School trips to York

Why visit York?

Explore a historic city

There are few more exciting cities in the UK for school history groups than York. Originally a Roman settlement, York was later conquered by the Vikings, and then by the Normans. It was home to Guy Fawkes, key figure in the Gunpowder Plot, and it was besieged by Parliamentarians during the Civil War.

York is now a popular destination among both domestic and international tourists, thanks to its attractiveness and its many exciting attractions, including Jorvik Viking Museum, York Dungeon and York Minster.

Discover the history of crime and punishment

If you’re looking for a school history trip within the UK with a focus on crime and punishment, then York could be the perfect choice. One of our favourite visits is York Castle Museum, which is housed in prison buildings built on the site of the former castle. Here, you’ll learn about what life was like for inmates and will even meet some of the most notorious!

We also recommend including an excursion to nearby Ripon, where the town’s museums offer the option to enjoy a day dedicated to learning more about crime and punishment throughout the ages.

Most art school groups choose to base themselves around St. Ives, which has attracted artists for decades. Here you can visit the Tate St. Ives and the Barbara Hepworth Museum, as well as the many artists’ studios and galleries around the town.

Discover the magic of Yorkshire

Choosing York as the destination for your school residential offers your students the opportunity to explore the largest county in the UK, Yorkshire.

Whether it’s exploring the spectacular Yorkshire coastline at Scarborough, Whitby or Filey, or heading to one of the county’s cities, such as York or Hull, your students will have the opportunity to experience all that this diverse county has to offer.

And make sure you don’t miss the opportunity to visit York’s Chocolate Story, where you can learn more about how York’s Quaker families opened cocoa houses and chocolate shops, making York one of the main centres for chocolate production in the UK. Your students will especially love the opportunity to create their own delicious treats in the factory zone.