School trips to Manchester offer students the opportunity to explore one of the most exciting cities in the UK and is particularly suited to history groups learning about wartime Britain, and school art groups keen to be inspired by one of the country’s most vibrant art scenes!

But whatever your reason for visiting the biggest city in the North West, our school travel experts will work with you to create a tailor-made itinerary designed to bring your curriculum to life!

Read more  about our school trips to Manchester

Why visit Manchester?

Discover life during the Manchester Blitz

Manchester is a buzzing, youthful city that your students will love. But it also has a long and fascinating history. The city really rose to prominence during the Industrial Revolution, when it was an important centre for textile production, and cotton goods in particular, earning it the nickname ‘Cottonopolis’.

The establishment of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway, followed by the Manchester Ship Canal, added to the city’s prosperity, and Manchester soon became a battleground for capitalists and Marxists.

During WW2, the city’s factories were largely commandeered to produce items needed by the British Armed Forces, and so Manchester became a target for the Luftwaffe. Much of the city’s historic centre was destroyed during the Manchester Blitz.

If you visit Manchester on a history trip, your students will have the opportunity to explore what life was like here during WW2 and the Manchester Blitz. They’ll also be able to visit underground air raid shelters in nearby Stockport, where they’ll hear some of the locals’ stories.

Another educational visit for school history groups in Manchester is the Imperial War Museum North, in Trafford Park, an area which suffered heavy damage during the bombing.

And why not combine your history school trip to Manchester with a visit to nearby Liverpool, where you’ll find even more museums and attractions to help expand your students’ understanding of the impact of WW2 on life in Britain?

Incredible art

Manchester is also home to one of the most vibrant art and music scenes in the UK. You can dive into a British music experience or go on an art school trip to Manchester. You can choose to visit the Lowry, the Manchester Art Gallery and the Whitworth Gallery, where your students will be inspired by the incredible examples of fine and contemporary art on display.

If you choose to visit Manchester on an art trip, you’ll want to make sure you spend some time at the Lowry, learning more about one of Manchester’s most famous artists.

Lowry is famous for his scenes of industrial Manchester and Salford, and a visit here offers an excellent opportunity to learn more about how the environment he lived and worked in inspired his work.

Education and recreation

School trips to Manchester offer a great blend of educational and recreational experiences. The National Football Museum and Manchester United Museum are must-visit attractions for young football enthusiasts.

Meanwhile, in Manchester city centre, your students can explore landmarks like the Cathedral and the Town Hall. Furthermore, Sea Life Manchester and the Manchester Museum are fun experiences to enrich their experience.

Book with Halsbury

Take a look at our range of Manchester school trips below, and then get in touch with one of our tour advisers to discuss your requirements.

Prices from £85 pp

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Learn more about our Manchester school trips

Activities for Manchester

Manchester Art Gallery

Manchester Art Gallery

Showcasing internationally renowned collections of fine art, decorative art and costume. Manchester Art Gallery is best known for its important… Read More

Etihad Stadium Tour

Etihad Stadium Tour

The home of Manchester City, the Etihad Stadium is a must-visit on your school sports tour to Manchester. … Read More

Manchester United Football Club Tour & Museum

Manchester United Football Club Tour & Museum

Manchester United Football Club Tour & Museum… Read More

Imperial War Museum North

Imperial War Museum North

The Imperial War Museum North is located in Manchester and, similarly to its counterpart in London, focuses on the impact… Read More

Guided Tour of Manchester

Guided Tour of Manchester

Enjoy a guided tour of one of the UK's most exciting cities. Your local guide will ensure you see all the sights and discover some local secrets!… Read More

Treetop Adventure Golf Manchester

Treetop Adventure Golf Manchester

Challenge your students to mini-golf in the middle of a rainforest! Choose from two 18-hole courses - Ancient Explorer or Tropical Trail. … Read More

Street Art Walking Tour

Street Art Walking Tour

The Street Art walking tour is described not only as an alternative tour of Manchester, but as an ‘anti-tour’. The… Read More

The Whitworth Gallery

The Whitworth Gallery

The Whitworth is an art gallery with an internationally important collection of 60,000 artworks. The collection ranges from historic fine… Read More

Stockport Air Raid Shelters

Stockport Air Raid Shelters

Find out what life was like in wartime Britain at Stockport Air Raid Tunnels. The tunnels were opened in 1939… Read More

The Lowry

The Lowry

The Lowry is the home to the world’s largest public collection of paintings and drawings by LS Lowry. The artist… Read More

Frequently Asked Questions

Manchester offers plenty for school groups to see and do, with most trips lasting between 1-3 days.

Our groups will travel on a 49-seater executive coach, setting off from their school on the morning of departure. Given Manchester's central location within the UK and its connection with several motorways, it's easily accessible from most regions. The coach will also take your group to and from activities while away.

Yes, we offer a combined trip to Manchester and Liverpool for groups that wish to visit both cities. The journey between the two is only short, taking approximately 45 minutes to one hour via the M62, depending on traffic.

Why choose Halsbury?

Here are just a few reasons why teachers choose Halsbury for educational school trips that inspire.

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.

Learn more about Halsbury Travel

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.

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The Halsbury Difference

School trips designed by teachers for teachers

Originally founded by teachers in 1986 and with several former teachers in our team, we understand the pressures on you as Group Leader and work hard to relieve them.

Trips tailored to your curriculum and learning objectives

We’ll design your trip around your specific learning objectives and curriculum, to ensure it meets your particular requirements.

Rewarding loyalty scheme

Work together with other teachers in your school to save thousands of pounds on future school trips with our multi-trip loyalty scheme!