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Zoos, Wildlife & Farms
Pupils meet animals and enjoy breakfast at Hatton Adventure World
The children, aged 5 - 6, were served a locally-sourced breakfast and handled guinea pigs, lizards and snakes.
Monkey World: a better understanding and conservation in action
There is more to learning outside the classroom than just monkey-ing around! With over 250 primates, three play areas and 65 acres to explore, Monkey World is the perfect place for your next school visit.
Heading under the waves on a trip to remember at SEA LIFE
Laura Hollywood, teacher at St Stephen’s CE Primary School, talks us through her pupils’ prize trip to London’s SEA LIFE centre.
Royal visit for Festival of Learning charity event
Farms for City Children brought farming to life in central London for children from several schools.
How SEA LIFE centres bring climate change impact to life
Primary pupils will become the ultimate conservation champions as part of an exciting challenge available across all SEA LIFE centres.
Chester Zoo: inspiring students and embedding learning
A focus on Chester Zoo, a major wildlife charity, and all that it has to offer school groups.
London Zoo exhibit houses some of the world’s weirdest creatures
Pupils will be able to get up-close to a range of different species in London Zoo’s new exhibit the Secret Life of Reptiles and Amphibians.
6 unusual places that offer school sleepovers
Spend the night with your class in these amazing spaces to give pupils an experience they will never forget.
Pupils learn benefits of a healthy breakfast at Hatton Adventure World
Children from Ferncumbe Church of England School in Hatton were collected by tractor and open-top trailer and transported to the attraction near Warwick where they learnt about the benefits of eating a healthy breakfast.
A school’s experience of a Farms for City Children residential
Katie Campbell, year lead and class teacher at Kelvin Grove Primary School, London, describes the impact a residential with Farms for City Children had on pupils.
Farms for City Children’s CEO on helping more pupils
Farms for City Children is now able to reach a wider range of children and young people. CEO Donna Edmonds told us about the new strategy.
Schools to be welcomed with animals at new Hobbledown Heath attraction
Hobbledown Heath, a new indoor and outdoor adventure playground in London, will be opening its doors for school trips from June.
School children read stories to zoo animals on World Book Day
Drusillas Park, near Alfriston in East Sussex, invited local school children to share their favourite stories with the animals at the zoo in celebration of World Book Day.
New facilities and polar bear family at Yorkshire Wildlife Park
Yorkshire Wildlife Park has announced it is welcoming back schools with “new surprises” including animals such as California sea lions and a polar bear family.
Some of the best experiences linked to sea life and oceans
We’ve selected some of the best educational experiences linked to sea life and oceans for year-round fun for all ages.
Ballard School pupils in Hampshire help Marwell Zoo with fancy dress fundraiser
A lockdown fundraiser thought up by two pupils at Ballard School in New Milton has raised almost ten times the fundraising target amount for Marwell Zoo.
How the National Marine Aquarium has developed virtual learning
We spoke to Stu Higgs, the schools programme manager for the National Marine Aquarium, as well as a school about their experience of the virtual sessions.
Ocean Conservation Trust provides free weekly online lessons & virtual tours
The lessons are being broadcast from the National Marine Aquarium, part of the trust, and also aim to provide children and their parents and teachers with some of the wellbeing benefits linked to watching aquatic life.
Ocean Conservation Trust launches virtual lessons and tours of the National Marine Aquarium
The Ocean Conservation Trust, which runs the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth, has released downloadable lessons and virtual tours, using the ocean as a hook for teachers to deliver all subjects of the curriculum.
Knowsley Safari introduces Wellbeing Through Wildlife session and virtual tour
The learning and discovery team at Knowsley Safari in Prescot, Merseyside have launched an on-site Wellbeing Through Wildlife workshop to support children’s mental health, along with a virtual tour for schools unable to visit yet.
Thousands of schools sign up to take part in #30DaysWild
Schools can sign up for free and download a pack of resources to help plan the wild month as well as receiving ideas to inspire them to stay wild beyond June.
Monkey World’s free home schooling primate education course
The Ape Rescue Centre in Dorset has released the course to help teachers and students at Key Stages 1-3 learn from home.
Drusillas Park releases online education activities for KS1-3
While physical school visits aren’t possible at the moment, children can still learn plenty about animals and their environments with a range of free home education resources released by the zoo.
7 places for fantastic school trips in England
With the Coronavirus affecting school visits abroad for now, there’s plenty of top attractions closer to home for future planning towards the end of this year and into the next.
Hands-on & interactive activities with ZSL Whipsnade Zoo’s adaptation trail
ZSL Whipsnade Zoo’s new Interactive Adaptation Trail aims to provide teachers with a route around the site to visit as many enclosures as possible, with special activities along the way.
Schools can enter an underwater world with SEA LIFE
SEA LIFE attractions are well-known for super fun days out, or perhaps as an exciting and rewarding end of term trip - but there’s much more. Think you know everything about them? Think again!
Combining fun with animal education at Dorset’s Monkey World
School groups of all ages and levels of study can see conservation in action at Monkey World, which offers a range of talks and curriculum-linked workshops.
Chester Zoo is offering 42,000 free tickets to schools
Schools have until the end of February to enter the Cheshire wildlife attraction’s give-away.
Pupils enjoy ‘hearty cooked breakfast’ at Hatton Adventure World
A group of Primary school children were collected by a tractor & open-top trailer and taken to an animal park in Warwickshire to learn about the importance of eating a hearty breakfast.
Yorkshire Wildlife Park launches careers session
Designed for Secondary school and college students, the on-site session aims to develop key employability skills.
Exciting animal encounters: Drusillas Park
The small family-run zoo near Alfriston in East Sussex houses a range of exhibits which are targeted towards children between two and ten-years-old.
10 of the best: Wildlife attractions for a school visit
We’ve done the research so you don’t have to, picking out ten brilliant attractions which provide a wild day out away from the classroom.
Case Studies: Ideas for SEND pupils
Two schools have shared their experiences of trips for SEND pupils, one to Magdalen Farm, the other to UK Parliament.
Wild Planet Trust’s sustainability workshops for Key Stages 1-5
Paignton Zoo and Living Coasts are running six new workshops for Key Stages 1-5.
New report finds benefits in nature activities for pupils
A new report commissioned by The Wildlife Trusts has shown that Primary school children can improve their wellbeing by taking part in different nature-based activities.
School children ‘take over’ Chester Zoo to talk conservation
Chester Zoo in Cheshire hosted a day of public talks led by young conservationists from schools around the country.
Win a school trip to Twycross Zoo to celebrate Biology Week
Twycross Zoo has teamed up with the University of Leicester to host Genetics Outreach Day, which will see three schools win a complimentary educational trip.
Wild Planet Trust to offer new workshops with climate change teacher
The head of education for Wild Planet Trust, the charity with zoos in Devon, Torquay and Cornwall, will offer new workshops this September after becoming a UN Accredited Climate Change teacher.
Drusillas Park installs ‘Buddy Bench’ for children to make new friends
Drusillas Park in Alfriston, East Sussex has added a ‘Buddy Bench’ for pupils who want to make new friends on their trip to the zoo.
Marine life workshops: Living Coasts in Torquay
Living Coasts in Torquay covers everything from plastic in the ocean to a penguin encounter.
Marwell Zoo announces arrival of endangered okapi calf
Marwell Zoo in Winchester has welcomed a rare okapi calf into the world, offering visiting pupils the chance to witness the uncommon animal in captivity alongside its other attractions for school trips.
Wild Place Project launches new bear sculpture trail
The Wild Place Project in Gloucestershire has introduced a new trail, featuring 20 bear sculptures to celebrate the opening of its new bear enclosure.
Schools win host of prizes as part of Council for Learning Outside the Classroom competition
Five schools have won a host of free trips and workshops as part of a competition to celebrate 10 years of the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom (CLOtC).
Take learning out of the classroom with ZSL
Education is at the heart of the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) which has two zoos in the UK - London Zoo & Whipsnade Zoo. Discover the experiences on offer for your next school visit.
Kent History & Fun: The Hop Farm Family Park
The Hop Farm in Kent features the world’s largest collection of Victorian Oast Houses.
What’s new for educational trips in 2019
Every year brings with it a new selection of workshops, learning spaces and sites suitable for students.
Life on the Farm: Nethercott House
Fresh air, team activities and exposure to the working world made for a trip to remember for 39 pupils from Flora Gardens Primary School in London.
Life-sized brick dinosaurs to join the animals at Marwell Zoo in 2019
Marwell Zoo is said to become the first attraction in the world to host the giant brick dinosaurs.
School Travel Awards finalists revealed
Find out who the finalists are for this year’s School Travel Awards, ahead of the ceremony in November.
Business Studies: Drusillas Park
Drusillas has over 100 species of animal including penguins, monkeys, lemurs, meerkats, sloths, camels and flamingos, as well large play areas, Hello Kitty Secret Garden and a new three ride attraction Go Safari!
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WWT Wetland Centres launches resources for planning school trips
A new resource to help teachers plan learning outside the classroom has been revealed by the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT).
Marwell Zoo highlights schools offering with milestone visit
Conservation charity Marwell Wildlife has recently celebrated its one millionth student visit to its zoo in Hampshire, showcasing its educational benefits.
Fresh air and adventure: Studfold Walks and Trails
Counting rabbits, navigating a maze and building a den were all part of a day of fun, fresh air and adventure enjoyed by a group of pupils from North Yorkshire.
From city to farming first-hand: Lee Valley Park Farms
The pupils from Winton Primary School in King’s Cross visited Lee Valley Park Farms to meet the animals and learn about how milk is made during a Field to Fridge guided tour.
Chessington launches new zoo trail for schools
Chessington World of Adventures in Surrey has revealed its latest resource, which takes pupils on an exploration trail around the attraction.
Key Stage 1 and 2 learning supported at Miniature Pony Centre
The Miniature Pony Centre in Devon has a schools programme suitable for Key Stage 1 and 2 pupils.
Lee Valley Park Farms offers ‘Field to Fridge’ school days
Lee Valley Park Farms in Essex is offering schools a ‘Field to Fridge’ day to enable them to meet animals and learn about milk production.
New trail to teach children about bee conservation
St Davids in Wales has recently been announced as the first ‘Bee Friendly’ city in the country and has launched a themed tourist trail, suitable for school children.
Trips to celebrate World Ocean Day for Schools
We take a look at some ocean-inspired trips to tie in with a new initiative, World Ocean Day for Schools, which aims to engage the younger generation in conversations about the world’s oceans.
Rainforests: Monkey World – Ape Rescue Centre
Boost your student’s learning at Monkey World – Ape Rescue Centre, where a dedicated education team can lead your class in a curriculum-focused workshop or talk.
West Midlands Safari Park gets LOtC badge for educational offering
The Education Department at West Midland Safari Park has recently been awarded a Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC) Quality Badge for its educational visits.
Lair of The Giant Crab opens at SEA LIFE Manchester
SEA LIFE Manchester’s new deep-sea attraction, Lair of The Giant Crab, features two giant Japanese spider crabs, amongst other ‘monster-sized’ sea creatures.
New boat trips to allow pupils to explore Plymouth Sound
The National Marine Aquarium has announced it will be offering educational boat trips to explore the Plymouth Sound from this month.
SEA LIFE Blackpool launches turtle conservation area
The Merlin attraction has now opened its doors to its new turtle rescue zone which allows visitors to learn about conservation.
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SEA LIFE London opens new Rainforest Adventure
The new feature will allow school groups to discover the UK’s largest population of Piranhas and learn about some of the world’s most venomous jungle critters.
West Midland Safari Park opens new Ice Age exhibit
The park’s Ice Age exhibit is set to open today (30th March), just in time for Easter and the following school term.
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New school packages and upgraded tractor ride at Sacrewell Farm
The farm in Peterborough has revealed its upgraded tractor trailer which aims to make school visits even more attractive along with some new educational packages.
National Marine Aquarium prepares to celebrate British Science Week
The National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth will celebrate this year’s British Science Week with a programme of educational activities.
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Learning centre and zoo ‘walkshops’ new for Chessington
Chessington World of Adventures Resort in Surrey will open a new Wild Learning Centre this year, where pupils can experience hands-on activities supporting the national curriculum.
Hobbledown launches new animal workshops
Hobbledown in Epsom, Surrey, has introduced some new Science themed workshops to its educational offering.
Merlin reveals new features at attractions in Manchester
Merlin Entertainments has revealed details of two new features to launch at Sea Life Manchester and Legoland Discovery Centre Manchester, this year.
Sacrewell Farm prepares Farm Camp for schools
Throughout the summer term, Peterborough-based Sacrewell Farm will be running Farm Camp for pupils and details have been revealed.
Attractions to inspire birdwatching
With events such as the Big Garden Birdwatch and the Big School Birdwatch taking place this month, we look at attractions to get children learning about our feathered friends.
Star fish display at Sea Life Brighton to support Science
Sea Life Brighton is set to unveil its newest creature installation, Sea Stars, which can be used during a school visit.
More than ever for schools at French National Sea Centre
On 19th May, a massive expansion of NAUSICAA, the French National Sea Centre in Boulogne-sur-Mer, will open to the public.
Paultons Park reveals more details of 2018 workshops
Paultons Family Theme Park in Hampshire will be launching seven new school workshops, suitable for Key Stage 1 and 2 and covering a range of topics in the New Year.
Chessington to add to educational offering in 2018
Chessington World of Adventures, in Chessington will be adding some new workshops to its offering come 2018, and will see some new animal arrivals.
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WWF offers new English and Science workshop
The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) is offering a new workshop at The Living Planet Centre in Surrey, to tie in with both English and Science for Key Stages 1 and 2.
School trips inspired by Blue Planet
With Blue Planet being watched all over Britain since it hit our screens again a fortnight ago, we suggest some inspired trips to take your class on.
Teaching children about wildlife and nature
School trips to get pupils interested in the world around them and the variety of animals that live among us.
New focus on rainforest wildlife at Sea Life Blackpool
Sea Life Blackpool has launched a conservation campaign highlighting the importance of bugs and insects to the world’s rainforests.
Paultons Park to launch new workshops in 2018
Paultons Family Theme Park, in Hampshire, will be introducing new wildlife themed workshops suitable for Key Stage 1 and 2 pupils come 2018.
Drayton Manor introduces new Key Stage 2 workshop
Drayton Manor Theme Park in Tamworth is introducing a new workshop for visiting schools, which ties in with Science.
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Research Focus: LOtC and the challenging future
STO looks at a new study from Planet Ark that suggests that teaching children outside the classroom can give them the skills they need to tackle the challenges of the future.
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Chester Zoo offers free school visits
Chester Zoo has announced that from November to February 2018 school visits will be free.
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Tackling PSHE: top attraction ideas
STO takes a look at some school trip ideas for teachers to take their class on a PSHE trip.
Roadshows to focus on learning outside the classroom
The Council for Learning Outside the Classroom (CLOtC), will be hosting three School Roadshows for teachers.
School trips to county shows
STO looks at county shows around the country and what they offer visiting schools.
A Q&A with... The East Ayrshire Council
STO talks to Willie White, education officer for East Ayrshire Council (EAC) to find out why learning outside of the classroom is so important.
Trips to bring healthy eating to life
STO looks at school trips to teach pupils about nutrition and food provenance.
The 5 Ps and school trip crisis control
Ways in which schools can prepare themselves for a crisis, even if it means thinking about the unthinkable.
Longleat adds new education session to Marvellous Monsters exhibition
The Marvellous Monsters exhibition at Longleat, opening on 8th April, will be introducing a brand new education workshop for schools.
A Q&A with Dr Kelsey Herrick, veterinary expert and LOtC enthusiast
STO speaks to Dr Kelsey Herrick, a veterinarian at SeaWorld California, who relates some of her experiences with LOtC.
West Midland Safari Park to launch new education centre
This summer a newly built facility specially designed for visiting schools will open, called Safari Academy.
New crustacean exhibition set to open at Sea Life Brighton
A new exhibition, which welcomes school visits, is opening on 1st April at Sea Life Brighton, and could be a good idea for pupils studying Science.
Science and Geography at RZSS Highland Wildlife Park
School Travel Organiser looks at the educational sessions available at RZSS Highland Wildlife Park.
Itinerary idea: Iron Age to Roman at Butser Ancient Farm
STO takes a look at a typical day at the Butser Ancient Farm for Key Stage 2, concentrating on Iron Age to Roman.
Case study: breakfast at Hatton Adventure World
80 school children recently enjoyed a breakfast-focused visit to Hatton Country World in Warwick. Here’s how they got on.
Maths, Science and Art with Racing to School
Watch your students clip clop their way to educational success with Racing to School – a charity that supports young people’s learning by encouraging an interest in horseracing at a number of UK racecourses.
Twycroos Zoo CEO on the importance of LOtC
School Travel Organiser speaks to Dr Sharon Redrobe from Twycross Zoo about the importance of learning outside the classroom.
New workshops mark Science Week at Chessington World of Adventures Resort
To celebrate Science Week, Chessington World of Adventures Resort will be providing special workshops for children.
Date for the 2017 Kids Country Food and Farming Day announced
The Kids Country Food and Farming Day will take place again next year for its fifth run, in Peterborough.
History, Geography and Science at Stratford Butterfly Farm
Stratford Butterfly Farm provides schools with many educational opportunities including an exhibition about the rainforest’s ancient Maya civilisation.
Jellyfish exhibition to open at Sea Life London
Sea Life London has announced plans for a new exhibition called Ocean Invaders, confirmed to open next Easter.
Study Science, Geography and Design at Twycross Zoo
Twycross Zoo offers many educational opportunities for schools including a hands-on experience in designing their own zoo.
Literacy, Maths and Science: learning on a farm
School Travel Organiser finds out what educational activities Whirlow Hall Farm, Sheffield offers to Key Stage 1 to 5.
Study AS and A Level Psychology at Chester Zoo
Chester Zoo offers Psychology workshops for AS and A Level students that concentrate on observing the zoo’s primates.
RHS launches Green Plan It Challenge
The RHS has launched a competition called the Green Plan It Challenge that relates to Science and Citizenship.
Outdoor learning at the Beth Chatto Education Trust Gardens
Plant growth and garden birds are high on the learning agenda at the Beth Chatto Education Trust Gardens.
Bill Quay Community Farm expands Primary school programme
Bill Quay Community Farm in Gateshead has expanded its education programme for Primary school students to include more workshops.
One World Adventures launches conservation trips for schools
One World Adventures is a new tailor-made educational programme that provides conservation experience for students between 15 and 18.
Bring the Science curriculum to life with the help of animals
Nurture your pupils’ enthusiasm for Science with the support of some furry companions at these UK animal-themed attractions.
Superhero-themed Science workshops at The Deep
The Deep aquarium in Hull is offering some new superhero-themed workshops in March and April.
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Students become amateur palaeontologists at Port Lympne Reserve
Port Lympne Reserve has announced that preparations are underway for a new dinosaur attraction, and visiting pupils will be able to dig for fossils and try their hand at palaeontology.
Itinerary Idea: Sea Life, Brighton
Visit Sea Life Brighton for an itinerary tying in Science, Geography, Art and Drama for Key Stages 1 and 2.
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Learning Literacy, Numeracy and PSHE with animals
We talk to Anna Cowling from Wood Green Animal Shelter about why animal welfare is an important lesson.