Engineering School Trips

develop creative, analytical and problem solving skills

What engineering workshops and trips in the UK inspire future problem-solvers?

Engineering visits feature design challenges, bridges, and robotics - promoting creativity and STEM application.

Looking for ideas for your class engineering topic? We have put together a comprehensive array of school trip venues and workshops that cover this fascinating and complex subject.

Engineering is a core component of the STEM or STEAM curriculum. Dovetailing with many areas of science, design, technology and maths, engineering is a subject that allows students to develop creative skills and analytical problem solving skills.

Your budding engineers are likely to find their skills useful in a vast swathe of careers, from mechanical engineering and construction, to robotics and coding. We have workshops specifically designed to introduce children to career opportunities in engineering through enterprise education. We also have options relating to bridge building, transport and infrastructure, and energy.

Perhaps you are studying the history of engineering, from inventors of the Industrial Revolution like Thomas Telford, through the Victorian age, right up to the modern day where engineers are looking at ways to incorporate sustainability into their designs.

From Key Stage 2 hydraulics and mechanics, to designing with microcontrollers for the AGA engineering GCSE, we can help you find the perfect engineering trip.

Visit our main STEM page, or our page celebrating British Science Week.

Want to book Engineering trips and workshops?

Let us find the perfect Engineering experience experience for your school trip




Popular school trip October 2026 !

UK Design & Technology Trip

location icon All UK Regions
apple iconDesign Technology, Engineering


Sweet Chariot is thrilled to offer a hands-on, interactive and thrilling Design and Technology tour in England and Wales. We have partnered with the UK's top exhibits and attractions. You won't need your passport!

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UK Design & Technology Trip click hand icon
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KS1 school children building a structure during a STEM workshop ukvenue/stem_workshops_for_any_location_2245qfa.webp
STEM Workshops for Any Location
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Engineering is our passion and we believe it's a gateway to equipping children for the future job market as well as giving them a creative outlet to express their creativity and ideas. We teach...
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STEM science workshop in a school hall ukvenue/stem_workshop_730wfh.jpg
STEM Workshop
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All of our workshops contain elements of STEM, due to the nature of the activity. We have a series of workshops that focus on imagination, creativity, teamwork and problem solving, the most challenging of which we categorise STEAM workshops.
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ironbridge with spring blossom during an industrial history school trip ukvenue/discover_british_history_at_ironbridge_a_1780vww.jpg
British History at Ironbridge & Wroxeter in the heart of Shropshire-Curricul
map pin West Midlands

Embark on an immersive journey into the heart of the Industrial Revolution with a school trip to Ironbridge & Wroxeter, presented by Curriculum Travel. Ironbridge, famously known as the birthplace of...
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view of isambard kingdom brunels iron bridge ukvenue/iron_bridge_519fbe.jpg
Iron Bridge
map pin West Midlands

The world's first iron bridge was erected over the River Severn here in Shropshire in 1779. This pioneering structure marked a turning point in English design and engineering; after it was built, cast iron came to be widely used in construction.
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school science lesson with test tube
Xplore! Science Outreach
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Bridge Builder Put pupils' engineering skills to the test! Working collaboratively, they design and construct bridges using supplied materials, then test their creations to see which...
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School children watching fish at the National Marine Aquarium
National Marine Aquarium
map pin South West

Engineering workshops give your students the chance to get hands on, collaborate and problem solve. Using real-world aquarium issues, they will need to design and build practical solutions which will...
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roller coaster
Alton Towers
map pin West Midlands

A visit to Alton Towers offers school groups an exciting chance to explore the world of engineering up close. With its impressive array of roller coasters and attractions, students can learn about the...
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school hall workshop for anglo saxon building
Roundhouse Workshop
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Pupils work hands on individually, in pairs, in small groups and altogether to construct a Iron Age / Saxon Roundhouse 6m in diameter and 3m high, large enough for the whole group to occupy, some sitting around a fire, some sleeping after hunting.
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View of Cleeve Abbey gateway
Cleeve Abbey
map pin South West

The Cistercian abbey of Cleeve is a haven of peace and tranquillity, said to contain the finest cloister buildings in England. Pupils today can catch a glimpse of monastic life 800 years ago.
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Tudor history workshop in a school hall
Tudor Workshops
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Focused practical tasks taking history as a starting point and using, DT, maths literacy, science and drama to differing degrees pupils create large scale reconstructions of famous architectural landmarks that bring curriculum subjects to life.
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st mawes castle entrance
St Mawes Castle
map pin South West

One of the best preserved of Henry VIII's coastal fortresses, St Mawes was part of a chain of forts built in response to the threat of invasion. With all of this history represented at the site, there are plenty of learning opportunities to explore.
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school group learning about computers
Inventors & Makers Computing Workshops
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Engineering is about far more than building things. It is curiosity, creativity, teamwork and the confidence to tackle real problems. We are passionate about giving children hands-on engineering...
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school field with maths workshop activities
Maths Workshops
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Our Hands-On Cross-Curricular Activities are for All Key Stages & Abilities, From EYFS to Sixth Form Making Learning Fun & The Complex Simple. Utilising Creativity, Problem Solving, Teamwork and Resilience, workshops increase Self Esteem
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New car in shadow
UK Design & Technology Trip
map pin All UK Regions

Sweet Chariot is thrilled to offer a hands-on, interactive and thrilling Design and Technology tour in England and Wales. We have partnered with the UK's top exhibits and attractions. You won't need your passport!
> read

KS2 school children building a structure during a STEM workshop
Hands-On In-Person STEM Workshops & Clubs
map pin in-school workshop

At Inventors & Makers, we believe every child should grow up seeing themselves as an inventor and engineer - inspired today to shape the world of tomorrow. Building future-proof skills like...
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child wearing safety goggles for a school science workshop
Fab Science In-school Workshops
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The Big STEM Challenge: this can be great for a topic on engineering, DT or just great fun and teamwork. Work as a team to build a HUGE pyramid in your school hall. Find out about the varied roles in...
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children on a problem solving workshop
Problem Solving Workshops
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STEM learning is encouraged through practical problem-solving activities that combine creativity, logic and teamwork. Pupils tackle real-world challenges, test ideas, evaluate solutions and develop skills in critical thinking, innovation and collaboration.
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Mayan workshop in a school hall
Maya Temple Building Workshops
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Bring the world of the ancient Maya into your classroom. In this workshop, pupils work together to construct a large-scale model of a Maya temple, exploring how its tiered form and strong framework make it stand tall using only sticks & rubber bands.
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Prehistory workshop in a school hall
Pre History Workshops
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Focused practical tasks taking history as a starting point and using, DT, maths literacy, science and drama to differing degrees pupils create large scale reconstructions of famous architectural landmarks that bring curriculum subjects to life.
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school class making a bridge during a stem workshop
Bridge Building / Bridges, Maths & Design
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Using fine & gross motor skills with basic materials and simple instructions, leaners work individually and in groups to construct a warren truss bridge structure 2m in length.
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Engineering School Trips FAQ: Workshops, Site Visits and SEND Tips for Teachers

Why go for engineering trips when DT lessons cover it?
Seeing massive bridges or robots in action shows the scale and real-world problems engineers solve. It motivates kids who might not see themselves in STEM. The trips also cover design, materials, and problem-solving, matching curriculum objectives.

School-based engineering workshop or site visit - which to choose?
Workshops bring tools for building (£180-£450) with no travel hassle. Sites like canals or factories show large-scale engineering. We use workshops for primary pupils and site visits for secondary students who can appreciate the feats.

Free engineering spots around?
Falkirk Wheel in Scotland is free to view. Science Museum galleries are free. Local parks with simple machines like seesaws work well for younger children. Free entry allows repeated visits.

Top 10 engineering school trips teachers recommend (2027 check):

1. Science Museum, London (machines, inventions, free)
2. Falkirk Wheel, Scotland (boat lift, engineering marvel)
3. Ironbridge Gorge, Shropshire (industrial revolution)
4. National Railway Museum, York (trains, bridges)
5. In-school engineering workshops (bridge-building)
6. Eden Project, Cornwall (bio-domes, structures)
7. Jodrell Bank, Cheshire (telescope engineering)
8. Thinktank, Birmingham (cars, engines)
9. Glasgow Science Centre (mechanics)
10. Local canals or locks (water engineering)

Engineering trips for SEND pupils - how to make them inclusive?
Ask venues for hands-on adaptations. Falkirk Wheel has viewing platforms. Workshops can use larger parts for fine motor needs. Tactile models work well for visually impaired pupils. Plan ahead and include extra adult support.

Budget expectations for engineering trips:
- Free sites + travel: £4-£12 per child
- Museums: £6-£15 entry
- Workshops: £180-£450
- Residential builds: £140-£280 per child

Look for industry sponsors to offset costs.

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