting funded places.

A good way of getting parents to engage can be to research any local financial support organisations. Share details of these in your school newsletters and parental forums.

The onus is on schools to embed these kinds of practices into their daily routines. If a school can demonstrate that their parents’ financial status is an area they’re sensitive to, this will help build a sense of openness.

Because we all want schools to be places where no child need miss out on exceptional learning experiences – whatever their socioeconomic status.

Support for parents

• Consider helping parents access financial literacy workshops from a local support organisation. Or provide them yourself in after-school sessions
• Ensure that parents feel able to inform you in the event of financial concerns or shocks that might be affecting them and their families
• Engage with charities that might be able to offer financial support to struggling families. Pass on any useful advice or guidance
• Some LAs can provide support with additional school expenses in ‘exceptional circumstances’

Nikki Cunningham-Smith is an assistant headteacher based in Gloucestershire

Of course, you don’t always need to travel far to find an appropriate setting for your school trip. Staying local helps you save on travelling time and costs but also helps children to engage with the local history of their community. Check out a great range of free school trips here . 

The very thought of being responsible for the wellbeing of 30+ unleashed kids can be enough to put teachers off school trips for life, but there has never been more guidance available for those responsible for carrying out risk assessments. 

So what exactly is a school trip risk assessment?

According to the Association of Teachers and Lecturers, a risk assessment is “an essential element of any school trip – not to mention a legal requirement.”  

The DfE’s ‘ Health and safety on educational visits’ resource , which draws upon the work of both the CLOtC and the Outdoor Education Advisers’ Panel (OEAP) , is a useful starting point. 

“If you are the group leader, always be prepared to trust your own judgement”, advises the NEU.

“If you think that to continue an activity or a school trip would compromise the health and safety of the group, you have the authority and responsibility to cancel it. 

“The teacher/group leader is expected to apply the same standard of care as would a ‘reasonable parent’ acting within a range of reasonable responses.” 

If you need help with your risk assessment, each local authority has an outdoor education advisor who is there to help and support you. 

It’s vital that all staff and pupils are fully and correctly insured for your school trip. NEU says that it’s important to “study insurance policies carefully – they should include cover for possible personal liability and ‘third party insurance’ for all responsible adults. 

“Group leaders must ensure that they do nothing to jeopardise their insurance cover. 

“When negligence is alleged, the case will nearly always be taken against the employer, who is vicariously liable and carries insurance for third-party liability. 

“Claims are seldom brought against individuals and, if individual employees are sued, they may bring in their employer as a co-defendant.

“Some employers provide a specific indemnity which protects staff against any liability if a claim is made against them personally.  

“The courts do not rush to find schools and teachers negligent, they accept that accidents do happen. 

“However, schools must demonstrate that they have taken reasonable steps to plan school trips thoroughly and assess and control risks, and individual teachers must demonstrate that their responses to an incident were within the range of the reasonable responses of a parent.” 

It’s easy to underestimate the time and energy needed to organise a school trip, especially if you’re taking a ‘DIY’ approach and arranging all the separate elements yourself.  

Using an accredited provider or tour company gives you financial protection in the form of ABTA or ATOL bonding, but another benefit, as Gill Harvey from School Travel Forum explains, is that reputable tour companies will have “first-hand knowledge of your destination and a good ‘bank’ of suppliers from which to choose appropriate services for your school trip, and can offer 24-hour help and support in the unlikely event that anything should happen – from flight delays to last minute cancellations.” 

Using an accredited provider can save you time when it comes to paperwork and “gives you peace of mind that the elements of the school trip have all been carefully checked on your behalf”, according to Gill. 

Jamie Walls, product development and delivery manager at YHA , recommends looking in particular for the Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC) Quality Badge .

He says: “It’s the only nationally recognised indicator of good quality educational provision and effective risk management.  

“Having this quality standard means the red tape associated with a school trip is reduced.” 

If you can’t quite find what you’re looking for when browsing school trip ideas, don’t be afraid to ask venues for assistance, advises deputy headteacher Grace Shaw. 

Many museums, galleries, zoos and the like are more than willing to be flexible.

Grace says: “Rather than picking off the menu, you can tailor-make what you need. Museums in particular are usually very happy to adapt their offer, because they’re so thrilled to share what they’ve got to share.” 

On school trips where venue staff are taking the lead in guiding students, don’t be tempted to switch off. Grace says: “Some teachers think, ‘I’ll get to my workshop, then the workshop leader will have the children and I’ll get them back at the end.’ 

“Actually, you need to work with staff, because while they’re experts in their field, you’re the expert in your children. You’ve got to develop a partnership.” 

Gill Harvey adds that to maximise the positive impact of your trip and help gain approval from parents and the school to run the trip in the first place, ask your operator how they can support you to promote the learning benefits of the trip to your stakeholders. 

Planning a school trip checklist

The Association of Teachers and Lecturers lays out the following checklist for planning a school trip. 

• Obtain approval from your school and the local authority, if applicable 
• Undertake or obtain a risk assessment
• Detail staffing, supervision and training needs 
• Ensure that the trip is adequately insured 
• Plan transport 
• Obtain written parental consent for medical treatment and brief parents 
• Conduct an exploratory visit 
• Prepare contingency and emergency arrangements 
• Brief staff in preparation for the trip, including responsibilities and emergency arrangements 
• Prepare children for the trip discussing arrangements, expectations and safety 

Making time to head to your destination ahead of the trip proper can help clarify issues as trivial as where you need to park, as well as more important issues relating to health and safety. 

In its National Guidance, the OEAP notes that while accreditations and other sources of information provide essential assurances, “they are not a substitute for a preliminary visit and being able to clarify issues face to face.” 

Jamie Walls from YHA says that by arranging a pre-visit, group leaders can get a feel for the residential destination. “They can also talk to staff, get assistance with any paperwork necessary and see the activities first-hand,” he says.  

If you’re planning a school trip residential, a visit will allow you to assess catering and sleeping arrangements. “Ensure that your groups have dedicated rooms and that the catering is not only offered but of good quality, with any dietary requirements catered for too”, suggests Jamie. 

According to NEU, there’s no precise formula for the ratio of adults required on a school trip. “It’s down to reasonable judgement”, it explains.

“You should take into account the nature of the expedition, and the number, age and aptitudes of the children. School trips which involve hazardous activities require more adults for a group.”  

“There’s no precise formula for the ratio of adults required on a school trip”

Many venues will state their own ratios for school trips on their website. 

Government guidance on ratios

On its website, the Health and Safety Executive states that pupil to staff ratios for school trips are not prescribed in law. 

It states that “those planning a school trip, on the basis of risk assessment, should decide the ratios, taking into account the activity to be undertaken and the age and maturity of the pupils.” 

Before embarking on your trip, set out your expectations about behaviour and lay out your learning outcomes and how they will be used in the following weeks. 

It’s also important to set out to children what will happen on their school trip – emphasising the times when they’ll need to focus and the opportunities for free time available. 

Giving children a clear idea of what will happen on your trip and when can help to alleviate anxieties about the unknown, according to experts at PAC-UK . 

They propose providing a timetable of the trip, breaking it down into its component elements, the more visual the better. 

Other ways to help anxious children include:

• Looking at images or the website of your destination
• Arranging a pre-visit with a caregiver, if possible
• Giving pupils the chance to discuss any worries with a key person in school 

Read more advice from PAC-UK about reducing trip trauma . 

Another important aspect of preparing children for a trip is making sure that they already have a basic knowledge of the topic you’re looking to focus on. 

Teacher Sylvia Holland says that many school trip venues “have a plethora of resources available online that are designed to support learning in the classroom, for use either prior to or after your visit. 

“Use videos to set the scene and excite pupils ahead of their trip or use worksheets to help with follow-up lesson planning and allow them to apply new-found skills.” 

Making the most of a school trip isn’t just about ensuring its smooth-running on the day – the point, after all, is for the visit to have a measurable positive benefit on students’ learning when they return to the classroom. 

As such, it’s equally important to give due consideration to how you plan to continue the learning – in some cases post-visit resources may be available to help you – and to reflect, in partnership with students, on the experience: evaluate its effectiveness in terms of improving educational outcomes, and learn lessons for next time. 

Whether you’re looking for help planning a primary school trip, a secondary school trip, a free school trip or just something a little out-of-the-ordinary, we’ve got you covered with this mega list of school trip ideas!

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Pgl school trips, school trips in london.

• Science trips

Animal attractions

• New York City
• History trips

Theme parks and attractions

• Theatre and drama trips
• Outdoor activity day trips

Residential trips for schools

Manor House & Ashbury Hotels

The Manor House & Ashbury Hotels , in the heart of Devon, offer a fantastic choice of over 50 sport, craft, leisure and spa activities.

A dedicated schools coordinator can create a bespoke programme to meet your group’s individual requirements, plus all equipment and use of its fantastic facilities is included in the price.

All sessions are delivered by experienced tutors with a child-led approach. With workshops, accommodation, full-board dining and generous group discounts you’re guaranteed a great value break that ticks every box.

Rock UK has been working with schools for nearly 100 years. Its four nationwide activity centres offer tailor-made programmes of challenging activities to build resilience, confidence and independence – you can choose from over 40 instructed activities, from watersports to abseiling, bush craft to archery and much more.

All centres hold the LOtC quality badge, testament to the company’s high standards for safety, activity provision and learning outcomes.

Bursary places are available for children who would otherwise be left behind.

Ringsfield Hall

Ringsfield Hall is an innovative centre for outdoor learning and nature connection, with 14.5 acres of woods, meadow and a homely Victorian house.

On offer are crafted forest school and earth education programmes, infused with imagination, drama and magic, all delivered by experienced practitioners with a child-led and eco-therapeutic approach.

You can opt for a day visit or residentials, with facilities including an art barn, music studio and sports pitches.

Other highlights include farm animals, fantastic home-cooked food and the freedom to explore!

Go Wild Adventures

Bring your students out of the classroom and immerse them in the great outdoors at Go Wild Adventures .

Go Wild’s philosophy is that great things can happen in young people’s lives when their horizons are widened, and its team will work to help you achieve this.

Pupils are invited to embrace living under canvas and inspired to explore the world around them.

With campfires, woodlands, fields and an on-site field study classroom on offer, Go Wild can help you put together a package to suit your specific needs.

Cumulus Outdoors

Cumulus offers action-packed residential programmes on the stunning Jurassic coast in Dorset, tailored to your requirements and fully supported by a team who will guide you every step of the way.

You can choose either the exclusive Tented Village option for an authentic outdoor experience – featuring 24/7 pastoral care, spacious tents, a large communal tipi and dedicated teachers area – or the Residential Centre for dormitory accommodation, plus dedicated teacher and classroom facilities.

Programmes can include coasteering, a visit to a waterpark, a mud run, kayaking, mackerel fishing, rock climbing and abseiling, and more.

YHA School Trips

Whatever your subject and whatever your desired learning objectives, when you choose YHA School Trips you can be assured of a safe, fulfilling and unforgettable residential that will stay with your pupils long after their coach journey home.

What’s more, as a leading youth charity, YHA believes that every child should have the same chance to discover, explore and grow – to that end it creates unique opportunities for young people from all backgrounds to experience amazing places, share extraordinary journeys and take a different path through life.

TYF has been running for over 30 years, delivering adventure residential school trips for schools. Pupils are taken out of the confines of the classroom and immersed in adventurous and experiential learning in the natural world.

Its core activities are coasteering (which it pioneered in 1986), surfing, climbing and abseiling, and kayaking.

The programmes link adventure and problem solving, helping pupils to find meaning and inspiration whilst building the ‘backpack skills’ for a lifetime of adventurous play.

Mill on the Brue

Mill on the Brue Outdoor Activity Centre boasts over 40 activities in the idyllic river valley in Bruton, Somerset.

Each programme is individually written in consultation with the party leader, who can choose activities based around team-building, problem-solving, high energy or just plain fun, with experienced and qualified instructors who stay with the group throughout the week.

Food is also an important part of the trip, with child-friendly meals and all diets catered for.

Children are taught about the environment and teamwork, and gain a comprehension of healthy living and life skills.

The School Journey Association

The School Journey Association’ s activity school trips are suitable for all age groups and are a fantastic way to motivate pupils, whilst teaching them independence, self-belief and many other important life skills.

They offer both day and residential school trips to accredited activity centres throughout the UK and France, as well as visits to Belgium and Spain.

NST has been creating tours that inspire and educate children for more than 50 years. It chooses its destinations with school groups in mind. Safe, secure accommodation options and a range of engaging visits provide an ideal introduction to the world outside the classroom.

It’s the travel company of choice for over 35,000 group leaders, and NST is committed to doing its absolute best to provide schools with the experience and support they need to create school trips pupils will remember long after they return to the classroom.

Dunfield House

A proud LOtC-accredited provider, Dunfield House offers an outstanding residential experience – a place to call home where students can improve their confidence, resilience, wellbeing and life skills.

Its friendly team offer a personal service, with 24/7 onsite managers, three-star accommodation and healthy, wholesome meals with unlimited refreshments and biscuits.

Varied lesson plans, developed by teachers, are available for self-directed learning.

Dunfield caters for groups of 30–95, offering sole use of the house and/or stables accommodation.

Most importantly, it offers a sanctuary where young people develop their true potential, taking memories and new skills back to the classroom.

The Outward Bound Trust

As an educational charity, the Outward Bound Trust ’s mission is to make its residential programmes available to as many young people as possible.

With the philosophy that money shouldn’t stand in the way of opportunity and that everyone can achieve more than they think they can, it raises funds thanks to the generosity of donors, its fundraising events and early careers development programmes.

The trust puts this towards appropriate funding for schools, colleges and youth groups.

UKSA specialises in introducing people of all ages to the great outdoors through watersports and sailing.

Its water-based activities are a great way to build confidence, teamwork and resilience. On offer are a variety of disciplines, from dinghy sailing and kayaking, to windsurfing and standup paddleboarding.

Team building and multi-activity programmes are also available. UKSA’s 3.5-acre fully residential campus is based in Cowes, Isle of Wight – just a short hop over from Southampton, Portsmouth or Lymington.

There are regular complementary preview weekends for anyone who wishes to experience what’s on offer, first hand.

YMCA Lakeside

YMCA Lakeside is one of the largest and most scenic outdoor education centres in the UK. Set on the shores of Lake Windermere, this iconic centre has been hosting school residentials and transforming young lives for over 70 years.

Its state-of-the-art schools facility, opened in 2019, created an additional 200 beds and more opportunities to provide outstanding learning outside the classroom activities.

Belchamps Scout Activity Centre

If you’re looking for something different for your next educational venture outside the school grounds, try this activity centre set amid 30 acres of camping fields in the Essex countryside.

The site includes a choice of five indoor accommodations and two tented villages with a cooking hut, and a range of different experiences to try.

Available activities include abseiling, bridge building, bushcraft days (which involve fire lighting and shelter building) and indoor/outdoor climbing, among many others.

Essex Outdoors

Essex Outdoors is situated across four stunning locations in Essex, ideally located to provide an outstanding school trips experience.

Whether you’re looking for a residential stay or a day trip, its fully trained and dedicated staff will ensure that your students develop lifelong memories.

With over 40 different activities on offer – from archery to crabbing, quad bikes to zip wires – there’s certain to be something that will engage and inspire your pupils.

The wide range of accommodation options, including residential blocks, pods, cabins and tents, means you will be able to plan a trip that’s exactly what you’re looking for.

Active Escape

Active Escape is based in stunning North Devon and provides a variety of stimulating and unique experiences, including coasteering, stand-up paddleboarding, rafting, party SUPs and its very own ‘Adventure Challenge’.

All of the activities on offer encourage team-building, boost self-confidence and fulfill a number of educational purposes too.

You can choose to spend half a day with Active Escape or a whole week, thanks to a campsite equipped with bell tents for your students.

Conway Centres

With four locations across north Wales and Cheshire, Conway Centres are the perfect location for schools to come together and make life-long memories.

Conway Centres combines real-life outdoor adventure with unique creative and performing arts activities, which increase achievement and inspire individuals.

Whether children and young people are canoeing on the private dock in Anglesey (with the stunning Snowdonia mountain range as a backdrop), taking centre stage in the outdoor woodland theatre or exploring all that Delamere forest has to offer, there’s something to inspire everyone at Conway Centres.

Brathay Trust

Situated in the stunning Lake District National Park, Brathay Hall is home to Brathay Trust . Each year the site hosts hundreds of young people on immersive, memorable and life-changing residential programmes that promote resilience, leadership and wellbeing.

A Brathay residential programme offers a powerful learning experience in an inspiring location, using outdoor activities and a creative approach to enable a wide range of outcomes to be achieved.

As the director of services at Aspired Futures put it, “The changes we saw in young people on the residential would take us a year to achieve in our community setting.”

Epic Outdoors

Epic Outdoors is an adventure activities licensing service and Duke of Edinburgh approved adventure provider specialising in developing personal and group skills through multi activity programmes.

It currently delivers activities in the Lake District, North Wales and the Peak District – everything from gorge walking, canoe and climbing to mindfulness, wild camping and traditional storytelling – to over 2,500 young people each year.

Schools receive full support, from pre-visits for staff, students and parents to curriculum blending and post residential review trips – and most importantly, genuine adventures built around learning outcomes.

A Kingswood adventure brings out the potential in every child. With award-winning programmes focused on building confidence, boosting resilience and developing key life skills, your class will enjoy a breath of fresh air, a taste of independence and make memories to last a lifetime.

Choose from 11 adventure centres across the UK, where the Kingswood team will deliver activities from abseiling to zip wires, while providing learning outcomes and so much more.

Introduced in 2022, the new unique Confidence Tracker also helps you to measure and demonstrate the outcome of your trip.

Plus, you’ll be able to explore pre- and post-trip activities from Kingswood’s partners, Enrich Education, to help extend the value of your trip.

Oaker Wood Leisure

Oaker Wood Leisure Adventure Centre in Herefordshire specialises in school activity residentials for groups of up to 120 students.

Accommodation comes in the form of wooden ‘glamping’ pods based in glamping villages for the exclusive use of each school group, complete with campfire, barbecue hut, kitchen and dining facilities, showers and toilets.

On-site activities include team-building, high ropes, a zip wire, quick jump, paintball, raft-building, quad trekking and more.

You can book residentials for between one and four nights. Day trips and in-school team-building days also available.

Llain Activity Centre

Llain Activity Centre is a short drive from New Quay, West Wales and a short walk to the secluded Cei Bach beach.

The nine-acre former farm is packed with various accommodation options, a one-and-a-half-acre lake and a one-acre mud assault course as well as a climbing tower, high ropes and zip line.

Having specialised in residential school trips for over 20 years, the centre prides itself on its pre-visit communication and parent presentations.

Scout Adventures

With over 100 years’ experience in character education, Scout Adventures has helped thousands of young people enjoy a range of adventure activities while learning new skills and becoming active citizens of the future.

At Scout Adventures it’s all about helping young people to reach their potential – understanding that learning away can have a powerful, positive impact on young people’s academic achievement.

With its expertise in informal outdoor learning, and world famous Scouting heritage and values, Scout Adventures has inspired generations of young people to reach their potential and learn skills for life.

It also provides free resources to schools.

Calvert Trust Exmoor

Calvert Trust Exmoor offers a unique opportunity for students of any age and any disability to experience exciting, challenging and enjoyable adventure activities in a safe, accessible environment.

On a residential break, children can overcome challenges, build confidence and enrich their lives through improved self-esteem and a sense of achievement.

The Trust also promotes physical activity, helps with social interaction and gives pupils and staff a shared point of reference that can aid engagement when back in the classroom.

It works with numerous UK educational establishments, both specialist and mainstream, and can tailor breaks to meet your needs.

PGL has been successfully delivering high-quality learning experiences for 65 years, amassing a wealth of experience within outdoor education.

As the largest outdoor learning provider in the UK, over 350,000 young people benefit from a PGL trip each year.

With 15 centres across the UK, most schools are no more than two hours away from their next PGL adventure. There are also four centres in France and a ski programme in Europe.

Residential school trips offer unforgettable experiences at the well-equipped adventure centres and with PGL, you get round-the-clock support from experienced instructors and a dedicated member of staff to look after you and your group during your stay.

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SEA LIFE London

Inspirational for all ages, SEA LIFE London offers pupils the opportunity to explore the creatures that live in our rivers and oceans.

They will walk in awe through Pacific Ocean tunnels, tropical rainforests and an Antarctic penguin point.

Younger children’s curiosity will be piqued as they become top rock pool explorers while older students can observe, first hand, ecosystems, environmental changes, evolution and marine conservation.

Pupils will learn about the different oceans around the world, explore creature characteristics and differences in their adaptations to survive, and compare and contrast the life stages of mammals, amphibians, insects and birds.

Tour for Muggles

Show your students the magical side of London with this award-winning Harry Potter tour . This is a really engaging way for students to delve into the Harry Potter series while learning about London’s rich history.

The Tour for Muggles team have worked with many school groups and their excellent guides will make it a memorable experience for you all.

The team reserves the best prices for school groups. Teachers can attend for free. Multi-award winner of the TripAdvisor Award of Excellence and Scoot Awards, this tour is truly Potterific!

Imperial War Museum London

IWM London tells the story of conflict from 1914 to the present day. School groups can choose to take part in one of IWM’s learning sessions with an expert educator, or opt to explore the museum on a self-guided visit. The Documentary Challenge gives students the chance to explore IWM’s galleries, find objects and tell the stories the world needs to hear by making short documentaries.

We Were There sessions provide a unique opportunity to meet veterans who have all experienced conflict first-hand.

Holocaust Learning sessions support students as they learn about one of the most difficult subjects in history. New technology guides pupils through IWM’s Holocaust Galleries, critically considering why the Holocaust happened, why we study it, and what it means in our world today.

Jewish Museum

At Jewish Museum London , students will learn about the history of Judaism and the culture of the Jewish community here in Britain.

All workshops are interactive and, depending on what you have planned, students might handle precious objects with important and personal stories, watch films, listen to stories and sound clips, or participate in craft activities. The museum also provides the opportunity for students to hear from a Holocaust survivor speaker who will tell their personal story.

The Living Communities gallery offers a space for craft activities and group work. Students may even get the chance to practise calligraphy skills and learn some Hebrew.

Asking questions is an important part of your visit – The Jewish Museum London offers a safe space to ask anything about Judaism or Jewish people that you ever wanted to know.

KidZania London

Visit KidZania London in Westfield, Shepherd’s Bush and your pupils will experience experiential learning at its best. KidZania is the indoor city for kids with endless, exciting, real-life career activities.

The range of activities available is designed to link back to the curriculum across PSHE, literacy and STEM.

KidZania also runs unique educational events throughout the year to bring careers learning to life. These include Parliament Week, STEM Week and its Careers Fair.

The Postal Museum

The Postal Museum explores how the post has changed the way we live. Interactive sessions explore communication stories across the curriculum for all key stages. Meanwhile, its exhibition galleries are jam-packed with intriguing objects charting 500 years of social history.

Pupils can hop aboard Mail Rail, travelling on a tiny train through the tunnels of London’s hidden postal railway and testing their engineering ingenuity in the original train depot.

Younger visitors can learn through play in Sorted! and have sack loads of fun delivering the post in the mini mail town.

Lee Valley Regional Park

Help your class to experience a range of outdoor adventure activities with a trip to a 10,000 acre classroom in Lee Valley Regional Park , spanning London, Essex and Hertfordshire.

The learning service provides real-word experience of topics on the KS1 and KS2 curriculum. Immerse pupils in the history of the Stone Age, help them discover the natural world, or teach mindfulness practices in the outdoors.

Looking for something more? The forest school activity programme is available in six-week blocks for children to develop physical and social skills. In-school programmes are also available.

Science trips for schools

Brooklands Museum

Brooklands Museum is a 32-acre site steeped in history and linked with world-famous achievements.

Its collections of historic cars, aircraft, motorcycles, bicycles and artefacts tell fascinating and inspirational stories.

From its creation in 1907, through two World Wars and for most of the 20th century, Brooklands was a centre for breaking speed records, motor racing and advances in science and technology. Thousands of aircraft were tested and flown.

Today, students can:

• sit inside real aircraft
• drive a Formula 1 simulator around Brooklands race track
• design their own aircraft
• step on board a real Concorde

Magna Science Adventure Centre

Magna Science Adventure Centre is a hands-on experience with interactive exhibits and fascinating displays.

Pupils can explore the wonders of science, technology and industrial history in four pavilions: Fire, Water, Earth and Air.

These are crammed with over 100 exciting activities. Invite your group to discover the amazing nature of water, operate real diggers, witness a fire tornado and even explode a rock face.

There’s also a chance to discover South Yorkshire & North East England’s steel-making heritage in ‘The Big Melt’ experience. This is a thunderous pyrotechnic show.

Kent Wildlife Trust

Kent Wildlife Trust is the leading wildlife charity in Kent. Its aim is to bring people closer to nature and ensure wildlife is protected and restored in the future.

Activities enable young people to connect with nature and learn outside the classroom.

Learners will explore different habitats, learn new skills and have fun while meeting curriculum objectives.

Expert tutors are on hand to deliver a wide range of interactive sessions at sites across Kent. These range from pond dipping to forest school programmes.

Staff are committed to ensuring high quality provision and have been awarded the Learning Outside the Classroom quality badge.

The Young People’s Trust for the Environment (YPTE) is a charity set up to support children’s understanding of the natural world.

Working with young people, schools and parents, it aims to give children a real awareness of environmental issues. These include:

• climate change
• deforestation
• the plight of endangered flora and fauna

Your pupils need to know all of the facts in order to make their own decisions about how they want to shape their world for the future. The YPTE helps to equip them with the knowledge they need.

The Field Studies Council

The Field Studies Council (FSC) is the UK’s leading charity sector provider of outdoor environmental education.

Much of its work is based at one of its 17 field centres. These have an international reputation for high standards of primary school, secondary school and university teaching by expert staff and associated facilities.

A broad range of courses are available, from fieldwork residentials and adventure school trips to one-day experiences. These Field Studies Council courses immerse pupils in the natural world, taking in its sights, sounds and smells by bringing subjects to life in the outdoor classroom.

Godstone Farm

Godstone Farm opened its doors 40 years ago as an educational attraction for school children. Over the years it has developed into the farm countless visitors enjoy today.

Its schools programme has been designed to complement the statutory framework for the Early Years Foundation Stages and both the KS1 and 2 programmes of study, mixing in a whole heap of fun.

Children with SEND are welcomed, with semi-structured visits on offer.

Stratford-upon-Avon Butterfly Farm

A visit to Stratford-upon-Avon Butterfly Farm offers an excellent opportunity for children of all ages and abilities to become jungle explorers and learn about rainforest environments. They can also learn about the life cycle of a butterfly, and Mayans KS2 topics.

KS1 and 2 curriculum subjects are covered, with all tours tailored to meet your group’s needs.

Tours include an introductory talk and a ‘Meet the Mini-Beast’ handling session.

With plenty of hands-on, close observation and activity, this is an immersive and educational day out for your class.

Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens

From art to geography, science to literacy, whether you want an educational talk for your pupils or are just coming for a visit, Cotswold Wildlife Park has plenty to offer.

Home to over 260 different animal species, and comprising 120 acres of stunning gardens and parkland, it is the perfect place to bring the National Curriculum to life.

Your pupils can get eye to eye with giraffes, watch rhinos graze on the manor house lawns, walk with lemurs, take a ride on Bella the train or explore the adventure playground.

Free coach parking is available.

West Midland Safari Park

Located in Worcestershire, West Midland Safari Park has been welcoming educational groups for over 40 years. And with over 140 species of amazing animals on show, pupils can immerse themselves in a truly unique learning environment.

In 2017 the park’s purpose-built Safari Academy opened. This is a sustainable, state-of-the-art education centre, dedicated to providing learning opportunities for all ages.

A variety of educational sessions are on offer to complement the curriculum. These are delivered by an experienced education team who aim to inspire a future generation of conservationists.

Monkey World

Whether your pupils are learning about primate rescue work, the impact of deforestation or how woolly monkey use their tails, Monkey World ’s experienced education team can enhance your trip and support learning in the classroom.

As well as curriculum-linked sessions and workbooks, Monkey World offers visitors the chance to see over 250 monkeys and apes. This includes the largest group of chimpanzees outside of Africa, Europe’s only orangutan crèche and a breeding group of woolly monkeys – all in one day!

Amazona Zoo

Amazona Zoo in Cromer, Norfolk, is home to over 200 animals from tropical South America. These include:

The zoo features a 30-foot yurt for viewing educational films and other learning activities; an expansive outdoor play area, Rainforest Springs, with two large jumping pillows; and a spacious, well-equipped indoor play area, Jungle Tumbles.

There are opportunities for visitors to see the animals being fed, meet the zookeepers and learn about the history of South America and the rainforest.

Longleat is home to a wide range of attractions, so can easily tie in with a variety of topics, act as a case study, or be the inspirational starting point to a project.

Science and history have intrinsically strong connections but Longleat also presents wonderful opportunities for subjects such as English, maths, art and design. These can be given a real-life context.

There’s a huge selection of workshops and resources, for EYFS through to KS4+. Longleat is committed to continuously improving through expanding their variety of activities on offer.

Colchester Zoo

Colchester Zoo has an award-winning education programme and offers free sessions to support many subjects across the curriculum.

As well as covering traditional science and geography concepts such as adaptations and conservation, it also extends to English debating skills, art, maths and wildlife forensics. These support curriculum areas not traditionally associated with a zoo visit.

Schools looking for a general zoo visit are also very welcome to attend and use any of the zoo’s free online resources to focus self-guided or group learning.

Paignton Zoo

Paignton Zoo in Devon features 2,500 animals across 80 acres of natural habitat.

It has a comprehensive education offering to tempt schools. Primary students can access a range of interactive, curriculum-linked workshops. These take place in themed classrooms containing a host of artefacts and specimens.

Options include Evolution, Endangered animals and conservation, and habitats and adaptations. Qualified teaching staff will deliver these.

The team can also help visiting teachers to develop an itinerary for their visit. This can span a wide range of subjects, including maths, art, English, geography, and more.

The Deep is home to 3,500 fish and welcomes over 30,000 students every year to its purpose-built Learning Centre.

Start your amazing aquarium experience with the breath-taking coral reef in the Lagoon and some impressively large sharks in Endless Ocean. Or take a look at the creatures of the Amazon in the Flooded Forest.

A team of experienced in-house teachers deliver workshops, presentations and hands-on activities to school groups. They cover a wide selection of topics, including:

• citizenship
• customer care
• travel and tourism.

Flamingo Land Resort

Flamingo Land in North Yorkshire offers a great day out for school students. Your group will be able to enjoy the thrills of amazing theme park rides and explore an award-winning animal collection.

They can tour the zoo and attend keeper talks. These provide fascinating information about a variety of animals, including:

• Sumatran tigers
• African lions
• Black and white rhinoceroses

Business studies students can also take the opportunity to learn how a major leisure attraction operates, with information on a range of topics covering HR, customer services, finance and marketing.

National Marine Aquarium

The National Marine Aquarium is the largest public aquarium in the UK. It offers an amazing aquarium experience for more than 300,000 visitors per year (including 30,000 school students).

Its range of exhibits features marine animals from near and far. There are zones dedicated to the Atlantic Ocean, the Great Barrier Reef and Plymouth Sound.

Of particular interest will be JustAddH2O, the aquarium’s award-winning Learning Space. Its dedicated Discovery & Learning team operate in partnership with other education experts to provide a continuously developing programme that supports all teachers, from Foundation Stage to university and beyond.

Wingham Wildlife Park

There’s not an animal-based education destination in Kent that can offer more variety than Wingham Wildlife Park . At the park you’ll find:

• Over 170 species
• 190 talk topics. This includes everything from individual species to recycling, palm oil, dinosaurs, reptiles, invertebrates, nocturnal animals, birds and much more
• Pre-designed itineraries
• An outdoor play area
• Free lunch lockers
• Plenty of picnic areas (both open and under cover)

London & Whipsnade Zoos

If you’re looking to take your students on an inspirational school trip, look no further than ZSL’s two fantastic zoos .

London Zoo is the world’s oldest scientific zoo, home to over 650 species of animals. On the other hand, Whipsnade Zoo is the UK’s largest zoo. It’s set in 600 acres of beautiful scenery with some of the largest, rarest and most majestic animals alive.

Schools receive fantastic discounts for self-guided entry and educational sessions. You can choose from a range of curriculum-linked sessions, delivering a unique interactive learning experience. You can book these as part of your education visit.

A visit to either zoo is ideal for children of all ages, from Foundation through Key Stage 1, 2, 3 and 4.

The National Holocaust Centre and Museum

The National Holocaust Centre and Museum delivers educational programmes using digital technology, survivor testimonies, hate crime specialists and artefacts to challenge prejudice.

The MAD (Mechanical Art & Design) Museum

This venue displays over 60 motorised pieces of automata and kinetic art. These have all been handcrafted by outside-the-box thinkers and inventors from across the globe.

The museum encourages students to interact with and witness a diverse range of engineering and physics principles as well as clever design elements. The museum offers:

• hands-on learning
• discounted tickets
• support materials for teachers
• sketching and photography sessions
• KS3 activities and automata construction kits

Groups usually spend two hours experiencing everything on offer.

The National Football Museum

The National Football Museum teaches much more than just a game. Its fun and inspiring programme uses unique objects and amazing stories to enthuse and engage school students, employing football to bring the curriculum to life.

Pupils will journey back through time and chart the game’s development and place in society across the generations; score points with the museum’s approach to maths; get creative with words in poetry and commentary workshops; and get hands-on with real football artefacts in science and design sessions.

De Havilland Aircraft Museum

Your pupils can experience fun and engaging workshops at the UK’s oldest aviation museum , dedicated to the preservation of the de Havilland heritage.

They can get close up and inside many of the exhibits and aircraft, and enjoy bespoke workshops. You can tailor these to your topic, with many cross-curricular elements as well as opportunities to practise soft skills such as:

• critical thinking
• following instructions

British Motor Museum

The British Motor Museum offers a range of interactive museum walks, hands-on workshops and self-led activities that allow pupils to experience the sights, sounds and stories of the British motor industry. This is all while engaging in a fun learning programme linked to the National Curriculum.

There’s a coach drop-off point outside the museum entrance, accessible toilets and dedicated learning spaces, including a lunch area.

International tours

Halsbury Travel

Founded by former teachers, Halsbury Travel specialises in tailor-made tours for schools designed to inspire.

Its philosophy is that education should be an exciting adventure. And, as such, it offers some incredible activities that students will never forget.

You can walk on glaciers in Iceland, hike up volcanoes in Naples and Costa Rica, and explore the vastness of the Grand Canyon. There’s so many school trip destinations on offer.

You can travel to any number of far-flung destinations. These include India, Sri Lanka, Vietnam and China. Here your students will experience exotic landscapes and ancient, rich cultures.

Galina International Study Tours

Established in 1989, Galina is an independent, family-run tour operator providing curriculum-relevant primary and secondary school trips to destinations in the UK and Europe.

You can tailor the tours to cover your students’ specific learning objectives. Get in touch with a member of the team to discuss your requirements and start planning a school trip adventure.

WorldStrides

With WorldStrides you can experience the natural wonder of Iceland with your students, and use Geography Association-approved materials linked to the GCSE curriculum.

Begin in Reykjavik, then spend four days exploring the land of fire and ice – from explosive geysers and giant volcanoes, to glaciers and magnificent waterfalls.

Travel to Vik and the South Coast and then on to Gullfoss before enjoying a relaxing soak in the Blue Lagoon.

The team vets every hotel and restaurant to ensure it meets your expectations. And WorldStrides will work with you every step of the way to make your experience a smooth one.

School trips to New York City

European study tours.

European Study Tours is a leading educational tour operator trusted by teachers to organise educational tours and experiences since 1982.

Catering for destinations all around the world, European Study Tours also holds curriculum-focused conference events in New York. The LIVE! conferences bring students together with high-calibre industry professionals to provide subject insight and inspiration that can’t be found in text books or the classroom.

Art & Design LIVE! and Business LIVE! are held at the iconic MOMA museum, where students can hear first-hand accounts and exclusive insights from leading industry specialists. Q&A sessions give students the opportunity to put their questions to the experts. Then finish the day with a trip to Top of the Rock to see the city sparkle at night.

History school trips

Historic Royal Palaces

With 1,000 years of history to uncover, a visit to some of the country’s most iconic historic palaces offers pupils the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in history where it happened.

Children can take part in interactive sessions led by expert, costumed presenters, including: Tudor kitchens revealed at Hampton Court Palace; crime and punishment at the Tower of London; Queen Victoria’s toys at Kensington Palace; and the roles of servants uncovered at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens.

And for those wanting a self-led visit, activity trails linked to the national curriculum allow teachers to shape a visit to suit their students’ needs.

King Richard III Visitor Centre

Head to Leicester and you can discover the incredible story of a king’s life and death, and explore one of the greatest archaeological detective stories ever told.

Great for educational visits, the King Richard III Visitor Centre stands on the site where Richard III’s remains were buried for over 500 years.

A complementary learning programme is available for teachers. This provides different options for schools and educational organisations planning a visit to the centre. This includes a range of workshops for both history and science.

Warwick Castle

Warwick Castle has played a prominent role in English history for over 1,100 years. Today, schools can explore its Medieval towers and ramparts; roam grounds designed by famous landscaper Capability Brown; and marvel at the great hall and state rooms with their Tudor influences.

They can also be awed by the daily shows that can include an archery demonstration, a working trebuchet and a brand new bird of prey show, ‘The Falconer’s Quest’.

In addition, there is a plethora of curriculum-linked workshops that you can book to bring history vividly to life.

English Heritage

Whether you choose an expert-led tour at Kenilworth Castle; an interactive Discovery Visit at Battle of Hastings Abbey and Battlefield; or explore the rich history of sites such as Dover Castle, Carlisle Castle or Stonehenge, English Heritage school trips are guaranteed to bring learning to life.

You can also download free resources from the English Heritage website. A team of qualified teachers, educational experts and historians have developed these, in partnership with AQA and OCR.

Tonbridge Castle

Tonbridge Castle educational tours and workshops immerse students in the turbulent and fascinating history of this long-standing gatehouse. It offers a fun, informative and hands-on way to learn about the past.

Visiting pupils will experience a vivid recreation of the sights, sounds and excitement of the castle in the 13th century. This includes:

• a visit to the basement store and the armoury
• joining the garrison for supper
• climbing to the top of the battlements.

Arundel Castle

Arundel Castle provides fantastic opportunities for educational visits. Roger de Montgomery, Earl of Arundel, founded the castle at the end of the 11th century. Today it’s the family home of the 18th Duke of Norfolk.

Its colourful, near-1,000-year history lends itself to many aspects of the national curriculum, whether your group is in Key Stage 1, 2 or 3.

Staff have developed the Arundel Castle Educational Programme to help students with their study in an informative, enjoyable and memorable way.

At Beamish , students can engage in a real-life setting and, by asking real people, gain a deeper understanding than that offered by a textbook.

Its active learning experiences encompass investigation of both facts about the past and also attitudes.

Students must think critically, weigh evidence, make informed decisions and develop perspective in activities such as:

• Medicine Through Time
• Joe the Quilter Murder
• Suffragettes on the High Street
• Mayday Mayday

They must stand up and make their opinions known, argue, analyse and act out becoming informed, independent investigators.

Thorpe Park

Thorpe Park Resort Theme Park welcomes schools from all over the country for a school trip like no other.

At Thorpe Park you’ll find a full day’s worth of thrilling rides and attractions for students and teachers.

To make booking a trip as easy as possible, there’s a variety of resources on the resort’s website for download. These include checklists, risk assessments, permission slips and lesson plans.

The park also has a dedicated school team to help you every step of the way.

Cadbury World

With more than 30 years’ experience and more than 2,000 school groups attending each year, Cadbury World offers unique educational school trips that provide a fascinating insight into the nation’s favourite chocolate brand.

There’s an assortment of interactive chocolatey zones to explore and a variety of informative curriculum-linked talks and workshops. These include Marketing, Investigating Business and Geography.

The one-hour talks and workshops complement your group’s day out perfectly, expanding pupils’ knowledge on a huge range of topics. Self-guided tours are also available.

All of this makes Cadbury World the perfect destination for school trips.

Flambards Theme Park

Flambards Theme Park can be found in Helston, Cornwall. It combines a wide range of rides with indoor recreations of different historical eras. These include educational experiences aimed specifically at schools.

The latter include a life-size Victorian village featuring 50 explorable locations. There’s also a ‘Britain in the Blitz’ attraction. Schools can book ‘living history characters’ to help bring these to life, for example, an Air Raid Patrol warden.

Meanwhile your thrillseekers will enjoy the Skyraker and experience up to 3G with the giant white-knuckle experience that is ‘Sky-force’.

LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort

LEGO’s resort is an exciting venue for learning outside the classroom and most suitable for Key Stage 1 to Key Stage 4 pupils. There are also experiences available for preschool and younger school pupils.

Schools can use a National Curriculum Map to navigate their way around the resort. This ensures that it’s a simple matter to tie in all of your learning objectives whilst students enjoy the over 55 rides and attractions.

Alton Towers

The Alton Towers Resort Theme Park welcomes schools from all over the country.

Alton Towers Education has a dedicated schools team to help you every step of the way. This is from booking your trip to delivering memorable educational experiences.

There are even special Teacher VIP days that allow you to meet the team and explore what Alton Towers Resort has to offer your school.

Chessington W o rld of Adventures

Schools visiting the Chessington World of Adventures Resort can expect a truly wild adventure.

Students can enjoy expeditions around its zoo in ‘walkshops’, or embark on fact-finding missions to learn all about Chessington’s four new resident endangered Amur Tigers, who live in ‘Land of the Tiger’.

The fantastic Wild Learning Centre has five immersively themed zones. It’s sure to give your pupils their wildest lesson yet!

Paultons Park

Set within 140 acres of parkland on the edge of the New Forest, Paultons Park is a family theme park with an extensive educational offering.

School groups can take advantage of a range of interactive workshops (suitable for Key Stages 1 to 4) in Professor Blast’s lab. This is focused on topics such as rollercoaster physics, dinosaurs, animal encounters and even theme park marketing.

Teachers can apply for free tickets, to see what’s on offer in advance.

There are more than 70 rides to enjoy too, plus go karts and even some moving dinosaurs…

Theatre and drama school trips

Ambassador Theatre Group

ATG’s Creative Learning and Community Partnerships provide dynamic cultural education. It works with top West End professionals to encourage creative thinking, problem solving, resilience and the ability to find solutions via engaging bespoke workshops. These include acting, singing, stage combat, technical theatre and more.

Whether your trip is part of the curriculum or a well-earned treat, the workshops are grounded in subject knowledge and understanding. Pupils’ creative capacity will be nurtured and their personal, social and academic development greatly enriched.

Frozen the Musical

Escape into the wonder-filled world of Arendelle to experience stories of love, hope and self-discovery. This is all delivered with groundbreaking set design and special effects, exquisite costumes and sensational stagecraft from the producers of The Lion King and Aladdin.

Frozen is brought to the stage by a multi-award-winning creative team. This is led by Tony® and Olivier Award-winning director Michael Grandage, with a book from Academy® and BAFTA Award-winning Jennifer Lee. The show features the cherished songs from the original film, alongside a brand-new score from Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez. These are the Grammy® and Academy Award®-winning songwriters behind the global phenomenon ‘Let It Go’.

M&M Theatrical Productions

M&M Theatrical Productions ’ enchanting Classic Literature Adaptations are presented in an easily digestible and interactive format, creating an inspiring way to promote reading for pleasure and to learn about the past, while engaging the children in tales involving characters from many different social and cultural backgrounds.

These productions are followed by a Stagecraft workshop – an exciting way to further enhance the experience of the visit by offering older children a practical and unique view behind the scenes of the production they have just enjoyed, broadening their knowledge of the arts in combination with STEM subjects.

The Birmingham Stage Company

The Birmingham Stage Company is one of the world’s top companies creating theatre for children. Its award-winning productions tour the UK and internationally, most recently performing on Broadway, selling out the Sydney Opera House and regularly triumphing in London’s West End.

They work with Britain’s top children’s writers including David Walliams, Liz Pichon, Terry Deary, Michael Morpurgo and Philip Pullman.

Nominated for the Best Entertainment and Family Olivier Award, the company stages spectacular shows that are tailored specifically for children. There’s amazing sets and costumes, plus fantastic effects. The company aims to make every production a truly memorable event.

Galloway School Tours

Did you know your local coach operator may be able to organise a complete day out? This includes travel and attraction tickets.

East Anglian operator Galloway School Tours , for example, offers packages for groups looking to visit London’s West End.

Using its extensive experience and network of contacts, Galloway can provide schools travelling from East Anglia a package including travel, show tickets and a theatre workshop.

It’s a great opportunity for students to work with professionals and enjoy top quality entertainment.

Royal Court Theatre

The Royal Court is a leading force in world theatre for finding writers and producing new plays that are original, contemporary and provocative.

Its education programme encourages young people to investigate, enjoy and participate in the craft of making theatre. It opens up the world of the rehearsal room as well as backstage, and offers practical learning opportunities for students.

From study days, production workshops, INSET sessions and community projects, the organisation offers a fascinating insight into the professional process of staging Royal Court productions.

Disney’s Aladdin

Breathtaking sets, mindblowing special effects, over 350 lavish costumes and a fabulous cast and orchestra bring the magic of Disney’s Aladdin to life on the West End stage.

This spectacular show, which is packed full of dancing, music and storytelling, is a fantastic stimulus for creative work. It will inspire primary and secondary pupils alike.

You can enhance your visit with free online resources. These include a nine-part video library.

Or take advantage of a range of pre-show workshops led by Disney Theatrical Teaching Artists. Prepare to escape to a whole new world!

Shakespeare’s Globe

Every day hundreds of students take part in curriculum-linked workshops and lectures at, or delivered, by Shakespeare’s Globe .

Visit with your group and you’ll also be able to benefit from an exploratory tour of the theatre.

Workshop options include interactive storytelling sessions for Key Stages 3 to 5. These include a 45-minute performance by a Globe Education practitioner.

Longer study days, exploring topics such as language or contextual influences on performance, for Key Stages 4 and 5, and GCSE study days are also available.

The Globe has extensive experience of working with children with SEN and EAL, too.

Told By An Idiot

Told by an Idiot is an acclaimed professional theatre company and an Arts Council England NPO organisation.

The company has 25 years’ experience of creating exciting, innovative productions and participation projects across the UK and internationally. Venues include north west England’s Manchester Royal Exchange, Theatre Royal Plymouth, Lyric Hammersmith London and National Theatre Wales.

It also offers a range of exciting, highly practical drama workshops for teachers and students. These are led by experienced practitioners who are all professional theatre performers and directors.

Themes include Working with Mask, Devising, Commedia dell’arte and Physical Theatre, as well as CPD sessions for teachers.

The Emmerdale Studio Experience

The Emmerdale Studio Experience takes place at the former ITV studios in Leeds, where selected filming still takes place. It allows students to step into the drama and experience the television production process from ‘Script to Screen’.

The education programme is tailored for Key Stages 2–5. There are links to the national curriculum and exam board specifications for English, film and media studies.

ATG Creative Learning Workshops

ATG’s Creative Learning team understands the value of learning through a creative process and the many ways in which it can engage and inspire students, bolstering the hard work of teachers and their schools.

All of ATG’s group workshops are bespoke. They can be tailored to offer an exploration of any English or drama text, on the GCSE and A Level curriculum or otherwise.

Best of all, students taking part will be working with truly inspiring West End professionals at a competitive cost.

Wicked The Musical

Voted ‘Best Theatre Production for Schools’ by teachers at the School Travel Awards two years running, Wicked ’s topical story of friendship, acceptance, integrity, peer pressure and propaganda is relevant for PSHE and citizenship teaching, and whole-school anti-bullying strategies.

The show is highly pertinent for all students studying BTEC Nationals in Performing Arts, as well as a wealth of additional subjects. The song ‘Defying Gravity’ is also a set work for the Edexcel GCSE Music qualification.

Visit the website for details of the schools’ workshop programme. These are run by current and former members of the cast and creative team.

Curve is a state-of-the-art theatre based in the heart of Leicester’s vibrant Cultural Quarter.

As well as live performances, it offers a wide range of inspiring educational workshops. These are designed to open up the world of theatre and reveal the hidden process of a rehearsal room.

Students are afforded the opportunity to engage more deeply with the artists, subject matter and processes in the theatre’s artistic programme. Links are made to the curriculum.

Mayflower Theatre

Mayflower Theatre delivers a diverse range of creative workshops, theatre tours and events tailor made for schools, colleges or groups. They can take place either at the theatre or at your own setting.

It also supports talks and workshops on a variety of creative careers. Conference-style events for young people explore entering the industry, in particular non-performance based careers. These draw on the expertise within the marketing, sales, technical and FOH departments, as well as industry professionals.

Outdoor activities and experience day trips

Willen Lake

Looking for a trip in central England? There’s no better place than one of Milton Keynes’ most popular destinations, Willen Lake . Whether you’re looking to visit as part of your enrichment programme or as part of an activity day or physical education session, there’s something for everyone.

The land and water-based activities on offer are run by qualified instructors and cater for students aged eight and above.

An extensive range of packages covers everything from a single activity through to a full schedule of multiple activities. Plus, groups of all sizes are welcome.

Chill Factore Indoor Snow Centre

Chill Factore , Manchester, runs an exciting range of unique adventure days based around skills development, puzzle solving and team building, to offer an exciting new alternative to summer reward trips and transition initiatives.

The most popular package, the Chill Adventure Day, gives students an adrenaline-filled indoor adventure experience. Here they can enjoy rock climbing, sledging, tobogganing, snow tubing and ski or snowboard tuition.

Icebreaker Challenge is an indoor, snow-based sports day. Alternatively, the Arctic Explorer Package is a snow-based problem solving break out game.

Stubbers Adventure Centre

Based on a picturesque 130-acre site, Stubbers Adventure Centre is a registered not-for-profit organisation that has helped hundreds of schools provide students with the opportunity to develop social and interpersonal skills and build confidence. This is done through participation in adventurous activities.

The centre offers lots of water sports. This includes kayaking, jet skiing, sailing and raft building. Other activities include archery, fencing, orienteering, laser tag and rifle shooting.

‘The Towers’ section, meanwhile, offers climbing, abseiling, high ropes and zip wire, and motorsports including quad bikes and 4×4 driving.

Shropshire Raft Tours

Shropshire Raft Tours offers services to accommodate school trips, as well as facilities to receive coaches in the Wharfage car park where its Little Green Kiosk is based.

Its River Severn Tours are a compelling educational experience, and lots of fun too. Passing through the Ironbridge Gorge, they provide a fantastic opportunity for students to learn the history of the river during the Industrial Revolution. Students will also acquire river safety skills, explore how the Severn valley gorge was formed, and much more.

• Browse hundreds of school trip ideas Check out our directory where you can browse venues and filter them via trip type, subject, location and more.
• Council for Learning Outside the Classroom  CLOtC’s website is a trove of information, inspiration, resources and training, including details on how the LOtC Quality Badge accreditation can help you plan your next school trip. It also offers a range of CPD opportunities and the LOtC Mark, for schools that want to demonstrate their commitment.
• Outdoor Education Advisers’ Panel OEAP ‘s National Guidance is a must-read for any teacher planning a school trip. Downloadable checklists and training are available.
• Department for Education View the DfE’s latest health and safety guidance .
• School Travel Forum STF offers information for the organisers of school trips as well research on the benefits of learning outside the classroom.
• Learning Away For help with planning a brilliant residential, visit learningaway.org.uk .

A-Z guide on completing a risk assessment

Download a school trip proposal template

Find a school trip near me

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Top 20 School Trip Ideas

Written by Dan

Last updated February 13, 2024

Teaching can be a gratifying job, and it’s even more fun when you get the chance to take your students on a school trip. Trips are a great way to connect with your students while they learn something new outside the classroom—something that will stay with them for years to come.

But as any teacher knows, planning a successful school trip can be challenging in terms of organizing transport and activities and finding one that fits your budget.

That’s why we’ve put together this list of top 20 school trip ideas, which are full of fun learning opportunities for all ages at different price points so teachers everywhere can take their classes on an unforgettable educational journey!

Related : For more, check out our article on  Top 20 Assembly Ideas  here.

Table of Contents

School Trip Idea 1: Local Museums.

A day spent exploring a local history museum, art museum, science centre, or planetarium can be both educational and fun. Students can learn about different cultures and periods, as well as gain an appreciation for the work of artists and scientists past and present.

School Trip Idea 2: Outdoor Adventures.

Nothing gets students outdoors like a school trip to a campground or state park. Kids can explore nature while learning about the environment, and they’ll get to try new activities like canoeing, rock climbing, zip-lining and more!

School Trip Idea 3: Cultural Destinations.

Embark on an educational adventure at a cultural destination such as a historic site, a cultural centre, or an archaeological site. Students can explore the customs and beliefs of different cultures, gain insights into people’s lifestyles in other countries and periods, or even participate in interactive workshops to learn about various topics.

School Trip Idea 4: Farm Visits.

One for younger kids! Farms offer the perfect opportunity to explore nature up close and personal. On a farm trip, students will learn about the importance of sustainable farming practices, animal husbandry, and healthy food choices. Plus, they can have plenty of fun collecting eggs or feeding animals!

School Trip Idea 5: Aquariums & Zoos.

Aquariums and zoos offer a wealth of educational opportunities for students. Kids can learn about animals in their natural habitats and uncover the ocean’s mysteries and inhabitants. Plus, it’s always a treat to see some incredible wildlife up close!

School Trip Idea 6: Art Galleries & Historic Sites.

Immerse yourself in art and history by visiting an art gallery or historic site. Here, students can explore the works of famous artists, view unique artefacts from centuries past, and gain a greater understanding of different cultures and traditions worldwide.

School Trip Idea 7: Theater & Dance Performances.

Encourage appreciation of the performing arts by taking your students to a theatre or dance performance. Not only will they be exposed to different forms of art, but they’ll also pick up on important lessons about collaboration, communication, and expression.

School Trip Idea 8: Amusement & Theme Parks.

Give your students a thrilling educational experience at an amusement or theme park. Here they can learn about physics and engineering while riding rollercoasters, find out what it takes to run a successful business by exploring different attractions and practice mathematics by figuring out the cost of rides and food.

School Trip Idea 9: Sports & Recreation Facilities.

Take your students to the sports facility for a day of physical activities. Not only can they get some exercise, but they’ll also learn about teamwork, competition and fair play. Plus, it’s an excellent opportunity for kids to develop skills like problem-solving and coordination.

School Trip Idea 10: Factories & Industrial Sites.

Bring your students to a factory or industrial site and watch how things are made. Here they’ll learn about the manufacturing process, discover the importance of safety measures, and gain insights into the production of everyday items.

It’s an eye-opening experience that can help them understand the value of hard work and effort.

School Trip Idea 11: STEM Centers.

A trip to a STEM centre is an excellent opportunity for students to explore science, technology, engineering and mathematics in a hands-on environment. Kids can participate in interactive workshops, build robots or learn about coding—all while having fun!

School Trip Idea 12: National Parks.

Give your students a chance to experience nature in all its glory at a national park. Here, they can observe the wildlife, explore different ecosystems and gain insights into conservation efforts. Plus, there are usually plenty of activities for them to try, like camping, hiking and canoeing.

School Trip Idea 13: Local Rivers and Streams.

To help kids understand the importance of conservation, take them on a trip to a nearby river or stream. Once there, they can collect data about water quality and identify different species of fish and plants. Plus, it’s always fun fishing or playing water games!

School Trip Idea 14: Transport Museums.

Give your students a fascinating glimpse into transportation by taking them to a transport museum. Here they can learn about the history of different modes of transport, explore how vehicles are made and operated, and gain insights into the science behind motion and energy.

School Trip Idea 15: Planetariums & Observatories.

Take your students to a planetarium and observatory for an unforgettable experience. Here they can learn about the stars, planets and galaxies, as well as fascinating facts about solar systems and astrology. Plus, they’ll have a chance to use telescopes and gaze up at the night sky!

School Trip Idea 16: World War Historical Sites.

To help your students understand the impact of World War II, take them to a nearby historical site. Here they can learn about important battles and key figures from that era, better understand different political ideologies and gain insights into how wars are fought and won.

School Trip Idea 17: International Trips.

Take your students on an international trip and give them a taste of another culture. Here they can explore different customs, sample exotic cuisines, learn about foreign languages and appreciate the beauty of other countries. It’s sure to be an unforgettable experience for everyone!

School Trip Idea 18: Profesional Sports Games.

Bring your students to a professional sports game and give them a chance to cheer for their favourite teams. Not only can they learn about the game’s rules, but they’ll also experience the energy and excitement of watching live sporting events. It’s sure to be an unforgettable experience!

School Trip Idea 19: Charity Events & Fundraisers.

Let your students give back by taking them to a charity event or fundraiser. Here they’ll learn the importance of helping others and gain insights into how even small contributions can make a big difference.

Plus, it’s an excellent opportunity for kids to develop teamwork, competition and public speaking skills.

School Trip Idea 20: Business Tours.

Take your students on a business tour and let them explore the world of entrepreneurship first-hand. Here they can learn about different industries, gain insights into how businesses are run and even meet entrepreneurs who can share their inspiring stories. It’sIt’se to be an invaluable experience for all!

School trips are an excellent way to help students develop essential skills and gain fresh perspectives. From national parks and observatories to charity events and business tours, plenty of exciting options can create an educational and unforgettable experience.

With careful planning and consideration, you can make a successful school trip that will benefit your students in many ways.

So what are you waiting for? Start planning your next school trip today!

Related Posts

About The Author

I'm Dan Higgins, one of the faces behind The Teaching Couple. With 15 years in the education sector and a decade as a teacher, I've witnessed the highs and lows of school life. Over the years, my passion for supporting fellow teachers and making school more bearable has grown. The Teaching Couple is my platform to share strategies, tips, and insights from my journey. Together, we can shape a better school experience for all.

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Business & Economics School Trips to London

Starting from £970, starting from €1,125, starting from $1,265.

This Business and Economics school trip to London and Oxford is packed with immersive learning experiences, from workshops to Q&As. Here’s our Business and Economics educational tour at a glance:

• Day 1:  Walkie Talkie
• Day 2:  start-up brainstorm, Bank of England, start-up talk, South Bank market
• Day 3: Museum of Brands, customer profiling workshop, public speaking training, Westfield
• Day 4:  London Stock Exchange, Central London tour
• Day 5:  Oxford Day Trip: BMW factory, photo scavenger hunt
• Day 6:  London Business School tour, start-up talk, Oxford Street
• Day 7:  start-up pitch

Like what you see? Discover the busy world of business and economics in the detailed itinerary below! But remember, all our school trips are fully customisable.

*Prices based on groups of 20 students with 2 free teacher spots.

What's included?

✓ 1 free teacher per 10 paying students ✓ 24-hour emergency contact support during the trip ✓ Detailed pre-departure summary & briefing ✓ Full financial failure protection ✓ Public liability insurance ✓ Our trips are fully risk-assessed

Learning Outcomes

Speak to a specialist, day 1: the walkie talkie.

Make your way from the airport to your accommodation. Meet your guide, who will explain rules and safety guidelines . First up, you’re setting off on a walking tour of London’s business and financial hub , before venturing up 20 Fenchurch Street, a skyscraper nicknamed the “ Walkie Talkie ” for its distinctive shape. Pay a visit to the Sky Garden , where you can wander around the landscaped gardens and the observation deck on the 37th floor for panoramic views from London’s highest public garden!

Feast on a welcome dinner of traditional British food , like fish and chips, and listen to a trip briefing led by your guide.

Day 2: Meet a member of a start-up

Head to the Barbican Centre and get creative with a hands-on session focusing on the world of start-ups . The class will divide into groups and brainstorm 1-2 ideas for a start-up company, aided by the guide. Afterwards, make your way to the Bank of England , the beating heart of the UK’s economy. Learn about the role of the bank and why its work is vital for the health of our economy from a member of staff.

Later, have the chance to hear directly from a start-up on their journey. The speaker will talk through their experience of what it was like setting up a company, the challenges and benefits and what skills are needed to thrive in a start-up environment. Then, you will have the chance to engage in a Q&A with them.

After a day full of learning, spend some time browsing the food stalls from all over the world in the South Bank Market , and pick out a new cuisine to try!

Read More  

Day 3: Customer profiling workshop

Explore the Museum of Brands where you can learn more about marketing and how consumer society has evolved. Then, engage in a curated workshop on customer profiling . Working on an item from the museum collection, you will produce an in-depth profile of a typical and an alternative customer.

Later, take part in a half-day of training on your presentation and public speaking skills. Those skills are crucial to succeed in business, and you’ll have fun honing them!

It’s been a busy day! Relax in Westfield London , the biggest shopping centre in Europe.

Day 4: London Stock Exchange

Grab the opportunity to visit the London Stock Exchange . Explore today’s financial industry in a curated workshop using live market data feeds . Expand your knowledge on how shares are traded, how the financial market works and common misconceptions.

Embark on a walk of Central London with your guide, who will talk you through the city’s most famous retail giants and the oldest markets. You may even have the chance to do some retail therapy!

Finish your tour with some people-watching in Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus, where the city lights never go out.

Day 5: Day trip to Oxford

Hop on a coach to Oxford and pay a visit to the BMW factory where Mini cars are made. Learn about the production process and the delicate balance between automation and assembly staff in every station of the production line.

Enjoy a free afternoon in Oxford city centre. While you explore, take part in our Learning Adventure photo scavenger hunt . Our prompts will guide you towards the city’s unmissable landmarks.

Wave a fond farewell to Oxford and look forward to your last few days in London.

Day 6: London Business School

Head to the London Business School and take a tour of the campus. You’ll be led by a Student Ambassador who will be happy to answer your questions about student life and the courses on offer. Plus, you’ll even have the chance to speak to a member of the Admissions team, to find out what they look for in a candidate.

Engage in another talk and Q&A with a member of a start-up company, who will speak about a particular aspect of enterprise you’re interested in, including strategic planning, corporate culture, management and technology.

It’s your last evening – soak as much of London as you can. Head to Oxford Street and pick up some last-minute souvenirs!

Day 7: Pitch your start-up idea

Remember the start-up ideas you brainstormed at the beginning of the week? Well, now’s the chance to show off everything you’ve learned. Take a session that will help you fine-tune those ideas and put the finishing touches on your pitch. Then, think back to the public speaking workshop, take a deep breath, and present to the rest of your group .

Then, take part in a final reflection session and trip debriefing . Afterwards, head back to your accommodation and prepare for departure. Leave excited to apply what you have learned during your Learning Adventure back at home!

Develop a detailed understanding of how to run and work in an enterprise.

Gain insight into london’s trade history, as well as its current status as a financial hub., hone public speaking and creative thinking skills..

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Guided Tour of CERN

Diverse new york, iceland: between ice and fire, diverse london, paris french language, barcelona city of art, florence: masters of maths and arts, curriculum-linked school trips - uk, europe, worldwide.

Expertly planned itineraries for all budgets and any group size.

We're all really passionate about educational travel - there's no substitute for taking some of the learning outside the classroom, and we are here to help you inspire and educate your students with memorable (and sometimes magical!) experiences.

One of our most important jobs is to make your role as Party Leader as hassle-free and paperwork-free as possible.  We will do everything we can on your behalf, and we will respond to you as quickly as we possibly can at every step of the way.  Let us do the leg-work and form-filling, and you can focus on giving your students the most enjoyable and valuable educational experience.

Testimonials

Fantastic service - excellent value for money. Communication with our consultant was so easy - every question we had was dealt with extremely quickly. Each activity planned helped us to meet our Learning Objectives. Hollingworth Academy

Everything went to plan and Dervla's support was excellent! Shireland Collegiate Academy

Flawless organisation. Very responsive to individual needs. Incredibly flexible. Kate was a dream to work with and clearly loves what she does. St Francis' College

Ana provided outstanding service and support.  Communication was perfect, support and help was above and beyond and the company's handling of the nature of school payment was ideal.  I have already recommended you to 2 schools. Hatcham College

Diverse School Travel have been a fantastic company to work with to arrange an international trip.  The travel consultant (Leanne) was really helpful, organised, friendly and easy to talk to and made the organisation of the trip really easy.  I would recommend Diverse School Travel to others and would definitely use them again! Hull University Physics Society

The trip was a fantastic success and was brilliantly organised by Rebecca.  No stone was left unturned and the paperwork was impeccable. Stowe

Outstanding organisation and communication both in the run up to, and during our trip.  The attention to detail is exceptionally good. Davenies

Over the past three trips we have done to London we have been extremely happy with all that Diverse School Travel has done for us. Walmsley CE Primary

From start to finish we benefited from exceptional service in terms of all aspects of the trip administration and customer service. It made our stay in Poland both enjoyable and hassle free. Mougins School

The trip exceeding every hope we had for our children and we would definitely recommend and book again. Thank you, thank you! St. Peter's CofE Primary School

This trip takes a year to plan and run but Monique is great at asking for what she needs and when she needs it.  Many people in school wonder why I am willing to run a foreign trip - it's because Diverse make it a doddle! Dallam School

This was the 6th trip that we have run through Diverse, and it still amazes me at how easy you guys make it for us. I haven't spoken to another agency that was able to beat you on price, the package or just being a pleasure to deal with! Arden School

This is now my 4th trip with Diverse Travel and I will continue to use you as your service is exemplary.  Thank you. Clitheroe Royal Grammar

I haven't used another travel company before but after the service I received at Diverse I will most definitely be using them again.  Everything was smooth sailing from start to finish! Winifred Holtby Academy

Diverse School Travel have been exceptional, I like the fact that I was not hassled to book with you following the quote I was sent, and then once I was given the go ahead, you were efficient and very kind and patient, completing all the paper work and changing the number of students and with all the enquires I sent you. Stantonbury

I will always use Diverse for school visits! Tudor Grange Academy

At every step of the process, Diverse were absolutely superb.  From our first inquiry, to providing flight updates on the day of our departure, every aspect of the trip was extremely well supported by the company.  We are thrilled with the support provided. Medway Community

Everything was planned so meticulously that it made the trip very relaxing and more enjoyable for the students and teachers. Contact was available at all times and the travel consultant (Cara) helped with so many extras. Ferryhill Business and Enterprise College

Everything was covered in perfect detail.  We had a fantastic itinerary with clear timings for each day and maps to get us everywhere included in our package so we knew where to be and when to meet.  Perfect! King's School

I have never organised a school trip before so did not have anything to compare you to.  A fantastic effort made by Leanne!  She worked hard to make sure she met every request we asked of her.  Her quick response to emails was very notable, and made the organisation of the trip very smooth! North London Grammar School

SCHOOL TRIP IDEAS

There are lots of ideas for educational trips on this website, but most of our tours, especially those abroad, are actually variations of what you see here, or even entirely bespoke.  If you are interested in one of our itineraries but would like some changes, or if you have ideas of your own, just get in touch.  Choose a tour similar to the one you want and click Request a Quote - then tell us which changes you'd like.

Crime and Punishment

School Trips to CERN

Normandy D-Day and Landing Beaches

Moscow and St Petersburg History

Medicine Through Time

Volcanic landscapes of Lanzarote

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School Trip Ideas

Everything you need to plan your next School Trip, Educational Visit or Field Trip. Includes Key Stage suitability, Subjects, Topics, Resources, Workshops, Activities and more!

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Lyric Hammersmith Theatre

Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, London

Student tickets just £15 for all performances

Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London

Student tickets from £13

WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre

WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre, Burscough

Student tickets from £6.40

An Inspector Calls

Hippodrome, Bristol

Student tickets from £12.50

Mrs. Doubtfire

Shaftesbury Theatre, London

Student tickets just £25

Go Ape: Alice Holt Forest

Alice Holt Forest, Surrey

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Curve Theatre, Leicester

Student tickets from £18

Shrek’s Adventure

Shrek's Adventure, London

Student tickets from £6

Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap

St Martin's Theatre, London

Student tickets from £17.50

Read the latest news

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Theatre Audience Podcast – A Podcast made for Theatre Lovers

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Hadestown Free Teaching Resource Pack

Ultimate guide to make your London Theatre School Trips easier

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Exclusive School Performances for SIX The Musical

MAMMA MIA! is Turning 25 Next Month

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Book your school trip to these Olivier Nominated shows

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Our special International Woman’s Day interview with Rosie Day writer of Instructions of a Teenage Armageddon

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Wicked has Announced their Booking Extension – take Advantage and Start Planning Today

Find a teaching resource.

Carlisle Castle Discovery Visit Guide

Everything you need to know about Carlisle Castle’s expert-led Discovery Visits.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Education Pack

Download this free teaching resource from Harry Potter and the Cursed Child with activities before and after seeing the production.

KS2, KS3, KS4, KS5, Higher

The Roman Baths’ Roman Festivals – Goddess Flora

This free teaching resource from The Roman Baths explores the festival of Goddess Flora.

Herschel Museum of Astronomy’s Caroline’s Comet

Learn about Space and Comets with this free teaching resource from the Herschel Museum of Astronomy.

Matilda The Musical’s Plotting a Story Teaching Resource

Inspired by Matilda The Musical, these resources give schools insight into the process of staging this award-winning musical.

KS2, KS3, KS4, KS5

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast’s Reading Comparison Framework (KS2) Resource

Download this free teaching resource from Disney's Beauty and the Beast Tour to discover connections between Beauty and the Beast and other stories.

Beckford’s Tower’s Easy Tower Papercraft

Download this free teaching resource from Beckford’s Tower to cut out and make your own tower!

The Beatles Story’s Peace Songs Resource

Download this free teaching resource from The Beatles Story to learn more about Peace songs and the 1960s peace movement.

David Livingstone Birthplace’s Tunya Investigates Gender Inequality Podcast

Listen to this Tunya Investigates podcast series from David Livingstone Birthplace to learn more about gender inequality in the industrial revolution.

MHA The Wilderness Garden’s Learning Together Teaching Resources

Download these free teaching resources from MHA The Wilderness Garden.

Explore workshops

A Welsh Coal Mining Experience A Head for Heights Workshop

A Welsh Coal Mining Experience workshop where students can make and use astrolabes.

Voloz Collective’s Performance Analysis and Evaluation Workshop

In-school workshop from Voloz Collective where students can watch, analyse and evaluate a physical theatre performance.

WWT Martin Mere’s Pond Explorers KS3 Workshop

Learn more about pond invertebrates as part of your school trip to WWT Martin Mere.

St Mary’s Guildhall’s the Rich, the Poor and the Hungry Workshop

Enjoy this hands-on workshop from St Mary's Guildhall where your students will discover the life a child in Victorian Coventry.

The Wallace Collection’s Drawing From the Female Form Virtual Workshop

In this virtual workshop from The Wallace Collection students will explore difference techniques for drawing the human form.

World Rugby Museum’s History and Evolution of Football Seminar

Discover the history, evolution and impact of football in this seminar from the World Rugby Museum.

KS4, KS5, Higher

Wicked’s Musical Theatre Workshop

This fun and enlightening workshop from Wicked is designed to introduce students to the many multi-layered performance techniques.

KS3, KS4, KS5, Higher

The Walker Art Gallery’s Big Art Workshop (KS1)

An interactive and fun workshop from the Walker Art Gallery where students can get creative and express themselves in imaginative play.

WWT Martin Mere’s Birds, Beaks and Feeding Techniques Workshop

Learn more about the birds diets as part of your school trip to WWT Martin Mere.

Museum of Brands’ Chocolate Packaging Design Workshop

Enjoy this creative workshop from the Museum of Brands that will introduce students to the purpose of packaging.

THE 10 BEST Moscow Things to Do with Kids

Things to do in moscow with kids.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3rd Transport Ring (TTK)
• District Central (TsAO)
• Garden Ring
• Boulevard Ring
• Good for Kids
• Budget-friendly
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Couples
• Honeymoon spot
• Hidden Gems
• Adventurous
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Red Square

2. Saint Basil's Cathedral

3. Moscow Kremlin

4. Tsaritsyno Museum-Reserve

5. Kolomenskoye Historical and Architectural Museum and Reserve

7. The Museum of Cosmonautics

8. Kuskovo Estate

9. Sparrow Hills (Vorobyovy Gory)

10. The Exhibition of Achievements of National Economy (VDNKh)

11. Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure

12. Sokolniki Park

13. PANORAMA360

14. Kremlin Walls and Towers

15. Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts

16. Victory Park

17. Aleksandrovskiy Sad

18. Modern Moscow Drama Theater

19. State Darwin Museum

20. Catholic Cathedral of The Immaculate Conception of The Blessed Virgin Mary

21. Krutitskoe Podvorye

22. Aptekarskiy Ogorod Botanical Garden

23. Patriarch's Pond

24. Ostankino TV Tower

25. Old Arbat (Stary Arbat)

26. Experimentanium Museum of Entertaining Sciences

27. Fountain Druzhba Narodov

28. Cathedral Square

29. Neskuchny sad

30. Museum of Soviet Arcade Machines

What travelers are saying

Holt High Schoolers pitch ideas during ‘Shark Tank’ inspired event

“it takes a lot of confidence”.

DELHI TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WILX) - ‘Shark Tank’ is a show where entrepreneurs pitch business ideas in exchange for money and mentorship. On Thursday, Holt High School students got that same opportunity.

“Our Idea was a tutoring business to help kids in our school get extra help and be successful in classrooms,” said Valerie Vue, a student at Holt High School.

In just five minutes, high schoolers pitched their business ideas to a panel of judges as part of a youth pitch competition called ‘5 Minutes Tops.’

“They might have seen a sign in the hallway at school, might have heard it on the school announcements, or they might be in one of our business courses and have been preparing for this over the course of the first semester,” said Lucas Schrauben, the Director of Secondary Programs.

Judges carefully watched, took notes, and asked questions, deciding which business they should invest in with $1000 on the line.

“There’s no guaranteed amount for first prize. One student could win all thousand dollars. Typically it’s spread out amongst the group but its based off of how persuasive their pitch is and how relevant their idea is,” said Schrauben.

To students, this opportunity was worth more than the check.

“At least you put yourself out there,” said Jessica Hua, a Holt High School student.

“It takes a lot of confidence and courage to just even step up and sign up,” said Tyler Morris, A Holt High School student.

The first-place winner of the event was Kylee Bleicher, who started up her own cupcake and muffin business called Mufftopia. For more information on ‘5 Minutes Tops’ click here.

Subscribe to our News 10 newsletter and YouTube page to receive the latest local news and weather. Looking to hire people, or grow your business through advertising? Gray Digital Media is your one-stop marketing solution. Learn more.

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TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

19 Unique And Fabulous Experiences In Moscow

• Destinations

Thinking of visiting Russia? When visiting such a famous city, one must, of course, visit the iconic landmarks first. Moscow has plenty of those, most of them in the center of the city, which is very well-planned for tourists. Once you’ve seen the sights that are on most travelers’ lists, it’s time to branch out and visit some of the lesser-known sites, and there are some fascinating places to see and things to do.

I know this list is long, but I just couldn’t help myself. You probably won’t have the time to see them all. But that’s okay. Just scroll through the list and choose what sounds the most interesting to you. Where possible, make sure to book in advance, as things can get crowded, especially during high season.

1. The Red Square, Kremlin, And Surroundings

Red Square (Krasnya Ploshad) is the heart and soul of Russia, and where much of the country’s history has unfolded. This is the most famous landmark in Moscow and indeed the whole country, it’s an absolute must-do! The square is always full of people and has a rather festive atmosphere!

Saint Basil’s Cathedral

This is the famous church with the rainbow-colored, onion-domed roof. The cathedral was commissioned in the 1500s by Ivan the Terrible and according to legend, the Tsar thought it was so beautiful, that he ordered that the architect’s eyes be cut out afterward, so he could never build anything more beautiful! He wasn’t called Ivan the Terrible for no reason!

Lenin’s Mausoleum

The “love-it-or-hate-it” of tourist attractions in Russia. A glass sarcophagus containing the embalmed body of Russian revolutionary, Vladimir Lenin. It may seem a bit bizarre to display the mummy of a person, but it has been there for almost half a century and the 2.5 million visitors who come each year, clearly feel the queuing and thorough body search are worth it, to be in Lenin’s presence.

Pro Tip: no photos and no loud talking are allowed inside the Mausoleum.

Eternal Flame

There is an Eternal Flame in honor of an unknown soldier on the left side of Red Square. The hourly changing of the guards is worth seeing.

The Kremlin is the official residence of the Russian president. You can see it from the outside, or you can take an excursion to one of the museums located inside. This is the biggest active fortress in Europe, and holds a week’s worth of attractions! Once behind the 7,332-feet of walls, there are five squares, four cathedrals, 20 towers, various museums, and the world’s largest bell and cannon to see. Worth a special mention is the Armory Chamber that houses a collection of the famous Faberge Eggs.

Pro Tip: You can only go inside the Kremlin if you are part of a tourist group.

2. Bolshoi Theatre

Bolshoi Theatre translates to “The Big Theatre” in Russian, and the building is home to both the Bolshoi Ballet and Bolshoi Opera — among the oldest and most famous ballet and opera companies in the world.

Pro Tip: It’s hard to get an inexpensive ticket, so if you’re reading well in advance of going to Moscow then try buying tickets on the official website . Last-minute tickets cost around $250 per person. If this is out of your budget, about an hour before a performance, you can try buying a ticket at the entrance from a reseller. Most can speak enough English to negotiate the price.

Tour the Bolshoi Theatre: You can take a group guided tour of the Bolshoi Theatre which focuses on the history and architecture of the theatre and behind the scenes. There’s an English language tour that lasts 2 hours and costs around $300 for a group of up to six.

3. Luxury Shopping At GUM And TSUM

Russia’s main department store, GUM, has a stunning interior that is home to over 100 high-end boutiques, selling a variety of brands: from luxurious Dior to the more affordable Zara. Even if shopping is not on your Moscow to-do list GUM is still worth a visit; the glass-roofed arcade faces Red Square and offers a variety of classy eateries. TSUM, one of the biggest luxury malls in town, is right behind the Bolshoi and GUM. It’s an imposing building with lots of history, and worth a visit just for its design and its glass roof.

4. Christ The Savior Cathedral

This is one of Russia’s most visited cathedrals and is a newer addition to the gorgeous array of Muscovite cathedrals, but don’t let its young age fool you. After perestroika, in the early 90s, the revived Russian Orthodox Church was given permission to build a cathedral on this site. It did the location honors and built the largest temple of the Christian Orthodox Church. The façade is as grand as you’d expect, but it’s the inside that will mesmerize you, with its domes, gold, gorgeous paintings, and decor!

The cathedral is located just a few hundred feet away from the Kremlin and was the site of the infamous Pussy Riot protest against Putin back in 2012.

Pro Tip: Bring a shawl to cover your hair as is the local custom.

5. Gorky Park

Moscow’s premier green space, Gorky Park (Park Gor’kogo) is the city’s biggest and most famous park. There is entertainment on offer here for every taste, from outdoor dancing sessions to yoga classes, volleyball, ping-pong, rollerblading, and bike and boat rental in summer. In winter, half the park turns into a huge ice skating rink. Gorky Park is also home to an open-air movie theater and the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art. There is also Muzeon Art Park, a dynamic contemporary space with a unique collection of 700 sculptures. It is located right in front of Gorky Park.

6. Sparrow Hills Park

If you take a walk from Gorky Park, along the Moscow River embankment, you’ll end up in the city’s other legendary park, Sparrow Hills. Although the park doesn’t offer as many activities as its hip neighbor, it has a great panoramic view of the city

Pro Tip: You can take a free walking tour to all of the above attractions with an English-speaking guide.

7. River Cruising

One of the best ways to experience Moscow, and see all the famous landmarks, but from a different angle, is from the Moscow River. Take a river cruise. Avoid the tourist crowds. There are little nameless old boats that do the cruise, but if you are looking for a more luxurious experience take the Radisson Blu cruise and enjoy the sights with some good food and a glass of wine.

8. Metro Hopping

Inaugurated in the 1930s, the Moscow Metro system is one of the oldest and most beautiful in the world. Started in Stalinist times, each station is a work of art in its own right. I’d recommend touring the stations between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. This way, you’ll be able to properly see it without the crowds. Ideally, I’d recommend taking a tour with a knowledgeable guide with GuruWalk, who will tell you stories of forgotten stations and how the history of the country is interconnected with the metro development. If going by yourself, then I definitely recommend checking out: Mayakovskaya, Ploschad Revolutsii, Kievskaya, Kropotkinskaya, Kurskaya, and Novoslobodskaya stations.

Visit the free Moscow Metro Museum: For real train enthusiasts, located in the southern vestibule of Sportivnaya station is a small free museum. Here you can take a peek into the driver’s cabin, see a collection of metro tokens from different cities, and see different models of a turnstile, traffic lights, escalator, and more.

9. Moscow State University View

In his effort to create a grander Moscow, Stalin had seven skyscrapers built in different parts of town; they’re called the Seven Sisters. The largest of these buildings and the one with the best view is the main building of the Moscow State University. Although this is a little outside the city center, the view is more than worth it.

10. Izmailovsky Market

Mostly known for the city’s largest flea market, the district of Izmaylovo is home to a maze of shops where you can get just about anything, from artisan crafts to traditional fur hats, handcrafted jewelry, fascinating Soviet memorabilia, and antiquities. It’s also one of Moscow’s largest green spaces. There are often no price tags, so be prepared to haggle a bit. Head to one of the market cafes for a warming mulled wine before continuing your shopping spree.

The History of Vodka Museum is found here, and the museum’s restaurant is the perfect place to sample various brands of the national drink.

Once you’ve covered the more touristy spots, Moscow still has plenty to offer, and the places below will also be full of locals! So for some local vibes, I would strongly recommend the spots below!

11. Moscow City

With a completely different vibe, Moscow City (also referred to as Moscow International Business Center) is like a mini Dubai, with lots of impressive tall glass buildings. Here is where you’ll find the best rooftops in towns, like Ruski Restaurant, the highest restaurant both in Moscow City and in Europe. Moscow City is great for crowd-free shopping and the best panoramic views of the city.

12. Tretyakov Gallery

Tretyakov Gallery started as the private collection of the Tretyakov brothers, who were 19th-century philanthropists. They gave their private collection to the government after their deaths. If there is just one museum you visit in Moscow, I recommend this one!

13. Tsaritsyno Museum-Reserve

Tsaritsyno was a residence of Catherine the Great more than two centuries ago. It became derelict during the Soviet era but has now been fully renovated. With its opulently decorated buildings, gardens, meadows, and forests, Tsaritsyno Park is the perfect place for a green respite in Moscow.

14. Kolomenskoye

A 10-minute metro ride from the city center is Kolomenskoe Museum-Reserve, where you can get an idea of what Russia looked like 200 years ago. You’ll find ancient churches (one dating back to the 16th century), the oldest garden in Moscow, and the wonderful fairytale wooden palace of Tsar Alexey Mikhailovich, father of Peter the Great.

15. Ostankino TV Tower

Built in 1967, Ostankino TV Tower was the tallest free-standing construction in the world at the time, it’s still the 8th tallest building in the world and the highest in Europe. It’s also the best observation deck, with a glass floor and 360-degree views. The speedy elevators take you 1,105 feet in next to no time.

Pro Tip: You need to book in advance; entrance is based on specific ticket times and the capacity is limited and only a certain number of tourists are allowed per day. Don’t forget your passport, you’ll need it to get through security.

16. Zaryadye Park

Zaryadye is a newly opened, landscaped urban park so new you won’t find it in a lot of tour guides. The park is near Red Square and is divided into four climatic zones: forest, steppe, tundra, and floodplains, depicting the variety of climatic zones in Russia.

These last three suggestions are a little quirky, but all are really worth checking out.

17. Museum Of Soviet Arcade Games

Release your inner child playing on 66 arcade machines from the Soviet era! What a great way to spend a couple of hours when tired of visiting museums and palaces. The staff speaks excellent English and are happy to explain how the games work.

18. Moscow Rooftop Tour

Take a 1-hour private Moscow rooftop tour with an experienced roofer. I can just about guarantee none of your friends will be able to say they’ve done it! For your comfort, I recommend wearing comfortable shoes. Take your camera, there are some amazing photo opportunities out there!

19. Sanduny Banya

This classical Russian bathhouse opened its doors in 1808 and is famous for combining traditional Russian banya services with luxurious interiors and service. If you enjoy spas and saunas, then you should experience a Russian bathhouse at least once in your life! Go with an open mind and hire a specialist to steam you as it’s meant to be done — by being beaten repeatedly with a besom (a leafy branch)! This is said to improve circulation, but is best done by a professional!

So there you have my list of things to do in Moscow. I could have gone on and on and on, but I didn’t want to try your patience! There are so many things to do in this vibrant city that you’ll definitely need to allocate several days for exploring.

Here are some other reasons to visit Moscow and Russia:

• 7 Reasons To Put Moscow On Your Travel Bucket List
• Russia 30 Years (And 30 Pounds) Ago
• Massive Mysterious Craters Appearing Again In Siberia

Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, before moving to Africa at the age of 21, Sarah Kingdom is a mountain climber and guide, traveler, yoga teacher, trail runner, and mother of two. When she is not climbing or traveling she lives on a cattle ranch in central Zambia. She guides and runs trips regularly in India, Nepal, Tibet, Russia, and Ethiopia, taking climbers up Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro numerous times a year.

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10 Graduation Trip Ideas for Every Budget and Travel Style

From Peru to Paris, these are some of the best trips to take after graduation.

Valerie de Leon/Travel + Leisure

Everyone travels for a different reason. For some, travel is an adventure, a way to discover all that the world has to offer. Others use it as a means of escaping everyday stresses. It’s also one of the best ways to celebrate life’s biggest moments, whether it’s a new beginning, an exciting achievement, or both. Graduation certainly falls into the latter category, and you’ll often see those earning a high school, college, or post-grad diploma marking the accomplishment with a memorable travel experience. Plus, this is an occasion that’s often accompanied by the rare chance to travel without missing classes or taking off work. So if there’s ever a good time to go on that trip you’ve always dreamed about, it’s right after graduation. 

When it comes to graduation trips, there are no hard-and-fast rules about how or where you should travel; they can run the gamut from quick beach weekends to week-long, multi-country adventures. It all depends on your preference, budget, and availability. To help narrow down your choices, we spoke with two of Travel + Leisure ’s trusted A-List advisors, Maria Diego of Diego Travel and Jean Sanz of JSB Journeys , to curate a list of the best graduation trip ideas.

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

When you want a graduation trip with lots of sunshine, salt water, and beautiful scenery, but you don’t want a super long flight, choose Costa Rica, T+L’s 2024 Destination of the Year . “The proximity to the U.S. makes this a quick jump over if time is of the essence,” Sanz tells T+L. Start your journey by indulging in a bit of luxurious relaxation — “You can enjoy hot springs and hang out with friends at The Springs Resort & Spa while sipping on a drink as you overlook the Arenal Volcano,” says Sanz  — then move on to something more active. There are numerous hiking opportunities in this biodiverse country, ranging from beginner to more advanced trails. If you’re really looking to challenge yourself, embark on the 174-mile Camino de Costa Rica .

Lauren Breedlove/Travel + Leisure

Thinking about a West Coast trip? San Diego could be in the cards. The Southern California city is known for its warm, dry summers, and there are plenty of activities to fill an itinerary, no matter your interests. If you want an active graduation trip, book a surf lesson with Surf Diva , hike Torrey Pines State Park Loop, and practice your swing at the famed Torrey Pines Golf Course . For a trip that’s centered around art, explore the collections at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego , The San Diego Museum of Art , and the Mingei International Museum . If you want to do nothing but lounge by the beach or pool, check into Hotel del Coronado or The Lodge at Torrey Pines for a few extra-luxe nights.

Eleanor Scriven/robertharding/Travel + Leisure

While Diego notes that she wouldn’t recommend St. Barts for a high school graduation trip, it is a special, celebratory destination that could be a good option for those graduating from college. In Diego’s words, it’s an “island that outshines them all,” and if you visit in the late summer (as opposed to the popular winter season), you’ll often see lower prices and fewer crowds. “ Eden Rock is always a popular choice if you want to see and be seen, or if you're looking for more of a hideaway with an ultra-chic clientele and [a] lower-key beach club, I recommend Le Toiny ,” she says.

Buenos Aires and Patagonia

“Aside from the fact that it should be on everyone's bucket list, Buenos Aires is an eclectic cosmopolitan city, with cocktail bars, nightclubs, and an incredible food scene,” says Sanz. After spending a few days in the city, make your way to Patagonia , where you’ll need your hiking boots, waterproof layers, and plenty of bug spray and sunscreen. “You can hike from camp to camp as you overlook the amazing Fitz Roy mountain and end in a fabulous adventure lodge like Explora . The food and the dramatic landscapes are also a great way to treat yourself as you walk into a new world,” she adds.

National Park Road Trip

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“A road trip is always a great way to celebrate a milestone. We have some of the most beautiful parks and animals on the planet in our own backyard,” says Diego. If you’re planning an extended graduation trip, spread out over several weeks, you could try to plot out some of our nation’s biggest national parks out West— from the Great Sand Dunes to Zion — and check them all off on an epic road trip. But if you’re only planning on traveling for about a week, and you still want to see some impressive wildlife and scenery, head to Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park, which are about an hour’s drive from one another. Most travelers fly into Jackson Hole Airport, the only commercial airport within a U.S. national park, and use Jackson Hole as their base camp for exploring Grand Teton National Park over a period of two to three days. Yellowstone takes a bit more time; plan on spending three to four days traversing the park and checking off your top highlights and points of interest.

New York City

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New York City has something for everyone — and that includes recent grads. If it’s your first time in the Big Apple, you’ll probably want to experience all of the classics: a Yankees game, Central Park, a slice at a quintessential pizzeria, a Broadway show, and some of New York City’s best museums , including The Metropolitan Museum of Art , The Guggenheim , and The Whitney . It’ll be a packed trip, so don’t forget your best walking shoes; depending on your schedule, you’ll probably end up trekking multiple miles as you make your way through the boroughs. While NYC isn’t known as a particularly cheap destination, it does have a whole host of free things to do if you’re looking to keep costs down.

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“I think Africa is the perfect option for a graduation trip, particularly gorilla trekking in Rwanda ,” says Diego. “In order to do the chimpanzee and gorilla treks, the minimum age requirement is 18, which would be a fantastic age to have this experience.” She also suggests starting your trip at the Kigali Genocide Memorial in the capital of Rwanda: “While extremely sad, it is very educational and sets a context for the entirety of the trip.  Once you see the history of what this small country has gone through, and overcome, it changes you in a very impactful way.  I can't think of a better gift to share with a young adult than the entire experience that is Rwanda.”

London and Paris

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Out of all the cities in the world, London and Paris are two of the most iconic — and they’re only two hours apart by train. Start your trip in the Big Smoke, where you can cheers to your diploma over Champagne afternoon tea at The Ritz and get your steps in while walking through Green Park, St. James’s Park, and some of the city’s most picturesque neighborhoods. Rest up at The Laslett , an expertly designed boutique hotel in Notting Hill, before hopping aboard the Eurostar to Paris. You may have a long list of must-sees in the City of Lights, but leave time for the best parts of a Parisian adventure: leisurely coffee breaks at cafés, croissant and baguette runs, and a long stroll down the Avenue des Champs-Élysées. For a particularly memorable stay in Paris, Diego recommends Le Grand Contrôle , “the hotel in the Château de Versailles that allows special access without the crowds.”

Rory Fuller/Travel + Leisure

Travelers might want to use this time off to tour Peru, the home of Machu Picchu and part of the Amazon rainforest. “Hiking the last part of the Inca Trail and arriving at the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu gives you a mystical sense of being — and [it’s] a great feeling of freedom to have after several years of university,” says Sanz. She suggests staying at the Palacio del Inka in Cusco, where you can sip piscos on your balcony, and leaving time for Lima. When in the capital, follow Sanz’s advice and “explore the culinary delights of Mayta [and its] fantastic cocktail menu.”

When the only thing you want to do after graduation is soak up some sun on the beach, look no further than Charleston . The Holy City is known for its laidback lifestyle, and there are several beaches within driving distance of the downtown area. Folly Beach is where you’ll find kitschy beach shops, amazing seafood restaurants, and opportunities to surf. Sullivan’s Island is a bit quieter, but its main street, Middle Street, becomes a hub of activity on summer weekends. If the whole family is joining your grad trip, book a stay at Wild Dunes Resort on Isle of Palms. No matter which beach you choose, you’ll be able to find plenty of R&R before starting your next life chapter.

Students pitch business ideas and get advice from UP leaders

MANISTIQUE, Mich. (WLUC) - Bakeries, tattoo shops and a creative casket maker were just a few of the business ideas pitched by Manistique Middle and High School students on Thursday night.

Aspiring Baker Bayleigh Buttermore said some of her secret recipes that she pitched to the panel of judges come from her great-grandmother’s cookbook from 1928.

“That’s just been passed down in my family for generations,” Buttermore said. “It’s old, stained and not only with the cookbook; there’s other just recipes she’s written and slid in there.”

Buttermore, a junior, won second place and a $150 cash prize for her ‘A Slice of Life’ bakery idea at Thursday’s ‘Learn it. Plan it. Pitch it.’ showcase. Limestone Federal Credit Union and the Schoolcraft County 4-H Program partnered for the initiative.

“We said let’s start small,” said Jill Connin, Schoolcraft County 4-H Program and LFCU Education Coordinator. “Let’s start with what you’re passionate about. Let’s have you do pitches and then see where we go. So, maybe five years from now, we’re standing one of these businesses up. Maybe these kids are off in college and come back and do amazing things.”

The ‘Pitch It’ program aims to help the young entrepreneurs develop business plans and get investments. One student pitched expanding the business she started in 2021 when she was just 14 years old.

“For the prize money, I would like to reinvest it into my company, so I can continue to make bigger and better fishing lures for my target market,” Junior Cheyenne Williams said.

Williams said her favorite part of the competition was when the judges asked questions after her presentation.

“I liked it better than doing the pitch itself,” Williams added. “I like it in a conversation mode when I can collaborate ideas with other people where you have something random, like jewelry, that you might have never thought of before. “That’s where the best ideas are often born.”

Williams won first place and $250 to expand her business ‘Cheyenne’s Catches.’

Copyright 2024 WLUC. All rights reserved.

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Can Reed Hastings Disrupt Skiing?

The Netflix co-founder bought Powder Mountain, in Utah, and is turning half of it into a private club for wealthy homeowners who pay a hefty annual fee. Will the public-private model fly?

Reed Hastings is adjusting to life as a ski resort owner. “I used to snowboard about 10 times a year,” he said. “Now getting out is part of the job.” Credit... Alex Goodlett for The New York Times

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By Gordy Megroz

• March 29, 2024

On a Monday morning in early March, Reed Hastings, the billionaire co-founder and former chief executive of Netflix, clicked into the bindings on his snowboard and started off down one of the slopes at Powder Mountain, a ski area in Utah’s northeast corner. He quickly veered off the groomed trail into some well-spaced trees, and as he made turns over bumpy snow, you could hear his edges scratch against patches of ice.

“Not as good as I was hoping,” he said at the bottom. “But still not bad.”

Despite the less-than-ideal conditions, Mr. Hastings, 63, seemed to be enjoying the perks that come with his new gig: ski area owner. “I used to snowboard about 10 times a year,” he said. “Now getting out is part of the job.”

Last September, Mr. Hastings, bought a controlling interest in Powder Mountain for an undisclosed sum, inheriting more than $100 million in debt.

Not long after, he announced that he was adopting a business model never before tried in the ski industry: He would make 2,000 acres of the mountain’s terrain private, accessible only to people who owned homes in an enclave atop the mountain and who paid a membership fee expected to run between $30,000 and $100,000 per year. The rest of the ski area would remain open to the public, underwritten by the private operation.

The move, he said, was a way to compete with the multimountain passes like Ikon and Epic, without drawing the crowds that come with them. “All of the independent ski areas are looking for ways to survive,” he said. “Going boutique, higher end, private, is probably where they need to go.”

Mr. Hastings, embraces the notion that he can disrupt the ski industry the way he disrupted entertainment, though he admits he’s learning the ski business on the fly.

Will it work?

“We’ll have to wait and see,” said Rick Kahl, 71, the longtime editor of Ski Area Management, a trade publication. “But I wouldn’t bet against the guy who started Netflix.”

Rickety chairlifts and charm

With 8,464 acres of skiable terrain, Powder Mountain, which averages around 360 inches of snow each season, is one of the largest ski areas in the United States. All of that terrain is on private land; most ski areas either lease their land from the U.S. Forest Service or operate on a patchwork of public and private land. Powder has rickety chairlifts and aging day lodges that imbue the place with a certain air of nostalgia. Adding to the charm is that, upon descending some runs, getting back to the lift requires hopping on an old bus.

And, because PowMow (as it’s affectionately referred to) is a bit off the beaten path and has very limited nearby lodging, there are never any crowds.

But the ski area — like many other independently owned resorts — has never been able to make money. Summit, an event-hosting group, bought it in 2013 and had huge plans to build a village with 500 homes, restaurants, bars and possibly even a neuroscience lab and high-altitude performance center. But it failed to sell many of the homesites, which cost hundreds of thousands of dollars for as little as a quarter acre of land, and the ski area continued to lose money.

Mr. Hastings, fed up with crowds at heavily developed Park City, had built a home at Powder in 2021. When Summit decided it wanted out, he swooped in.

“I felt I had to do it to preserve the experience here,” he said.

Mr. Hastings, whose net worth is $5.98 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index , immediately invested $100 million of his own money in the ski area, paying off a portion of the debt and purchasing four new chairlifts, which are set to be installed this summer.

He is also planning to build two day lodges with restaurants, private rentals and retail stores for the mountain’s private side, and a 40,000-square-foot lodge will serve as an afternoon and evening hub for members and feature a state-of-the-art spa.

Shortly after the announcement, Mr. Hastings pulled all existing lots on the mountain off the market. When he relists them, he said, the starting price will be $2 million. On Friday he announced that he had also purchased 2,400 acres of terrain adjacent to the ski area’s existing boundary, which will also only be accessible to members.

His bet is that if he can sell all the homesites, membership fees for the private portion of the ski area will pay for overhead and improvements on both the public and private sections.

The private experience

Mr. Hastings isn’t the only ski area owner with the notion that privatization might be a means toward profitability.

In 2022, the owners of Homewood Mountain Resort in Homewood, Calif., announced plans to restrict season pass and day ticket sales to certain Homewood homeowners. After public outcry, that plan was scrapped, according to a spokeswoman for the resort.

The new owners of Windham Mountain Club, in New York, announced in October that they would charge a membership fee starting at $175,000 that would give members access to special amenities and let them ski the slopes in the mornings before they open to the public.

The Yellowstone Club, which was founded in 1997, in Big Sky, Mont., is perhaps most similar to Mr. Hastings’s model. Club members have access to more than 2,700 acres of private ski and snowboard terrain, and if they have also have a pass to Big Sky Resort, which shares a border with the club, can ski directly onto Big Sky’s 5,800 acres of public slopes.

Before skiing together, Mr. Hastings and I sat on brown leather sofas in his Powder Mountain Village home — a cylindrical-shaped modern house with a concrete kitchen island, an impressive looking espresso machine and panoramic views of the Wasatch Mountains and Ogden Valley — as he explained to me why the changes at the ski area were necessary.

“I’m investing a lot of money in Powder Mountain but my plan was never to subsidize it,” he said. “My passion is the charities that I work with, but I never saw this as a charitable endeavor.”

As he looked at the mountain’s finances, he said, “it became clear that we needed to do something significant.”

In the end, that something was leveraging the mountain’s available real estate. “We decided that we needed to lure people here by offering a private experience that they can’t get anyplace else,” he said.

If his plan pans out, Harris Sondak, the former mayor of Alta, Utah, and a professor at the University of Utah’s David Eccles School of Business , said that more ski areas might adopt a public/private model to increase revenue. “Running a ski area is expensive, and any new way to make money is often embraced,” he said.

In addition to taking part of the mountain private, Mr. Hastings is raising the price of a season pass to $1,399 from $1,259. A season pass for seniors 75 and older, which used to be free, will now cost $1,049. The number of season passes sold, which had been capped, will no longer be limited, though the number of day tickets will.

Much of the ski community, particularly locals, was upset by the changes. “I’m very concerned,” said Aaron Vexler, 48, who has owned a condominium at Powder Mountain since 2012. “They’re severely limiting the terrain, raising prices, and also selling more passes. How do you sell more passes and keep the ski area uncrowded?” Others, feeling as though Mr. Hastings is only interested in making money, gave the new owner a nickname, “Greed” Hastings.

During our conversation, Mr. Hastings pointed out that three of the new lifts he is putting in will provide access to public terrain. As part of the announcement of the new private terrain, Mr. Hastings also said that more than 1,000 acres of terrain will be added to the public side of the ski area, opening in 2025. “All the new terrain will help spread people out and help keep the ski area uncrowded,” he said.

Checking out the new terrain

After my runs with Mr. Hastings, Kevin Mitchell, Powder Mountain’s general manager, and I hopped in a small snowcat to explore some of the new private terrain in an area known as Davenport, which is currently used for guided cat skiing.

After a 15-minute ride, we got out and put on our skis to descend a steep slope, making smeary turns on untouched snow through the trees. I was impressed. But when we got back into the cat and headed around the bend, I was astonished.

Above us I saw steep, craggy pitches — terrain that’s so challenging it has garnered attention from the professional snowboarder Travis Rice, who has created a series of extreme snowboarding competitions known as Natural Selection . Mr. Mitchell said Mr. Rice was considering holding one of his events there. A lift is planned for the area, though for next season, members will ride a snowcat to the top.

Before venturing into Davenport, I’d wondered if the existing slopes that were becoming private were appealing enough to entice well-heeled skiers and snowboarders to throw down on $2 million lots and high membership fees. With Davenport, the private offering is the total package.

“The overall experience for the private community will feel integrated but elevated,” said Alex Zhang, Powder’s chief creative officer. “The homeowners have access to premium conveniences — such as ski-in ski-out housing, upscale lodges and private lifts — resulting in untracked powder that last for days.”

A few days later, we checked out the new public terrain. A large portion of it is known as “Don’t Mention It,” or DMI for short. It was named by backcountry skiers who found the descents there so good that they didn’t want anybody else to know about them. After a short hike beyond the ski area boundary, I was able to get a full view of the slopes and could see why they so coveted them.

Dozens of steep, long runs and chutes wind down the vast expanse, with huge boulders jutting out of the land like prehistoric monuments. A big open bowl makes up much of the new terrain, but extreme skiers and snowboarders will drool over the north-facing slopes, which trump the skiing in Davenport and, when they open, will likely be considered some of the best skiing in the country.

“There will be a lift back here and maybe two lifts,” Mr. Mitchell said. “We have a year’s worth of planning to do.”

Fortunately, I didn’t have to wait that long. I dropped onto a slope and skied through well-spaced trees, descending the length of nearly seven football fields. It hadn’t snowed much in about eight days, but the run still held light powder that drifted over my boot tops. At the bottom, my legs were burning and I had a frozen grin on my face.

Traditions unchanged

One day after skiing, I grabbed a stool at the Powder Keg, a bar at the mountain that’s famous for its greasy burgers and its old-school ambience. I drank a beer and listened to a local woman strum her guitar and belt out folk tunes. None of that will change.

Though Timberline Lodge, the building that houses the Powder Keg, will get an upgrade, Mr. Hastings said he is intent on keeping many of Powder Mountain’s sacred spots and traditions unchanged. When finishing runs in the area known as Powder Country, for example, you’ll still get on a bus back to the lifts.

“You can’t just tear down a building, put up a new one, call it the same thing, and expect people to feel the same way about it,” Mr. Hastings said.

Mr. Hastings said it’s that old-school vibe that makes Powder Mountain special. “We’re building a luxury experience on the private side of the mountain,” he said. “But many of the homeowners will still ski the public side and want to experience the parts of Powder Mountain that you won’t be able to get in the village.”

At the time of my visit, Mr. Hastings had college friends visiting.

“I sent them to the Powder Keg for lunch,” he said. “It’s one of my favorite places to eat.”

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .

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Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow: The Best of Moscow!

I just got back from one week in Moscow. And, as you might have already guessed, it was a mind-boggling experience. It was not my first trip to the Russian capital. But I hardly ever got enough time to explore this sprawling city. Visiting places for business rarely leaves enough time for sightseeing. I think that if you’ve got one week in Russia, you can also consider splitting your time between its largest cities (i.e. Saint Petersburg ) to get the most out of your trip. Seven days will let you see the majority of the main sights and go beyond just scratching the surface. In this post, I’m going to share with you my idea of the perfect travel itinerary for one week in Moscow.

Moscow is perhaps both the business and cultural hub of Russia. There is a lot more to see here than just the Kremlin and Saint Basil’s Cathedral. Centuries-old churches with onion-shaped domes dotted around the city are in stark contrast with newly completed impressive skyscrapers of Moscow City dominating the skyline. I spent a lot of time thinking about my Moscow itinerary before I left. And this city lived up to all of my expectations.

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow

Day 1 – red square and the kremlin.

Metro Station: Okhotny Ryad on Red Line.

No trip to Moscow would be complete without seeing its main attraction. The Red Square is just a stone’s throw away from several metro stations. It is home to some of the most impressive architectural masterpieces in the city. The first thing you’ll probably notice after entering it and passing vendors selling weird fur hats is the fairytale-like looking Saint Basil’s Cathedral. It was built to commemorate one of the major victories of Ivan the Terrible. I once spent 20 minutes gazing at it, trying to find the perfect angle to snap it. It was easier said than done because of the hordes of locals and tourists.

As you continue strolling around Red Square, there’s no way you can miss Gum. It was widely known as the main department store during the Soviet Era. Now this large (yet historic) shopping mall is filled with expensive boutiques, pricey eateries, etc. During my trip to Moscow, I was on a tight budget. So I only took a retro-style stroll in Gum to get a rare glimpse of a place where Soviet leaders used to grocery shop and buy their stuff. In case you want some modern shopping experience, head to the Okhotny Ryad Shopping Center with stores like New Yorker, Zara, and Adidas.

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To continue this Moscow itinerary, next you may want to go inside the Kremlin walls. This is the center of Russian political power and the president’s official residence. If you’re planning to pay Kremlin a visit do your best to visit Ivan the Great Bell Tower as well. Go there as early as possible to avoid crowds and get an incredible bird’s-eye view. There are a couple of museums that are available during designated visiting hours. Make sure to book your ticket online and avoid lines.

Day 2 – Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, the Tretyakov Gallery, and the Arbat Street

Metro Station: Kropotkinskaya on Red Line

As soon as you start creating a Moscow itinerary for your second day, you’ll discover that there are plenty of metro stations that are much closer to certain sites. Depending on your route, take a closer look at the metro map to pick the closest.

The white marble walls of Christ the Saviour Cathedral are awe-inspiring. As you approach this tallest Orthodox Christian church, you may notice the bronze sculptures, magnificent arches, and cupolas that were created to commemorate Russia’s victory against Napoleon.

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Unfortunately, the current Cathedral is a replica, since original was blown to bits in 1931 by the Soviet government. The new cathedral basically follows the original design, but they have added some new elements such as marble high reliefs.

Home to some precious collection of artworks, in Tretyakov Gallery you can find more than 150,000 of works spanning centuries of artistic endeavor. Originally a privately owned gallery, it now has become one of the largest museums in Russia. The Gallery is often considered essential to visit. But I have encountered a lot of locals who have never been there.

Famous for its souvenirs, musicians, and theaters, Arbat street is among the few in Moscow that were turned into pedestrian zones. Arbat street is usually very busy with tourists and locals alike. My local friend once called it the oldest street in Moscow dating back to 1493. It is a kilometer long walking street filled with fancy gift shops, small cozy restaurants, lots of cute cafes, and street artists. It is closed to any vehicular traffic, so you can easily stroll it with kids.

Day 3 – Moscow River Boat Ride, Poklonnaya Hill Victory Park, the Moscow City

Metro Station: Kievskaya and Park Pobedy on Dark Blue Line / Vystavochnaya on Light Blue Line

Voyaging along the Moscow River is definitely one of the best ways to catch a glimpse of the city and see the attractions from a bit different perspective. Depending on your Moscow itinerary, travel budget and the time of the year, there are various types of boats available. In the summer there is no shortage of boats, and you’ll be spoiled for choice.

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If you find yourself in Moscow during the winter months, I’d recommend going with Radisson boat cruise. These are often more expensive (yet comfy). They offer refreshments like tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and, of course, alcoholic drinks. Prices may vary but mostly depend on your food and drink selection. Find their main pier near the opulent Ukraine hotel . The hotel is one of the “Seven Sisters”, so if you’re into the charm of Stalinist architecture don’t miss a chance to stay there.

The area near Poklonnaya Hill has the closest relation to the country’s recent past. The memorial complex was completed in the mid-1990s to commemorate the Victory and WW2 casualties. Also known as the Great Patriotic War Museum, activities here include indoor attractions while the grounds around host an open-air museum with old tanks and other vehicles used on the battlefield.

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The hallmark of the memorial complex and the first thing you see as you exit metro is the statue of Nike mounted to its column. This is a very impressive Obelisk with a statue of Saint George slaying the dragon at its base.

Maybe not as impressive as Shanghai’s Oriental Pearl Tower , the skyscrapers of the Moscow City (otherwise known as Moscow International Business Center) are so drastically different from dull Soviet architecture. With 239 meters and 60 floors, the Empire Tower is the seventh highest building in the business district.

The observation deck occupies 56 floor from where you have some panoramic views of the city. I loved the view in the direction of Moscow State University and Luzhniki stadium as well to the other side with residential quarters. The entrance fee is pricey, but if you’re want to get a bird’s eye view, the skyscraper is one of the best places for doing just that.

Day 4 – VDNKh, Worker and Collective Farm Woman Monument, The Ostankino TV Tower

Metro Station: VDNKh on Orange Line

VDNKh is one of my favorite attractions in Moscow. The weird abbreviation actually stands for Russian vystavka dostizheniy narodnogo khozyaystva (Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy). With more than 200 buildings and 30 pavilions on the grounds, VDNKh serves as an open-air museum. You can easily spend a full day here since the park occupies a very large area.

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First, there are pavilions that used to showcase different cultures the USSR was made of. Additionally, there is a number of shopping pavilions, as well as Moskvarium (an Oceanarium) that features a variety of marine species. VDNKh is a popular venue for events and fairs. There is always something going on, so I’d recommend checking their website if you want to see some particular exhibition.

A stone’s throw away from VDNKh there is a very distinctive 25-meters high monument. Originally built in 1937 for the world fair in Paris, the hulking figures of men and women holding a hammer and a sickle represent the Soviet idea of united workers and farmers. It doesn’t take much time to see the monument, but visiting it gives some idea of the Soviet Union’s grandiose aspirations.

I have a thing for tall buildings. So to continue my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow I decided to climb the fourth highest TV tower in the world. This iconic 540m tower is a fixture of the skyline. You can see it virtually from everywhere in Moscow, and this is where you can get the best panoramic views (yep, even better than Empire skyscraper).

Parts of the floor are made of tempered glass, so it can be quite scary to exit the elevator. But trust me, as you start observing buildings and cars below, you won’t want to leave. There is only a limited number of tickets per day, so you may want to book online. Insider tip: the first tour is cheaper, you can save up to $10 if go there early.

Day 5 – A Tour To Moscow Manor Houses

Metro Station: Kolomenskoye, Tsaritsyno on Dark Green Line / Kuskovo on Purple Line

I love visiting the manor houses and palaces in Moscow. These opulent buildings were generally built to house Russian aristocratic families and monarchs. Houses tend to be rather grand affairs with impressive architecture. And, depending on the whims of the owners, some form of a landscaped garden.

During the early part of the 20th century though, many of Russia’s aristocratic families (including the family of the last emperor) ended up being killed or moving abroad . Their manor houses were nationalized. Some time later (after the fall of the USSR) these were open to the public. It means that today a great many of Moscow’s finest manor houses and palaces are open for touring.

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There are 20 manor houses scattered throughout the city and more than 25 in the area around. But not all of them easily accessible and exploring them often takes a lot of time. I’d recommend focusing on three most popular estates in Moscow that are some 30-minute metro ride away from Kremlin.

Sandwiched between the Moscow River and the Andropov Avenue, Kolomenskoye is a UNESCO site that became a public park in the 1920’s. Once a former royal estate, now it is one of the most tranquil parks in the city with gorgeous views. The Ascension Church, The White Column, and the grounds are a truly grand place to visit.

You could easily spend a full day here, exploring a traditional Russian village (that is, in fact, a market), picnicking by the river, enjoying the Eastern Orthodox church architecture, hiking the grounds as well as and wandering the park and gardens with wildflower meadows, apple orchards, and birch and maple groves. The estate museum showcases Russian nature at its finest year-round.

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If my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow was a family tree, Tsaritsyno Park would probably be the crazy uncle that no-one talks about. It’s a large park in the south of the city of mind-boggling proportions, unbelievable in so many ways, and yet most travelers have never heard of it.

The palace was supposed to be a summer home for Empress Catherine the Great. But since the construction didn’t meet with her approval the palace was abandoned. Since the early 1990’s the palace, the pond, and the grounds have been undergoing renovations. The entire complex is now looking brighter and more elaborately decorated than at possibly any other time during its history. Like most parks in Moscow, you can visit Tsaritsyno free of charge, but there is a small fee if you want to visit the palace.

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Last, but by no means least on my Moscow itinerary is Kuskovo Park . This is definitely an off-the-beaten-path place. While it is not easily accessible, you will be rewarded with a lack of crowds. This 18th-century summer country house of the Sheremetev family was one of the first summer country estates of the Russian nobility. And when you visit you’ll quickly realize why locals love this park.

Like many other estates, Kuskovo has just been renovated. So there are lovely French formal garden, a grotto, and the Dutch house to explore. Make sure to plan your itinerary well because the estate is some way from a metro station.

Day 6 – Explore the Golden Ring

Creating the Moscow itinerary may keep you busy for days with the seemingly endless amount of things to do. Visiting the so-called Golden Ring is like stepping back in time. Golden Ring is a “theme route” devised by promotion-minded journalist and writer Yuri Bychkov.

Having started in Moscow the route will take you through a number of historical cities. It now includes Suzdal, Vladimir, Kostroma, Yaroslavl and Sergiev Posad. All these awe-inspiring towns have their own smaller kremlins and feature dramatic churches with onion-shaped domes, tranquil residential areas, and other architectural landmarks.

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I only visited two out of eight cities included on the route. It is a no-brainer that Sergiev Posad is the nearest and the easiest city to see on a day trip from Moscow. That being said, you can explore its main attractions in just one day. Located some 70 km north-east of the Russian capital, this tiny and overlooked town is home to Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, UNESCO Site.

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Sergiev Posad is often described as being at the heart of Russian spiritual life. So it is uncommon to see the crowds of Russian pilgrims showing a deep reverence for their religion. If you’re traveling independently and using public transport, you can reach Sergiev Posad by bus (departs from VDNKh) or by suburban commuter train from Yaroslavskaya Railway Station (Bahnhof). It takes about one and a half hours to reach the town.

Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius is a great place to get a glimpse of filling and warming Russian lunch, specifically at the “ Gostevaya Izba ” restaurant. Try the duck breast, hearty potato and vegetables, and the awesome Napoleon cake.

Day 7 – Gorky Park, Izmailovo Kremlin, Patriarch’s Ponds

Metro Station: Park Kultury or Oktyabrskaya on Circle Line / Partizanskaya on Dark Blue Line / Pushkinskaya on Dark Green Line

Gorky Park is in the heart of Moscow. It offers many different types of outdoor activities, such as dancing, cycling, skateboarding, walking, jogging, and anything else you can do in a park. Named after Maxim Gorky, this sprawling and lovely park is where locals go on a picnic, relax and enjoy free yoga classes. It’s a popular place to bike around, and there is a Muzeon Art Park not far from here. A dynamic location with a younger vibe. There is also a pier, so you can take a cruise along the river too.

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The Kremlin in Izmailovo is by no means like the one you can find near the Red Square. Originally built for decorative purposes, it now features the Vernissage flea market and a number of frequent fairs, exhibitions, and conferences. Every weekend, there’s a giant flea market in Izmailovo, where dozens of stalls sell Soviet propaganda crap, Russian nesting dolls, vinyl records, jewelry and just about any object you can imagine. Go early in the morning if you want to beat the crowds.

All the Bulgakov’s fans should pay a visit to Patriarch’s Ponds (yup, that is plural). With a lovely small city park and the only one (!) pond in the middle, the location is where the opening scene of Bulgakov’s novel Master and Margarita was set. The novel is centered around a visit by Devil to the atheistic Soviet Union is considered by many critics to be one of the best novels of the 20th century. I spent great two hours strolling the nearby streets and having lunch in the hipster cafe.

Conclusion and Recommendations

To conclude, Moscow is a safe city to visit. I have never had a problem with getting around and most locals are really friendly once they know you’re a foreigner. Moscow has undergone some serious reconstruction over the last few years. So you can expect some places to be completely different. I hope my one week Moscow itinerary was helpful! If you have less time, say 4 days or 5 days, I would cut out day 6 and day 7. You could save the Golden Ring for a separate trip entirely as there’s lots to see!

What are your thoughts on this one week Moscow itinerary? Are you excited about your first time in the city? Let me know in the comments below!

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24 comments.

Ann Snook-Moreau

Moscow looks so beautiful and historic! Thanks for including public transit information for those of us who don’t like to rent cars.

MindTheTravel

Yup, that is me 🙂 Rarely rent + stick to the metro = Full wallet!

Mariella Blago

Looks like you had loads of fun! Well done. Also great value post for travel lovers.

Thanks, Mariella!

I have always wanted to go to Russia, especially Moscow. These sights look absolutely beautiful to see and there is so much history there!

Agree! Moscow is a thousand-year-old city and there is definitely something for everyone.

Tara Pittman

Those are amazing buildings. Looks like a place that would be amazing to visit.

Adriana Lopez

Never been to Moscow or Russia but my family has. Many great spots and a lot of culture. Your itinerary sounds fantastic and covers a lot despite it is only a short period of time.

What was their favourite thing about Russia?

Gladys Parker

I know very little about Moscow or Russia for the\at matter. I do know I would have to see the Red Square and all of its exquisite architectural masterpieces. Also the CATHEDRAL OF CHRIST THE SAVIOUR. Thanks for shedding some light on visiting Moscow.

Thanks for swinging by! The Red Square is a great starting point, but there way too many places and things to discover aside from it!

Ruthy @ Percolate Kitchen

You are making me so jealous!! I’ve always wanted to see Russia.

Moscow is in my bucket list, I don’t know when I can visit there, your post is really useful. As a culture rich place we need to spend at least week.

DANA GUTKOWSKI

Looks like you had a great trip! Thanks for all the great info! I’ve never been in to Russia, but this post makes me wanna go now!

Wow this is amazing! Moscow is on my bucket list – such an amazing place to visit I can imagine! I can’t wait to go there one day!

The building on the second picture looks familiar. I keep seeing that on TV.

Reesa Lewandowski

What beautiful moments! I always wish I had the personality to travel more like this!

Perfect itinerary for spending a week in Moscow! So many places to visit and it looks like you had a wonderful time. I would love to climb that tower. The views I am sure must have been amazing!

I was lucky enough to see the skyline of Moscow from this TV Tower and it is definitely mind-blowing.

Chelsea Pearl

Moscow is definitely up there on my travel bucket list. So much history and iconic architecture!

Thumbs up! 🙂

Blair Villanueva

OMG I dream to visit Moscow someday! Hope the visa processing would be okay (and become more affordable) so I could pursue my dream trip!

Yup, visa processing is the major downside! Agree! Time and the money consuming process…

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DEA El Paso and Discovery Education Train Albuquerque Schools on DEA Award-Winning Curriculum

Dea el paso division - public information office.

APS Health educators and counselors engage in the training activities.

Albuquerque District Office ASAC Garland welcomes APS educators to the training.

Health educators and counselors participate in a lesson exploration using different images from the curriculum.

Health educators and counselors engage in a “snowball fight” where crumpled up papers with questions that need answers are shared throughout the classroom.

Kimberly Wright, Instructional Design Manager at Discovery Education, goes over the day’s agenda.

Catie Drew, Senior Prevention Program Manager at DEA Headquarters’ Community Outreach Section, elaborates on the curriculum and the years-long partnership between DEA and Discovery Education.

Albuquerque Public Schools has become a New Mexico leader in substance misuse prevention education by implementing DEA’s Operation Prevention curriculum across their school district. On March 25, the DEA El Paso Division, with the help of DEA Headquarters Community Outreach Section, and Discovery Education, trained 55 Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) health educators and counselors in best practices for using the award-winning curriculum.

Discovery Education, a global leader in educational content, partnered with DEA to create Operation Prevention in 2016. The curriculum is a science-based, evidence-informed educational initiative that meets national health and science standards of learning and is an aligned program for students ages 8-18. Additionally, Operation Prevention focuses on helping young people make healthy and informed choices at a young age to further prevent substance use and misuse.

APS health educators and school counselors who specialize in substance use disorders learned how to implement the curriculum in their classes using the different lessons, videos, and virtual field trips. The training was interactive and filled with activities to better prepare them for curriculum implementation. To keep the educators and counselors actively engaged throughout the training session, Discovery Education modeled classroom activities and strategies, which sparked brainstorming ideas and questions about how to use the curriculum.

“ One of the best things about [Operation Prevention], is that it's free,” said Dr. Meurer, Executive Director for Student Family Community Supports Division at Albuquerque Public Schools. “We surveyed our health educators around health topics and what they wanted professional development on. Not surprisingly, substance use and abuse were number one.”

Operation Prevention will help address the health education requirement that is mandated for APS high school and middle school students in New Mexico. The next goal is to implement Operation Prevention in the APS elementary schools.

“Albuquerque Public Schools is truly amplifying DEA’s prevention messaging by using our curriculum,” said Towanda R. Thorne-James, Special Agent in Charge of DEA’s El Paso Division. “I challenge all other school districts in New Mexico and West Texas, to follow APS’s example. In fact, all school districts in the entire country should be using it.”