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Edinburgh Primary School Trips & Tours

There’s a superb menu of things to see and do on your primary school trip to the capital of Scotland. Not only are the streets and buildings steeped in history, but the fascinating attractions also offer the chance to experience an earthquake’s shudders, get caught in a tropical rainstorm, or even explore the famous castle which stands on the plug of an extinct volcano!

Edinburgh is one of the UK’s most beautiful cities, with the medieval maze of the Old Town ready to explore. Whether you’re looking for fascinating museums, enchanting history and heritage or dramatic cultural landmarks, you’ll find it all on a school trip Edinburgh.

Sample itinerary

Our sample itinerary provides you with an idea of the visits you can cover during your trip. We can tailor-make an itinerary to support your specific learning outcomes.

Morning Afternoon Evening
1 Morning departure from school Camera Obscura & World of Illusions Free time to explore Edinburgh
2 Edinburgh Castle visit Edinburgh Dungeons Witchery Ghost Walk of Edinburgh
3 Dynamic Earth interactive experience Departure for return journey to school
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
Morning Morning departure from school
Afternoon Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
Evening Free time to explore Edinburgh
Morning Edinburgh Castle visit
Afternoon Edinburgh Dungeons
Evening Witchery Ghost Walk of Edinburgh
Morning Dynamic Earth interactive experience
Afternoon Departure for return journey to school
Evening

On-tour support

On-tour support includes...

Additional on-tour support available...

  • Pre-booked meals at great group prices

Accommodation

Popular options in Edinburgh


Top visits

Dynamic Earth

Witness the Big Bang, feel an earthquake and even get caught in a tropical rainstorm. Dynamic Earth tells the unique story of our planet’s past, present and future, and allows your pupils to explore the ever-changing nature of the physical and biological processes that continue to shape the planet. This interactive tour includes interactive voting pads and smartboard technology, and your pupils will handle specimens in the workshop.

Royal Yacht Britannia

Discover what life was like on board The Queen's floating Royal residence. Your group will first explore the Britannia’s Visitor Centre, before stepping aboard. Here your group can learn about the history of Royal Yachts, view displays and historical photographs of Britannia's captivating past.

Camera Obscura & World of Illusions

The Camera Obscura and World of Illusions is an excellent place for a panoramic view of the city and beyond. Students can explore the wonders of light and illusion, experiment with various hands on optical illusions and tricks.

The Real Mary King’s Close

Just off the historic Royal Mile, at the Real Mary King’s Close, your students will see an historically accurate interpretation of life in Edinburgh from the 16th to the 19th centuries. You’ll get to witness the highs and lows of 16th century living, visit the home of a grave digger’s family to discover the truth about the plague epidemic of 1644-46, and enjoy ghost stories as your guide reveals dramatic episodes and extraordinary apparitions from the past.

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle is a powerful national symbol, and part of Edinburgh’s World Heritage site. Here, you can see the Honours (Crown Jewels) of Scotland, the Stone of Destiny, Mons Meg, and the One O’Clock Gun. You can even visit the National War Museum of Scotland and experience life as a POW in 1781.

Edinburgh Zoo

Edinburgh Zoo is the largest and most exciting wildlife attraction in Scotland. In just one day, pupils can meet over 1,000 wonderful animals in a beautiful parkland setting. A visit to Edinburgh Zoo isn’t complete without a trip to see the giant pandas!

National Museum of Scotland

Explore the diversity of the natural world, world cultures, science and technology, art and Scottish history, all under one roof at the National Museum of Scotland.

Science Centre (Glasgow)

The Glasgow Science Centre’s education programme o¬ffers activities that have been shaped by teachers to support science, technology, maths, ICT and geography. Pupils can participate in an innovative and entertaining workshop, and enjoy the live 30-minute shows.

Palace of Holyroodhouse

Learn about the palace’s history, from its medieval foundations to its present day use by the Royal Family. Following an introductory talk, find out about the lives of famous residents including Mary Queen of Scots, Bonnie Prince Charlie and Queen Victoria. Workshops are available for KS2 / P4-7 too.


Evening activites

  • Ten Pin Bowling
  • A quiz or disco at your hotel (most hotels can provide a room for groups to use in the evenings)

Educational resources

NST Treasure Hunts

An exciting adventure for your group! Pupils work in teams to solve clues which lead to a thrilling chase around Edinburgh.

Travel Games

Our travel games are a great way to keep your group entertained on coach journeys to your destination and on your way home.

 


Transport

Available from any location in Ireland, our executive coaches are fitted with seatbelts, toilet facilities, air conditioning, DVD and reclining seats.

Coach

We offer flights from a variety of departure airports and we’ll work with you to plan your route at the best value possible.

Flight


Giving you full support throughout

Before your tour

  • Your own dedicated NST contact
  • Bespoke tour itineraries
  • Unrivalled local knowledge & expertise
  • Curriculum linked visit programmes
  • Great value for money - no hidden costs
  • Free group leader inspection visits
  • Risk assessment guidance
  • Safety assured, transport, accommodation and visits

Whilst you're away

  • Free educational resources
  • Group-friendly accommodation
  • Exceptional standards of coaching
  • On-tour support from our reps on the ground
  • Support & assistance from our specialists guides throughout your tour
  • 24/7 support just a call away
  • Extensive group travel insurance

On your return

  • Priority rebooking services
  • Rewarding your loyalty with our reward scheme
  • You say, we listen - we're committed to continuously improving our tours
  • School travel company of choice since 1996