School trips to Manchester
Where Britain creates, broadcasts and inspires
Manchester is one of the UK's most influential cities. It's home to one of the UK's leading media hubs, world-class museums, thriving arts venues, and opportunities to experience modern Britain in action.
From MediaCityUK and the BBC to The Lowry, Manchester Museum and the Whitworth, students can gain valuable insight into the industries, organisations, and ideas shaping modern Britain.
What to expect on a school trip to Manchester
Manchester is where ideas become industries.
Students can engage with the industries, organisations and cultural institutions influencing Britain today. From broadcasting and media to science, technology, art, and design, there's plenty to explore.
It's a destination that feels relevant, accessible, and closely connected to the world students see around them every day.
What are the highlights of a school trip to Manchester?
Manchester offers experiences that are difficult to find anywhere else in the UK.
From the studios of MediaCityUK to internationally recognised galleries and museums, students can explore a city known for its creativity, innovation and cultural influence.
Highlights include:
- Going behind the scenes at MediaCityUK and the BBC.
- Exploring interactive exhibits at the Museum of Science and Industry.
- Discovering art and creativity at The Lowry, the Whitworth and Manchester Art Gallery.
- Exploring one of the UK's most influential cities for media, culture and innovation.
Why book your Manchester school trip with NST?
You’ve got great travel ideas for your students. We'll help make them happen.
Our job is simple. To make organising your trip easier.
With responsive support, easy-to-use travel technology, financial protection and trusted safety standards, you'll have everything you need to plan with confidence and travel with peace of mind.
Less admin. Less stress. More time for teaching.
Browse our most popular Manchester 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.
Manchester trip highlights - our groups love
Manchester Art Gallery
Uncover the history and rich culture with the Manchester Art Gallery, one of the country’s finest art museums. With a mix of wonderful historic collections alongside the best international contemporary art to bring fresh perspectives to familiar images, Manchester Art Gallery offers a blend of historic and contemporary architecture that echoes an innovative arts programme.
The Lowry
Set in a magnificent waterside location at the heart of the redeveloped Salford Quays in Greater Manchester, The Lowry brings together a wide variety of performing and visual arts under one roof. The Lowry offers school groups the best in entertainment and education in the arts in the North West.
Whitworth Art Gallery
The Whitworth Art Gallery has been part of the University of Manchester since 1889, and holds both historic and contemporary collections and exhibitions. The gallery is well-known for its displays of modern art and sculpture, including works by British sculptor Jacob Epstein, British artist and sculptor Barbara Hepworth, Vincent van Gogh, and Pablo Picasso.
The Manchester Museum
This museum, based at the University of Manchester, is host to a mix of collections. From natural history to science and technology, dinosaur skeletons to mummies from Ancient Egypt, this diverse museum showcases objects which will engage and education any mind. The Manchester Museum is perfectly suited to students who are studying history, science and culture. With free, public tour running throughout the week, this would be a fantastic time to generate the student's interest and gain an insightful view into the museum's history and the collections housed here.
The Trafford Centre
Situated just five miles outside of Manchester city centre, where groups can enjoy a vast range of stores along three miles of granite and marble boulevards! There are many restaurants and places to eat plus the Trafford Centre is also home to the Odeon 20 screen cinema - one of the largest in the UK. Not only that, but the Trafford Centre is also home to Sea Life Manchester, which is filled with lots of family-friendly sealife exhibitions.
