English icon

English and Literacy School Trips

From Spelling and Grammar to Saxons and Shakespeare

PlanMySchoolTrip

What English and literacy school trips in the UK inspire reading, writing, and Shakespeare for young learners?

English trips feature author visits, theatre performances, literary trails, and creative writing workshops - encouraging storytelling, poetry analysis, and language skills while tying into key texts and literacy goals.

Literacy is arguably the most important part of our National Curriculum. A good working knowledge and understanding of our first language is critical before we can really begin to explore other areas of the curriculum. A child who struggles with comprehension and communication will not understand what they are being taught in other subject areas, or will find it difficult to explain their answers. They could be naturally gifted for a subject like science, but without good reading, writing, speaking or listening skills, they are going to be held back.

International Literacy Day | September 2026

International Literacy Day on 8 September 2026 highlights how important reading and writing still are in our world. For UK schools it is a great chance to book trips that bring stories to life. Library visits, author workshops or even theatre trips based on favourite books all work brilliantly. We have options that link to every key stage and help pupils understand why literacy matters. Children who struggle with reading can find new motivation and create memories that last. If you are planning to tie in with International Literacy Day, find a range of excellent choices below.

calendar icon more themed events

National Libraries Week School Trips UK | October 2026

National Libraries Week in October 2026 (theme 'Your Passport to Reading') highlights the magic of libraries and the joy of stories. UK schools can book visits to public or specialist libraries for author talks, storytelling sessions or creative writing workshops. You may be able to view specialist collections or learn new research skills. These trips make reading feel adventurous rather than routine, and many libraries run special events during the week. Celebrate National Libraries Week with a visit to your local library for free or low cost options. Or check below if you would like an in-school workshop. Plan early for reading adventures this October!

calendar icon more themed events

National Poetry Day School Trips UK | 2 October 2026

National Poetry Day on 2 October 2026 is usually themed around creativity and expression. For school groups, it is a brilliant day to ignite a love of words in your class. Celebrate with visits to literary festivals or even historic sites linked to famous poets like Wordsworth or Keats. Pupils can write their own pieces, perform spoken word or explore poetry through drama and art. Poetry helps with literacy, emotional expression and confidence building. We have options from in-school workshops to gallery or theatre outings. Book early as these events are always popular.

calendar icon more themed events

Clearly the classroom is a great place to teach basic literacy, but the benefits of a school trip, especially once they start to nurture their understanding of the history of language, should not be overlooked. The obvious destination for a school trip with a focus on English Language is the birth place of William Shakespeare; Stratford upon Avon. Also below you will also find inspiration from our other destinations which cover different periods in history, from the Anglo Saxon influence, through to the modern day. If you are looking for a school visit destination that offers high quality educational value for your English trip, you will find it here. Our trips and workshops cater for topics relating to SpaG, Stories and Folktalkes, Theatre and Film, Poets and Playwrights and much more.

Looking for a celebration of World Book Day or National Storytelling Week? We can help with that too.

Find a school trip or workshop for the following English topics: Charles Dickens, Composition, Comprehension, Creative writing, Fairy tales Myths and Legends, Heroes and villains, Journalism, Persuasive writing, Pirates, Poetry, Reading for pleasure, Roald Dahl, Shakespeare, Story writing, Storytelling, Superheroes, Vocabulary grammar and punctuation, Wild West Cowboys, World Book Day, and more.

Want to book English trips and workshops?

Let us find the perfect English school trip for your group




Popular school trip June 2026 !

Calvert Devon

location icon South West
apple iconBushcraft, Physical Education, Team Building, Watersports, SEN, Outdoor Learning, English, Maths, Biology, Environmental Geography


We understand how important it is for students to recognise structure and planning. The schedule for the week is publicly available in central meeting spaces and uses Makaton to assist anyone with a learning disability or with broken communication. Creative writing is encouraged in the form of dia...

first image
second image
main photo



educator dressed as a wizard
The Wizard Walk of York - WINNER Best of York Award
map pin Yorkshire

The Wizard Walk can be used an ideal starting point for pupils to create their own magical stories, with tales of mystical creatures, spells, magic and wizardry. Expect plenty of humour, wordplay,...
> read

children in a school hall workshop
Shakespeare
map pin in-school workshop

Children will learn about: - Up to 8 of Shakespeare's plays. - Shakespeare's language and its relevance to the vocabulary we currently use. - Shakespeare's life. - Key Shakespearean characters...
> read

children on a problem solving workshop
Problem Solving Workshops
map pin in-school workshop

subject text for english here please The text you enter here will be included in your advert and will help teachers understand how you can assist with each curriculum subject! We have a minimum...
> read

school children working on a problem solving task
Quest: Problem Solving and Teamwork
map pin West Midlands

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

school classroom Virtual Reality lesson
Volcanoes VR Workshop
map pin in-school workshop

At PrimeVR, we understand how difficult it can be to inspire children with their writing. We aim to create excitement by virtually transporting pupils to see different volcanoes around the world. Not...
> read

poster about virtual reality
Wonders of the World: A VR Adventure
map pin in-school workshop

The experiences gained from our Ancient Greece workshop can help significantly with creative writing, story telling and story writing. The imagery generates conversation between the pupils and helps them record their thoughts in more specific descriptive detail.
> read

Image for a school workshop for Underwater VR Workshops for schools. KS2
Underwater VR Workshop
map pin in-school workshop

At PrimeVR, we understand how difficult it can be to inspire children with their writing. We aim to create excitement by virtually transporting pupils underwater! Not only will we provide your class...
> read

school group visiting Farleigh Hungerford Castle
Farleigh Hungerford Castle
map pin South West

Farleigh Hungerford Castle is fantastic inspiration for a creative writing activity back in the classroom.
> read

Children climbing at Calvert Devon
Calvert Devon
map pin South West

We understand how important it is for students to recognise structure and planning. The schedule for the week is publicly available in central meeting spaces and uses Makaton to assist anyone with a...
> read

school classroom VR lesson
Rainforests VR Workshop
map pin in-school workshop

At PrimeVR, we understand how difficult it can be to inspire children with their writing. We aim to create excitement by virtually transporting pupils into the rainforest! Not only will we provide...
> read

three children with virtual reality headsets
Science VR Day
map pin in-school workshop

At PrimeVR, we understand how difficult it can be to inspire children with their writing. We aim to create excitement by using VR to help children learn all about science. Not only will we provide...
> read

creative writing workshop
Creative Writing-Engage and Inspire Roald Dahl
map pin online/in-school workshop

The Drama Hut's Creative Writing workshop offers an opportunity for children to learn through improvisation, role play, song and script work creating a unique learning experience for your class or...
> read

Image for a creative writing school workshop KS2 KS3
Creative Writing Superheroes
map pin online/in-school workshop

In this workshop we will explore what tools we need to use, in order to create a great story, including how a story can be structured, characterisation and onomatopoeia. We aim to be able to inspire...
> read

logo for chaplins school panto production
Aladdin & Goldilocks
map pin in-school workshop

Live theatre brought to you by our adaptation on traditional stories. The children will be taken on a magical journey with Dick Whittington to Old London Town where they will boo the evil Captain...
> read

two children on swings at bewilderwood in norfolk
Bewilderwood Norfolk
map pin East of England

The park is based on the book, A Boggle at BeWILDerwood, by local children's author Tom Blofeld, offering a whole range of Literacy and performing arts fun - if you wish to read the books before your...
> read

children in a school theatre performance
West End Workshops
map pin London & South East

The spoken word is a powerful thing - some say it is mightier than the sward! Plays and poems were never written to be read - they were written to be performed and brought to life on stage....
> read

edinburgh castle
Edinburgh
map pin Scotland

J.K. Rowling wrote the iconic Harry Potter series while residing in Edinburgh, where the city's enchanting atmosphere and historic architecture sparked her imagination. From the mystical charms of...
> read

School children dressed as pirates
Pirate Workshop & Wow Day
map pin in-school workshop

Dan Tastic Education uses a wide array of props, historical items, weapons, videos, group discussion and teacher in role style student participation to cover the following topics during the core...
> read

Image for a creative writing workshops for schools KS2 KS3
Creative Writing-Engage and Inspire' - Fairy tales
map pin online/in-school workshop

During this workshop, we will discuss some of our favourite stories of all time and explore what we think makes a good story. We will learn tools to help us structure a story of our own, create...
> read

Image showing VR school workshops for KS2 KS3 tailored experiences fro schools.
Custom VR Adventures: Tailored Virtual Reality Experiences
map pin in-school workshop

The use of various multimedia including VR allows students a wider perspective within the specific subject areas and gives them greater opportunities for collaboration, speaking and listening. The...
> read

English & Literacy School Trips FAQ: Top Workshops, Free Visits and SEND Tips for Teachers

8 March 2026

Why take the class out for English when books are in the library?
A trip to Shakespeare's house or a theatre show makes the words jump off the page. Kids start quoting lines or writing stories inspired by what they’ve seen. It helps with literacy, speaking, and reading comprehension, especially when the curriculum demands creativity.

In-school literacy workshop or trip to a literary site - what's smarter?
Workshops with storytellers or poets (£150-£400) bring the magic to you if transport is tricky. Trips to Stratford or theatres add atmosphere you can't replicate. We use workshops for younger students and trips for older ones to build on texts they’re studying.

Free English spots that spark imagination?
British Library in London has free manuscript galleries; local parks for poetry walks. Shakespeare's Globe sometimes runs free tours. No entry fee lets you focus on the creative side without budget stress.

Top 10 English school trips teachers recommend (2026 check):

1. Shakespeare's Globe, London (plays, tours)
2. Stratford-upon-Avon (birthplace, RSC theatre)
3. British Library, London (manuscripts, free)
4. Brontë Parsonage, Haworth (Victorian literature)
5. Roald Dahl Museum, Great Missenden (storytelling)
6. In-school storyteller workshops (fairy tales)
7. Wordsworth House, Cumbria (Romantic poetry)
8. Jane Austen Centre, Bath (Regency era)
9. National Theatre, London (backstage)
10. Local libraries or book festivals (author meets)

How to make English trips inclusive for SEND?
Ask venues - Globe has signed performances; Dahl Museum has tactile exhibits. For workshops, use multi-sensory stories. Dyslexic students often thrive on audio tours - plan with visuals and short bursts to keep everyone engaged.

Budget for English outings - what's realistic?
- Free libraries + travel: £3-£10 per child
- Theatres/museums: £5-£15 entry
- Workshops: £150-£400
- Residential literature retreats: £120-£250 per child

Look for subsidised tickets for schools.


feature thumbnail

From Reluctant Writers to Confident Storytellers: The Power of Drama in the Classroom

With such a strong national focus on raising literacy standards, many primary schools are asking the same question: how do we truly engage children in reading and writing? Recent data from the...

feature thumbnail

Reading for Pleasure Teacher Training Resources that are Enthralling, Effective and Free

Your school is busy, budgets stretched, and demands high. But reading and writing for pleasure is not an 'extra' ' it's the foundation for developing confident, curious, and lifelong learners in all...

feature thumbnail

Storytelling Makes Learning EPIC!

Epic's programmes are designed to raise reading and writing standards in schools, but also help schools deliver knowledge-rich lessons

Get English 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