London

As the capital and largest city of the union, London is at the heart of political and commercial life, and has for centuries been the most fully realised expression of Britain’s cosmopolitan identity.  It is truly one of the world’s great cities.

Whatever your subject, you are sure to find a wide range of possible excursions in London. The famous West End is an excellent place for students of drama and English literature to soak up the best of Britain’s theatrical scene, while nearby some of the world’s most established and avant garde galleries, including the National Gallery and the Tate Modern, will delight those studying art. A little further out, drama and visual arts meet in the realm of media and film studies at the Harry Potter Studios, where pupils can see first-hand how this modern literary phenomenon was brought to life for the silver screen.

As the capital of the United Kingdom since 1707, and the capital of the Kingdom of England (which included Wales after 1284) since Anglo-Saxon times, London has been the stage upon which British politics has been played out for over a millennium, and has a rich variety of exhibitions, museums, palaces, castles and other buildings which relate to every conceivable era of British history. From the Norman fortress of the Tower of London in the ancient City, to the nineteenth century splendour of Westminster and Buckingham Palaces, and to the wonders of the British Museum, London has a unparalleled scope for history trips, and is sure to build upon what pupils are taught in the classroom.

Indeed, whatever your subject London is sure to have a variety of excursions which engage with your subject. While you are there, why not do a little sight-seeing on the River Thames or the London Eye? For the more dauntless among us, there is also the newly opened Shard, which offers unparalleled views of London, not to mention the Emirates cable car which now crosses the river in the city’s regenerated docklands area. Of course, you should always leave time for a little shopping too!

It is said that to be tired of London is to be tired of life! Contact us today and let your journey begin.

Imperial War Museum

The Imperial War Museum is one of the world’s foremost military history museums, and covers every conflict in which Britain and the Commonwealth has been involved since the outbreak of the First World War. Featuring a variety of subject-specific exhibitions, including ground-breaking work on the First World War and the Holocaust, the museum engages with its subject matter through a mixture of artefacts, displays, interactive content and full-size artefacts including tanks, cars and planes. Please click here for a list of the exhibitions which are currently running in this excellent museum (please note that this will redirect you to IWM London’s website).

Westminster Abbey

Site of William the Conqueror’s coronation on Christmas Day in 1066, and resting place of innumerable monarchs and great women and men of British history, Westminster Abbey is a national treasure, and will surely fascinate your pupils. Located only a stone’s throw from the Houses of Parliament, it is also an excellent place to stop for photographs, and is within easy walking distance of St James’ Park, Downing Street and the London Eye.

The Globe Theatre

Rebuilt in 1997 as a recreation of Shakespeare’s famous late sixteenth and seventeenth century theatre, this excursion is a must for those studying Shakespeare, and faithfully recreates the simple reality of the Elizabethan and Jacobean theatre. In addition to the plays and tours, there are also a variety of workshops on offer, which can be tailored to suit the play which you are studying in the classroom.  Nearby, meanwhile, the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, part of the same organisation, is a new recreation of a later Jacobean theatre, and is also well worth a visit. Please click here to visit their website.

London Dungeons

Located in new premises next to the London eye, this interactive museum of the macabre recounts several tales from London’s gory history using state-of-the-art displays, live actors and indoor rides. Designed with teenagers in mind, this visit is an excellent light-hearted complement to other more traditional museums and attractions. Please click here to visit their website.

Hampton Court Palace

Further outside the city limits lies Hampton Court Palace, one of the finest examples of Tudor architecture in the whole kingdom. Originally built for the influential Cardinal Wolsey, the palace was confiscated by Henry VIII, and was to become the setting for innumerable personal dramas during his turbulent reign. Subsequently half-remodelled by William III and Mary II, the renovation was stopped following the latter’s death, leaving a palace of two very differing façades. This is an excellent visit for those studying Tudor or later Stuart history, and is sure to leave your pupils chanting ‘divorced, beheaded, died; divorced, beheaded, survived’! Please click here to visit their website.

Of course, the above excursions are only a sample. We will tailor-make your tour to engage with your exact learning requirements, and our information packs contain details of our extensive excursion package. Why not contact us now to request more information?

Safestay London

This modern youth centre provides excellent accommodation for school groups in the regenerated Elephant and Castle area of London, and is within easy drive of all London’s major excursions and attractions. With a variety of room sizes, all en-suite, and located within a fully refurbished historic town-house, this centre offers comfortable, friendly and secure accommodation perfect for school groups exploring the capital. Please click here to visit their website.