Best Trip Ideas for Schools in the UK & Abroad

These UK-based school trip ideas can be booked through Next Generation Travel, and can be tailored to your learning group, curriculum, and subject.

Best for: Secondary and Sixth Form groups

London’s West End theatre scene is one of the most popular in Europe, and certainly the UK. Students can watch dramas and musicals live, go backstage at the National Theatre, and even tour Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. 

Popular shows currently on the West End include Les Misérables, The Lion King, and Wicked. From expert-led workshops to backstage tours, there’s nowhere better than London for those planning a drama and performing arts school trip.

Best for: Secondary school groups

Bring Shakespeare to life with a trip to the Bard’s hometown and birthplace. A school trip to Stratford-upon-Avon provides students with the unique opportunity to connect to Shakespeare’s inspirations, from visiting his family homes to taking in a performance at the Royal Shakespeare Company, dedicated to keeping his legacy alive in new and engaging ways. 

Theatrical workshops are also available, as well as backstage tours that are sure to give both literature and drama classes new insights into the plays they’ve studied.

Best for: Secondary school groups

Liverpool is a city forged by an industrial and maritime heritage, with many museums dedicated to helping students step into history and back into the present with a fresh perspective. 

A history trip to Liverpool can include a walking tour of the city’s sites, a cruise along the River Mersey, and visits to both the Merseyside Maritime Museum and the International Slavery Museum. 

Whitechapel is a scenic neighbourhood in London with an infamous history when it comes to crime and punishment. This school tour brings Edexcel’s GCSE history curriculum to life with a walking tour of the area.

Students will focus on the case study of Jack the Ripper as they learn about London’s East End in the 19th century, and discover how poverty, politics and immigration all played a role in the atmosphere of the time.

Best for: Primary, Secondary, Sixth Form & FE College groups

One of the world’s most prestigious tennis events, a Sports Experience at Wimbledon, is sure to leave students excited about the sport. Students can enjoy a traditional bowl of strawberries and cream before heading to the iconic courts at Henman Hill. 

Longer tours leave more time for broader experiences, such as tours of Tottenham Hotspur Stadium or the Chelsea Football Ground. 

Best for: Primary school groups

Primary school groups may want to explore the world beyond their hometowns, and a school trip within the UK can be a stepping stone to trips abroad later in life. We would recommend these locations if you’re planning a primary school trip:

• Liverpool - Students can take in the famous city from the River Mersey, take a walking tour, and enjoy some time to explore the iconic Albert Dock area.

• Isle of Wight - Your class can walk along the Shanklin Chine coastal path, enjoy an Island Gems Fossil Trip, and introduce students to travelling on a ferry - a great way to build their confidence and give the feeling of being ‘abroad’ without leaving the British Isles.

• York - Take your class back to York’s Viking heritage with a visit to the Jorvik Viking Centre, or go back further still to Brigantium Roman Fort. York is crawling with history that will fascinate students, with no shortage of interactive activities for them to enjoy.

Best for: Secondary, Sixth Form & FE College groups

While London’s West End is known across the world, Liverpool’s performing arts background is equally rich. A drama school trip to Liverpool can include workshops with experts from the West End, a live show at the renowned Empire Theatre, and an immersive outing at The British Music Experience.

Best for: Secondary, Sixth Form & FE College groups

London is much more than its West End - the city also has a strong background in both Maths and Science. From the world-class dinosaur exhibition at the Natural History Museum and an engaging 3D printing workshop, there are a variety of attractions that will make students equal parts inspired and curious. 

Just beyond London (and close enough to visit on a day trip), your class can also learn about the mathematics behind WWII codes and cyphers at Bletchley Park and the Computing Museum. 

Best for: Secondary, Sixth Form & FE College groups

Students don’t have to travel abroad to immerse themselves in a second language. With a trip to London, your class can:

• Immerse themselves in Spanish with a visit to the Instituto Cervantes of London to carry out library-based research on a curriculum-aligned topic. This can be followed by a traditional flamenco show and an authentic tapas dinner.

• Discover London’s French side, with walking tours of South Kensington (with the option to visit the many French bakeries, patisseries and cafes here) and a visit to the Institut Francais or Ciné Lumière.

• Find the gems of German culture in England’s capital, from the Goethe-Institut to interactive language challenges with E3 trails that will help your students have fun and experience immersion as they learn.

Sometimes, a multi-day trip isn’t on the budget - but that shouldn’t mean your students miss out. These free UK school trip ideas can provide immersive fun for a lower cost.

Best for: English Literature, History (all age groups)

The English Heritage encourages self-led school visits and is the backbone of over 400 historical sites around the country, making these types of trips fairly accessible, no matter where you are. Their self-led visits require you to book in advance, and are powered by a variety of downloadable teaching resources to help you make the most of your trip.

They can also organise specific facilities and workshops for certain groups, including Taskmaster-inspired fun to engage your group.

Best for: Physical Education (P.E.) and Sports groups (all age groups)

While the RNLI is known for saving lives at sea, a core part of their mission is in prevention and education. You can visit one of their centres to learn more, or, if a school trip isn’t on the cards, they can send volunteers to speak to your class. This is a great opportunity for students to ask questions and learn more about maritime safety.

They also offer downloadable lesson plans, activities, and resources for students aged 3-16 to help you plan your experience.

Best for: Business studies (all age groups)

Many businesses offer schools the opportunity to visit their grounds and learn more about the behind-the-scenes. For example, Veolia invites students in the Nottinghamshire County Council area to visit their Materials Recovery Facility in Mansfield, where they can learn more about the recycling process.

While not free (as of October 2025), Pizza Express also runs a similar experience for primary students to take part in educational culinary discussions and pizza-making workshops.

It can be worth researching local businesses to discover similar learning opportunities for your students.

Best for: English Literature (all age groups)

It’s never too early (or too late!) for students to fall in love with stories, and for many, the local library is the most affordable way to do so. Many local libraries also host events and exhibitions that students can attend for free. This can be a quick school trip that gives students the power over their own assignments by letting them choose a book to read. 

Best for: Science (all age groups)

Nearby walks through the park and nature trails can create wonderful experiences for your students, and put the natural world into perspective. For example, if you’re studying the food chain or ecosystem, students can fill in bingo-style worksheets as they walk, encouraging them to identify bugs, birds, or plant life.

If you need school trip ideas that go beyond the UK, Next Generation Travel is here with over 35 years of experience planning school trips abroad. Here are our top location recommendations:

• School trips to Spain - Visit Barcelona, Andalucia, Madrid, or Valencia as you explore Spain's art, history, and culture. Trips here are ideal for language students and sports groups, but can be tailored to broader subjects.

• School trips to France - From Paris to the Opal Coast, French school trips are full to the brim with cultural learning, iconic historical sites, and of course, delicious food.

• School trips to Germany - With options to visit Berlin, Munich, and the Rhineland, students of history, language, and art can learn a lot from a few days of full immersion in German culture.

• School trips to Poland - Poland’s unique history, culture, and impact in WWII provide students with an important opportunity to learn about Jewish culture and the Holocaust.

• School trips to the USA - From a Broadway show in New York to Universal and Disneyworld experiences in Orlando, a school trip to the United States is sure to invigorate your class while connecting them to the curriculum on a deeper level. 

• School trips to Iceland - Geography and Science students will be mesmerised by Iceland’s unique volcanic and geothermal landscape.