Revealed: Our top 10 educational tours for 2023-2024
Are you looking for inspiration for your next school trip? From bustling cities to tranquil historical sites, these destinations have proven to be some of the most popular among schools for the 2023-2024 academic year. Carefully chosen for their ability to educate, engage, and inspire students beyond the classroom, these trips offer diverse learning opportunities across various subjects.
In this blog, we’ll explore why these destinations stand out, the key excursions they offer, and how they support essential learning objectives. So whether you're planning your next art, history, or STEM-focused trip, there's something here to ignite the imaginations of your students.
1. New York
Subjects covered: Art & design, Business, Film & media, Geography, History, Performing Arts, STEM, Travel & Tourism, Enrichment
New York, the city that never sleeps, offers a dynamic environment for school groups, with excursions that speak to a wide range of subjects. Students studying art & design can explore the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), soaking in iconic works by artists such as Van Gogh, Picasso, and Warhol. For those focused on history, a visit to Ellis Island and the 9/11 Memorial provides poignant insights into immigration and modern world events.
STEM students can delve into interactive exhibits at the American Museum of Natural History or the New York Hall of Science, while performing arts groups are in for a treat with Broadway shows and workshops.
Teachers who led school trips to New York said:
“One student said it was the best trip they had been on. Everything ran like clockwork, and it was serendipitous that our Equity agent was in New York at the same time. Personally, I am glad I went back to Equity after the COVID hiatus and felt I was in very safe hands.”
“Lots of excellent drawings undertaken and fabulous photographs taken. Happy students. Job done!”
2. Paris
Subjects covered: Art & design, Business, Film & media, French language, History, Performing Arts, STEM, Enrichment (Disneyland)
Paris is a perennial favourite for school trips, combining world-class art and history with the charm of French culture. Art students will marvel at the Louvre’s extensive collection, while the Musée d’Orsay offers a glimpse into the world of Impressionism. French language students can test their skills in real-world situations as they explore the streets and markets of this vibrant city. For those studying history, a visit to the Palace of Versailles or the war memorials at Les Invalides brings the past vividly to life.
A party leader shared this reflection: “I genuinely think the Paris trip changed some students' lives – from experiencing new foods to seeing the world beyond their own city, they experienced things they’d never have the chance to experience at home!”
Another said: “All of our staff and children thoroughly enjoyed this trip. It was very well-organised, and it ran very smoothly. We loved everything about it.”
3. Ypres
Subjects covered: History
For students studying history, Ypres offers a deep dive into World War I with poignant visits to battlefields, cemeteries, and memorials. The Menin Gate and Tyne Cot Cemetery serve as powerful reminders of the human cost of war, while the In Flanders Fields Museum provides context and personal stories from the war.
Pair this with our Somme and Paris add-ons for a well-rounded historical exploration that covers more ground, both figuratively and literally.
4. Berlin
Subjects covered: Art & design, German language, History (Cold War / WWII), Enrichment, Christmas markets
Berlin is an extraordinary city for students of history, offering a fascinating glimpse into both World War II and Cold War-era Germany. The Berlin Wall Memorial and the Stasi Museum delve into life under a divided Berlin, while the Reichstag building connects students with contemporary politics and German history.
Art students can explore the East Side Gallery, where remnants of the Berlin Wall are adorned with vibrant murals.
One teacher said: “This was our first trip to Berlin, and Equity guided us well through the planning. It was an incredible educational experience, particularly for our history students.”
5. Normandy
Subjects covered: History, French language, Food technology
Normandy offers a unique combination of history and food technology. From the D-Day Landing Beaches to the Bayeux Tapestry, history students can immerse themselves in the significant events of World War II.
Those studying French language will relish the chance to practice while visiting local markets and châteaus, or touring the region's renowned cheese and cider farms, adding an engaging food technology element to the trip.
6. London
Subjects covered: Art & design, Business, English, Film & media, History, Politics, Performing Arts, STEM, Travel & Tourism, Enrichment
As the UK’s capital, London provides a vast array of educational opportunities. Art students can explore Tate Modern and the National Gallery, while performing arts students will love the West End. History and politics are covered at the Houses of Parliament and the Tower of London, and STEM students can delve into the wonders of the Science Museum.
One party leader enthused of the city: “London is an excellent venue for an A-level Art study visit, and offers some of the best museums and galleries in the world.”
7. Barcelona
Subjects covered: Art & design, Food technology, Spanish language, STEM, Travel & Tourism, Performing Arts, Enrichment
Barcelona’s art and architecture scene is largely unparalleled around the world. Visits to Antoni Gaudí’s Parc Güell and La Sagrada Família leave a lasting impression on art and design students, while STEM groups can explore the interactive exhibits at CosmoCaixa science museum. For Spanish language students, there’s no better classroom than the vibrant streets of Barcelona, offering countless opportunities for immersion and practice.
8. Washington D.C.
Subjects covered: History, Politics
Washington D.C. is a political and historical treasure trove for students studying history or politics. Visits to the Capitol Building, the White House, and the Supreme Court provide a real-world look at how the American political system functions. Monuments like the Lincoln Memorial and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial offer tangible links to the past and serve as poignant reminders of the lessons of history.
A teacher’s perspective:“The students studying politics and history found this trip to be extremely useful in deepening their understanding of their A-level courses.”
9. Rome
Subjects covered: Art & design, Classics, History, Religious studies
Rome’s rich history makes it an unmissable destination for classics and history students. Exploring the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Pantheon brings ancient history to life, while Vatican City offers religious studies students a unique perspective on the Catholic Church and its influence.
10. Sorrento
Subjects covered: Classics, Geography, Food technology
Situated on the tip of the Amalfi Coast, stunning Sorrento provides an ideal setting for geography and classics students. Visits to Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius tie into geology and ancient history, while food enthusiasts can explore the region’s famous citrus groves and pasta-making traditions, adding a delicious layer to food technology studies.
Interested in learning more?
Whether your students are exploring the arts in Paris or immersing themselves in history in Berlin, our top 10 educational destinations offer something for every subject. The trips combine fun with learning, creating an unforgettable experience for young minds.
If you’re looking to inspire your students, why not take inspiration from these popular trips and start planning for next year? Contact us today to begin crafting your own school trip adventure.
To find out more about our school trips, or enquire about booking, please call us on 01273 648248. You can also fill out our webform, and our school trip experts will get back to you as soon as we can.
