School Trips and Visits near Manchester

ideas and inspiration



What school trip options are there in Manchester?

Manchester is famous for its football clubs, its musical history, and its role in the industrial revolution, but what is on offer if you want to take a school trip in the city?

Transport links including trams and trains make Manchester an easy city to visit even if your school is not in Manchester itself. As well as a range of fabulous museums and art galleries, we have listed below a few of the most popular venues this city has to offer, with the likes of Trafford Watersports Centre, Legoland and the Sea Life Manchester topping the list.

Greater Manchester for School Trips
Greater Manchester is a large area in Northern England, encompassing towns like Stockport, Wigan, Bolton, Rochdale, and Oldham. It borders Cheshire and the Peak District, Lancashire and Merseyside and West Yorkshire.

If you have something specific in mind for your Manchester school trip, or you are simply looking for some ideas and inspiration for a fun, educational learning experience in Manchester, we can help. Fill out the short form on this page, or give us a call.

Want to know where to take your school group in Greater Manchester? Here are some fun educational trips from venues such as Rock Up Manchester, and more.

Able to travel to other counties in North West, have a look at our trip pages for: Cheshire, Cumbria, Lancashire, Merseyside, for more school trip ideas.

Want to book trips and workshops?

Find school trips near Greater Manchester for your group




BLAST OFF! Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos Lands in Manchester
22 December 2025

Looking for a highly interactive STEM trip? The world premiere of Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos arrives at the Science and Industry Museum in Manchester on 13 February 2026.

This exhibition brings the hit book series to life, inviting KS2/KS3 students to explore space the Horrible Science way. Your class will endure moonquakes, sniff astronaut socks, and try to outsmart Dr Big Brain.

Dates: 13 Feb 2026 to 3 Jan 2027

School Price: £5 per student (50% discount).

Learn More & Book: [1]



Popular Greater Manchester school trip May 2026 !

Rock Up Manchester

location icon North West
apple iconPhysical Education, PSHE, Team Building, SEN


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.

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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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Aerial view of Chester Roman Amphitheatre
Chester Roman Amphitheatre
map pin Chester CH1 1RE
Cheshire

The city of Chester, in North West England, boasts the well preserved remains of the largest Roman Amphitheatre in Britain. Built in the 1st century, this ancient monument is part of the impressive Roman remains that can be seen throughout the city.
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Skipton Castle
Skipton Castle
map pin Skipton BD23 1AW
North Yorkshire

Over 900 years old, Skipton Castle is one of the most complete and best preserved medieval castles in England. Visitors can explore every corner of this impressive history-rich castle, which withstood a three-
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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.
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school field trip at formby sands dunes
NatureLab Formby Sand Dunes Field Trips
map pin Formby
Merseyside

Our KS2, GCSE and A level field trips are packed full of practical scientific investigation and nature exploration. Explore the variety of habitats found at Formby, the species that thrive on the dunes, and how sand dunes are managed for conservation
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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!
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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...
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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!
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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!
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school visit to a working roman fort
Working Roman Fort
map pin Wrexham LL12 9HB
Clwyd

Meet the Romans as never seen before! The Roman Fort Experience is a stunning ongoing recreation of an authentic frontier fort that offers pupils and teachers an exciting and interactive 'hands on' taste of life in Roman Britain.
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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.
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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.
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Image for a science school trip to Xplore Science Discovery Centre KS2 KS3
Xplore! Science Discovery Centre
map pin Wrexham LL13 8AE
Clwyd

Xplore! Science Discovery Centre is the home of STEM in North Wales offering inspiring school trips and mind-blowing outreach activities.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Residential Trips Greater Manchester

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

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.
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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.
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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.
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Bushcraft fire lighting skills at Conway Centres Delamere
Conway Centres Delamere
map pin Frodsham WA6 6PA
Cheshire

Situated in a magical and inspiring forest environment our popular Delamere centre is a fantastic venue for woodland based activities, whether they be of an outdoor an adventurous, Arts or field studies nature.
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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!
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YHA trafford hall in chester
YHA Chester Trafford Hall
map pin Chester CH2 4JP
Cheshire

YHA Chester Trafford Hall is a glorious Georgian house with 14 acres of organic grounds complete with nature walks and landscaped gardens to explore.
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liverpool statues of the beetles
Liverpool for Primary & Middle Schools-Curriculum Travel
map pin Liverpool L2 6RE
Merseyside

Curriculum Travel offers age-appropriate tours for primary and middle school students in Liverpool, featuring a journey from the Long and Winding Road to Penny Lane in a Magical Mystery Tour.
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student accommodation in liverpool
Kabannas Liverpool
map pin Liverpool L2 6RE
Merseyside

Affordable and comfortable group accommodation for school trips in the centre of Liverpool. We have fantastic links to the docks and other locations across Liverpool. Short walk from the train station and easy access for coach drop off.
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Bushcraft at Conway Centres Burwardsley
Conway Centres Burwardsley
map pin Burwardsley CH3 9PA
Cheshire

Located in the picturesque village of Burwardsley our centre offers opportunities unique to it's location. The surrounding countryside provides further possibilities for historical and environmental studies.
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school literacy workshop
Conway Centres Beeston
map pin Beeston CW6 9TR
Cheshire

Situated less than a mile from Beeston Castle and within very private grounds this cosy and familiar centre lends itself to being used by primary groups. It offers opportunities for a variety of studies within the immediate environment.
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Archery at Conway Centres Tattenhall
Conway Centres Tattenhall
map pin Chester CH3 9PX
Cheshire

Located in the beautiful village of Tattenhall just 7 miles from Chester the centre offers a peaceful haven and a base for wide range of Outdoor Activities and the Arts. It's proximity to many schools makes it ideal for day courses too.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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YHA building
YHA Malham
map pin Malham BD23 4DT
North Yorkshire

Set in the heart of a beautiful Yorkshire Dales village, YHA Malham is perfectly placed for exploring the spectacular Malham Cove, Malham Tarn and Gordale Scar.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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big school camp equipment
Big School Camp North
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
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Greater Manchester School Workshops

Is your school located in Greater Manchester? 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..

Irish dance workshops
map pin In-school Workshop

Looking to learn some traditional Irish dance moves? Look no further! Our Irish dance workshops are designed for dancers of all levels, from beginners to advanced. Our experienced 'Vivian Gayle' will guide you through the Irish traditional steps.
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Victorian Drama and Dance workshops for schools
map pin In-school Workshop

Victorian drama and dance workshop schools offer students dynamic training in classical and contemporary performance arts. Focusing on creativity, expression, and technique, these schools nurture talent through engaging workshops.
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GCSE Astronomy
map pin In-school Workshop

A fact-filled planetarium show, virtual or in-person, for anyone studying GCSE Physics, Astronomy or Triple Science.
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Cosmic Chemistry
map pin In-school Workshop

Suitable for Upper KS2 and above, this show delves into natural chemistry and its origins
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In School Workshops

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

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Online Workshops

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

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