Activities & enrichment week school trips

Paris

As the global centre for art, fashion, gastronomy, and culture, the French capital offers an abundance of exciting visits and attractions for a memorable and fun activities week school trip. We’ve put together an action-packed 4-day itinerary packed with free visits to give you the best value for money on your activities week school trip.

• Take a guided tour of Fragonard Perfumery, in French or English and visit the perfumery museum and shop.
• Visit the Musée National du Louvre – One of the most extensive collections in the world.
• Maison Européenne de la Photographie -  a museum dedicated to contemporary creation.
• Take a walk around Montmartre & Sacré Coeur - Once a meeting place for artists in the late 19th and early 20th century, your group can also view artists painting portraits and caricatures for the tourists.
• Visit the Chateau de Versailles, the scene for several historic events, including the signing of the Treaty of Versailles.

Paris is home to amazing food, so take your pupils to visit Rue Mouffetard; it’s both a market street, and a street market. What does that mean? Parisians have always been keen on fresh foods, and being in the city access has been limited since medieval times. Every day farmers and producers from the agricultural lands around the city would come into particular streets to sell their wares. 

Prices from £269pp - enquire with us here

Opal Coast, Northern France

The Opal Coast is a fantastic location to get a real taste of France. This four-day fun-filled itinerary is packed with fantastic experiences, but all are free to enjoy, making this a great value travel package for anyone on a budget! You’ll also have your own Group Co-ordinator organising fun evening activities to keep everyone entertained.

• Take a visit to the port town of Boulogne-sur-Mer. You'll love the town for everything it has to offer: a vast architectural and historical heritage, which has earned it the title of City of Art and History, a coastal town, with its leading fishing port, where you can sample the finest fish and seafood dishes.

• Take part in a fascinating and challenging Town Trail. Follow trail instructions and answer questions in French in this informative way to explore the town. NST’s exclusive trails are an excellent method of getting pupils to read, repeat and understand French words and phrases.

• See 5000 years of art history at the Louvre-Lens museum. Explore the museum’s exhibitions and discover masterpieces and sculptures in this beautiful art museum.

• Your group will get to make and taste traditional French Crepes. They will mix the ingredients to make the batter, and use the hot plates to make the crepes, then top them with the traditional French combination of sugar and orange.

• Take part in our Journey to the Trenches activity taking them from the enlisting experience to life in the trenches. Within this session groups will discover more about life as a WWI soldier, from creating their own propaganda posters and encourage others to join their army, to deciding which items they should take to war as well as viewing and handling WWI artefacts, tasting army biscuits and drinking camp coffee! 

Prices from £299pp - enquire with us here

Madrid

Located in the heart of mainland Spain, Madrid is an exciting and cosmopolitan destination for an activities and enrichment week school trip. We’ve added a host of free educational and cultural visits to offer amazing value for money.

• Located right at the heart of Madrid’s cultural centre, the Prado Museum is home to many European masterpieces.
• La Puerta del Sol - This well-known and busy square houses many important statues including the bear and madrone tree (Madrid’s heraldic symbol), shops, cafés and occasional street music.
• The Reina Sofia Museum houses a permanent collection of Spanish modern and contemporary art and is home to Picasso’s Guernica.
• CaixaForum Madrid is a museum and cultural center in Madrid. Although the CaixaForum is a contemporary building, it also exhibits retrospectives of artists from earlier time periods and has evolved into one of the most visited museums in Madrid.
• At the Casa de Campo, your pupils will enjoy visiting this large urban park with its range of activities and man-made lake. The southern part also houses a zoo and large amusement park.

Prices from £299pp - enquire with us here

Berlin

Berlin is one of Europe’s most historic cities and has evolved to become a vibrant and cosmopolitan capital city. Rich with historical importance, an enrichment week trip will allow pupils to get a greater understanding of German life, both past and present. The city is also teeming with amazing art galleries and museums for an educational and fun school trip.

• The Holocaust Memorial is a poignant reminder of the murdered Jews of Europe, created by architect Peter Eisenman, is an emotional and imposing addition to the landscape of central Berlin.
• At the Ritter Chocolate Workshop, your students can give free reign to their chocolate notions and manufacture their very own chocolate creations – all the way from ingredient selection to package design.
• Allow your students to immerse themselves in Berlin’s buzzing art scene with a visit to the Berlin Wall, followed by a visit to the Alte Nationalgalerie.
• The Brandenburg Gate is Berlin’s only remaining city gate and a symbol of unified Germany. The Quadriga that sits on top has a history as eventful as the city’s.

Give your students some free time to explore Potsdamer Platz. A prime example of the new, vibrant Berlin, this popular district has numerous shops, cafés, restaurants and the fabulous Sony Centre at this lively public square.

Prices from £320pp - enquire with us here

Barcelona

An enrichment and activities week school trip to the cosmopolitan city of Barcelona certainly won’t disappoint! This seaside city is steeped in history, and has a unique culture, providing the ideal destination for a memorable and educational school trip.

• Picasso Musseum - A tribute to perhaps the greatest painter of modern times. Picasso’s experiments with Impressionism, Pointillism and Symbolism are shown here in his unrivalled early works. Picasso’s personal style can be noted from the Blue to Pink Period (1901-17) and a gradual move into more experimental cubism and abstract forms.
• Parc Guell Viewing Platform - Take a visit to the famous park which was designed by Gaudí. The park’s highpoint also provides fabulous views of the city.
• Las Ramblas is often the first landmark that most tourists identify with the city. It is the central most boulevard which cuts through the heart of the city centre and is a vibrant and lively promenade. Here your students will see all sorts of stalls, restaurants, bars and street performers. Full of atmosphere and excitement, this is a must for every group.
• La Sagrada Familia is one of Gaudí's most famous works in Barcelona. This unfinished masterpiece, which has been under construction since 1882, remains a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of the city.
• Port Vell - The renovated harbour area has a number of attractions including the IMAX Cinema and Maremagnum. Pupils can explore the largest aquarium in Europe, observing over 450 different species and marvellous underwater scenes. Visit the wide range of shops, eateries, an arcade games centre and a state-of-the-art large screen cinema, offering 3D movie experiences, too!
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Prices from £379pp - enquire with us here

Rome

Rome’s classic heritage makes it a fascinating destination for a cultural school trip. Its centre is compact enough to be able to walk around the key sites, and the city has a wealth of free museums, monuments and attractions.

• Visit the famous Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain. The Trevi Fountain is the largest Baroque fountain in Rome and possibly the most beautiful in the world; whilst the Spanish Steps are one of the must-see places when in Rome and a great example of Roman Baroque Style. 
• Visit the Roman Forum & Palatine Hill - The oldest and most important structures of the ancient city are located at the Roman Forum, including the temple of Saturn and the complex of the Vestal Virgins. The most central of the Seven Hills of Rome, Palatine Hill is one of the most ancient parts of the city. 
• Take your pupils shopping and sightseeing on the Via del Corso in the historical centre of Rome.
• Visit the Mausoleum of Hadrian, usually known as Castel Sant'Angelo, the towering cylindrical building in Parco Adriano, Rome.
• The Campo dei Fiori in the Parione district is one of the jewels of Rome. In the morning it's a bustling marketplace, that transforms into a nightlife centre in the evening – all amid a beautiful setting steeped with history.

Prices from £409pp - enquire with us here

Iceland

Iceland offers a unique and exciting experience for your school’s activities week or enrichment trip. The stunning scenery, geothermal pools and natural phenomena are just some of the reasons to visit Iceland on your school trip. Our package includes a host of popular visits for your pupils to discover.

• Golden Circle Adventure Day - Study geothermal activity at truly spectacular locations! Visit the Hellisheidi geothermal power plant or the Ljosafoss hydroelectric power plant for a guided tour.
• South Shore Adventure Day - Visit the 200ft high Skógafoss waterfall then continue on to incredible Seljalandsfoss waterfall.
• Reykjavik - Explore the city centre and harbour area. Visit the Perlan Centre, a striking visitor centre which holds the city’s geothermal heated water supply in six huge tanks and offers excellent views over Reykjavik itself.
• Visit to Hellisgerdi Lava Park where pupils can walk amongst the lava rocks.
• Take a free tour of the Reykjavik parliament building, to learn about the history of governance in Iceland.

Prices from £675pp - enquire with us here

Morocco

Morocco is a fascinating destination for an activities week school trip. As a country with a vibrant and unique blend of cultures, an interesting history and stunning landscape, it’s a destination that offers a wealth of learning opportunities.

• Marrakech Discovery Day - Your guide will accompany you for a day in Marrakech investigating urban issues including sustainability, redevelopment, resource management, transport and economic development.
• High Atlas Mountains Discovery Day - Your transport will take you to the High Atlas village of Imlil.
• Koutoubia Mosque – As the largest mosque in Marrakech, the landscaped gardens and 12^th century house of worship are worth a visit.
• Menara Gardens – With sweeping views of the Atlas Mountains, this UNESCO world heritage site is a popular and free place for groups to visit.

Wander the Souks – A walk through the ancient alleyways of the traditional markets are a must for capturing the culture and history of Marrakech.

Prices from £729pp - enquire with us here

New York

New York is a fantastic place for an exciting enrichment and activities week trip.  The city is home to a host of attractions and famous landmarks for a memorable and fun school trip.  We’ve put together a suggested package full of free visits that will help you to make the most of your time in the city, without stretching your budget.

• Times Square is one of the world's most visited tourist attractions known for bright lights, shopping & shows. It is one of the world's busiest pedestrian intersections, the hub of the Broadway Theater District and a major center of the world's entertainment industry at the same time.
• As one of America’s greatest works of art and the nation's first public park, Central Park has become the most famous and beloved urban park in the world.
• The Staten Island Ferry transports Staten Islanders to and from Manhattan with ferry service between St. George on Staten Island and Whitehall Street in lower Manhattan. The 5-mile route and 25-minute ride also provides a majestic view of New York Harbour.
• The most famous street in the Financial District of Manhattan, New York City. It is home to the world's two largest stock exchanges, the New York Stock Exchange and NASDAQ.
• 5^th Avenue - Even those who are only a bit fashion-focussed will know shopping at the New York stores on Fifth Avenue is a definite must during your stay in the Big Apple.
• Microsoft Store Visit & Workshop - This visit involves an informative store tour over 6 floors and technology it offers including Virtual Reality, HoloLens and gaming. During the visit you can ask questions regarding store, technology or working for Microsoft.

Prices from £750pp - enquire with us here

Your pupils will have a week of learning about science, technology, engineering, and maths! With many intriguing visits and hands-on workshops, this four-day trip to London will be both practical and fun.

Learn more about our London trips here.

Photography week - London

Take your budding photographers out for a fun-filled four days in London, experiencing different types of shots. Combine this with one-day back at school with a lesson on photo manipulation, followed by a presentation from your students of their pictures and what they've learnt during the week.

Learn more sbout our London trips here.

Theatre week - London

Unlock your pupils inner thespian by taking them on an exciting trip through the world of theatre with four days in London - combine this with a day of in-school activity such as writing and performing their own small-scale show!

Learn more about our London trips here.

Entrepreneur week - London

Have your pupils got what it takes to become successful in business? London is home to over half of the UK's top 100 listed companies and offers fantastic opportunities for your budding entrepreneurs. Combine this with a 'pitch your idea' challenge back in school for the best business start-up ideas.

Learn more about our London trips here.

Film week - London

Who decides whether a film gets an '18' or a 'U' rating? Your pupils will get to meet the people who decide the ratings of films, DVDs and games on this exciting four days of film fuelled activities.

Learn more about our London trips here.

Theme park week - Paris

Theme parks in Paris provide a safe, memorable environment for your pupils to work together, bond as a class and challenge their personal boundaries, and of course the main theme being fun!

Learn more about our Paris trips here.

Creative week - Paris

Why not inspire the 'creative' in your pupils and take them on an exciting four-day tour of this vibrant French city. Paris has inspired many creatives over the centuries - and it continues to do so today. It's the global centre for art, fashion, gastronomy, and culture. Combine this with a day back in school where your pupils could create a storyboard of their trip, what they've seen, learnt and what inspired them.

Learn more about our Paris trips here.

Culture week - Barcelona

Take your culture vultures to this fabulous seaside city which is steeped in history, with amazing art and architecture. This is jam-packed full-on four-day trip! Whether your pupils want to look around the colossal Nou Camp Stadium or marvel at the magnificent Sagrada Família, there is something for everyone in Barcelona.

Learn more about our Barcelona trips here.

Food Lovers week - Northern France

The Opal Coast is a fantastic location to get a real taste of France. On this four-day fun-filled food fest, your pupils will have the opportunity to experience traditional dishes, go shopping at the local markets, and put their cooking skills to the test! You’ll also have your own Group Co-ordinator organising fun evening activities to keep everyone entertained.

Learn more our Opal Coast trips here  and view more about Château d'Ebblinghem here.

French week - Northern France

Challenge, inspire and engage your pupils with a four-day French Language trip to Northern France. Your pupils will participate in traditional French activities and enjoy an array of cultural visits on the Opal Coast, where they’ll have the opportunity to interact with native speakers and practise their language skills. Challenge them to keep a diary of their experiences in French - using our FREE exclusive Go Explore journal.

Learn more about our Opal Coast trips here  and learn more about Château d'Ebblinghem here.

Tour planning service

With NST, you’ll get your own dedicated, knowledgeable Tour Co-ordinator who’ll work with you from start to finish. You’ll benefit from their unrivalled destination knowledge, and their experience gained from working with many other groups too. They’ll tailor-make your itinerary from scratch and take care of everything for you:

• Pulling together an itinerary that runs smoothly
• Planning the right balance of visits every day with realistic timings
• Pre-arranging and pre-booking your visits, entrance tickets, passes and meals

You’ll receive your final itinerary a full 4-weeks before you travel too.

FREE school trip promotion pack

We’ll support you and provide everything you need to advertise your school trip around school and to parents. Our free school trip promotion pack consists of:

• Parents’ letter & permission slip template for you to complete
• A3 posters to promote your trip around school
• PowerPoint presentation templates which you can tailor to your own needs
• Parents’ leaflets covering how NST manage safety, financial protection and details of our travel insurance
• Online parents’ video which showcases the benefits of taking a school trip

For selected destinations, we’ll provide a trip launch web page using video footage and imagery. This web page is provided by a weblink and can be shared with pupils and parents in many ways.

Risk assessment support including preview visits

Risk assessment plays a vitally important part in the planning and organisation on any school tour.

Our risk assessment guide aims to help you understand more about your obligations and how you can more effectively manage group safety on your next educational visit and provide you with risk assessments for your trip.

Planning first school trip

Organising your first school trip can appear to be a daunting process.  If you're planning your first school trip, our guide will help to take you through each step of the planning process, answering frequently asked questions and providing tips and support along the way.  Our helpful guide covers the following: 

• Choosing your destination 
• Gaining approval from your Local Authority and/or your Head 
• Promoting your tour in school 
• Confirming your booking
• Tailor-make your tour
• Completing your risk assessments (including a sample risk assessment) 
• Quick reference timeline 
• Pre-tour checklist 

View our essential guide to a successful school trip here

Get live updates on your group's tour location

Locate My Trip uses GPS technology and is the easy, convenient way for your school to follow your location whilst on tour. Specifically designed to provide reassurance to both parents and teachers, NST will know where your group are 24/7. If your schedule needs to change, we’ll put plans in place to keep your tour on track. 

With Locate My Trip your group can also share photos and videos with the school and parents, via a secure link, to keep them updated on your experience whilst you’re away.

Watch our short Locate My Trip video here.

Your online school trip organiser - My Tour Manager

Save time and stay on track with your school trip admin with our online orgnaniser - designed to help busy teachers like you. 

With My Tour Manager, you'll be able to download FREE resources and access trip paperwork online and in one place. Your personalised checklist details what you need to do and by when, plus you'll receive fortnightly reminders too. 

What's more, you can take all your trip documents on the go whilst on your tour with our app, My Tour Manager-On-the-Go. 

Find out more and watch out short My Tour Manager video here

Free classroom resources

We've created a range of free resources and educational posters to brighten up your classroom! 

Take a look at our downloadable posters here