London School Trips
About school trips to London
Europe's largest capital city has something for everyone. To quote Samuel Johnson: ‘When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford.’
Pupils can visit Westminster and see Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey, then marvel at St James' Palace and St James' Park. They can walk through the West End past Piccadilly Circus, Covent Garden, Leicester Square, Nelson's Column & Trafalgar Square, and the impressive National Gallery.
History pupils will be delighted to sail down the river on a Thames boat cruise to the Tower of London where they will learn the history of this fascinating castle and see the incredible Crown Jewels. Afterwards they can dine on fish and chips... or, if they’re feeling brave, eel pie.
London is ideal for a large variety of school trips. You can combine study at a prestigious UK university with European culture, or bring your history study alive with a ten day school trip. Our ever popular theatre study tours, which feature the Globe and the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford, include behind the scenes access.
London is our home, so contact us to request ideas.
Suitable For: Science School Trips, History School Trips, STEM School Trips
Our Support
We support schools embarking on trips to London in a variety of ways, including:
- Tailormade itineraries to match your school’s learning objectives
- A launch evening at the school for parents, students and teachers
- One point of contact for planning and preparation
- A comprehensive pre-departure briefing
- A highly qualified Expedition Leader to accompany your group
For more information regarding planning and executing an expedition to London with your school, see our comprehensive guide on how to plan a trip here.
Day 1
Fly to the UK
Overnight in flight
Day 2
Arrive London - West End Tour
Meet your Tour Leader at the airport and transfer by private bus to your hotel to check in and freshen up.
This afternoon you will enjoy a guided West End walk taking in the key sites including Piccadilly Circus, Covent Garden, Leicester Square, Nelson’s Column & Trafalgar Square, the original London Visitor Centre and ending with a visit to the impressive National Gallery.
This evening enjoy a traditional Fish & Chips welcome dinner
Day 3
Westminster and Victoria & Albert Museum
Today we continue our sightseeing in London with a guided tour of some of London’s finest and most famous landmarks. These include Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and St James’ Palace and St James’ park.
In the afternoon we take a short journey to South Kensington to visit the Victoria and Albert Museum, the world's largest museum of decorative arts and design, housing a permanent collection of over 4.5 million objects
In the evening enjoy a group dinner followed by our first West End Theatre Production
Day 4
Tower of London & British Museum
Today we take a river cruise from Westminster Pier. Many of London’s landmark buildings are built along the Thames and a guided cruise gives a fresh perspective on them. The cruise will take us to the Tower of London where you will learn the history of this fascinating castle and see the incredible Crown Jewels!
In the evening we have another group dinner followed by our second West End Theatre Production
Day 5
Stonehenge & Bath Day Tour
Today we enjoy our first day tour from London. We set off West to our first stop – the world famous prehistoric monument of Stonehenge. Explore the ancient landscape and visitor centre to give an insight into Neolithic life.
Board the coach again and carry on our journey to the historic city of Bath. A designated UNESCO World Heritage site, the Romans first built baths here between the 1st – 5th century and the city has remained an fashionable spa town ever since.
We take a tour of the Roman Baths and also visit the Fashion Museum. If time allows we may also have a chance to stroll around the town and visit the Abbey church and Pulteney Bridge.
Return to London in the evening for dinner
Day 6
London - Globe Theatre and Tate Modern
Another full day to explore London, we start our day with a visit to the Tate Modern, Britain's national gallery of international modern art.
After the museum we head to the Globe Theatre. Shakespeare’s Globe is a faithful reconstruction of the open-air playhouse designed in 1599 where many of Shakespeare’s plays were performed. Enjoy a Tour offering a fascinating introduction to the world-famous Globe Theatre and life in Shakespeare's London.
Group dinner followed by our third West End Theatre Production
Day 7
Oxford & Stratford
Today we enjoy our second full day tour from London. First stop is the University town of Oxford, the oldest English Speaking University in the World. Many of England’s thinkers and writers have attended Oxford including Sir Walter Raleigh and Dr Seuss, as well as modern day prime ministers.
Next we head off to Stratford-upon-Avon where you will have a chance to visit Shakespeare’s childhood home, and that of Anne Hathaway as well as the Tree Garden that features in his plays.
We return to London for our farewell dinner
Day 8
Return Home
After breakfast we transfer to the airport for return flights to the US
Gapforce London Expedition Leader
Throughout your expedition you will be accompanied by a Gapforce London Expedition Leader. Gapforce is renowned for the select team of enthusiastic leaders who run our worldwide expeditions.
We hire great people experienced in delivering inspiring and safe travel experiences, many of whom have graduated from our intense 4-month London Expedition Leader Training which includes:
- Mountain Leader Training
- RGS Off-site safety management
- RLSS Water Safety
- QA Level 2 Activity First Aid
- Rescue Training
- Wilderness Medical Training
- Advanced Survival Training
- Expedition Planning
- Incident Management