London Music School Tours
Take to the stage in London and enjoy world‑class performances in the West End
Let our NST Music Tour Managers support you in planning a close-to-home music school tour. With a range of opportunities including theatre tours, musical masterclasses and iconic performance venues, London is the perfect place to build confidence and develop performance skills.
Prices start from £225pp
How do groups travel to London music tour venues?
We offer a range of transport options to suit your music group, including executive coach travel (with trailer options for instruments), rail and flights. This flexibility makes it easy to plan travel around your itinerary and group requirements.
When is the best time to go on a London music tour?
London is a great year‑round destination, with performance and visit opportunities available throughout the year. Spring and summer offer longer days and more outdoor activity, while autumn and winter bring a busy theatre season and festive events, giving groups plenty of options to build their itinerary.
What should we know before travelling on a London music tour?
London is best explored on foot and by underground, so comfortable footwear is recommended. NST can arrange travelcards, rail tickets and West End theatre tickets in advance. For groups on a budget, there are also many free museums offering workshops and educational visits.
Price includes
- 1 night B&B accommodation
- Executive coach transport from & to school & throughout your stay
- Organisation & publicity of 2 concerts
- Group travel insurance
- Generous free place ratio of 1 in 8
Price shown is based on 40 paying passengers departing from selected departure points and is subject to availability.
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Top performance venues
St Paul’s Cathedral
Choirs can perform lunchtime a cappella recitals of 30 minutes at this famous and beautiful cathedral (outside of the summer season), creating a memorable experience at one of London’s most eminent landmarks.
St Alfege Church, Greenwich
Long revered as the burial place of Thomas Tallis, the ‘Father of English church music’, this beautiful and historic church will provide a memorable venue for musicians and music lovers.
Churches of the City of London
During the week the churches of the City of London offer groups the opportunityto perform lunchtime concerts for office workers and visitors to the city.
The Actor’s Church, St Paul’s, Covent Garden
This popular celebrated church in London’s busy West End hosts a wide variety of performances throughout the year.
Royal Park Bandstands
Perform in one of London's Royal parks. Choose from Alexandra Park, Windsor Park, St James's Park or Regent's Park.
Victoria Embankment Gardens
Located alongside the River Thames, these gardens host a series of summer concerts, where groups can perform to large audiences.
Top visits
Wicked
Wicked tells the untold story of the Witches of Oz. The spectacular production and incredible story inspires discussion about propaganda, tolerance, bullying and friendship.
On show at: The Apollo Victoria Theatre
Times: Tuesday - Saturday evenings at 7.30pm, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2.30pm
Running time: 2hrs 45mins
School prices available: Tuesday - Thursday evenings, Wednesday matinees.
Educational packs and workshops available. For more information on the show's educational programme, for more information please contact us.
Les Misérables
Cameron Mackintosh’s legendary production is indisputably the world’s most popular musical seen by over 70 million people worldwide. This spectacular adaptation of Victor Hugo’s masterpiece continues to thrill audiences night after night.
On show at: Sondheim Theatre
Times: Monday - Saturday evenings at 7.30pm, Thursday and Saturday matinees at 2.30pm
Running time: 2hrs 50mins
School prices available: Monday - Thursday evenings, Thursday matinees
Educational packs available.
Matilda the Musical
Following a sensational sell-out season at The Courtyard Theatre, the RSC’s production of Matilda the Musical has now opened in London to extraordinary critical acclaim. Roald Dahl’s much-loved story bursts into life on stage. Your group will be delighted by the story of the special little girl with an extraordinary imagination.
On show at: Cambridge Theatre
Times: Tuesday at 7.00pm, Wednesday - Saturday at 7.30pm. Matinees on Wednesday and Saturday at 2.30pm and Sunday at 3.00pm
Running time: 2hrs 35mins
School prices available: Tuesday - Thursday evenings and Wednesday matinees.
Educational packs available.
Matilda the Musical School Workshops are available and are designed to introduce your group to the story of Matilda, the key characters and the creative process of bringing it to life on stage. Led by RSC practitioners, these active 90-minute sessions can be tailored to meet the needs of students of all ages. Available Wednesdays at 10.30am. Groups are advised to book early.
Stage School Theatre Workshop – Song in Performance
Learn singing techniques and how to act through song with a West End musical director. Share all you have learnt in a performance for a cast member from the show you are seeing. You can suggest a song of your choice or one can be picked for you - it’s up to you!
Stage School Workshops are delivered by qualified teaching artists (so you can get involved too) and can be tailored to your chosen show, as well as your curriculum requirements.
Disney's The Lion King Education Workshops
Everyone from beginners to professionals can experience the thrill of the West End through these hands-on explorations of theatrical performances that are led by expert Disney teaching artists. Options include:
Spotlight on Acting - ages 9 +
Spotlight on Movement & Music - ages 7 +
Spotlight on Singing - ages 12 +
Spotlight on Dancing - ages 14 +
National Theatre Backstage Tour
On our London theatre trips for schools, you students will get the opportunity to go backstage at Britain’s largest theatre complex to discover the secrets behind bringing productions to the stage. Your group will get exclusive access to unseen parts of the building, including the workshops where sets and props are created, on a tour led by an experienced and enthusiastic guide.
The lastminute.com London Eye
A classroom with a moving view! Standing 135m tall on the South Bank of the River Thames, nothing says iconic like The lastminute.com London Eye.
Since 2000, this world-famous structure has taken over 75 million people on a journey into London’s skyline. Be inspired with our Skyline Workshops. At an additional cost, these enhanced in-pod experiences are delivered by our education hosts and include interactive activities and interesting facts on London's iconic skyline.
Developed in collaboration with education specialists, teachers can book either a KS2/KS3 version.
Highlights of London Blue Badge Guided Tour
See the major sights of the city. An expert Blue Badge Guide will join you on your coach and bring the Capital to life for your group. Sights may include Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, Westminster Abbey and St Paul’s Cathedral.
Thames River Cruise
Take in London’s best-loved sights on this enjoyable cruise. Your students will gain an insight into the many layers of history that have built up along the river, from the Houses of Parliament and Tower Bridge to the 'lastminute.com' London Eye.
Explore Covent Garden
A trip to the capital isn’t complete without a little shopping time! We recommend Covent Garden as a suitable area for groups to explore and watch the street performers.
Need something bespoke?
Our dedicated team are on hand and ready to plan your tailor-made tour.
Try our itinerary planning tool
Whether you already know what you’re looking for or need a spark of inspiration, our smart itinerary planning tool makes planning a school trip effortless. Just share your details, choose the visits that matter most, and our experts will shape the perfect trip for you.
Let’s make your trip planning experience even swifter.
On-tour support
Get even more from your trip with an NST Music Tour Manager! Call us for details.
On-tour support includes...
- Pre-booked meals at great group prices
- Pre-booked and pre-paid London Underground tickets
- A choice of packed lunches for your group throughout your stay
Accommodation
Popular options in London
Premier Inn London Hanger Lane
A comfortable hotel, belonging to the Premier Inn chain, located close to a tube station thereby offering easy access into central London.
Royal National Hotel
A large, busy hotel offering a good standard of accommodation in a central location. The hotel offers a good range of facilities and represents value for money.
Premier Inn London Hanger Lane
A comfortable hotel, belonging to the Premier Inn chain, located close to a tube station thereby offering easy access into central London.
Royal National Hotel
A large, busy hotel offering a good standard of accommodation in a central location. The hotel offers a good range of facilities and represents value for money.
Expert's comment
“To ensure the best possible concert options, choosing a variety of performance venues is always wise, particularly during the summer months. For the best venue availability and audiences, I recommend travelling on weekdays outside summer months.”
FAQs
What makes London such an exciting destination for school music groups?
London offers an incredible mix of iconic performance spaces, worldclass music culture and memorable attractions all in one place. With countless venues, rich musical heritage and a huge variety of ensemble-friendly audiences, it’s the ideal setting for students to showcase their talents while enjoying everything the capital has to offer.
How does NST support groups when they arrive on a London music tour?
NST handles all practical arrangements - transport, accommodation and pre-planned visits, so your group settles in smoothly. Teachers are supported by clear itineraries, access to NST’s travel app, and excellent group-friendly pricing on meals and activities, ensuring every part of the trip runs hassle-free.
What kinds of performance or music-related experiences can students take part in?
Depending on your itinerary, students can explore major cultural attractions, take part in educational workshops, enjoy backstage tours and visit a range of London venues with strong musical and theatrical links. These experiences help students understand performance from different angles; from audience experience to professional stagecraft.
Can this tour include leisure and cultural sightseeing as well as music experiences?
Yes. London offers exceptional attractions, from the London Eye and Thames river cruise to immersive museums and West End experiences. NST builds itineraries that blend musical enrichment with iconic sightseeing, making the trip both educational and exciting for your students.
Is London a good choice for first-time touring ensembles?
Absolutely. London’s ease of travel, compact layout and wide range of group-friendly activities make it an excellent destination for ensembles looking to experience their first music tour. Students can enjoy a full programme without long travel times between visits, helping keep energy and engagement high throughout the trip.
What’s included in an NST London music tour package?
A typical package includes B&B accommodation, executive coach transport throughout your stay, pre-booked visits and workshops, group travel insurance and a 1 in 8 free place ratio. NST tailors the itinerary to your group’s needs, whether you’re seeking performance opportunities, cultural enrichment or a blend of both.
Giving you full support throughout
Before your tour
- Dedicated NST expert from day one
- Responsive, flexible communication - Teams, phone, or email
- Same-day quotes
- Trips tailored to your budget, with transparent pricing
- Straightforward planning - we handle the details
- Step-by-step risk assessment guidance
- Free accommodation for group leader preview visits
- Curriculum-driven, enriching experiences across 100s of locations
- Unrivalled local knowledge & expertise
Whilst you're away
- Our travel app keeps all your info in one place
- On-tour support from our reps on the ground
- Support & assistance from our specialists
- 24/7 helpline and support
- Extensive group travel insurance
- Group-friendly accommodation
- Free educational resources
On your return
- Priority rebooking services
- Loyalty reward scheme for valued customers
- You say, we act - we're committed to continuously improving our tours
Speak to one of our school travel experts
Our team of school travel experts have unrivalled destination knowledge and experience so they can help to bring your tour ideas to life and might even suggest options you hadn’t already thought of too!
So get in touch today and we'll help to create a bespoke, budget-friendly tour itinerary to meet your specific learning requirements.
Browse our most popular music school trips
