Geology School Trips

Geology school trips in the UK

You really don’t have to travel far for an unforgettable geology-themed geography school trip – we have some extraordinary geological destinations right here in the UK!

Interested in limestone kart landscape? Then head to the Yorkshire Dales! The limestone this landscape is so famous for is a sedimentary rock that was formed around 340 million years ago, during the Carboniferous Period.

There are many caves and potholes here to explore, where students can see for themselves the power of erosion. You’ll also enjoy exploring the many cliffs and gorges, such as Malham Cove and Gordale Scar.

And don’t forget to take some time to explore some of the Yorkshire Dales’ iconic limestone pavement, which was created during the last ice age, when glaciers scoured the limestone bedrock beneath.

Or head to the North York Moors, where English geology was born! The area is very famous for its fossils, which is why the coast up here is known as the ‘Dinosaur Coast’.

The North York Moors also holds many resources within its rocks and mining and quarrying were important industries in this part of the country. This makes the North York Moors the perfect setting for learning more about mining, quarrying and the uses of minerals and stones that we remove from the ground.

And Cornwall is also a great destination to learn more about this, with tin ore being mined from the Bronze Age right up until the early 20th century. And china clay extraction is still one of the largest industries in Cornwall.

While you’re in Cornwall on your geology-themed geography school trip, do make sure you take the time to visit the Lizard, which is Britain’s best example of an ophidite!

Geology school trips abroad

Our geology trips to the USA can include visits to San Francisco, Yosemite National Park and the Grand Canyon. The Grand Canyon in particular is an incredible destination for geologists – as the Colorado River carved out the canyon, it exposed spectacularly coloured layers of rock that tell the geological history of North America. There’s even a trail you can follow to learn more about this history and the layers of rock.

On your geography school trip to the USA, your students can also look at how San Francisco’s location close to the San Andreas and Hayward Faults has affected life in the city, with a focus on the effects of two major earthquakes in 1906 and 1989.

And at Yosemite National Park your geography students will learn more about minerals, rocks, fossils and the geological timescale.

Want your students to learn more about the physical structure of the Earth, geothermal energy and how it affects plate boundaries? Head to the Swiss Alps or the Atlas Mountains in Morocco, where your students will discover more about how mountains are formed.

Why arrange a geology school trip?

Bring the topic to life

We know that geology is fascinating, but it can sometimes be an uphill struggle to get teenagers excited about rocks. However, by taking them out of the classroom and showing them the landscapes and phenomenon that you’ve been exploring in class, they’ll see just how incredible the processes involved really are.

They’ll also gain a greater appreciation of the importance of geology and how it can tell us important information about the history of the Earth. They’ll be stunned to discover that where they are stood used to be underneath the sea. Or that the mountains in front of them were created when two continental plates met and pushed against each other.

And by giving them the opportunity to see these landscapes for themselves and reinforce what they’ve learnt in the classroom with practical examples, you’ll be setting them up for exam success, as they’ll find it much easier to recall the important information when under pressure!

Inspire them

As with any geography school trip, the opportunity to take the learning outside the classroom is always going to inspire your students. After all, geography is the study of the world around us and so getting out into the world to bring geographical concepts and ideas to life is a completely unforgettable experience!

And while you’re on your trip, your students will see how your subject helps them to better understand the world that they live in and why it looks like it does. This could help to spark a real passion for geography!

You may even have the opportunity to meet professionals who work within a field related to geology, giving your students ideas for future careers. What is certain is that we’ll work closely with you to ensure that your trip is full of exciting educational opportunities and leaves your students with lifelong memories of experiencing geography in action.

Enjoy the trip as much as your students

Originally founded by former teachers, we understand the value of geography 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 geography as much as your students.