The naturally enquiring and enthusiastic minds of many children means that almost anything can provide an opportunity for learning when approached in the right way and all that is needed for successful primary school trips is a fun destination. Few places are as well suited for this kind of experience as London, with its diverse population and colourful scenes, world-famous attractions, and rich culture and history. There is so much to see and do that trip organisers may feel spoiled for choice, so read on for some of the best attractions for school groups.
The London Eye
One of the most appealing things about London can also be what makes it overwhelming – its size and the amount of different things going on all the time. As well as its iconic landmarks such as the Tower of London, Westminster Palace, and St Paul’s Cathedral, there are thousands of fascinating things to see and do and the city as a whole can be considered to be something far greater than the sum of its parts. For primary school trips a great starting point is the London Eye, the tallest wheel of its kind in Europe, which offers a stunning aerial view not only of the Thames and the famous monuments along its banks, but of the spread of the city in all directions. For young learners who might be visiting London for the first time, this is the perfect opportunity to show them the scale and scope of the city and point out some of the places they will be visiting during their stay.
The Natural History Museum
London is justifiably famous for its museums, which are numerous and varied, covering a vast range of subject matter. One of the most enduringly popular of these for primary school trips is the Natural History Museum. With the dramatic story of the Earth’s history to explore, complete with volcanoes, dinosaurs, creepy crawlies and more it is no wonder that children are fascinated by the displays at this incredible museum. From the awesome fossils in the main hall to the recreations of prehistoric scenes, through to the interactive exhibits about various animals that are alive on Earth today, there is plenty to inspire and intrigue. School groups are especially well catered for with a range of workshops and activity materials.
The Royal Observatory
Another of the city’s top attractions for primary school trips is the Royal Observatory, which over the centuries has led the way in astronomy and timekeeping and continues to be a vital institution today. The Observatory provides plenty of great learning opportunities for young visitors, with its planetarium, interactive exhibits, and school workshops. Other attractions in Greenwich include the Cutty Sark and the National Maritime Museum.