School Visits Derbyshire

inspiration and ideas



Where to visit on a school trip in Derbyshire?

Derbyshire is a county in the East Midlands, sandwiched between the urban centres of Greater Manchester and Sheffield, making it a wonderful destination for school groups. Whether you are visiting Derbyshire from Derby or Chesterfield or further afield, there are plenty of learning opportunities.

Most of the county is rural, with almost half covered by the UK's first National Park: the Peak District. All this outdoor space makes Derbyshire a fantastic location for physical geography - upland river valleys, glacial processes. As long as your classroom topics are not coastal, Derbyshire is a gem of a destination for a school trip.

The county's wide open spaces have also attracted some of England's best outdoor activity centres, all boasting superb facilities and a wealth of opportunities for outward bound team building adventures.

School groups can peer into Derbyshire's rich historical past through a variety of exciting educational venues. Learn about life from the Middle Ages or visit Chatsworth House, one of the finest stately homes in the country, where you can learn about subjects like art, history, geography and field studies.

Want to know where to take your school group in Derbyshire? Willersley Castle, built by Richard Arkwright is an 18th century manor with grounds that host outdoor pursuits with Manor Adventure. Over at Bolsover Castle, you can go back further, to the 17th-century and enjoy interactive, hands-on exhibits that really do bring history topics back to life. For more outdoor adventures, stay at the YHA centre in lovely Edale, or Crowden Outdoor Centre in the Peak District National Park. Try a spot of team building with adventure activities like rock climbing and bouldering, abseiling, orienteering, or hill walking. Mount Cook also offer adventure activities and bushcraft, but also have some great workshops with a history theme. Derbyshire has a great variety of locations for learning outside the classroom.

Want to know where to take your school group in Derbyshire? Here are some fun educational trips from venues such as Willersley Castle, St Michaels Environmental Education Centre, Thornbridge Outdoors, Viking Explorer, Roman Invaders, and more.

Able to travel to other counties in East Midlands, have a look at our trip pages for: Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, for more school trip ideas.

Want to book trips and workshops?

Find school trips near Derbyshire for your group






Popular Derbyshire school trip June 2026 !

Willersley Castle

location icon East Midlands
apple iconPhysical Education, Watersports, Outdoor Learning, Revision Breaks


Enjoy a range of challenging outdoor pursuits within the 65 acre estate, Willersley Castle - once the home of Industrial Revolution's Richard Arkwright.

first image
second image
main photo



Image for a school workshop for Romans KS2
Roman Invaders
map pin Matlock DE4 4LS
Derbyshire

Using interactive and hands-on outdoor activities, costumes and reconstructed artefacts, we provide a unique educational experience of Roman Britain which will inspire both pupils and teachers!
> read

Image for a school workshop for Vikings KS2
Viking Explorer
map pin Matlock DE4 4LS
Derbyshire

We make history fun, engaging and informative by using hands-on outdoor activities, reconstructed artifacts and costumes to provide an immersive experience of the Vikings!
> read

Bolsover Castle
Bolsover Castle
map pin Chesterfield S44 6PR
Derbyshire

There are plenty of outdoor and indoor facilities for school groups to see at Bolsover castle, including the 17th century castle built by Charles Cavendish, Riding House Range which now contains an exhibition, Terrace Range and Wall Walk.
> read

Peveril Castle
Peveril Castle
map pin Castleton Hope Valley S33 8WQ
Derbyshire

Built soon after the Norman Conquest in 1066 by William Peveril, Peveril Castle is a dramatic Norman castle overlooking Hope Valley and Cave Dale in Derbyshire. Book a free school visit to explore with your class.
> read

school child rock climbing with a rope
Rock Up Meadowhall
map pin Sheffield S9 1EP
South Yorkshire

Looking for the perfect venue for school trips, PE lessons or enrichment days? Rock Up delivers exciting climbing experiences that support curriculum PE goals while building teamwork, confidence, trust and ultimately having fun.
> read

school children in high vis vests at white post farm
School Trips at White Post Farm
map pin NG228HL
Nottinghamshire

At White Post Farm, we offer a range of educational opportunities for school children. Whether that is a Guided tour of the farm, or a self-led farm visit with an education workshop, we can tailor our experiences to suit you. Animals and education!
> read

school group at walesby forest
Day Visits to Walesby Forest
map pin Newark NG22 9NG
Nottinghamshire

Walesby Forest gives schools unforgettable outdoor learning with adventure activities, teamwork and residential trips that build confidence, resilience, and friendships in every pupil.
> read

view of middleport pottery museum from the canal
Middleport Pottery
map pin Stoke-on-Trent ST6 3PE
Staffordshire

History and creativity come to life in the last continuously operating Victorian pottery in the UK. Pottery is still being made in the same factory that was built in 1889. It is the ideal place for curriculum-linked learning and creative workshops.
> read

school group at trentham monkey forest
Trentham Monkey Forest
map pin Trentham ST4 8AY
Staffordshire

A trip to remember!Bring your little monkeys to see 140 free-roaming Barbary macaques in one of the UK's most unique attractions...
> read

school children on a bench in front of an old building
1620s House and Garden
map pin Coalville LE67 2FW
Leicestershire

Travel in time to the 1620s House and learn about upstairs-downstairs life, with food, musical instruments, games and costumes from the period. Hunt out the witch marks and explore the garden and its maze.
> read

School children in medieval costumes at Conisbrough Castle
Conisbrough Castle
map pin Doncaster DN12 3BU
South Yorkshire

Inspire your students with a visit to Conisbrough Castle, a symbol of power and wealth built by the Warenne family after the Norman Conquest, with 850 years of history to discover.
> read

Belvoir Castle
Belvoir Castle
map pin Grantham NG32 1PA
Leicestershire

School trips to Belvoir allow pupils to learn about the castle during Regency and Victorian times, including the opportunity to experience a themed lesson in our Regency Schoolroom!
> read

KS2 children learning bushcraft skills
Stone Age School Trip
map pin Leicester LE4 5PN
Leicestershire

Back in time, learn about Stone Age man, Try lighting a fire if you think you can, Building your own shelter..in LOPC wood, Fire-pit charcoal, draw caveman good. Test your skill with an Archers sight. Go home with knowledge from our StoneAge s
> read

rifle range activity
Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre
map pin Leicester LE4 5PN
Leicestershire

Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre is a Charitable Organisation, providing outdoor adventurous activities for all. Our activities are designed to stimulate, educate and motivate all participants at affordable prices throughout the year.
> read

actor dressed as a civil war soldier at bosworth battlefield
Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre
map pin Nuneaton CV13 0AD
Leicestershire

Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre tells an internationally important story within the landscape in which the battle took place. Richard III's death signified the beginning of the powerful Tudor dynasty which changed the face of England.
> read

school group outside gainsborough old hall
Gainsborough Old Hall
map pin Gainsborough DN21 2NB
Lincolnshire

Bring history to life for your pupils with a visit to Gainsborough Old Hall. As one of the best preserved Tudor manor houses in the country, pupils can step into the shoes of the people who lived and worked there.
> read

school child rock climbing in Manchester
Rock Up Manchester
map pin Manchester M41 7JA
Greater Manchester

Looking for the perfect venue for school trips, PE lessons or enrichment days? Rock Up delivers exciting climbing experiences that support curriculum PE goals while building teamwork, confidence, trust and ultimately having fun.
> read

recreation of a stone age settlement
The Stone Age Company
map pin Shifnal TF11 8JW
Shropshire

A fantastic way to get children immersed in the Stone Age. Workshops are Interactive & hands on. An opportunity to get up-close and personal with our ancient ancestors. Smell and feel the Stone Age. We even have a real mammoth tooth to pass around!
> read

child with a christmas tree
A Countryside Christmas
map pin Newport TF10 8JY
Shropshire

Winter is a special time at Edgmond Hall. A Countryside Christmas is an exciting, active day designed to provide a magical & enjoyable Christmas experience for children and staff.
> read

stone age woodland shelter made from logs
Life in the Stone Age
map pin Newport TF10 8JY
Shropshire

Join us for a fun day in the outdoors and use experiential learning to explore and understand life in the Stone Age! Work together to build shelters and fires, and create authentic Stone Age art and tools to take back to school.
> read

school children working on a problem solving task
Quest: Problem Solving and Teamwork
map pin Newport TF10 8JY
Shropshire

The group will be set a quest for the day, and to be successful they'll need to work together, solve problems, find items and complete challenges. Great fun, and can be tailored to cover map skills, building things, examine evidence & analyse info.
> read

KS1 group exploring a meadow
Countryside Explorers
map pin Newport TF10 8JY
Shropshire

Join us for a day in the outdoors and use experiential learning to explore and understand our natural environment! The day can be simply tailored to suit your objectives; PSHE, science, and lots of fun.
> read

military aeroplane at cosford raf base
Cosford Exhibition-Cold War
map pin Shifnal TF11 8UP
Shropshire

The Allied victory over Nazi Germany in 1945 marked the beginning of the Cold War. The Cold War was given its name after World War II because of the relationship that developed primarily between the USSR and USA. It dominated international affairs
> read

school child rock climbing in Birmingham
Rock Up Birmingham
map pin Birmingham B16 8LP
West Midlands

Looking for the ideal venue for end-of-term trips, PE lessons, or extracurricular learning? Rock Up is your go-to place to meet curriculum PE goals. Our climbing activities provide both intellectual and physical challenges, promoting teamwork & trust
> read

School children exploring Beeston Castle
Beeston Castle and Woodland Park
map pin Tarporley CW6 9TX
Cheshire

Beeston Castle with its impressive location and natural defences has been home to prehistoric settlers, great barons, it's acted as a defence against aristocratic rivals and it's even been an important English Civil War stronghold.
> read

trees at bewilderwood in cheshire
BeWILDerwood Cheshire
map pin Whitchurch SY13 4JF
Cheshire

Think of the biggest wonky wooden play structures high up in the trees! Explore giant slippery slides, extra-long zip wires, muddled mazes, arts and crafts, plus lots, lots more!
> read

children on climbing wall
Ackers Adventure Day Trips
map pin Birmingham B11 2PY
West Midlands

With 40 Years of experience, Ackers Adventure is unlike any other centre within our urban environment we have an unrivalled range of activities from skiing, watersports, climbing and much more.
> read

school group visiting an iron age roundhouse
The Iron Age Experience
map pin Burwardsley CH3 9PA
Cheshire

Visit our replica Iron Age round house & archaeological dig to learn more about the culture, art and farming from the Iron Age. Pupils will be fully immersed in the era & experience hands on activities and journeys into the ancient hillfort landscape
> read

key stage 2 children holding a big snake during a zoo visit
Wild Zoo
map pin Stourbridge DY7 5EP
Staffordshire

WILD on-site visits offer curriculum-linked workshops, educational displays and live animal experiences, including the UK's largest free-flight bird show, delivered by expert educators for EYFS-KS4 learners.
> read

Residential Trips Derbyshire

Planning an overnight trip for your school or looking for a tailored educational residential programme? Your students can benefit from an activity week in Derbyshire or its neighbouring counties. Discover exciting school residential learning experiences that promote teamwork, and outdoor education.

aerial view of willersley castle in Derbyshire
Willersley Castle
map pin Matlock DE4 5BW
Derbyshire

Enjoy a range of challenging outdoor pursuits within the 65 acre estate, Willersley Castle - once the home of Industrial Revolution's Richard Arkwright.
> read

Image for a school workshop for Prehistory KS2
Prehistoric Britain
map pin Matlock DE4 4LS
Derbyshire

Using interactive and hands-on outdoor activities, costumes and reconstructed artefacts, we provide a unique educational experience of Prehistoric Britain which will inspire both pupils and teachers!
> read

School children at Mount Cook
Mount Cook
map pin Matlock DE4 4LS
Derbyshire

Mount Cook is a not-for-profit Adventure Centre dedicated to providing exciting outdoor adventurous activities and outdoor learning opportunities for KS2 to KS4 at the edge of the Peak District.
> read

Image for a residential school trip at Thornbridge Outdoor Activity centre in Derbyshire KS2 KS3 KS4  School Trips Adventure
Thornbridge Outdoors
map pin Bakewell, DE45 1NY
Derbyshire

Our mission is to widen the horizons of young people through real outdoor adventures in the Peak District. Unlock adventure, confidence & curriculum links - explore unforgettable residentials for schools at Thornbridge Outdoors, from 1 to 4 nights!
> read

YHA Ilam Hall
YHA Ilam Hall
map pin Ilam DE6 2AZ
Derbyshire

With sprawling grounds and lots of outdoor space to explore, this grand Gothic manor offers a magical location to visit the Peak District and its many attractions.
> read

aerial view of st michaels environmental education centre
St Michaels Environmental Education Centre
map pin Thoresby NG22 9AG
Derbyshire

St Michael's Centre is located in the heart of the Peak District National Park and has been welcoming school groups for over 30 years. In 2019 the centre became the first Peak District National Park Ambassador Centre.
> read

YHA Edale Activity Centre
YHA Edale Activity Centre
map pin Edale S33 7ZE
Derbyshire

Outdoor adventures in the Peak District don't get better than this! YHA Edale Activity Centre is a grand country house literally on the slopes of Kinder Scout, and surrounded by the gorgeous scenery of the valley.
> read

white water kayaks
Crowden Outdoor Education Centre
map pin Glossop SK13 1HZ
Derbyshire

In the heart of the Peak District, Crowden Outdoor Educational Centre has been working with schools and youth groups since 1979. Creating bespoke outdoor learning opportunities and utilising the natural environment for a real adventure.
> read

roller coaster
Alton Towers
map pin Stoke-on-Trent ST10 4DB
Staffordshire

Home to Britain's most-loved theme park with great kids attractions, white-knuckle roller coaster rides, special events and much, much more.
> read

YHA sherwood forest
YHA Sherwood Forest
map pin Edwinstowe, NG21 9RN
Nottinghamshire

YHA Sherwood Forest is located on the edge of Robin Hood territory, surrounded by woodland, walking and cycling routes, and close to Clumber Park.
> read

children canoeing at walesby forest
Walesby Forest
map pin Mansfield NG22 9EP
Nottinghamshire

Walesby Forest gives schools unforgettable outdoor learning with adventure activities, teamwork, and residential trips that build confidence, resilience, and friendships in every pupil.
> read

Ingestre Hall historic building
Ingestre Hall Residential Arts Centre
map pin Ingestre ST18 9QZ
Staffordshire

Ingestre Arts deliver unique, transferable learning experiences through creative & expressive arts such as music, drama, visual art, dance & animation. The UKs only dedicated residential arts centre, a residential with us is unlike any other!
> read

Coracles at Beaudesert Activity Centre
Beaudesert Outdoor Adventures
map pin Rugeley WS15 4JJ
Staffordshire

Beaudesert Outdoor Adventures delivers residential experiences that help young people build confidence, resilience and independence through outdoor adventure. With over 60 years of experience tailored to schools.
> read

Edgmond Hall Centre for Outdoor Learning
Edgmond Hall Centre for Outdoor Learning
map pin Newport TF10 8JY
Shropshire

Sole occupancy of our Georgian farmhouse and 43 acres of woodland, gardens and fields means you can focus on your own group's experience. Our full-time staff team deliver a wide range of outdoor & creative adventures tailored to suit your group.
> read

abseil tower
Ackers Adventure Residential centre
map pin Birmingham B11 2PY
West Midlands

Ackers Adventure is an Adventurous Activity Centre just 2 miles from the centre of Birmingham. A 75 acre site offering many activities such as canoeing, climbing, skiing & residential stays, making Ackers a totally unique venue for a school trip.
> read

three children learning to use a compass during duke of edinburgh training
Bike, Hike & Paddle Ltd
map pin

Bike Hike and Paddle was founded with a simple but powerful goal: to get people outdoors and push the boundaries of what they think is possible. We empower participants to complete their Duke of Edinburgh's Award Expeditions.
> read

big school camp equipment
Big School Camp Midlands
map pin

We offer a range of unique and innovative outdoor activities with a residential experience delivered on your school's premises. Our camps help you deliver a full outdoor learning experience with 100% participation for all and at a very low costs
> read

Derbyshire School Workshops

Is your school located in Derbyshire? A huge range of workshop providers can bring the learning experience to you! Allow your students to benefit from specialist knowledge about your class subject or topic..

Online Safety: Into The Screen
map pin In-school Workshop

Playing online can be lots of fun, with wonderful worlds to explore and cool characters to meet. But what dangers might we find? Who can we talk to if we're worried? Into The Screen is a fantastic introduction to Online Safety for KS1 and KS2 pupils.
> read

Hands on Space
map pin In-school Workshop

Immersive Experiences have been developing workshops for years. Our Hands of Space workshops are available both virtually and in-person within schools and private party bookings.
> read

The Shang Dynasty
map pin In-school Workshop

Bring the Shang Dynasty to life for your pupils through an engaging and participatory drama workshop where pupils explore the rich history of the time through role play, performance and creativity.
> read

Maths Problem Solving Workshops
map pin In-school Workshop

HANDS ON AND ENGAGING MATHS! Bring us to your school for an exciting day of maths, focusing on the core skills required to become great mathematicians without a pencil in sight. Watch your pupil's confidence grow and see their smiles as they succeed.
> read

In School Workshops

Discover lots more school workshops in Derbyshire who can provide a tailored experience for your pupils.

Search ALL In School Workshops
Online Workshops

We can offer a wide selection of workshops that can be delivered to your school entirely online.

Search ALL Online Workshops

Get school trip news & offers by email

Unsubscribe at any time, we won't share your email with anyone else, just send you all the best offers and ideas for your next class trip!

envelope icon Subscribe