Your school trip to Edinburgh will be an unforgettable introduction to the history and culture of Scotland for your students!
School trips to Edinburgh are an amazing opportunity to explore a spectacular, historic city within easy reach from anywhere in the UK.
With a great range of visits and activities for students to enjoy, Edinburgh offers one of the best trip experiences available without needing to leave the UK – perfect for school groups looking for something closer to home. In Scotland's capital city, pupils can learn more about the country's history and culture, take a specialised look at the role Edinburgh has played in modern medicine, visit world-famous art galleries, explore the beautiful Old Town, and more.
Whatever your reason for your Edinburgh school trip, we’ll tailor your itinerary to suit your curriculum and specific learning objectives. As the UK's leading school travel company, we can help you with every stage of booking, completing a risk assessment, and enjoying your trip away.
Browse our trips
General & Cultural Trip to Edinburgh
Art Trip to Edinburgh
Your school trip to Edinburgh offers your students the exciting opportunity to discover the rich artistic heritage of Scotland!
£242PP
Medicine Through Time In Edinburgh
Your school trip to Edinburgh will allow your students to explore a number of key developments in the history of medicine!
£258PP
Why choose Halsbury?
We build your trip around you
Tell us your learning objectives, curriculum and budget and we’ll do the rest.
Contact usWe’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.
Read moreOur Education specialists
Laura Lucas
Tour Consultant
Paul Hudson
Tour Consultant
Laura Martin
Tours Sales & Product Manager
Emma Gray da Silva
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.
Why visit Edinburgh?
The historic capital of Scotland
Edinburgh has been the capital of Scotland since at least the 15th century, making it a great destination to learn more about the country’s history.
The city boasts many historic attractions, from the imposing Edinburgh Castle and the magnificent Holyrood Palace to the churches of St. Giles and Greyfriars. Nearby Stirling is home to the National Wallace Monument, which celebrates one of Scotland’s national heroes, William Wallace.
On your school trip to Edinburgh, your students will have plenty of opportunities to visit these historic sites, where they’ll learn about Scotland’s complex history and its centuries-old relationship with the rest of the United Kingdom.
Explore the unique culture of Scotland
Scotland has its own unique culture, with a rich folklore, musical heritage, and literary tradition. Furthermore, Edinburgh is an important cultural centre for the whole of the UK and hosts both the Edinburgh International Festival and the Fringe, which is one of the world’s largest international arts festivals.
A school trip to Edinburgh provides your students with an opportunity to better understand the diversity of cultures within the United Kingdom.
An important centre for medical developments
Sometimes referred to as the ‘Athens of Britain’, Edinburgh has a long association with education and medicine is one of the fields for which the city is well known.
Indeed, many medical advancements have happened here, thanks to pioneering Scottish physicians, including Joseph Lister, whose work in antiseptic surgery led to a drastic reduction of post-operative infections and made surgery so much safer for patients.
An educational trip can include a visit to the History of Surgery Museum, where students will learn more about Joseph Lister and other pioneering physicians.
Learn more
29 Sept 2022
Curriculum-Based October Half Term Activity Ideas!
Looking for ideas to keep the kids busy this half term? Want to help enhance their learning? We've got some great ideas for you!
20 Dec 2021
Asha's Adventures in Edinburgh
Asha, one of our school travel experts, recently visited Edinburgh with Alison from Halsbury Music. Here, Asha explains what they got up to and why Edinburgh is such a great choice for a school trip in the UK.
Activities in Edinburgh that your school group will love
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle dominates the capital's skyline and offers stunning views of the city and countryside.
Harry Potter Walking Tour, Edinburgh
On a Harry Potter walking tour, your students will visit some of the locations that inspired one of the best-selling book series in history.
Royal Yacht Britannia
The Royal Yacht Britannia spent 44 years carrying the Royal Family around the world, covering over a million nautical miles.
Edinburgh Dungeon
Journey into the depths of Edinburgh's darkest history with a visit to the Edinburgh Dungeons.
National Museum of Scotland
The National Museum of Scotland is a must-visit on a school trip to Edinburgh.
The History of Surgery Museum
For any groups studying the history of medicine, a visit to the History of Surgery Museum in Edinburgh is unmissable.
Camera Obscura and World of Illusion
The Camera Obscura show is a fascinating and highly amusing way to see the city and learn about its history.
Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art
The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art is home to a wonderful collection of modern and contemporary art from 1900 to the present.
FAQs
How long should we stay in Edinburgh on our school trip?
We would recommend spending around 3 days in Edinburgh to make the most out of visiting the Scottish capital on your school trip.
What's the best way to get around Edinburgh?
Edinburgh is a relatively compact city, with many of the main sights within walking distance of each other. For longer journeys, we would recommend using Edinburgh's excellent buses and trams.
Which visits are a must on a school trip to Edinburgh?
You cannot visit Edinburgh without a visit to Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse which sit at opposite ends of the Royal Mile to one another. We would also highly recommend the Harry Potter walking tour, which offers the opportunity to find out how the city inspired J K Rowling's world-famous series.
Are there any free things to do in Edinburgh?
There are quite a few free things to do in Edinburgh on your school trip. You could visit the city's beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens which, as well as the beautiful plants, also offers spectacular views across the Edinburgh cityscape, including Edinburgh Castle. The spectacular St. Giles Cathedral is also free to visit and is on the Royal Mile. And if your group is interested in fine art, you'll be pleased to discover that the Scottish National Gallery is also free to visit.
Can I arrange a cross-curricular school trip to Edinburgh?
Edinburgh offers lots of educational opportunities for a range of subjects including art, history, and even music, making it a fantastic option for a cross-curricular school trip.
Let's chat!