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Ancient Civilisations School Workshops

The history of the world's early civilisations



Which ancient civilisations trips in the UK best suit the history curriculum?

Ancient civilisations visits cover Egypt, Greece, Rome - using artefacts and reenactments for deep cultural understanding.

From the majestic temples of Ancient Egypt to the bustling cities of the Indus Valley. Various ancient cultures provide a fascinating foundation for learning about human ingenuity and how societies evolved, and how early civilisations made progress in areas like mathematics, medicine, trade and culture. By incorporating the ancient history school trips and workshops below, give your children memorable learning experiences that will add to their classroom work.

During a workshop delving into the Shang dynasty of ancient China, students might examine bronze artifacts, take a look at the Shang writing system, and learn about the dynasty's impressive technological advancements in fields like astronomy and agriculture.

Workshops about The Maya of Mesoamerica could transport students back in time, allowing them to marvel at the towering pyramids of Chichen Itza, or their sophisticated calendar and cosmological beliefs, and the empire's impressive feats of engineering and urban planning.

The classical Greek world might have students reenacting the dialogues of Socrates, analysing the exquisite artworks and architecture that defined the Greek period, and debating the democratic principles that came into being for the Athenians.

Alternatively, explore the achievements of the Islamic Golden Age with its technological innovations, scientific and scholarly advancements, uncover the rich history and cultural traditions of the Kingdom of Benin in West Africa. Bring into focus the Ancient Egyptians with their towering pyramids, mummification practices, and vibrant art. The Sumer a Mesopotamian civilization that developed an early writing and irrigation systems.

From African dance workshops to support Black History month, to Virtual Reality adventures where your class can visit Maya sites like Chichen-Itza. The trips and school workshops below specialise in Ancient Civilisation experiences for school groups. Click through for more information, view our in-school Ancient Civilisations workshops page, or use the short purple enquiry form if you need any help with more ideas for your group.

Find a school trip or workshop for the following Ancient Civilisations topics: Ancient China, Ancient Egyptians, Ancient Greeks, Ancient Sumer, Aztec Civilisation, Inca Empire, Islamic Civilisation, Kingdom of Benin, Maya Civilisation, The Indus Valley, The Shang Dynasty, and more.

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Image for a school workshop for Chocolate making KS2
Chocolate Collective
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Mayan Indians and Aztec Indians were the founders of chocolate but not as we know it today. Why Christopher Columbus chose to ignore the discovery and why Cortes the Spanish explorer did bring it...
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The Greeks VR Workshop
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PrimeVR can bring your history topic to life by transporting your pupils back in time to Ancient Greece! Using virtual reality headsets, we'll introduce your class to the Acropolis and Parthenon and...
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Travelling through History with Minecraft
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Minecraft provides a unique and engaging platform for exploring Ancient Civilisations. By recreating historical landmarks, cities, and daily life scenarios, students can immerse themselves in the...
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Indus Valley
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Children will learn about: - The position of the Indus civilisation within the timeline of world history - The geographical importance of the Indus Valley, and how this helped and hindered daily...
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Ancient Sumer
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The Ancient Sumer Drama Day: Topic information the children will learn about through our Ancient Sumer Drama Days: - Ancient Sumer Discoveries - The Epic of Gilgamesh - Farming and the...
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Maya Workshops
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Travel back in time with our professional actor who takes on the role of Sally Spade, our enthusiastic archaeologist to explore lots of key themes from this fascinating period of history.
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History Workshops
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We have a number of workshops looking at Ancient Civilisations both here and abroad including, Ancient Greek workshops, Ancient Egyptian workshops, Mayan workshops and The Stone Ages! For further information visit our website to see a full listing of available workshops.
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school hall set for a workshop about maya incas and aztecs
Maya, Incas and Aztecs
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Dan Tastic Education brings knights, castles, turrets & towers to life with an in school Aztec, Inca & Mayan Workshop & Wow Day experience that works as the perfect topic hook for your pupils!...
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children in a school hall workshop
Mayan Civilisations
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Pupils learn about: - Mayan inventions and how they came to be ' including the calendar. - The Mayan currency and how they bought and sold. - The Mayan diet and how this was dictated by farm land...
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Ancient Maya
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During the course of the workshop day, our drama facilitator will guide your class through exploration of the people in Ancient Maya society, their gods and cultural traditions.
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Custom VR Adventures: Tailored Virtual Reality Experiences
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An inciteful look at the ancient Greeks or Egyptians (or both) with a mixture of real-life photos, computer-generated reconstructions and 360 videos to bring the topic back to life.
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Early Islamic Civilisation
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Pupils will embark on a drama-filled journey to ancient Mesopotamia, where some of the world's earliest civilisations began. They'll learn what made this ancient metropolis so powerful and what everyday life was like in this Early Islamic Civilisation.
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learning hub with four zones, egyptians, dinosaurs, planet and space
Immersive learning Hub
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Our Ancient Civilisations experience places pupils at the heart of Ancient Egypt, transforming curriculum learning into a memorable, hands-on journey. Inside a fully immersive Egyptian tomb setting,...
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The Shang Dynasty
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Shang Dynasty Drama Day: Topic information the children will learn about through our Shang Dynasty Drama Days: - The Historical Context of The Shang Dynasty - What life was like during The...
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Shang Dynasty
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During the workshop, our drama facilitator will guide your class through an exploration of the people who populated the Shang Dynasty. From fearsome warriors and the royal family to everyday people,...
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children in a school hall workshop
The Ancient Greeks
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Children will take part in drama activities all about the ancient civilisation in Greece. They'll explore how people lived, how society was organised and what the Ancient Greek people believed....
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actor dressed as maya priest performing ceremony
Mayans & Aztecs!
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In these workshops we cover Ancient Civilisations, compare and contrast with European culture, understanding belief systems and religion, warfare and more!
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african benin spear logo
Kingdom of Benin
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Pupils will explore the timeline of the ancient Kingdom of Benin, the people who lived there and their roles within the civilisation. They'll discover their culture, gods and the incredible achievements made.
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school classroom Virtual Reality lesson
Mayans VR Workshop
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PrimeVR can bring your history topic to life by transporting your pupils to Chichen-Itza in Mexico! Using virtual reality headsets, we'll introduce your class to the ancient civilisation of the Maya...
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Ancient Greece
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This civilisation was birthplace to some of the greatest philosophers, doctors, writers and athletes the world has ever seen! Together we'll explore Ancient Greeks' beliefs, culture and legacy. Meet their gods, hear their myths and how they lived day-to-day.
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Leading UK Destinations for Ancient Civilisations Trips

Our ancient history school trips above cover all of the main civilisations mentioned in the curriculum. Other great places to study this topic, if you are lucky enough to live close by, include:

  • Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge: Features Egyptian and Near Eastern collections, ideal for exploring ancient art and culture
  • British Museum, London: Showcases treasures like the Rosetta Stone, perfect for studying Egypt and Mesopotamia
  • Oriental Museum, Durham: Offers artifacts from Ancient China and the Indus Valley, engaging young historians


Ancient Civilisations School Trips - Frequently Asked Questions

9 March 2026

Why are workshops about ancient civilisations so popular?
They’re a fantastic way to bring history to life, exploring the awe-inspiring pyramids of Egypt, the mysterious ruins of the Maya, or the intricate urban planning of the ancient Indus Valley. These experiences help students connect with the past visually, making history more engaging beyond textbooks.

Are there workshops or museums for learning about ancient civilisations?
Definitely! Workshops are great for interactive storytelling and myth exploration, usually costing between £150 and £400. Museums house authentic artifacts and exhibits that let students get up close with history, like ancient pottery, tools, and jewelry that was made by people who lived in these ancient civilisations.

Are there free options for exploring ancient civilisations?
Yes, some of the best options are free! The British Museum’s galleries are free and feature extensive collections from Egypt, Greece, and other ancient cultures. Plus, local archaeological ruins or outdoor sites often have free access and are perfect for outdoor learning.

What are the top 10 school trips to ancient civilisations?
1. British Museum (Egyptian mummies, Greek sculptures free entry)
2. In-school ancient workshops (storytelling, artifact handling)
3. Stonehenge (Neolithic monument)
4. Roman Baths in Bath (Roman engineering and culture)
5. Hadrian’s Wall (Roman frontier in Britain)
6. Orkney sites (Neolithic settlement and tombs)
7. Welsh dolmens (prehistoric burial chambers)
8. Scottish Picts (ancient carved stones)
9. Local museums with artifacts from ancient times
10. V&A Museum (designs and craftsmanship from ancient cultures)

How can trips be accessible for SEND students?
Museums often have sensory-friendly exhibits and touch tables, which are perfect for engaging students with different needs. Workshops can be adapted with visual aids and storytelling to create an inclusive and memorable experience for everyone.

What’s the typical budget for an ancient civilisations trip?
Many activities are affordable, with free museum visits plus bus travel can cost around £4 to £12 per child. Entry to sites ranges from £6 to £15, while workshops might be between £150 and £400. For longer trips or residential stays, costs are roughly £140 to £280 per student, and there are often grants available to help cover expenses.


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