Where Should I Travel for My School History Trip?

School history trips bring the past to life in a way that textbooks never can. Standing on a battlefield, walking through ancient streets, or exploring a museum full of original artefacts helps students connect deeply with the events and people they study. Choosing the right destination depends on the historical period you're teaching, the curriculum focus, and how you want your students to experience history beyond the classroom.

This guide looks at some of the most popular and educational destinations across Europe and the UK, with suggestions on what each location offers and why it might be the right choice for your next school trip.

Why Does Destination Choice Matter for a History Trip?

A well-chosen destination enriches classroom learning, deepens understanding, and makes complex historical topics more accessible. Students remember what they see and experience far longer than what they read or hear. Visiting sites directly connected to key historical events also allows for critical thinking about context, consequence, and historical interpretation.

When planning, consider:

• The time periods and topics covered in your syllabus

• Opportunities for guided tours, workshops, or educational talks

• The balance between educational value and travel logistics

What Are the Best UK Destinations for a School History Trip?

If you prefer to stay closer to home, the UK is filled with sites that capture centuries of history across many eras. Here are some standouts:

Destination	Historical Focus	Key Sites
London	World Wars, Tudor England, Roman Britain	Imperial War Museum, Tower of London, British Museum
York	Vikings, Medieval England	Jorvik Viking Centre, York Minster, City Walls
Edinburgh	Scottish History, Enlightenment, Monarchy	Edinburgh Castle, National Museum of Scotland
Portsmouth	Naval History, Empire	HMS Victory, The Mary Rose Museum
Canterbury	Medieval Religion, Norman England	Canterbury Cathedral, St Augustine’s Abbey

These cities provide structured educational visits, often with tailored school programmes. Many museums and heritage sites offer curriculum-linked tours that bring context to classroom topics.

For more detailed UK destination ideas, see Which destinations are best to visit in the UK?

Which European Cities Are Ideal for Secondary History Trips?

Travelling abroad introduces students to the broader historical context of Europe and how events shaped nations. Here are some of the most valuable destinations:

Normandy, France – Second World War and D-Day

Normandy’s beaches, cemeteries, and museums are some of the most powerful WWII sites in Europe. Students can learn about Operation Overlord where it actually took place and understand the human cost of war.

• Key Sites: Omaha Beach, Arromanches, Caen Memorial Museum

• Best for: KS3–KS5 students studying WWII and modern European history.

More details here: Normandy tours for KS2 & KS3 History

Berlin, Germany – 20th Century History and the Cold War

Berlin offers a deep dive into modern European history. From the rise and fall of Nazi Germany to the Berlin Wall and the Cold War, it’s a city where the 20th century is still visible.

• Key Sites: Berlin Wall Memorial, Topography of Terror, Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp

• Best for: GCSE and A-level students studying Nazi Germany, Cold War Europe, or post-war reconstruction.

Kraków, Poland – Holocaust Studies

Kraków is one of the most impactful destinations for Holocaust education. A visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau allows students to reflect on genocide, remembrance, and the consequences of intolerance.

• Key Sites: Auschwitz-Birkenau, Schindler’s Factory, Kazimierz Jewish Quarter

• Best for: Secondary students studying WWII, the Holocaust, or human rights.

Rome, Italy – Classical Civilisations

For students studying ancient history, Rome is unparalleled. The remnants of the Roman Empire are still central to the city, offering tangible insight into how ancient societies lived, governed, and expanded.

• Key Sites: Colosseum, Roman Forum, Vatican Museums

• Best for: KS2–KS4 students studying the Romans or classical civilisations.

How Can You Combine UK and European History in One Trip?

Combining UK and European visits gives students a broader perspective on how historical events connect across borders. For instance, a trip focusing on WWII could include visits to the Imperial War Museum in London, followed by a journey to Normandy and Berlin. This layered approach deepens understanding and shows how events were shaped by multiple nations.

Read more about how this works in practice: How easy is it to include the UK and mainland Europe in one trip?

What Makes a History Trip Successful?

A successful history trip is about more than visiting famous landmarks. The most memorable experiences happen when students:

• Engage with knowledgeable guides or historians.

• Participate in workshops or interactive sessions.

• Reflect on how what they see connects to their studies.

Careful planning, clear learning objectives, and a well-balanced itinerary make all the difference. Choosing the right destination sets the stage for meaningful, lasting historical understanding.