South West England School Trip Ideas

Regional educational visits


What are some inspiring school trips in the South West UK to support national curriculum topics?

South West school trips offer rugged coasts, prehistoric sites, and adventure parks for hands-on learning in subjects like geography, biology, and history. We have trips that are ideal for groups seeking outdoor challenges and cultural discoveries that make education feel like an adventure.

Learning outside the classroom in the South West of England

A school visit to the South West of England is likely to involve experiencing a rich mix of landscapes and a soaking up a wealth of historical sites. Every UK region is unique: the counties of Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and Bristol that make up the South West are no exception!

Planning a history South West school trip or cultural visit? How about Bristol's historic maritime heritage sites and world famous suspension bridge, Tintagel or Pendennis Castles or the perhistoric landscape at Cheddar Gorge.

The Jurassic Coast near Purbeck includes Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove, Lyme Regis and Chesil Beach draws school groups from far afield, a perfect location for geological processes and physical geography. If Fieldstudies is your subject, The Feild Studies Council operate centres in Somerset and Devon, or we can help you get the most out of a trip to the spectacular Eden Project. While for Citizenship students, how about a Crime and Punishment school trip at Shepton Mallet Prison, from Victorian times to the present day.

Planning a residential adventure? the rural South West of England boasts some of England's best activity centres, promoting a mix of outdoor educational pursuits. Visit our dedicated South West Adventure page for more details.

Find plenty more inspiring school visits in the South West. See our pages for Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Somerset.

Want to book South West trips and workshops?

Let us find the perfect place in the South West for your school trip.


Explore Exciting School Trips in the South West UK Focused on Learning, Teamwork, and Adventure




High ropes activity at Skern Adventure Appledore
Skern Adventure Appledore: Residential Trips
map pin Bideford EX39 1NG

Skern Adventure Appledore is a leading provider of outdoor learning and development in the UK, offering a wide range of adventurous activities and geography fieldwork opportunities from its North Devon coastal centre.
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View of Cleeve Abbey gateway
Cleeve Abbey
map pin Watchet TA23 0PS

The Cistercian abbey of Cleeve is a haven of peace and tranquillity, said to contain the finest cloister buildings in England. Pupils today can catch a glimpse of monastic life 800 years ago.
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Image for outdoor education trip residential KS2 KS3 KS4
Cumulus Outdoors Curriculum Day Trips
map pin Swanage BH19 2PX

We run exciting and fun filled Adventure Activity Days on the Jurassic Coast for schools and youth groups. These outdoor activities are designed to improve self esteem, confidence and support learning outside the classroom.
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child on climbing wall at hangloose adventure eden
Hangloose Adventure Eden
map pin St Austell PL24 2SG

Hangloose Eden offers thrilling adventures including England's fastest zipline, SkyTrek high ropes course, and the Gravity Swing, designed to build confidence, teamwork, and resilience in a safe, fun, and unforgettable experience.
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jurassic coast beach during a school visit
Discover the Jurassic Coast for Primary and Middle Schools - Curriculum Travel
map pin South West

The Jurassic Coast spans between East Devon and Purbeck with amazing places to visit including Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove, Weymouth, Portland, Lyme Regis, Chesil Beach, Charmouth and Sidmouth.
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eden project in cornwall
Eden Project & Cornwall for Primary and Middle Schools-Curriculum Travel
map pin St Austell PL24 2SG

Cornwall enhances educational curriculums with visits to Tintagel Castle, exploring King Arthur's legend, engaging in Seal Sanctuary activities, and participating in workshops at the remarkable Eden Project.
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Image for a residential school trip at Slapton Ley Field Centre Activities Outdoor Activity centre in Hampshire KS2 KS3
Slapton Ley Field Centre
map pin Kingsbridge TQ7 2QP

Slapton Ley Field Centre is located within the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty close to field sites in Dartmoor National Park and urban centres in Plymouth and Torbay. Visit for residential geography and biology trips at all ages
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school group visiting Farleigh Hungerford Castle
Farleigh Hungerford Castle
map pin Bath BA2 7RS

Book a free school trip to Farleigh Hungerford Castle, and explore the ruins, the chapel and the burial vault to learn about the history of the site and the people who lived there. Enhance your learning with a hands-on workshop led by site experts.
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two children with guinea pigs at stone farm study centre
Stone Farm Study Centre
map pin Okehampton EX39 4PN

Located in 100 acres of organic farmland, we offer the opportunity to enjoy supervised interactive sessions with our friendly farm animals, learn about life on a farm, and experience exciting activities and day-trips in the Devon countryside.
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School children watching fish at the National Marine Aquarium
National Marine Aquarium
map pin Plymouth PL4 0LF

Explore Ocean Learning with the Ocean Conservation Trust. Our curriculum-linked programme at the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth connects learners with the Ocean through aquarium visits, classroom outreach, and virtual experiences.
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Child on a stand up paddle board in Dorset
Your Dorset Adventure Awaits!
map pin Ventnor PO38 3LT

We arrange 100% bespoke adventure-based residentials to Dorset and the Jurassic Coast. We can include transport, accommodation, activities, risk assessments and much more, saving you time and stress! Leave the work to us so you can focus on teaching!
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bridge to tintagel castle
Tintagel Castle
map pin Tintagel PL34 0HE

Immerse yourself in history, myths and stunning scenery at Tintagel Castle, set high on Cornwall's rugged north coast between Padstow and Bude.
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Image for a residential school trip at Preston Montford Field Centre Outdoor Activity centre in Shropshire KS2 KS3 KS4 Field Studies School Trips
Nettlecombe Court Field Centre
map pin Taunton TA4 4HT

Field Studies Council Nettlecombe Court has excellent access to the Somerset coast as well as Exmoor National Park and The Quantocks Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Visit for fun outdoor activities, geography and biology trips at all ages.
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zip line across a meadow
Mill on the Brue Outdoor Activity Centre
map pin Bruton BA10 0BA

Started in 1982, Mill on the Brue continues to family owned and run. The centre is nestled in the beautiful Brue valley. We offer over onsite 40 activities to choose, every programme is individually created. Our ethos is Quality not quantity.
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st mawes castle entrance
St Mawes Castle
map pin Truro TR2 5DE

One of the best preserved of Henry VIII's coastal fortresses, St Mawes was part of a chain of forts built in response to the threat of invasion. With all of this history represented at the site, there are plenty of learning opportunities to explore.
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school group carrying surf boards to the sea in Devon
Skern Adventure Appledore: Day Visits
map pin Bideford EX39 1NG

We provide day experiences on the North Devon coastline or at your school, building confidence, teamwork and new skills through real adventure. Curriculum-linked days are also available. Choose a full or half day to suit your timetable and budget.
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school group trip at Stonehenge
Stonehenge
map pin Salisbury SP4 7DE

The most outstanding prehistoric monument in the British Isles, Stonehenge is an internationally renowned World Heritage Site and one of the richest archaeological landscapes in Europe.
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Chysauster Ancient Village
Chysauster Ancient Village
map pin Penzance TR20 8XA

Explore one of the finest examples of a Romano-British settlement in the country at Chysauster Ancient Village, originally occupied almost 2,000 years ago.
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View of Durdle Door in Dorset
Dorset - The Jurassic Coast
map pin Ventnor PO38 3LT

Discover the Jurassic Coast: an outdoor classroom brimming with adventure! Uncover millions of years of history, explore stunning cliffs, and engage in hands-on learning. Inspire your students with unforgettable experiences and create lasting memorie
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pendennis castle
Pendennis Castle
map pin Falmouth TR11 4LP

Pendennis Castle in Falmouth is one of the finest Tudor fortresses built by Henry VIII. It has seen action in many conflicts and was one of the last royalist strongholds to fall during the English Civil War.
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