Public Services Trip to London

Fire Brigade Museum

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The London Fire Brigade Museum is a fascinating site for Public Services groups visiting London. The visit delves into the history of firefighting from as early as 1666, where the Great Fire of London changed the future of firefighting forever. 

On the visit, you can explore the gear room of a Victorian fire station and experience the brutal nature of the occupation during the 1860s, when the fire brigade first became a public service in London.

The museum also houses old fire appliances and equipment, plus an opportunity to experience fire brigade recruits training.

Enquire about this trip

The Supreme Court

• View on Map

The Supreme Court offers interactive, educational tours to UK schools, colleges and universities throughout the year. Visits are free of charge and consist of an introductory talk given by one of their Information Officers, time in our educational exhibition area and the opportunity for students to observe some of an appeal hearing (depending on the court schedule and space in the public seating areas).

Tours last approximately 45 minutes and cover the history, role and work of the Supreme Court. The talk can also be tailored to fit specific curriculum areas/learning outcomes.

Enquire about this trip

Old Bailey Insight Tour

• View on Map

Immerse yourself in one of Britain’s most famous courts, with centuries of history and still actively hearing cases to this day.

A trip to the Old Bailey will promise a combination of historical information, tours of the local area, and the chance to sit in on trials happening that day.

For students interested in British history, criminology or sociology, this is an unmissable experience.

Tour itinerary

This tour starts in the Viaduct pub opposite the Old Bailey in Newgate Street where, as part of the package, you will be able to visit an original Newgate prison cell that now forms part of the pub’s cellar. There is also a talk covering the history of the Old Bailey and places of interest connected to the court, such as the site where public hangings were carried out – and the pub where the wealthy rented rooms to get the best view of the executions.

At the end of the talk, each visitor is provided with a run-down of what is on in all the Old Bailey’s 18 courtrooms. This includes details about the cases on that day so you can make an informed choice about which court to enter. If there is an interesting trial taking place, you will know about it; if one of the country’s top criminal barristers is in action, you can be there to witness advocacy at its best. As the court is a high-security building, please note that visitors are only given access to the public galleries from which a trial can be viewed. It is a bit like being in the balcony seats of a small theatre looking down on the court. Members of the public are not allowed to wander around the court.

Planning support for your Old Bailey trip

For schools, colleges and universities, we can provide a special teachers’ information pack as part of the service. This is sent out before your visit and gives all the information you need to prepare a lecture or class, so students come to the court properly informed and knowing what to look for. The pack includes significant dates in the court’s 1,000-year history; an outline of the English Justice System and how it compares with legal systems in other countries; what sentences criminals can expect if convicted of certain crimes, and a guide to the layout of the court.

Enquire about this trip

Houses of Parliament

• View on Map
• Estimated 2-Hour Visit

A famous piece of Gothic architecture, the Houses of Parliament, based on the bank of the River Thames, is a must-visit landmark for students. 

Of course, a trip to the Houses of Parliament wouldn’t be complete without admiring Big Ben, the clock resting at the north end of the Palace of Westminster. Tours take place within the Houses of Parliament, where students can explore the scenes behind this stunning building.

Why visit the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben?

• It’s the heart of British democracy - gain real insight into its inner workings
• It’s a chance to immerse yourself in the iconic - and influential buildings
• You can witness the unique and impressive design that makes it such a  popular tourist attraction
• And more!

Looking to plan a trip that includes this visit?

Enquire about this trip

City of London Police Museum

• View on Map

The City of London Police Museum boasts a fascinating collection of artifacts and heritage charting the development of the British police service.

Guided tours are available for visiting Public Services student groups, giving astonishing insights into crime in historic and modern London.

The visit will demonstrate how social changes affect the work of the police force. From exhibits of uniforms from 1829 to the present day, you will also discover fascinating artifacts from the Victorian era, as well as details of some of London's most infamous criminals, including Jack the Ripper.

Please note that the museum is is small and can only accept group sizes of up to nine students and one teacher at a time. The tour is free and lasts approximately 45 minutes.

Enquire about this trip

Fire Brigade Museum

• View on Map

The London Fire Brigade Museum is a fascinating site for Public Services groups visiting London. The visit delves into the history of firefighting from as early as 1666, where the Great Fire of London changed the future of firefighting forever. 

On the visit, you can explore the gear room of a Victorian fire station and experience the brutal nature of the occupation during the 1860s, when the fire brigade first became a public service in London.

The museum also houses old fire appliances and equipment, plus an opportunity to experience fire brigade recruits training.

Enquire about this trip

The Supreme Court

• View on Map

The Supreme Court offers interactive, educational tours to UK schools, colleges and universities throughout the year. Visits are free of charge and consist of an introductory talk given by one of their Information Officers, time in our educational exhibition area and the opportunity for students to observe some of an appeal hearing (depending on the court schedule and space in the public seating areas).

Tours last approximately 45 minutes and cover the history, role and work of the Supreme Court. The talk can also be tailored to fit specific curriculum areas/learning outcomes.

Enquire about this trip

Old Bailey Insight Tour

• View on Map

Immerse yourself in one of Britain’s most famous courts, with centuries of history and still actively hearing cases to this day.

A trip to the Old Bailey will promise a combination of historical information, tours of the local area, and the chance to sit in on trials happening that day.

For students interested in British history, criminology or sociology, this is an unmissable experience.

Tour itinerary

This tour starts in the Viaduct pub opposite the Old Bailey in Newgate Street where, as part of the package, you will be able to visit an original Newgate prison cell that now forms part of the pub’s cellar. There is also a talk covering the history of the Old Bailey and places of interest connected to the court, such as the site where public hangings were carried out – and the pub where the wealthy rented rooms to get the best view of the executions.

At the end of the talk, each visitor is provided with a run-down of what is on in all the Old Bailey’s 18 courtrooms. This includes details about the cases on that day so you can make an informed choice about which court to enter. If there is an interesting trial taking place, you will know about it; if one of the country’s top criminal barristers is in action, you can be there to witness advocacy at its best. As the court is a high-security building, please note that visitors are only given access to the public galleries from which a trial can be viewed. It is a bit like being in the balcony seats of a small theatre looking down on the court. Members of the public are not allowed to wander around the court.

Planning support for your Old Bailey trip

For schools, colleges and universities, we can provide a special teachers’ information pack as part of the service. This is sent out before your visit and gives all the information you need to prepare a lecture or class, so students come to the court properly informed and knowing what to look for. The pack includes significant dates in the court’s 1,000-year history; an outline of the English Justice System and how it compares with legal systems in other countries; what sentences criminals can expect if convicted of certain crimes, and a guide to the layout of the court.

Enquire about this trip

Houses of Parliament

• View on Map
• Estimated 2-Hour Visit

A famous piece of Gothic architecture, the Houses of Parliament, based on the bank of the River Thames, is a must-visit landmark for students. 

Of course, a trip to the Houses of Parliament wouldn’t be complete without admiring Big Ben, the clock resting at the north end of the Palace of Westminster. Tours take place within the Houses of Parliament, where students can explore the scenes behind this stunning building.

Why visit the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben?

• It’s the heart of British democracy - gain real insight into its inner workings
• It’s a chance to immerse yourself in the iconic - and influential buildings
• You can witness the unique and impressive design that makes it such a  popular tourist attraction
• And more!

Looking to plan a trip that includes this visit?

Enquire about this trip

City of London Police Museum

• View on Map

The City of London Police Museum boasts a fascinating collection of artifacts and heritage charting the development of the British police service.

Guided tours are available for visiting Public Services student groups, giving astonishing insights into crime in historic and modern London.

The visit will demonstrate how social changes affect the work of the police force. From exhibits of uniforms from 1829 to the present day, you will also discover fascinating artifacts from the Victorian era, as well as details of some of London's most infamous criminals, including Jack the Ripper.

Please note that the museum is is small and can only accept group sizes of up to nine students and one teacher at a time. The tour is free and lasts approximately 45 minutes.

Enquire about this trip

London Eye

• View on Map
• Estimated 60 Min. Visit

The London Eye is a truly encompassing attraction. What was once the world’s tallest ferris wheel, the London Eye offers stunning panoramic views of London’s landscape from an incredible altitude. Amazingly, visitors can see up to 40 kilometres in each direction on a clear day. Over three million people hop on the London Eye each year, which has cemented its reputation as one of the most visited attractions in the city

Why visit the London Eye?

• Experience breathtaking panoramic views of London’s skyline
• Capture stunning photos of famous landmarks
• And more!

Looking to plan a trip that includes this visit?

Enquire about this trip

The British Museum

• View on Map

With more than 7 million objects within its collections, the British Museum illustrates and documents the story of human culture from its beginnings to the present.

First opening its doors in 1759, the British Museum was the first national public museum of the world. When visiting, students can experience exhibits from all parts of the world, and all fields of human knowledge.

Why visit the British Museum?

• Entry is free
• Over 7 million objects
• Explore exhibits from all parts of the world
• Highlights include Egyptian mummies, hieroglyphics, the Rosetta stone and more
• Conveniently located close to other attractions, such as the West End and Trafalgar Square

Enquire about this trip

Imperial War Museum

• View on Map

The Imperial War Museum covers conflicts involving Britain from the First World War through to the present day. The Centenary of the First World War is highly topical and with its new First World War galleries the IWM is a must for any London art tour.

Why visit the Imperial War Museum?

• The world’s leading museum of war and conflict
• Over 150,000 items are cared for at the Imperial War Museum
• Exhibits include ships, aircraft, vehicles, weapons, uniforms and more

Enquire about this trip

West End theatre performance

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• Estimated 3-Hour Visit

Whatever your London trip aims, a West End show is a great opportunity to reward those on school trips to London with a thrilling night at the theatre.

The West End is famous as one of the best places in the world to see live theatrical performances by touring and local companies.

Current Top West End Shows Include

• Lion King
• Wicked
• Frozen
• Matilda The Musical
• Mrs Doubtfire The Musical
• Les Misérables
• Back To The Future
• Harry Potter & The Cursed Child
• Six
• We Will Rock You
• Phantom of the Opera 
• Mamma Mia

Looking to plan a trip that includes this visit?

Enquire about this trip

Natural History Museum

• View on Map
• Estimated 4-Hour Visit

The Natural History Museum is a must-visit attraction, showcasing captivating collections on an eye-opening selection of natural specimens. 

Research, workshops and collections cover wildlife, botany, entomology, mineralogy and palaeontology, including a fascinating dinosaur exhibition, where you can explore the world-famous extinct creatures.

Why visit the Natural History Museum?

• Fascinating interactive exhibits
• Incredible educational opportunities
• Iconic architecture 
• And more!

Looking to plan a trip that includes this visit?

Enquire about this trip

Art Galleries Of London

For school trips London has a great range of art galleries, which have free entrance and all offer downloadable resources and education programmes. The most popular galleries are:

• National Gallery
• National Portrait Gallery
• Tate Britain
• Tate Modern
• Victoria and Albert Museum

Enquire about this trip

London Eye

• View on Map
• Estimated 60 Min. Visit

The London Eye is a truly encompassing attraction. What was once the world’s tallest ferris wheel, the London Eye offers stunning panoramic views of London’s landscape from an incredible altitude. Amazingly, visitors can see up to 40 kilometres in each direction on a clear day. Over three million people hop on the London Eye each year, which has cemented its reputation as one of the most visited attractions in the city

Why visit the London Eye?

• Experience breathtaking panoramic views of London’s skyline
• Capture stunning photos of famous landmarks
• And more!

Looking to plan a trip that includes this visit?

Enquire about this trip

The British Museum

• View on Map

With more than 7 million objects within its collections, the British Museum illustrates and documents the story of human culture from its beginnings to the present.

First opening its doors in 1759, the British Museum was the first national public museum of the world. When visiting, students can experience exhibits from all parts of the world, and all fields of human knowledge.

Why visit the British Museum?

• Entry is free
• Over 7 million objects
• Explore exhibits from all parts of the world
• Highlights include Egyptian mummies, hieroglyphics, the Rosetta stone and more
• Conveniently located close to other attractions, such as the West End and Trafalgar Square

Enquire about this trip

Imperial War Museum

• View on Map

The Imperial War Museum covers conflicts involving Britain from the First World War through to the present day. The Centenary of the First World War is highly topical and with its new First World War galleries the IWM is a must for any London art tour.

Why visit the Imperial War Museum?

• The world’s leading museum of war and conflict
• Over 150,000 items are cared for at the Imperial War Museum
• Exhibits include ships, aircraft, vehicles, weapons, uniforms and more

Enquire about this trip

West End theatre performance

• View on Map
• Estimated 3-Hour Visit

Whatever your London trip aims, a West End show is a great opportunity to reward those on school trips to London with a thrilling night at the theatre.

The West End is famous as one of the best places in the world to see live theatrical performances by touring and local companies.

Current Top West End Shows Include

• Lion King
• Wicked
• Frozen
• Matilda The Musical
• Mrs Doubtfire The Musical
• Les Misérables
• Back To The Future
• Harry Potter & The Cursed Child
• Six
• We Will Rock You
• Phantom of the Opera 
• Mamma Mia

Looking to plan a trip that includes this visit?

Enquire about this trip

Natural History Museum

• View on Map
• Estimated 4-Hour Visit

The Natural History Museum is a must-visit attraction, showcasing captivating collections on an eye-opening selection of natural specimens. 

Research, workshops and collections cover wildlife, botany, entomology, mineralogy and palaeontology, including a fascinating dinosaur exhibition, where you can explore the world-famous extinct creatures.

Why visit the Natural History Museum?

• Fascinating interactive exhibits
• Incredible educational opportunities
• Iconic architecture 
• And more!

Looking to plan a trip that includes this visit?

Enquire about this trip

Art Galleries Of London

For school trips London has a great range of art galleries, which have free entrance and all offer downloadable resources and education programmes. The most popular galleries are:

• National Gallery
• National Portrait Gallery
• Tate Britain
• Tate Modern
• Victoria and Albert Museum

Enquire about this trip