STEM school trips to Cornwall

School groups can learn all about the different and amazing marine life in our oceans at Blue Reef Aquarium in Newquay – a fantastic excursion for all age groups and abilities. Home to 40 naturally-themed habitats, the aquarium will take students on a journey from the Cornish coasts to far-flung seas with opportunities to come face-to-face with freshwater turtles and caiman, pufferfish, sea turtles, sharks and much more.

Dubbed by The Times as the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World', the Eden Project brings the world’s climate systems to one place – five kilometres from St Austell. Here, students can explore the lush jungles of the Amazon and the Mediterranean’s fragrant citrus groves in Eden’s glass-domes “biomes”, which offer excellent educational opportunities on conservation and a greener future for us all.

Take your students on an adventure to one of Britain’s best loved landmarks with an excursion to Land’s End. Once referred to as ‘Belerion’ – or ‘Place of the Sun’ – in ancient Greek times, the landmark is famous for its beautiful scenery and location as it looks out towards the Atlantic Ocean. School groups will love the breathtaking views and cliff top trails at this site, which also offers some relaxation time at the cafe, restaurant, or shopping village.

Give your students a unique experience at The National Lobster Hatchery – one of the few marine biology laboratories in the world that is open to visitors. Here, they can discover first-hand the fascinating progression of a lobster from egg to adult, and enjoy learning about the Hatchery’s conservation and research work.

One of the most popular gardens in the UK and the largest garden restoration project in Europe, the stunning Lost Gardens of Heligan provide a unique view of biodiversity and natural habitats, as well as conservation and protection. With more than 500 varieties of fruits, vegetable and herbs – plus a wide selection of aged flowers – Heligan is an essential excursion for any science trip to Cornwall.

With more sand, sea and surf than you could ever have wished for, a day trip to St Ives has been an Equity favourite for years. During your visit, students can catch a world-class exhibition at Tate St Ives, take in the fascinating life and works at the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden, and enjoy the laid back vibes of this surfers’ paradise.

Visit a Cornish cheese factory and treat your students to a lesson on the intricacies of the dairy industry and how this popular delicacy is made. With samples readily available, groups will leave with the first-hand knowledge of why Cornish cheese is so popular, and with an understanding of the end-to-end process of food production.

Explore Great Britain’s largest gorge with this excursion, which covers Cheddar Gorge’s stunning stalactite caverns to the dramatic cliffs rising 450ft over the ravine. As well as being  an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Gorge will reveal many hidden secrets to your school group, including fascinating stories of our prehistoric ancestors. A world-famous site we know your students will love.