School Art Trip to Edinburgh
On your art school trip to Edinburgh, your students will be inspired by the city’s long history of art, as well as the contemporary art scene!
As you’d expect from the vibrant capital of Scotland, Edinburgh is home to several important art museums and galleries, making it a fantastic choice for an art school trip.
Whether you want to look at Scotland’s art history, or prefer to focus on the contemporary art scene, we’ll tailor your itinerary to meet your specific learning objectives.
Visit the Jupiter Artland Sculpture Park to explore contemporary work by sculptors such as Anish Kapoor and Antony Gormley. Or head to the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, where your students will have the opportunity to see works by Salvador Dali, Damien Hirst and Andy Warhol.
And at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, see how portraits have evolved over the centuries. Your students will see how, during the Renaissance, portraits were used principally as a way of capturing the likeness of the royalty and nobility. And they’ll see how modern artists are using portraits to express ideas, feelings and even to make political statements.
Suggested Itinerary (3 days, 2 nights)
Day 1/3

Morning
Travel to Edinburgh

Afternoon
Time to have lunch and explore the city
Visit to Jupiter Artland Sculpture Park

Evening
Evening meal at a local restaurant
Day 2/3

Morning
Breakfast at accommodation
Visit to Edinburgh Castle

Afternoon
Visit to the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art

Evening
Evening meal at a local restaurant
Day 3/3

Morning
Breakfast at accommodation and check out

Afternoon
Visit to the National Portrait Gallery
Visit to Camera Obscura and the World of Illusions

Evening
Travel back to school
What's included?
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2 nights' bed and breakfast accommodation
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Comprehensive travel and medical insurance
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Evening meals at local restaurant
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Return coach travel
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Entrance to Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
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Entrance to Edinburgh Castle
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Entrance to Jupiter Artland Sculpture Park
Curriculum Links
A-Level
- Impact and influences of various artists
- Continuity and change in different genres and styles
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- Independent judgements of art
- Conveying meaning through images and artefacts
- Personal portfolio: reflections, resources and influences
GCSE
- Responses to museum, gallery and site visits
- Personal reflections on art
- Works of key artists, craftspeople and designers
- Contemporary and historical contexts of art
Key Stage 3
- Evaluation and analysis of creative works
- Works of great artists, craft makers and designers
- Effects of historical and cultural contexts
Educational activities and visits
Fruitmarket Gallery
The Fruitmarket Gallery in Edinburgh is an important centre of the Scottish contemporary art scene. The name comes from the… Read More
Jupiter Artland Sculpture Park
Jupiter Artland is an award-winning sculpture park located just outside Edinburgh. The park was founded in 2009 by art collectors… Read More
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… Read More
Scottish National Portrait Gallery
The Scottish National Portrait Gallery is the home of Scotland's portrait collection, most of which are by Scottish artists. Home… Read More
Talbot Rice Gallery
The Talbot Rice Gallery is the University of Edinburgh's public art gallery. Housed in a 19th-century former natural history museum,… Read More
Cultural activities and visits
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.… Read More
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle dominates the capital and offers stunning views of the city and countryside. As part of the visit you… Read More
Edinburgh Dungeon
Journey into the depths of Edinburgh's darkest history with a visit to the Edinburgh Dungeons! Professional actors will bring history… Read More
Royal Yacht Britannia
The Royal Yacht Britannia spent 44 years carrying the Royal Family around the world, covering over a million nautical miles.… Read More
The Chocolatarium
Enjoy a 90-minute fully guided tour of chocolate at Edinburgh's Chocolatarium, just off the Royal Mile! Your students will find… Read More
Accommodation
The a&o hostel in Edinburgh is ideally located in the heart of the city on the famous Royal Mile, meaning that if you choose to stay here you will be close to all of Edinburgh's top visits and attractions.
With 131 rooms and a total of 610 beds in singles, twins and multi-bedded rooms, there's plenty of room for your group here.
Supporting you every step of the way
1 Creating Your Perfect Trip
We'll tailor make your school trip to meet your specific requirements
2 Launching your trip to parents and students
Head to our resources section for FREE promotional materials
3 After you've booked
Your dedicated Itinerary Coordinator will work with you on the finer details of your trip
4 While you're away
You'll be able to reach us 24/7 during your trip if you need our help
5 After your trip
Head back to our resources section to continue the learning
Need help?
Gail Biggins — Tour Adviser
Don’t hesitate to contact me for any advice or further information on how your school trip can be tailored to your requirements.
Cologne was an excellent destination. The group particularly enjoyed the bowling and the Angel Market in Cologne.— Nottingham Girls High School
Your School Trip is Fully Protected
As a fully-accredited school travel company, booking with Halsbury Travel offers you complete peace of mind. Our accreditations are your guarantee that:
- Your school trip will be fully financially protected
- Your group’s safety will be prioritised
- Your trip will be a quality educational experience
Safety prioritised

As an Assured Member of the School Travel Forum (STF) we have an effective Safety Management System in place.
As well as reassuring you that your group's safety will be prioritised at all times, this will also help you to meet your due diligence and reduces the amount of External Provider paperwork required.
Financial protection

Our ABTA bond means all our school trips are financially protected. Plus, all air tours and flights arranged by us are also ATOL protected.
Quality educational experiences

The Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC) Quality Badge is your reassurance that Halsbury Travel is committed to offering LOtC activities that are safe and beneficial to learning.