Rivers School Trips

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Are your geography students currently learning about river systems? As a geographer, you know the best way to really understand a topic is to get out of the classroom and see it in action in the ‘real world’. Our tailor-made river-themed geography school trips will help you do just that.

Want them to see for themselves the physical features and shapes of river landscapes? Perhaps you want them to better understand the processes which create them? Or maybe you want to focus on exploring how human activity can lead to changes in the river environment? Whatever your learning objectives, we’ll design your geography school trip to fit.

Read more about Rivers trips for schools

Rivers school trips abroad

The Dordogne rises in the Auvergne in central France and a school trip here offers your students the chance to develop their understanding of river processes and to see for themselves the immense power of rivers to shape the landscape around them.

The other great thing about a school trip to the Auvergne is that you can travel by coach, reducing the environmental impact of your trip.

In Barcelona and the Costa Brava, your students can study the Tordera River, which starts in the Montseny Massif and discharges into the Mediterranean.

They’ll follow the river course and use their field skills, including data sampling, to appreciate the different processes at work in each section of the river valley.

This is a really exciting opportunity to bring the theory they’ve learnt in the classroom to life, giving them the unforgettable chance to experience geography in action.

Or you could visit the Swiss Alps, where your students can study the Grande Eau, which is a tributary of one of Europe’s major rivers – the Rhône.

Alternatively, you could take a once-in-a-lifetime school trip to the USA, where your students will see the power of river erosion at the spectacular Grand Canyon.

Carved out of the rock by the Colorado River, the Grand Canyon certainly isn’t the deepest canyon in the world, but it is arguably the most striking and will leave your students in awe at the power of flowing water.

Plus, as the river carved out the canyon, it exposed layers of rock which now testify to the geological history of North America – now, if that’s not going to inspire future geographers and geologists, we don’t know what will!

Rivers school trips in the UK

The Yorkshire Dales is a landscape shaped by glaciers and rivers. The word ‘dales’ means valleys and most of the dales are named after the river that runs through them, so there’s plenty of river landscapes to explore here!

A highlight of your rivers-themed geography school trip to the Yorkshire Dales will be a guided walk to Malham Cove, Gordale Scar and Janet’s Foss. As well as conducting a river investigation, your students can also work on their map skills and navigation, as they follow GPS trails – a real geography adventure, right here in the UK!

This limestone landscape is also famous for its caves, which offer the perfect opportunity to demonstrate the power of water to your students. Your students can visit Ingleborough Cave or White Scar Caves, both of which are fascinating.

Alternatively, you might prefer to head down to Cornwall, where you can visit the spectacular Wookey Hole Caves! The rivers here are much shorter than in much of the rest of the country, which means it is relatively easy to study them within a short space of time.

Why arrange a rivers school trip?

Bring river processes and landscapes to life

Geography is a subject that really comes alive once you get out of the classroom. After all, it’s the study of the world around us! And river processes and landforms certainly become easier to understand when you can see them in action.

So, your rivers school trip will help your students to deepen their understanding of river processes and landforms. It will also give them first-hand experience that they can draw upon in exams.

Plus, by taking your students out of the classroom and giving them the opportunity to experience geography in action, you’ll help them to understand the value of your subject and how it can help them to understand the world around them.

Inspire future geographers

Wherever you decide to go on your rivers school trip, your students will have the opportunity to develop their practical fieldwork skills, getting to grips with skills like navigation and data sampling.

This opportunity to get stuck in and physically investigate the landscapes and processes taking place along the course of the river is what will spark their imaginations. They’ll see how exciting it is to study these landscapes and processes, using the data collected to make judgements and develop understanding.

You may even have the opportunity to learn more about the work that’s being done to protect rivers, which are often an important water source for people and local wildlife. Who knows, you may inspire some future career choices or give them more ideas for how they can help their own local environment!

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.

Why Halsbury Education trips?

We build your trip around you

Tell us your learning objectives, curriculum and budget and we’ll do the rest.

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We’re trusted for a reason

We’re members of ABTA, ABTOT and the School Travel Forum. We also hold an ATOL and the LOtC Quality Badge.

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Our Education specialists

Laura Lucas

Tour Consultant

Tom Moorhouse

Tour Consultant

Gaynor Mayor

Education Sales & Product Manager

Laura Martin

Language Sales & Product Manager

Emma Gray da Silva

Tour Consultant

Lou Della Rocca

Tour Consultant

Gail Biggins

Tour Consultant

Judit Eleod

Tour Consultant

Paul Hudson

Tour Consultant

Michelle Hallam

Tour Consultant

Caroline Hill

Tour Consultant

Gayle Flude

Tour Consultant

Jodi Swift

Tour Consultant

Will Jehu

Tour Consultant

Vanessa Barbosa

Tour Consultant

Meet our education specialists and get to know more about the people committed to making your school trip the best it can be. 

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Rivers activities that your school group will love

Puy de Dôme

Climb to the top of one of the youngest volcanoes in the Auvergne!

Padirac Caves Boat Tour

Bring the transformative power of erosion to life with a journey deep into this network of caves, underground rivers and lakes!

Vulcania Theme Park

Explore volcanoes while experiencing a thrilling rush of adrenaline at this incredible theme park!

Dordogne Gorge by Kayak

Explore the spectacular upper gorges of the River Dordogne by kayak!

Bort-les-Orgues Hydroelectric Dam

Explore one of France's largest hydroelectric dams on the mighty Dordogne River!

Rocamadour

This spectacular sacred village teeters precariously above a river in the Dordogne Valley!

Mont Bessou

Spectacular panoramic views across the region and an exciting low ropes course - Mont Bessou's adventures await!

Beach management case study

There are many towns along the coastline to experience the varying management techniques, and there is a chance to compare,

Garrotxa Volcanic National Park

This wonderful national park, just one and a half hours from Barcelona, is ideal for groups to explore and examine

Lloret de Mar – Tourism gone wrong?

One of the main coastal towns along the Costa Brava, Lloret de Mar attracts tourists year round and is said

Montserrat

Perched high in the mountains above Barcelona, and accessible by cable car or train, Montserrat is one of the most

Port of Barcelona

With over a million passenger arrivals every year, Barcelona is one of the most important ports in the Mediterranean for

Tordera River Study

The Tordera river offers your students the opportunity to discover the different processes at work in the different sections of

Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park is a spectacular sight and not to be missed on any trip to Utah. The name

Emerald Pool Trails

The Emerald Pools Trail was completed in 1925 and named due to the green tint the algae gives the three

Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is the most famous natural attraction in the USA. It is one of the best examples of

Montezuma Castle

Rising 100 feet above the Beaver Creek floodplain, Montezuma Castle is a testimony to the resilience and innovations of a

Riverside Walk

The Riverside Walk is easy and very scenic. The paved trail follows the Virgin River from Temple of Sinawava up

Zion National Park

Zion National Park is surrounded by the towering cliffs andis known for its incredible canyons, including The Narrows, which attract

Arnside & Silverdale

A wide variety of unique landscapes offering your students the chance to learn more about coastlines and limestone landforms. Stunning

Ingleborough Caves

One of the most famous cave systems in the UK allows for a study of this impressive limestone landscape. Follow

KS2 Geographic Exploration - Yorkshire Dales

Enjoy guided walks to Malham Cove, Gordale Scar and Janet’s Foss, work on map skills and navigation and follow GPS.

White Scar Caves

A fabulous opportunity to experience the fascinating landscape of the Yorkshire Dales, this cave walk will allow your students to

Beach Clean - Cornwall

Head down to one of St. Ives five spectacular beaches for a self-led beach clean. The hostel will provide you

Eden Project

The Eden Project is an educational charity, social enterprise and visitor attraction located close to St. Austell in Cornwall.

Hayle Towans

Towans is Cornish for dunes and Hayle Towans are a fantastic example of sand dunes. This is also a rich

Lizard Point

Lizard Point in the Lizard Peninsula is the most southernly point of the British mainland. The dramatic cliffs and rich

St Michael's Mount

The picturesque rocky tidal island is home to a medieval church and castle. It is the Cornish equivalent of Mont-Saint-Michel

Suez Recycling Centre

Find out about the innovative solutions being used to manage Cornwall's waste and recycling.

Wookey Hole Caves

Located in the heart of Somerset you'll find the largest show-caves in England - Wookey Hole. As well as the

California Academy of Science

The California Academy of Sciences, located in Golden Gate Park San Francisco, contains an Aquarium, the world’s deepest Philippine Coral

NatureBridge Yosemite

NatureBridge Yosemite gives your students the opportunity to immerse themselves in nature, among the stunning surroundings of Yosemite National Park.

Alcatraz Cruises

Alcatraz and history go hand in hand. Once home to some of America's most notorious criminals, the federal penitentiary that

Golden Gate Bridge

The best way to see and enjoy the bridge is to drive to either side, park your vehicle and then

Berneuse

The Berneuse is the mountain that stands over Leysin, in the Bernese Alps. Take the cable car to its summit

Grande Eau

This tributary of the Rhône flows from Les Diablerets and offers the opportunity to delve deeper into river processes.

Langgletscher and Fafleralp

The Langgletscher is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and boasts a nature trail designed to educate visitors on

Thermal Baths at Saillon

Relax in the thermal baths at Saillon! Let the current carry you along the Thermal River, heal your aches and

Tourism Study - Les Diablerets

Les Diablerets is an area popular with tourists, particularly those interested in adventure sports.

Camp Nou Experience

Home to FC Barcelona, a visit to the Nou Camp stadium includes a tour of the stadium itself.

La Rambla

Also known as Las Ramblas, this long, wide avenue is the heart of Barcelona's shopping district and the hub of

Olympic Museum & Stadium

This stadium was the focus of the 1992 Olympic Games. It is now turned into an Olympic Museum and Gallery.

Park Guell

Intended as a housing development that never quite took off, Parc Guell is an urban park in a northern suburb of Barcelona.

Sagrada Familia

Antoni Gaudi's unique, awe-inspiring cathedral continues to grow almost organically, like a medieval cathedral.

Alcatraz Cruises

Alcatraz and history go hand in hand. Once home to some of America's most notorious criminals, the federal penitentiary that

Golden Gate Bridge

The best way to see and enjoy the bridge is to drive to either side, park your vehicle and then

Maison Cailler

An absolute 'must' when visiting Switzerland is tasting some of its famous chocolate! At the Maison Cailler, you'll find out

Restaurant La Fromagerie

You can’t come all the way to Switzerland without trying some of its famous alpine cheeses! Housed in a 17th

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