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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 Ancient Greeks 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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Popular school workshop October 2026 !

Ancient Maya

location icon East Midlands, West Midlands, London & South East, East of England, South West, North East, North West, Yorkshire, Wales, Scotland
apple iconHistory, Ancient Civilisations, SEN


Discover and deepen your knowledge of the Maya civilisation using our workshop that incorporates drama, artefacts, oracy, story-telling and a big quiz to round off the day! Our costumed characters will transform your learning experience into a memorable and engaging event that will leave students wi...

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The Greeks VR Workshop - PrimeVR
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PrimeVR brings your Ancient Greeks topic to life by transporting pupils back to one of history's greatest civilisations. PrimeVR helps pupils discover why Ancient Greece became one of the world's...
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Olympic Games
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Pupils will embark on a drama-filled journey to ancient Greece to discover the History of the Olympics. The Olympic Games were started by the Greeks in 776 BC to honour the almighty king of the gods, Zeus. 776 BC?! That's a seriously long time ago! So why do we still celebrate and compete today?
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The Olympics
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The history of the Games goes back around 3,000 years, to the Ancient Greeks. Sports contests organised at Olympia took place every four years and acquired the name Olympic Games. Our drama workshops take children back to 776 BC to discover the believed birth of the Games!
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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 beginning of...
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Ancient Maya
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Discover and deepen your knowledge of the Maya civilisation using our workshop that incorporates drama, artefacts, oracy, story-telling and a big quiz to round off the day! Our costumed characters...
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great pyramid of giza
Visit 8 Wonders of the World
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Engaging presenters and 360° projection technology bring to your school the thrill of journeying to ancient, far-flung destinations. Students & teachers are left with vivid and lasting memories to...
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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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Dan Tastic History
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Ancient Civilisations are a fantastic way for children to explore how people lived, ruled, worshipped, built, traded and fought thousands of years ago Dan Tastic Education brings that history...
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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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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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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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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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History of the Olympics
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Let's explore Ancient Greece through the lens of the Olympic Games. This History workshop for KS1 and KS2 is all about this enduring worldwide sporting event, but we can't discuss the influence of the...
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The Maya VR Workshop - PrimeVR
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PrimeVR brings your Ancient Maya topic to life by transporting pupils to one of the greatest civilisations of the ancient world. Using virtual reality, your class will explore Chichen Itza,...
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Virtual Reality Day - PrimeVR
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PrimeVR brings ancient history to life by transporting pupils back in time to explore some of the world's greatest civilisations. Choose from Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece, the Ancient Maya, the...
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The Ancient Greeks: Athens & the Battle of Marathon 490 BC
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Using a combination of practical activities, storytelling and role-play the pupils will feel like they have visited Ancient Greece.
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Early Islamic Civilisations
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Children learn about: - The timeline of Early Islam - The ancient, walled city of Baghdad - Important buildings including: The Dome of the Rock and The Great Mosque - Key figures including...
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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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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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History VR Day - PrimeVR
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PrimeVR can bring your history topic to life by transporting your pupils to learn about Ancient Civilisations, including the Greeks, Romans, Maya and the Stone Age. Using virtual reality headsets,...
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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

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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Bring 8 Ancient Civilisations to Life: School Workshops & Educational Trips

Exploring the achievements of the earliest civilisations allows your students to discover the incredible achievements, beliefs, and everyday lives of some of the world's earliest societies. Bring ancient civilisations like Egypt, Greece,...

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