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Chemistry School Trips and Workshops

Chemical reactions, processes, states of matter, properties and materials



Where can UK schools find chemistry-focused trips and workshops to explore reactions, elements, and materials?

Chemistry school trips in the UK include hands-on sessions at science centres and museums demonstrating experiments, molecular structures, and everyday applications, ideal for Key Stage 3 and 4 students to deepen understanding of the periodic table and chemical processes safely and excitingly.

Chemistry is the science of matter and is often described as the central science because of its links to biology and physics. The modern practices of Chemistry can be dated back to the Ancient Egyptians, and by 1000BC civilisations were developing techniques that demonstrated an understanding of chemical reactions such as producing medicines from plants, extracting metals from ore and fermentation.

Chemistry in the class room doesn't need to be about trawling through text books or trying to memorise the periodic table, practical activities are fun and help motivate pupils to learn and enjoy the subject. I can certainly remember those basic chemistry experiments such as igniting magnesium (so it burns with a bright white flame!) and removing the tarnish from a 2 penny piece, so why not take these sorts of experiences outside the confines of the school lab.

There are some fantastic Science centres in the UK that offer materials and properties demonstrations and engaging work shops designed to inspire future scientists, and by taking your class on such school trips you'll not only be the cool science teacher but you may also encourage the scientists of tomorrow to pursue Chemistry as a career path. Find out more about chemistry in British Science Week

Find a school trip or workshop for the following Chemistry topics: Chemical Reactions, Everyday materials, Food Science, Properties and changes of materials, Rocks, Scientists and inventors, States of Matter, and more.

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Popular school trip September 2026 !

Big School Camp Midlands

location icon East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England
apple iconAccommodation Only, Bushcraft, Physical Education, SEN, Team Building, Forest School, Outdoor Learning, Wildlife, Physics, Chemistry, Biology


1. Feral Science deliver curriculum Chemistry from Upper KS2 to GCSE outdoors 2. We use bushcraft and a range of outdoor skills to reveal the curriculum chemistry behind everyday things 3. All sessions are fully interactive and learners are encouraged to work together to problem solve. 4. Session...

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KS1 school children building a structure during a STEM workshop
STEM Workshops for Any Location
map pin online/in-school workshop

Our Little STEAMers classes and workshops for EYFS cover chemistry topics (e.g. chemical reactions, properties of materials, changes of state) in an age-appropriate way. We cover a wide range of Engineers, Inventors and Innovators in our KS1 & KS2 workshops and assemblies.
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big school camp equipment
Big School Camp Midlands
map pin East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England

1. Feral Science deliver curriculum Chemistry from Upper KS2 to GCSE outdoors 2. We use bushcraft and a range of outdoor skills to reveal the curriculum chemistry behind everyday things 3. All...
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Souther Water poster for water management workshop
New Wave - Beyond the Drain tour - Hampshire
map pin East of England

During the visit we will follow the stages of wastewater treatment: filtration/screening and grit removal to remove large particles, sedimentation allowing tiny particles to settle out from still...
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laptop showing a live science workshop
Fab Science Online
map pin online/in-school workshop

Both the Super Science Show and Professor Fab's potions class include colour-changing potions, fizzy explosion and dry ice.
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big school camp trailer and camping equipment
Big School Camp South
map pin London & South East, East of England, South West

1. Feral Science deliver curriculum Chemistry from Upper KS2 to GCSE outdoors 2. We use bushcraft and a range of outdoor skills to reveal the curriculum chemistry behind everyday things 3. All...
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The globe theatre recreation
Cultural Tour of London for International Schools
map pin London & South East

Museums and palaces overflowing with art, science and history, incredible theatre shows in the West End, bustling Oxford Street and Covent Garden, and iconic Big Ben and Trafalgar Square! London is the perfect destination for a cultural tour.
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water treatment facility at southern water
New Wave - Beyond the Drain tour - East Sussex
map pin East of England

During the visit we will follow the stages of wastewater treatment: filtration/screening and grit removal to remove large particles, sedimentation allowing tiny particles to settle out from still...
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Image for a school workshop for Augmented Reality workshops KS2
Augmented Reality
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Bring learning to life with Augmented Reality experiences that blend the real world with interactive digital content. Students explore science, space, wildlife, history, and STEM through exciting hands-on AR activities that boost engagement
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school group doing an escape room exercise
Science School Escape Rooms
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Primary Schools - We deliver a generic Science Escape with a mix of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Secondary Schools - We deliver a generic Science Escape with a specifically design Chemistry Escape for GCSE years.
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group of school children with brightly coloured backpacks
Creative School Trips
map pin London & South East

Science tours may include vistis to the Science Museum, and to other sites and attractions across the UK where students can experience practical activities, guided tours, talks and academic lessons...
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KS3 escape room group
Real Life Escape Room At School
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Our Mobile Escape Room is truly immersive experience that will give any event a WOW factor. With two different themes, this unique vehicle allows students a chance to take part in a fully functioning escape room without leaving the school grounds.
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big school camp equipment
Big School Camp North
map pin North East, North West, Yorkshire

1. Feral Science deliver curriculum Chemistry from Upper KS2 to GCSE outdoors 2. We use bushcraft and a range of outdoor skills to reveal the curriculum chemistry behind everyday things 3. All...
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KS2 school children building a structure during a STEM workshop
Hands-On In-Person STEM Workshops & Clubs
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We believe in turning tiny hands and curious minds into tomorrow's STEM Heroes - one discovery at a time. Our Little STEAMers classes and workshops for EYFS cover chemistry topics (e.g. chemical...
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models of space shuttle and moon
STEM Fairs
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We have a range of high-quality chemistry films about the periodic table, molecules and the early universe and so forth, along with qualified chemistry teachers who will be on-hand to inspire and inform your students through the event.
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A science exhibit at Cambridge Science Centre
Cambridge Science Centre
map pin East of England

Chemistry: Basic reactions and chemical processes Chemistry States Of Matter Properties Materials Chemical Reactions Chemical Reactions We cover a range of chemisty-based subjects in our varied workshops. Please download our brochure from our website.
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stars and dust cloud
Cosmic Chemistry
map pin in-school workshop

From the lightest to the heaviest elements, we explain how atoms are forged in the hearts of stars, through the pulsing of planetary nebulae, and rapidly created in explosive events at the and of a...
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actor holding a globe during a british science week school workshop
Science Week Spectacular
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Dan Tastic Education uses a wide array of props, historical items, scientific equipment, videos, group discussion and teacher in role style student participation to cover the following topics during a...
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child wearing safety goggles for a school science workshop
Fab Science In-school Workshops
map pin in-school workshop

Use real lab equipment to carry out experiments, explore chemical reactions and be scientists. Potty Potions - whole school theme day with a Hogwarts theme States of Matter workshop (Y4) - melting,...
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school planetarium show
Immersive Experiences
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Our domes can showcase over 200 films to help with this part of the syllabus, with chemistry material for all ages. Also, we have our board games: Reaction! The Interactive Chemistry Trading Game...
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Image for a science school trip to Xplore Science Discovery Centre KS2 KS3
Xplore! Science Discovery Centre
map pin Wales

Xplore! currently provides a wide range of dynamic and hands-on chemistry sessions designed to spark curiosity and deepen understanding of fundamental scientific principles. Our chemistry workshops...
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Chemistry School Trips - Frequently Asked Questions (Teachers Edition)

9 March 2026

Why choose chemistry trips?
It's all about the bangs and bubbles - kids love seeing reactions happen in real life, like mixing acids or making slime, and it makes abstract concepts like elements and bonds tangible. For secondary, it helps with practical skills exams love, without the cleanup in your own lab.

Workshop at school or trip out?
If your lab isn't kitted out or you want something special, workshops bring the gear for safe experiments like elephant toothpaste or chromatography (£180-£450). Trips to science centres give the bigger picture, such as industrial chemistry. We mix it: workshops for Year 7 intro, trips for Year 10 revision.

Free chemistry experiences?
Yes - the Science Museum, London has free chemistry galleries; local universities sometimes run free demo days. Parks for simple reactions like rusting or photosynthesis walks are zero cost. Book ahead for groups.

Top 10 chemistry school trips (2026 check):

1. Science Museum, London (interactive chemistry labs, free)
2. Catalyst Science Discovery Centre, Widnes (chemical industry, reactions)
3. Manchester Museum of Science & Industry (power, energy demos)
4. In-school Potty Potions workshops (fun explosions)
5. Royal Society of Chemistry events (free demos at universities)
6. Jodrell Bank (chemistry in space)
7. Eden Project (plant chemistry, sustainability)
8. Bristol We The Curious (elements, reactions)
9. Glasgow Science Centre (materials, states of matter)
10. Local water treatment plants (real-world chemistry tours)

Chemistry trips for SEND:
Contact venues early - Catalyst has adjustable experiments; Science Museum offers quiet times. For workshops, request no loud bangs. Visual aids work well for non-verbal kids; plan breaks and have familiar staff.

Budget guide:
- Free galleries + bus: £4-£12 per pupil
- Discovery centres: £6-£15 entry
- Workshops: £180-£450 per session
- Multi-day STEM camps: £120-£250 per child

Shop around and check university-run free workshops.

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