The capital is filled with museums, historical venues and one-of-a-kind sites linked to learning outside the classroom.
There’s so much to choose from in the city - where do you even start? We’ve highlighted some of the big attractions with information about what’s on offer for schools this year, whether it’s enhancing young people’s understanding of politics or bringing ancient history alive through artefacts.
1. UK Parliament
Where better to enhance an understanding of politics than where UK laws are made? Schools can book a free tour of UK Parliament, followed by a curriculum-led workshop inside its Education Centre - equipped with voting pods, tablets and interactive 360° projections.
Choose from a selection of workshops for pupils from age five to 18: through roleplay, debating and voting, pupils can consider how UK Parliament makes laws and how they can get involved; or they can call their own snap election and splut into groups to create their own parties, manifestos and policies to win the election. These are just a few of the activities available.
An immersive film visit and SEND days can be arranged, as well as a travel subsidy for eligible schools. You can find out more in the education brochure on the UK Parliament website. Requests are now being taken for school trips between April and July 2026 through the online request forms.
2. St Paul’s Cathedral
All Key Stages can take part in a Themed Guided Visit at the iconic cathedral, dating back over 1,400 years. Religious Studies, Art and History are among the subject options available, using the church space to explore topics like symbolism, shape and design, and the Great Fire of London.
Alternatively, schools can opt for an hour-long general visit for cross-curricular learning, introducing pupils to the cathedral’s artefacts art and history, and the tombs and memorials of key figures such as Nelson and Florence Nightingale.
Secondary school groups will find plenty of opportunities to enhance their learning, including a Business Studies session where they will be asked the question: ‘Is it possible for St Paul’s Cathedral to be both a place of Christian worship and a viable business?’
SEND visits are also encouraged, with the site providing a range of resources that can be used during a trip alongside tailored Themed Guided Visits and workshops.
Find more information on the website.
Did you know that Uber Boat by Thames Clippers offers a 10% discount on travel for school groups?
Traversing London by river boat could be a more scenic and less stressful option than the Underground, and there are 23 piers to stop off at across the city. Hop off at Bankside Pier to see St Paul’s, or the Westminster stop for a UK Parliament trip. Just book tickets in advance on the website.
3. National Gallery
Based in Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery is an exciting introduction to the world of art thanks to its impressive setting and vast collection. Gallery Educators are on hand to guide a school visit, designed for ages from four to 18. These sessions focus on between three and five paintings with the intention of creating a lasting impact surrounding as particular theme - examples include ‘myths, legends and stories’, ‘art and emotion’ and ‘religion in art’.
Pupils can immerse themselves further in the gallery’s collection with a practical workshop. For example, Key Stage 1 students can practise their communication, dexterity and creativity by making a sculpture to take home at the end of their trip. Or, develop your own story linked to a series of paintings with the help of an actor.
Take a look at these and other available workshops available here.
4. British Museum
School groups of all ages can take a self-led tour of the British Museum, which houses major artefacts from two million years of history. Its collection understandably covers a great deal of content for Early Years to Key Stage 5 learning, with a full programme of sessions that can be paired with a visit to the museum.
Pupils aged 3-7 may be encaptured by printmaking, storytelling or a maths activity. Pick from Key Stage 2 workshops covering the ancient civilisations of Britain, Egypt, Greece or Rome.
Less obvious sessions include a Relationship and Sexual Health Education activity that considers the topic in the context of different times and cultures. Or, an artist-led Japanese printmaking workshop drawing on the inspiration of the collection.
There’s lots to discover – see the full list of opportunities on the museum’s online dedicated school section.
Plus, the museum’s schools programme allows free access for groups into special exhibitions. For example, the museum is currently hosting Hawaiʻi a kingdom crossing oceans, which explores the journey of the King Liholiho and Queen Kamāmalu across vast oceans to seek an alliance with the British crown.
5. ZSL London Zoo
Take learning outdoors with a visit to ZSL London Zoo, offering interactive sessions to classes of all ages.
ZooTown School Workshops allows Early Years and Key Stage 1 to get to grips with different jobs and roles at the zoo through hands-on immersive play experiences with links to science, maths, communication and language.
Minibeasts, endangered animals, conservation and habitats are just some of the topics which groups can explore during a visit to see the range of animals at the zoo.
Once teachers have arranged their booking, they will receive a free entry ticket into the zoo, to better allow them to plan their school trip. Keep an eye on the Education Events page on the website, which lists exhibits and opportunities taking place throughout the year.
6. Tower of London
The once prison, royal residence and armoury was the most-visited paid attraction in London in 2024 according to the latest figures released. Pupils can experience the popular site themselves with a self-led visit, which includes tower admission and entry to the Jewel House and Crown Jewels.
Expand the trip with a curriculum-linked session led by expert presenters who seek to bring the palace’s history to life. Key Stage 1 through to A-Level groups are covered, with workshops detailing topics the White Tower and The Normans, and the life of a prisoner held in the Tower of London.
SEND focused sessions are also available, exploring different areas of history linked to the Tower of London, with options for classroom and room-based sessions. For more information about school visits, go to the Tower of London schools page.
