London West End School Tours
Visit a performer's paradise in the world-renowned West End.
London's West End offers a wealth of opportunities for vocalists and orchestral ensembles alike. Students can develop their performance skills while experiencing acclaimed productions at some of London’s most popular theatres. Backstage tours provide a fascinating insight into how large-scale productions are brought to life, from technical elements to stage management. With so many opportunities to explore music and performance beyond the classroom, NST can help create a tailored itinerary that makes the most of everything the capital has to offer.
Prices start from £185pp
What other attractions can students visit during the tour?
Alongside music-focused activities, students can experience some of London's most popular attractions. Options may include a Thames River Cruise, where students can view landmarks such as Tower Bridge, the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye from the water. Groups may also choose to visit the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the filmmaking process.
Why is London a great destination for music students?
As one of the world's leading cultural capitals, London offers students an exciting mix of music, theatre and creative arts experiences. Alongside attending West End productions, groups can take part in specialist workshops, experience live performances and explore destinations that celebrate the performing arts. The city's variety ensures there is always something new to discover.
How can a London music tour bring learning beyond the classroom?
A music tour to London gives students the opportunity to engage with the creative industries in a real-world setting. Whether taking part in a Disney-led theatre workshop, exploring the behind-the-scenes workings of a major production or learning about performance techniques from industry professionals, students can develop their understanding of music and theatre in an engaging and memorable way.
Price includes
- 1 night’s B&B accommodation
- Executive coach transport from & to school & throughout your stay
- Group travel insurance
- Generous free place ratio of 1 in 8
Price shown is based on 40 paying passengers departing from selected departure points on selected dates and is subject to availability.
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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.
Les Misérables Theatre Tour
Step behind-the-scenes of one of the longest running shows in West End history!
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.
London Symphony Orchestra - Audioactive Workshop
A unique and exciting workshop where students use music technology and acoustic instruments to create a group composition, improvisation and performance. Explore the concepts of contemporary composition and sonic art through a hands-on electro-acoustic workshop. Your students will collaborate with the workshop leader and each other to devise a piece of music.
London Symphony Orchestra - Remix the Orchestra: Technology Workshop
Your group will use samples from the LSO’s catalogue to create a new composition. Using GarageBand software, pupils select loops from the LSO’s extensive recordings and combine them with other styles and genres. The workshops can run for an hour and a half, three hours, or for a full day. At the end of the session schools receive two audio CDs of their work, and you may optionally order extra CD’s for the group.
London Symphony Orchestra - Balinese Gamelan Workshop
A gamelan is a set of bronze metallophones and tuned gongs indigenous to Indonesia, where it is played for temple ceremonies and to accompany dance, drama and shadow puppet plays. There are many different types; LSO’s is from Bali. The music is formed largely of repeating patterns that can be quickly learned and played as a group by most participants regardless of age or musical experience.
Royal Opera House Backstage Tour
Visit the backstage and the front-of-house areas as the Royal Opera House prepares to open its doors for an evening performance. Your group will enjoy an introduction to the colourful history of this theatre, its magnificent backstage technology and redevelopment.
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.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter
Step on to authentic sets, discover the magic behind spellbinding special effects and explore the behind-the-scenes secrets of the Harry Potter™ film series. Discover the iconic Hogwarts™ Great Hall, explore the Forbidden Forest, board the original Hogwarts Express™ at Platform 9 ¾™ and step foot into Gringotts™ Wizarding Bank.
EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOPS:
A programme of educational lessons has been created to complement the Studio Tour. These lessons are delivered in purpose-built classrooms by qualified teachers and use the Harry Potter™ film series as an example of the wider context and theories surrounding filmmaking and design. You’ll even get access to free downloadable pre and post-visit resource packs to use in the classroom.
Lesson options include:
- Screenplay Stories
- Costume Characterisation
- Costume Distressing
- Pitching
- Instructional Writing
- Movie Graphic Design
- Careers in the Creative Industry
- Script to Screen
- Camera Choices
- Set Design
- Movie Business
- Movie Marketing
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.
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 +
Stranger Things
From the much loved Netflix TV series.
BEFORE THE WORLD TURNED UPSIDE DOWN…
Hawkins, 1959: a regular town with regular worries. Young Jim Hopper’s car won’t start, Bob Newby’s sister won’t take his radio show seriously and Joyce Maldonado just wants to graduate and get the hell out of town. When new student Henry Creel arrives, his family finds that a fresh start isn’t so easy… and the shadows of the past have a very long reach.
Brought to life by a multi-award-winning creative team, who take theatrical storytelling and stagecraft to a whole new dimension, this gripping new adventure will take you right back to the beginning of the Stranger Things story – and may hold the key to the end.
Show at: Phoenix Theatre
Times: Tuesday - Saturday 7pm, Friday & Saturday Matinees 1pm & Sunday 3pm
Running time: Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes including an interval
Age Recommendation: 12 and over.
School prices available: Tuesday - Thursday evening and Friday matinee
Need something bespoke?
Our dedicated team are on hand and ready to plan your tailor-made tour.
Try our itinerary planning tool
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Let’s make your trip planning experience even swifter.
On-tour support
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.
YHA London Thameside
This youth hostel offers basic accommodation and good facilities for groups at a very reasonable price.
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.
YHA London Thameside
This youth hostel offers basic accommodation and good facilities for groups at a very reasonable price.
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.
FAQs
How can a London West End tour support students studying music and musical theatre?
London gives students the opportunity to experience world-class musical theatre performances while exploring the skills that bring productions to life. Seeing professional performers on stage helps students develop a deeper understanding of performance, vocal techniques and theatrical storytelling.
What specialist workshops are available on a West End school tour?
Students can take part in curriculum-linked workshops led by experienced industry professionals. From musical theatre and vocal sessions to unique experiences such as Samba drumming, these practical activities encourage creativity, confidence and performance skills.
Can students learn what happens behind the scenes of a major theatre production?
Yes. Backstage tours offer valuable insight into the technical and creative elements of live theatre, helping students discover more about staging, production and the range of careers that support a successful West End show.
Which West End productions can be included in the itinerary?
NST can tailor your programme around a range of popular productions, allowing students to experience different styles of performance and stagecraft. This flexibility helps teachers build an itinerary that best supports their learning objectives and students' interests.
How does NST help teachers manage a theatre trip to London?
An NST Music Tour Manager can accompany and assist your group throughout the tour, providing added reassurance and support. NST can also arrange pre-booked meals, Underground tickets and packed lunches, helping teachers focus on the educational experience rather than logistics.
What is included in an NST London West End tour package?
A typical package includes one night's B&B accommodation, executive coach transport from and to school and throughout your stay, group travel insurance and a generous free place ratio of 1 in 8. Every itinerary can be tailored to suit your curriculum requirements, budget and performance interests.
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
