History school trips to Edinburgh
£169 - £529
A typical school trip to Edinburgh cost is £169 to £529 per person depending on time of travel, transport, accommodation and inclusions.
On our history school trip to Edinburgh, your students will trace history back to medieval society and King David I, all the way through to the relationship between Mary Queen of Scots and Queen Elizabeth I. Give your emerging historians a new respect and understanding of Scotland’s capital city, as they develop their knowledge of how it shaped the country – as well as its role as part of the United Kingdom today.
SUGGESTED ITINERARIES
- Depart school and travel to Edinburgh
- Guided walk
- Evening meal at accommodation
- Edinburgh Castle
- Evening meal at local restaurant
- Holyrood Palace
- Return to school in the afternoon
From medieval kings and queens to the Union of the Crowns, the Jacobite era and the development of modern Scotland, the city provides a living classroom where students can engage directly with the people, places and events that shaped both Scotland and the wider United Kingdom.
Student Development
During their visit, students can develop:
- Historical enquiry and investigation skills
- Critical thinking and analytical skills
- Source evaluation and interpretation skills
- Communication and discussion skills
- Cultural awareness and national identity understanding
- Independent learning and observation skills
- Research and evidence-based reasoning
- Empathy and historical reflection
KS2 History
Edinburgh provides opportunities for students to:
- Explore medieval life in Scotland
- Investigate castles as symbols of power and defence
- Learn about significant monarchs and historical figures
- Understand how kingdoms developed over time
- Interpret historical sites and artefacts
- Develop chronological understanding
KS3 History
Students can explore:
- Medieval Scotland and Scottish monarchs
- The Wars of Independence
- The reign of Mary Queen of Scots
- The relationship between Scotland and England
- The development of the United Kingdom
- Historical significance and interpretation
GCSE History
Students can examine:
- Monarchy, power and political change
- Religious conflict and the Reformation
- The role of Scotland in British history
- Medieval and early modern governance
- Historical significance and interpretation
- The preservation of historical sites and heritage
A Level History
Students can explore:
- The development of the Scottish state
- The relationship between monarchy and government
- The impact of political and religious change
- National identity and union
- Historical memory and heritage
- Continuity and change across historical periods
Historical Understanding
Students can gain insight into:
- The role of Edinburgh as Scotland's historic capital
- The significance of Scottish monarchy
- The lives of figures such as Mary Queen of Scots
- The development of Scotland's political institutions
- The relationship between Scotland and the rest of the UK
- The importance of preserving historic buildings and sites
Cross-Curricular Learning
Edinburgh also supports learning in:
- Politics through the study of governance and constitutional change
- Citizenship through democracy, identity and representation
- Geography through urban development and settlement patterns
- English through Scottish literature and cultural heritage
- Religious Studies through the impact of religious change on society
Features
ACCOMMODATION
Just ten minutes from local public transport links, the Edinburgh Central Youth Hostel is a very popular option for our school and youth groups as it offers great value en suite rooms in a prime location.
- Free Wi-Fi
- TV
- Lounge
- Full board basis available
A lovely place to stay in Edinburgh, the A&O puts your group right in the centre of the Scottish capital and just a few metres from the Royal Mile. A 24-hour snack bar will help keep your group fueled for exploring, while free Wi-Fi keeps everyone connected.
- 24-hour reception
- Free Wi-Fi
- Restaurant
- Lockers in room
Just ten minutes from local public transport links, the Edinburgh Central Youth Hostel is a very popular option for our school and youth groups as it offers great value en suite rooms in a prime location.
- Free Wi-Fi
- TV
- Lounge
- Full board basis available
A lovely place to stay in Edinburgh, the A&O puts your group right in the centre of the Scottish capital and just a few metres from the Royal Mile. A 24-hour snack bar will help keep your group fueled for exploring, while free Wi-Fi keeps everyone connected.
- 24-hour reception
- Free Wi-Fi
- Restaurant
- Lockers in room
Excursions
Edinburgh Castle
One of the most famous castles in the United Kingdom, Edinburgh Castle holds a dramatic position atop Castle Rock that leads the skyline of the city. An icon of Scotland since the 12th century, Edinburgh Castle is an excellent excursion for student groups looking to uncover tales of Middle Aged history and warfare.
Holyrood Palace
Though founded as a monastery in 1128, Holyrood Palace has been the principal royal residence in Scotland since the 16th century. Student groups can explore historic apartments during a visit to the palace, as well as artworks from the Royal Collection in the Queen’s Gallery, and the ruins of Holyrood Abbey – which tell a fascinating tale.
Walk Down the Royal Mile
Stretching exactly a Scots mile (1.81 kilometres) from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace, the Royal Mile runs through the heart of the city’s Old Town, and is overlooked by towering tenements built as far back as the 17th century. Nearby, you’ll find St Giles’ Cathedral, The Real Mary King’s Close and the Scottish Storytelling Centre – all attractions we know student groups will love.
Edinburgh Zoo
Discover more than 2,500 amazing and endangered animals from around the world at Edinburgh Zoo, which features the UK’s only Queensland koalas and giant pandas. Students will be fascinated by the zoo’s scientific pursuits as they walk around its 82 acres, which lie on the south facing slopes of Corstorphine Hill and provide extensive views of the city.
Dynamic Earth
Take a journey through time with a trip to Dynamic Earth, a fascinating excursion for student groups as they experience the primeval forces of nature as they shaped our planet. We’ve seen students amazed as they witness the Big Bang, hurtle through space, touch icebergs and stand beneath the Aurora Borealis.
Edinburgh Castle
One of the most famous castles in the United Kingdom, Edinburgh Castle holds a dramatic position atop Castle Rock that leads the skyline of the city. An icon of Scotland since the 12th century, Edinburgh Castle is an excellent excursion for student groups looking to uncover tales of Middle Aged history and warfare.
Holyrood Palace
Though founded as a monastery in 1128, Holyrood Palace has been the principal royal residence in Scotland since the 16th century. Student groups can explore historic apartments during a visit to the palace, as well as artworks from the Royal Collection in the Queen’s Gallery, and the ruins of Holyrood Abbey – which tell a fascinating tale.
Walk Down the Royal Mile
Stretching exactly a Scots mile (1.81 kilometres) from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace, the Royal Mile runs through the heart of the city’s Old Town, and is overlooked by towering tenements built as far back as the 17th century. Nearby, you’ll find St Giles’ Cathedral, The Real Mary King’s Close and the Scottish Storytelling Centre – all attractions we know student groups will love.
Edinburgh Zoo
Discover more than 2,500 amazing and endangered animals from around the world at Edinburgh Zoo, which features the UK’s only Queensland koalas and giant pandas. Students will be fascinated by the zoo’s scientific pursuits as they walk around its 82 acres, which lie on the south facing slopes of Corstorphine Hill and provide extensive views of the city.
Dynamic Earth
Take a journey through time with a trip to Dynamic Earth, a fascinating excursion for student groups as they experience the primeval forces of nature as they shaped our planet. We’ve seen students amazed as they witness the Big Bang, hurtle through space, touch icebergs and stand beneath the Aurora Borealis.
Trip details
All Equity packages are tailor-made to suit the needs of our groups. Here are our standard package inclusions:
- Return travel by coach
- 1 free staff place for every 8 full paying passengers by coach
- Half-board accommodation
- Excursions
- 24-hour emergency service support
- All travel documentation, luggage labels and resort information
- Lunches
- Meals en-route. While travelling to and from your destination you need to consider meals. These are not included in the package prices.
Prices are subject to change based on intended dates of travel and final numbers, the Equity team are here to offer you advice and guidance from start to finish, ensuring your school trip runs smoothly and is a great success.
Travel by: Coach
Best times to travel: Year round
Suggested tour length: 3 days, 2 nights
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