london primary trip header nst

London Primary School Trips & Tours

An exciting London tour offers students the opportunity to cover many aspects of their curriculum in a short space of time. Many groups travel to London with NST every year. By choosing NST for your primary school trip, you'll receive valuable advice and expertise on hundreds of visits, as well as excellent prices at top attractions, West End shows and student-friendly accommodation.

 

Sample itinerary

Our sample itinerary provides you with an idea of the visits you can cover during your trip. We can tailor-make an itinerary to support your specific learning outcomes.

Morning Afternoon Evening
1 Morning flight from Ireland Blue Badge Guided tour by coach. Check into your accommodation Thames River Cruise & London Eye
2 Natural History Museum or Science Museum Madame Tussauds West End Show
3 Warner Brothers Studio Tour - The Making of Harry Potter Return flight to Ireland
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
Morning Morning flight from Ireland
Afternoon Blue Badge Guided tour by coach. Check into your accommodation
Evening Thames River Cruise & London Eye
Morning Natural History Museum or Science Museum
Afternoon Madame Tussauds
Evening West End Show
Morning Warner Brothers Studio Tour - The Making of Harry Potter
Afternoon Return flight to Ireland
Evening

On-tour support

On-tour support includes...

Additional on-tour support available...

  • Pre-booked meals at great group prices
  • Pre-booked and pre-paid London Underground tickets
  • A choice of packed lunches for your group throughout your stay

Accommodation

Popular options in London


Top visits in London

Science Museum

The Science Museum is packed with awe-inspiring galleries, interactive resources and inspirational exhibitions. Your pupils can get involved in the interactive hands-on galleries, observe and explore the object galleries and watch educational IMAX films. The Science Museum also provides educational resources to enhance your trip and these are free to download from their website.

Natural History Museum

On a Natural History Museum school trip, your students can explore the natural world and discover the amazing diversity of life that has evolved on our planet. Study a range of themes including climate change, evolution and the natural environment, helping to give your students an understanding of the impact that science has on their lives.

Exploring the human biology gallery, which covers memory and how our memory functions and an insight into the human body.

The lastminute.com London Eye

A classroom with a moving view! Standing 135m tall on the South Bank of the River Thames, nothing says iconic like The lastminute.com London Eye.

Since 2000, this world-famous structure has taken over 75 million people on a journey into London’s skyline. Be inspired with our Skyline Workshops. At an additional cost, these enhanced in-pod experiences are delivered by our education hosts and include interactive activities and interesting facts on London's iconic skyline.

Developed in collaboration with education specialists, teachers can book either a KS2/KS3 version.

Highlights of London Blue Badge Guided Tour

See the major sights of the city. An expert Blue Badge Guide will join you on your coach and bring the Capital to life for your group. Sights may include Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, Westminster Abbey and St Paul’s Cathedral.

Thames River Cruise

Take in London’s best-loved sights on this enjoyable cruise. Your students will gain an insight into the many layers of history that have built up along the river, from the Houses of Parliament and Tower Bridge to the 'lastminute.com' London Eye.

The Lion King

Disney’s award-winning musical combines dazzling staging and wildly creative costumes, masks and puppets. The result is a theatrical experience like no other, which is guaranteed to capture the imaginations of your students and to teach them about the wonderful world of live theatre. 

On show at: The Lyceum Theatre
Times: Tuesday - Saturday evenings at 7.30pm, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2.30pm 
Running time: 2hrs 30mins 
School prices available: Tuesday - Thursday evenings, Wednesday matinees.

Educational packs available.

Wicked

Wicked tells the untold story of the Witches of Oz. The spectacular production and incredible story inspires discussion about propaganda, tolerance, bullying and friendship. 

On show at: The Apollo Victoria Theatre 
Times: Tuesday - Saturday evenings at 7.30pm, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2.30pm 
Running time: 2hrs 45mins 
School prices available: Tuesday - Thursday evenings, Wednesday matinees.

Educational packs and workshops available. For more information on the show's educational programme, for more information please contact us.

Matilda the Musical

Following a sensational sell-out season at The Courtyard Theatre, the RSC’s production of Matilda the Musical has now opened in London to extraordinary critical acclaim. Roald Dahl’s much-loved story bursts into life on stage. Your group will be delighted by the story of the special little girl with an extraordinary imagination. 

On show at: Cambridge Theatre 
Times: Tuesday at 7.00pm, Wednesday - Saturday at 7.30pm. Matinees on Wednesday and Saturday at 2.30pm and Sunday at 3.00pm 
Running time: 2hrs 35mins 
School prices available: Tuesday - Thursday evenings and Wednesday matinees.

Educational packs available.

Matilda the Musical School Workshops are available and are designed to introduce your group to the story of Matilda, the key characters and the creative process of bringing it to life on stage. Led by RSC practitioners, these active 90-minute sessions can be tailored to meet the needs of students of all ages. Available Wednesdays at 10.30am. Groups are advised to book early.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter

Step onto authentic sets, discover the magic behind spellbinding special effects and explore the behind-the-scenes secrets of the Harry Potter™ film series. Tread the original stone floor of the iconic Hogwarts Great Hall, encounter animatronic creatures and wander down Diagon Alley. Located at the Studios where all eight films were produced.

EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOPS:

A programme of educational lessons has been created to complement the Studio Tour. These lessons are delivered in purpose-built classrooms by qualified teachers and use the Harry Potter™ film series as an example of the wider context and theories surrounding filmmaking and design. You’ll even get access to free downloadable pre and post-visit resource packs to use in the classroom.

Lesson options include:

  • Screenplay Stories 
  • Costume Characterisation 
  • Costume Distressing 
  • Pitching 
  • Instructional Writing 
  • Movie Graphic Design 
  • Careers in the Creative Industry
  • Script to Screen 
  • Camera Choices 
  • Set Design 
  • Movie Business 
  • Movie Marketing

 

LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort

With over 55 rides, live shows and attractions, all set in 150 acres of beautiful parkland; bring learning to life outside of the classroom with LEGOLAND® Windsor Resorts tailored school trips which can engage, excite and inspire your students. LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort has been awarded with a Learning Outside of the Classroom Quality Award: a national accreditation for the provision of learning.

There are educational workshops available, perfect for teachers and pupils to have a fun, hands on and engaging session hosted by a trained member of educational staff.

Madame Tussauds

The world of the Media is a creative and inspiring one, where ideas combine with drama, excitement and humour to keep us entertained and engaged. A fully interactive experience, Madame Tussauds will inspire, enthuse and immerse pupils in celebrity culture and modern media as they walk among the stars!

Disney's The Lion King Education Workshops

Everyone from beginners to professionals can experience the thrill of the West End through these hands-on explorations of theatrical performances that are led by expert Disney teaching artists. Options include: 

Spotlight on Acting - ages 9 +

Spotlight on Movement & Music - ages 7 +

Spotlight on Singing - ages 12 +

Spotlight on Dancing - ages 14 +

 

 

Tower of London

On a school trip to Tower of London, your group will have the opportunity to learn about some of England’s famous monarchs, see the largest collection of early weapons and armour in Britain, visit Traitor’s Gate, the Tower Ravens, the Royal Fusilier Museum and the new Jewel House, as well as historic hotspots where dramatic events unfolded. Curriculum-based sessions led by expert presenters, educational downloads, materials and other resources are also available.

Imperial War Museum

With the WWI Centenary taking place in 2014-18, the museum boasts a multimillion pound redevelopment, including new gallery spaces and improved facilities. The museum covers every aspect of conflict in the 20th century, and the Children at War exhibition is particularly popular with our KS2 / P4-7 groups, looking at conflict through the eyes of British children.

Hampton Court Palace

A visit to Hampton Court is essential for studying the Tudors at KS2. Your pupils will:

  • View England’s last and greatest medieval hall and one of Britain’s oldest theatres
  • Experience a real Tudor kitchen - built to feed the Court of Henry VIII
  • Explore the magnificent Chapel Royal and beautiful gardens. Reduced price entry for school groups, free preliminary visit tickets for teachers and lively curriculum-based sessions led by expert presenters, are also available through NST.

 

HMS Belfast

Discover the stories behind this warship from WWII and beyond. Imagine sleeping in one of the tightly packed hammocks during duties in Arctic waters, or being stationed deep in the bowels of the ship when she opened fire in support of Allied troops on D-Day.

Royal Palaces - Kensington & Kew

Explore the story of how monarchs have shaped society in some of the greatest palaces ever built. Each palace has witnessed peace and prosperity as well as turbulent times. Workshops are available - call us for details.

Houses of Parliament

At this political institution your group will have the opportunity to visit the House of Lords, the House of Commons and Westminster Hall - formerly the Royal Courts of Justice and where monarchs and statesmen have lain in state. An hour long workshop and guided tour are also available – but make sure you book early as these options are extremely popular. Please note, schools/groups will need to book this visit directly with the Houses of Parliament.

Museum of London

One of London’s most dynamic periods was while it was the Roman city of Londinium. The Roman collection forms a central part of the museum and holds many fine examples of ceramics, metalwork and coins, among many other artefacts collected from the London area. Give pupils an understanding of crime and punishment in Roman Britain to the Middle Ages. It helps them understand the nature of change and continuity in law and order from the Roman period, to Anglo-Saxon Law and Order to the Norman period.

Stage School Theatre Workshop – West End 101

A popular and versatile interactive workshop designed to enhance the participants’ night in the West End. In a fun and relaxed environment, students are taught skills and techniques used by professional actors inspired by the themes of the show they see. 

Stage School Workshops are delivered by qualified teaching artists (so you can get involved too) and can be tailored to your chosen show, as well as your curriculum requirements.

Centre of the Cell

A science education centre based at Queen Mary University of London, Centre of the Cell is located inside a distinctive orange pod suspended above the laboratories. Once inside, pupils will learn about the amazing world of cells and the human body. The experience includes KS2 curriculum-linked interactive games which utilise the latest digital technologies.

Science & Maths Magic Shows - Superhero Science

Run by Dr Matt Pritchard, who works for organisations like Royal Institution, British Science Association and The Big Bang fairs, these interactive science and maths magic shows will inspire and inform students.

Are superpowers fact, fiction or feasible in the future? Explore x-ray vision, super strength, invisibility, levitation, telekinesis and mind-reading and find out what they do (or don’t) have to do with real science like forces and motion, light and radiation, waves, electricity, psychology and neuroscience.

Chessington World of Adventures Resort

When students are enjoying a lesson, it shows. It shows in their attention levels, in the effort they put in and the results they achieve. The Education Programme at Chessington World of Adventures Resort offers maximum educational value through unique and stimulating learning experiences and a focus on curriculum relevant workshops and content.

They have been accredited with the LOtC quality award badge, enabling them to help you with risk assessments, free teacher visits prior to your trip and educational resources to help you get the most out of the day. Importantly, your pupils can take part in a number of structured workshops that are linked to the National Curriculum and specific programmes of study.

Tate Modern

Britain’s spectacular museum of modern and contemporary international art. Themes include landscapes, environment, still life, action, and the body. The viewing level offers awe-inspiring 360ᵒ views of the London skyline from high above the River Thames, whilst The Tanks celebrate new art and showcase performances, interactive art and video installations.

Museum of London

Discover the history of London and its people. The Museum of London overlooks the Roman remains of the City wall and reveals the history of the capital from prehistoric and Roman times through to medieval, Tudor and 18th century expansion, and the bustling multicultural London of today. Spectacular collections, immersive spaces and interactive exhibits transport you through the capital's tumultuous past, rich with drama, triumph and near-disaster!

Samsung Digital Discovery Centre at the British Museum

The Samsung Digital Discovery Centre offers free digital activities for schools on a school trip to the British Museum. In this newly refurbished, purpose-built learning space in the heart of the UK’s most-visited museum, pupils will use technology to explore the collection and discover the world’s history and cultures. 

Teachers can choose from a range of free school sessions. Pupils can attend a workshop in the Samsung Digital Discovery Centre or take part in a self-led activity in one of the galleries. 

Sample sessions

Achievements of the Shang Dynasty (self-led session)
Use an interactive digital trail on tablets supplied by the museum to explore objects on display from China's Shang Dynasty. Pupils will learn about the methods used to produce bronze, jade and pottery, as well as what these can tell us about life during the Shang dynasty. 

A Gift for Athena (self-led session)
Use augmented reality technology on tablets supplied by the museum to explore the Parthenon Gallery. 
Pupils will learn about ancient Greek religion and how the Parthenon's architecture celebrated Athena's greatness and communicated the power of Athens.

Greek Temples (digital session)
Learn about ancient Greek religious architecture and how it varied throughout the ancient Greek world.
Design an ancient Greek temple, calculate the cost of building materials, ensure it can be built within budget, then produce architectural designs of your proposed temples using digital technology.

Sponsored by Samsung

The View from The Shard

The View from The Shard offers a unique education experience – it is the only place where students can see the entire city at once; both old and new! Two high speed kaleidoscopic lifts will transport your group to the viewing platforms on Level 69 and Level 72 where you can encourage your student’s fascination with the history of London and enjoy the unparalleled 360 degree views.

Educational visits can support learning across both the National and London Curriculum, including History, English, Maths, Geography, and Art and Design.

Westminster Abbey

Kings, queens, statesmen and soldiers; poets, priests, heroes and villains - the Abbey is a must-see living pageant of British history. Located in the heart of London, this wonderful 700-year-old building offers highly-popular tours and subject-linked workshops for a range of subjects including Religious Studies, History, STEM and Literacy.

KidZania

KidZania London is a replica of a real-life city, built especially for children aged four to 14 to role-play real-life jobs and careers in a fun, immersive experience where they work, play, earn and learn! 

Pupils can discover a range of activities from being an aeroplane pilot with British Airways, a journalist with Metro, and even a Radio DJ with Global Radio.

Understanding a chance encounter can influence a child’s path forever, many of the careers, designed in reference to the National Curriculum, are in collaboration with real-life brand partners to help to broaden awareness of the careers children know exist. The ‘learning-by-doing’ experience also looks to develop the ‘soft’ skills crucial for pupil’s development, from financial literacy to teamwork and problem solving.

Young V&A

Get ready to spark your creativity at Young V&A – the museum where children and young people can imagine, play and design. From Summer 2023, be inspired by spaces, explore the collection and get creative.


Evening activites

  • West End Show
  • Thames River cruise
  • Ice skating
  • Bowling

Educational resources

NST Treasure Hunts

An exciting adventure for your group! Pupils work in teams to solve clues which lead to a thrilling chase around London.

Travel Games

Our travel games are a great way to keep your group entertained on coach journeys to your destination and on your way home.

Free educational resource packs

A number of West End shows produce free educational resource packs that groups can use prior to and after seeing their show of choice. These packs often contain lesson plans and guidance for discussions to explore a show's central themes, characters, story and staging. Combined with a show performance, use of these packs can help to aid understanding and inspire learning too.

 


Transport

We offer flights from a variety of departure airports and we’ll work with you to plan your route at the best value possible.

Flight


Giving you full support throughout

Before your tour

  • Your own dedicated NST contact
  • Bespoke tour itineraries
  • Unrivalled local knowledge & expertise
  • Curriculum linked visit programmes
  • Great value for money - no hidden costs
  • Free group leader inspection visits
  • Risk assessment guidance
  • Safety assured, transport, accommodation and visits

Whilst you're away

  • Free educational resources
  • Group-friendly accommodation
  • Exceptional standards of coaching
  • On-tour support from our reps on the ground
  • Support & assistance from our specialists guides throughout your tour
  • 24/7 support just a call away
  • Extensive group travel insurance

On your return

  • Priority rebooking services
  • Rewarding your loyalty with our reward scheme
  • You say, we listen - we're committed to continuously improving our tours
  • School travel company of choice since 1996