Physics icon

Physics School Trips and Workshops

Sound, Light, Forces and magnets, Earth and space



What physics school trips in the UK best demonstrate forces, energy, motion, and electricity for secondary students?

Physics educational visits feature rocket launches, rollercoaster design challenges, and interactive exhibits on waves and magnetism, aligning directly with the secondary curriculum to help students visualise and experiment with core physics principles.

Physics, broadly speaking, looks at how matter moves through space and time and also the way energy and force has an effect on this movement. While the history of discovery and understanding through characters like Aristotle, Newton and Einstein, is an essential grounding for all students, especially as many of the discoveries are every bit as valid today as they were hundreds of years ago. Yet to teach a subject which for many is rather difficult to understand, in such a way as to engage students and help them make sense of it all, is the difference between being a physics teacher and being someone who really inspires.

Physics governs our very lives, so making this connection between those stuffy mathematical formulas that make your brain hurt, and the physics of the every day is really important. Chances are new technologies such as computers or nuclear energy will inspire your class. You could also look at physics in sport; how coaches and trainers looking to science to get the most of their athletes or why formula one teams spend millions researching and developing new technology to make their cars go faster. Or what about why athletes such as swimmers spend hours analysing their technique to ensure they move through the water with the greatest efficiency.

Space Week | October 2026

Space Week from 4-10 October 2026, with the theme 'The Rocket Revolution', is perfect for fuelling children's wonder about the universe. UK schools love booking trips to planetariums, science centres or observatories where children can find out more about rocket launches, and what it is like being an astronaut. From the National Space Centre in Leicester to Jodrell Bank in Cheshire, these science centres can tell you about the space race and moon landings, having the types of interactive exhibits that enthral primary school children. If you are looking for a Space Week school trip to boost your STEM learning, popular venues like the Science Museum's space shows book up months ahead.

calendar icon more themed events

You might be surprised how many physics school trips there are out there, from a short day trip to take part in hands-on experiments and demonstrations at a science centre in the UK, to a week long visit studying particle physics with 8,000 of the worlds leading scientists at CERN (see our European trips section), The European Organisation for Nuclear research in Switzerland, the opportunities to get your students learning about Earth and space outside the classroom are plentiful. For in-school see our space workshops page. Alternatively, study physics during British Science Week

Find a school trip or workshop for the following Physics topics: Aviation and Flight, Earth and space, Electricity and circuits, Forces, Forces and magnets, Fuels and Energy, Gears and Pulleys, Light, Planetarium, Rollercoasters, Seasonal change, Sound, Time, Weather, and more.

Want to book Physics trips and workshops?

Find the perfect Physics trip or workshop for your school group




Popular school trip August 2026 !

World Museum

location icon North West
apple iconEnglish, Geography, Human Geography, History, Egyptians, Greeks, Significant Individuals, Science, Biology, Physics


PHYSICS Curriculum topics: Earth and Space Workshops help pupils to: Understand the solar system and movements of celestial bodies Describe the Earth, Sun and Moon as spherical objects Learn about gravity and forces Consider what life needs to exist beyond Earth...

read more about
World Museum click hand icon
first image
second image
main photo



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 physics tricks around the Bernoulli effect and air pressure.
> read

3D design technology workshop
Early Engineers Express
map pin in-school workshop

Many of our robotics challenges have cross-curricular links (i.e. building Lunar and Mars rovers). The challenges linked to these robot designs require students to grasp scientific concepts in physics...
> read

children in a classroom being show how toys are made
Toy Making Experience Days
map pin in-school workshop

When discovering the toys at the beginning of the day we explore how the toys work through forces, focusing mainly on push, pull and gravity. We look at about 30 different toys that all work very...
> read

STEM science workshop in a school hall
STEM Workshop
map pin in-school workshop

As with Design & Technology it is the engineering contained in STEM that applies to Physics within our workshops and the importance of triangulation in structures
> read

VR view from the ISS space station
Experience STEM in Zero-Gravity: VR Space Workshop
map pin in-school workshop

Students explore physics through an immersive journey into space. Using VR, they observe a moving model of the solar system and see how the planets orbit the Sun, helping them understand key ideas...
> read

school of noise logo
School of Noise
map pin in-school workshop

The workshops can help start or end a topic relating to sound and music. Our cross-curricular activities will help pupils to see links between subjects. For example, medical stethoscopes would also...
> read

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

PrimeVR brings physics to life by transporting pupils beyond our planet to explore the wonders of space. Using virtual reality, your class will journey through the Solar System, compare the sizes...
> read

school classroom VR lesson
Space VR Workshop - PrimeVR
map pin in-school workshop

PrimeVR transforms your Space topic into an unforgettable scientific experience by taking pupils on a virtual journey beyond Earth. Using virtual reality, your class will explore the planets of our...
> read

models of planets
Hands on Space
map pin online/in-school workshop

Students will gain a better understanding of the Solar System, its size, scale and inhabitants with this practical workshop. By the end of the workshop, students will be able to tell the difference...
> read

school planetarium show
Immersive Experiences
map pin in-school workshop

All our facilties are brought in for delivery in the school. Our inflatable domes provide a 'wow' factor for students of all ages! Inside the dome, we can explore any one of a number of options for...
> read

virtual planetarium with seats and a big screen showing space
Virtual Planetarium
map pin online/in-school workshop

Each session includes our award-winning live astronomer show lasting up to 1 hour Curriculum linked topics: day/night, moon phases, star navigation, constellations, observable planets, solar...
> read

school field with maths workshop activities
Maths Workshops
map pin in-school workshop

The Physics invoved in the Mathematical Engineering of all o f our freestanding structures; Bridges, Castles; Egyptians; Ely Cathedral; Ferris Wheel; Geodesic Structures; Greek Parthenon; Indian Taj...
> read

school children learning magnetic electronics
HYEN Magnetronics and Electricity Workshops
map pin in-school workshop

Our workshops bring electricity and circuits to life through hands-on physics investigation. Pupils don't just learn about electrical circuits - they build them, test them, and discover why they work...
> read

school group doing an escape room exercise
Science School Escape Rooms
map pin in-school workshop

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 Physics Escape for GCSE years.
> read

Image showing a STEM school workshop. KS2 KS3
STEM
map pin in-school workshop

Watch a black hole spin, or Saturn appear with its rings... find out more about the elements and their structures... Our Augmented Reality software will do all this and more, right in front of your students' eyes!
> read

historic armour workshop at the wold museum
World Museum
map pin North West

PHYSICS Curriculum topics: Earth and Space Workshops help pupils to: Understand the solar system and movements of celestial bodies Describe the Earth, Sun and Moon as spherical objects Learn about gravity and forces Consider what life needs to exist beyond Earth
> read

two children flying drone during stem workshop
STEMdrones - Drone Coding Y5-Y13
map pin in-school workshop

In learning about the principles of flight, students will develop an understanding of how physics plays its part in enabling drones and other aircraft to take flight. They'll then get to see and feel some of these principles in action whilst flying their drones.
> read

stars and dust cloud
Cosmic Chemistry
map pin in-school workshop

Our live shows include new discoveries in astronomy, and we explain them in a way that everyone can understand. We encourage questions, so please come prepared with some of your own. Our shows are...
> read

school science lesson with test tube
Xplore! Science Outreach
map pin in-school workshop

Sound, Light, Forces and magnets, Earth and space, Forces, Electricity and circuits, Fuels and Energy, Describing motion (KS3/4), Forces (KS3/4), Forces and motion (KS3/4), Static electricity (KS3/4),...
> read

Image for VR school workshops for space and Physics.
Virtual Reality - Space
map pin in-school workshop

The workshop enables pupils to appreciate and understand space visually while immersing themselves in our teacher-led virtual reality experience.
> read

Physics School Trips - Frequently Asked Questions

1 March 2026

Why bother with physics trips?
Seeing forces in action makes concepts real - like dropping things from towers or riding rollercoasters to feel acceleration. It turns dry stuff (equations, waves) into something exciting, and for GCSE/A-level, it helps with practical requirements for exams.

Workshop in school or trip to a physics site?
Workshops are handy for controlled demos (magnets, electricity circuits) at £200-£500, especially if weather is bad. Trips to observatories or theme parks show real-world applications. We do workshops for Year 8 basics and trips for Year 11 when they need motivation.

Free physics options?
Yes - Science Museum's free physics galleries in London, local parks for gravity experiments, and university open days with telescopes or labs. Travel costs may apply.

Top 10 physics school trips (2026 check):

1. Science Museum, London (forces, energy exhibits, free)
2. National Space Centre, Leicester (rockets, gravity)
3. Jodrell Bank Observatory, Cheshire (waves, astronomy)
4. Alton Towers or Thorpe Park (rollercoasters for motion)
5. Glasgow Science Centre (electricity, light shows)
6. Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh (earth forces, volcanoes)
7. In-school Physics Buskers workshops (demos, experiments)
8. Royal Observatory, Greenwich (time, space)
9. Catalyst Centre, Widnes (materials, energy)
10. Local wind farms (renewable energy tours)

Physics trips for SEND:
Ask venues upfront - National Space Centre has accessible planetarium; theme parks have quiet zones. Workshops can use tactile demos like magnets. Small groups at observatories work well with extra planning.

Budget guide:
- Free museums + transport: £5-£14 per kid
- Space centres: £8-£18 entry
- Workshops: £200-£500
- Theme park days: £15-£30 (with education packs)

Look for school rates and book in bulk for savings.


feature thumbnail

Florida: The Place for Space

Florida is a premier destination for space education, blending a rich spaceflight legacy with cutting-edge innovation and hands-on learning. Home to Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral, the state offers students direct...

clock icon1 min
> read more
feature thumbnail

360° Digital Domes Cover ALL Subjects

Digital planetariums now offer more than just astronomy and Space. Our extensive immersive show catalogue also covers under the sea, geography, history, dinosaurs, evolution, maths, geology, human biology, environmental science, art and...

clock icon1 min
> read more

Get Physics 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