In the first two years of compulsory education (Key Stage 1/5-7 years), pupils begin to explore their local environment. If the school is lucky enough to have a museum nearby, it will be an important starting point in their development. Further afield, there are activity-based museums such as the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre in Great Missenden, the Science Museum and the Wellcome Foundation museums in London, or the various museums of childhood in Derbyshire, Edinburgh and the Victoria and Albert in Bethnal Green; all of which are popular venues for Key Stage 1 students.
Many providers cater for both day and short-term residential adventure activities, and both the National Trust and Forestry Commission run activities specifically tailored for the KS1 age-group.
Children are often interested in the theatre and music, and usually begin with trips to pantomimes and musicals in Key Stage 1. You can find guidance on ‘kids’ theatre in London here, and over in East Anglia there is the Norwich Puppet Theatre with Bristol Old Vic in the West Country; there’s bound to be a good venue near you!
Golders Hill Park’s landscaped grounds contain beautiful plant displays including the peaceful Mediterranean and water gardens, a popular café and a bandstand.
Zoo
Golders Hill Park is home to a free zoo, with a growing collection of rare and exotic birds and mammals such as laughing kookaburras, ring-tailed lemurs and ring-tailed coatis.
This hidden treasure is a walled garden surrounded by woodland, found just outside Balerno, a suburb of Edinburgh.
The garden is a haven for plant lovers thanks to its large variety of colourful and fragrant flowers, plants and trees.
For school visits please phone or email in advance to arrange.
The Royal Burgh of Culross is a unique survival, a town that time has passed by. It is the most complete example in Scotland today of a Burgh of the 17th and 18th centuries. The Town House was built in 1626 and was the administrative centre of Culross with a tollbooth and witches' prison. The old buildings and cobbled streets create a fascinating time warp for visitors.
This striking 13th-century castle is perched overlooking the spectacular Teifi Gorge and has inspired many artists, including Turner.
Set in the heart of an historic landscape, with spiral staircases, battlements and a portcullis, 14th century Bodiam Castle is one of Britain's most picturesque and romantic ancient monuments.
Located on the South Bank, London County Hall is not only one of the city's most iconic landmarks but is also fast becoming a key hub for entertainment, culture, the creative industries, education and sustainability in the capital.
Take in an enormous sweep of Scottish history as experienced by the Irvine family who lived in Drum Castle for over 650 years, from the 14th century onwards.
Guided tours are available for school groups in the Castle and gardens. The ranger service also provides a service for the Old Wood of Drum.
Ben Lawers is Scotland's tenth highest Munro and the central Highlands' highest mountain, stretching 1,214m (3,984ft) above Loch Tay. Ranger-led activities to meet curriculum requirements can be organised by arrangement.
We have a Ben Lawers National Nature Reserve Information Sheet written for teachers, which you can download (PDF format).
Whitecliff Bay is located in a comfortable and hospitable chalet park surrounded by countryside, on the sheltered east side of the Isle of Wight.
The Cathedral Church of SS. Peter and Paul is the Roman Catholic cathedral in the Clifton area of Bristol.
The church was built in the 1840s to a neo-Gothic design by architect August Welby Pugin, famous for his work on the Houses of Parliament in Westminster. It was paid for by halfpenny donations from the poorest community of immigrants on Tyneside, and was enhanced in the following decades by bequests from the Dunn family: the Dunns are remembered in several windows.
The Cathedral of Saint Mary the Crowned is the central point of Catholic worship in Gibraltar.
Birmingham Orthodox Cathedral (also Dormition of the Mother of God and St Andrew) is a Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Birmingham.
Situated in a prominent position in London Road, Arundel, West Sussex, England the cathedral overlooks the ancient town of Arundel on the west bank of the river Arun, where the valley opens out into the coastal plain.
A stimulating environment in which children and adults can connect with the countryside.
Experience a cutting edge eco-build and be inspired to respond to climate change back at home and work.
Education programme, Racing to School. The programme enriches the National Curriculum with hands-on learning at racecourses across the country.
Leeson House, the ideal venue for Primary to A Level fieldtrips, is a secluded and comfortable manor house situated near Swanage on the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site.
Located in the historic former Cambrian Mills, the National Wool Museum is a special place with a spellbinding story to tell.
Wool was historically the most important and widespread of Wales's industries.
Intrepid story-makers enter through the chocolate doors into this great little award-winning and family-friendly Museum. We have two fun and fact-packed biographical galleries and a fantabulous interactive Story Centre.
Start Point is one of the most exposed peninsulas on the English Coast, running sharply almost a mile into the sea on the South side of Start Bay near Dartmouth. The Lighthouse, sited at the very end of the headland, has guided vessels in passage along the English Channel for over 150 years.
Broadstone Warren is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Activties include Archery, Abseiling, Swimming and Zip Wiring.
The Bushcraft Company offer residential school trips with a difference, taking students into the wild and giving them real back-to-nature experiences they will never forget.
A 15-year-old boy fell 60ft over the edge of a cliff whilst on a geography school trip, miraculously only suffering minor injuries.