School Trips to Edinburgh
Scotland’s historic capital city provides a unique learning experience for students of all ages, full of quality sights, landmarks and activities. That means there’s a lot to consider when planning your ideal school trip to Edinburgh.
Holyrood Palace, Edinburgh Castle, Scottish Parliament and the winding streets of the Old Town are all stunning attractions that offer fascinating insights for students of sociology and psychology. Our specialised psychology trips are tailored to suit your group’s requirements and may cover a range of topics, such as sleep disorders or mental illness.
You also don’t have to look far to find areas of stunning natural beauty. Arthur’s Seat, Holyrood Park and the lavish features of the Royal Botanic Garden are all memorable sights for any primary school day trip.
Edinburgh’s location makes it a very popular, year-round destination for schools in the Midlands and North of England. It’s an ideal alternative for schools that are not in the vicinity of London but who are still looking to give their students a taste of a cosmopolitan city.
Take a look at our most popular options below, or get in touch today for more expert advice on planning your next Edinburgh school trip.
Browse our most popular Edinburgh school trips
Why choose NST?
Here's why thousands of teachers choose NST each year...
- Unrivalled school trip knowledge
Your dedicated Tour Co-ordinator will use their trip planning knowledge and expertise to create a tailor-made, curriculum-linked itinerary to meet your group’s exact needs.
- Making it easier for you
Your own trip organiser, travel app, free classroom packs and trip promo resources.
- Free group leader inspection visits
Visit your chosen destination free of charge and plan with confidence.
- Value for money, always
We work hard to make every penny count.
- Over 55 years’ experience
With NST you can rest assured that your group is in safe hands.
- Aligned to your learning outcomes
Every trip can be built around your specific goals — from the latest GCSE and A level curriculum requirements to particular themes, interests or visits you want to focus on.
- Risk assessment guidance
Clear, practical support to help you manage group safety including our free guide.
- Offsetting carbon emissions
Through our partnership with Carbon Footprint, we're committed to offset one tonne of CO2 emissions, and plant a tree on school grounds in the UK, for every trip booked.
Edinburgh highlights - our groups love
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Educational Workshops - ideal for psychology groups
Visit this fantastic zoo. Tailored educational sessions are available - options include 'Adaptations', 'Primate Behaviour' and 'Evolution'
Sleep Assessment & Advisory Service
These informative 90-minute sessions are delivered by an expert and can focus on a range of relevant study themes, which can be tailored specifically to your group’s requirements. Suggested topics include sleep disorders (insomnia, sleepwalking and narcolepsy), dreaming (including Dement & Kleitman research), the brain during sleep and mental illness and sleep.
Murder & Mystery Walking Tour
Led by your tour guide, hanged highwayman, Adam Lyal, students will be given a spine-tingling insight into Edinburgh’s darker side, with costumed characters including infamous body-snatchers, Burke and Hare.
