Crime & Punishment School Trips
Our crime and punishment-themed history school trips offer your students the opportunity to learn more about the development of the court and prison system and gain a deeper understanding of how the concept of justice has evolved over the centuries in Britain.
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Crime and punishment school trips to York and Ripon
York and Ripon are fantastic destinations for a crime and punishment-themed history school trip. From the Anglo-Saxons through to the Viking and Norman conquests, and right through to the modern day, on a crime and punishment-themed history school trip to York and Ripon, your students will explore how crime was punished throughout the ages.
Both York Castle Museum and Ripon Museums offer your students the opportunity to step back in time and learn more about the prison system through the ages.
The buildings that now house York Castle Museum were once a Georgian prison and your students can explore some of the cells and learn more about what life was really like for inmates in prisons, where conditions could be pretty brutal.
They’ll hear the personal stories of some of the inmates, including the most infamous prisoner incarcerated here, Dick Turpin, the legendary highwayman. Learn more about his crimes and what prison life would have been like for him and the other inmates.
You’ll also be able to explore the lives of seven other former inmates and their varied fates, from the last woman to be burnt at the stake in Yorkshire to a young tearaway who ended up in Australia. There’s even the opportunity to look up your own family names to see if any of your relatives might have been former inmates!
Your students will also have the opportunity to learn more about the formation of professional policing and how the court system works.
At Ripon Museums, you’ll also learn more about the justice system as a whole, from the establishment of the police force to the court system we still use today, by taking part in a ‘trial’.
You’ll also visit a Victorian Workhouse, where your students will learn why people were sent there and what life was like for them. And your students will be able to take on the role of Victorian detectives to investigate a murder that takes place there!
Why arrange a crime and punishment school trip?
Bring history to life
Through the stories of real people, your students will gain a deeper understanding of the attitudes towards crime, punishment and justice throughout the centuries. They’ll see how those who were found guilty often endured brutal punishments.
Your students will be able to participate in the ‘trial’ of the Sinkler brothers, who were arrested for poaching and ultimately transported to Australia. By taking part in this role play, they’ll learn more about the Georgian court system.
Later, they’ll continue the story of the Sinkler brothers, as they find out more about early policing, the crime of poaching and the punishment of transportation.
They’ll then help to investigate a murder at the Workhouse, using Victorian detection techniques.
All of this hands-on experience of history will not only bring the topic to life for your students, it will also give them practical memories which they can draw upon when it comes to assessments.
Spark a passion for history
History is endlessly fascinating. It’s a web of stories that lead us to our present day. But it can sometimes take a little while for students to understand this. By taking them out of the classroom and giving them the opportunity to experience history, you’ll be helping your students to realise that these were real people and real experiences, and this is certain to pique their interest.
And for those students that already love history, the opportunity to jump back in time and inhabit the lives of people who lived centuries ago will be an experience that can only grow their passion for history.
Enjoy the trip as much as your students
Originally founded by former teachers, we understand the value of history school trips and how to make them successful.
Your trip will be completely tailor made, to ensure that it meets your specific requirements and learning objectives. And we’ll be on hand throughout the process to answer any questions you have.
In fact, we’ll be with you every step of the way, from now until you return home at the end of your trip. While abroad, you’ll be able to reach us with just one phone call, at any time of the day or night. And, with this comprehensive level of support while you’re away, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy immersing yourself in history as much as your students.
School Crime & Punishment Trip To York & Ripon
Bring the history of crime and punishment to life with your history school trip to York and Ripon!
- A-Level
- GCSE
Why choose Halsbury?
Here are just a few reasons why teachers choose Halsbury for educational school trips that inspire.

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School trips designed by teachers for teachers
Originally founded by teachers in 1986, we understand the pressures on you as Group Leader and are here to make the process of running your school trip as easy as possible.
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School trips tailored to your curriculum
We'll design your trip around your specific learning objectives and curriculum, to ensure your school trip is a truly educational experience.
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Health & safety prioritised
As a proud Assured Member of the School Travel Forum, the health and safety of your group is always our priority.
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Support every step of the way
We'll be with you every step of the way, from your very first enquiry until the moment you return home, including 24-hour support while you’re on your school trip.
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Financially secure school trips
We're ABTA bonded and all our air tours are ATOL protected, so you can be sure that your school trip is financially secure.
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Rewarding loyalty scheme
You'll earn loyalty points from your very first school trip with Halsbury. These can be used towards a discount on your school trip or a free gift for your school.