Washington DC Cultural School Trips & Tours
The White House. Capitol Hill. Smithsonian museums. It's all here.
Washington DC is one of those destinations students recognise instantly. From the White House and Capitol Hill to world-class museums and historic memorials, it's a city packed with iconic landmarks.
For many students, this will be a trip of firsts. Their first visit to the USA. Their first long-haul flight with friends. Their first chance to stand in front of landmarks they've only ever seen on screen. And that's what makes it so memorable. These are the experiences students talk about long after they've returned home.
Prices start from £1199pp
How can students get the most from a school trip to Washington DC?
Washington DC is packed with iconic landmarks, museums and cultural experiences, but many groups choose to take things even further by combining the city with New York.
It's a brilliant contrast. One trip gives students the chance to explore America's political and cultural heart. The other immerses them in the energy of one of the world's most famous cities. Together, they create an unforgettable USA experience packed with sights, stories and unforgettable moments.
What are the top highlights of a cultural & enrichment school trip to Washington DC?
There's plenty to discover in the USA's capital.
- Iconic landmarks – The White House, Capitol Hill, Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument
- World-class museums – Smithsonian museums, the National Air and Space Museum and the National Museum of American History
- American history & culture – Arlington National Cemetery, memorials and cultural institutions across the city
- Arts & culture – galleries, public art and some of the country's most important cultural collections
- And more... guided city tours, neighbourhood exploration and unforgettable views across the National Mall
Why book with NST?
A great trip starts with great planning. That's where we come in.
From your first enquiry, our Educational Travel Experts will help shape an itinerary around your group's learning outcomes and budget. Thinking about combining Washington DC with New York? Looking for the right mix of cultural visits, sightseeing and free time? We've got you covered.
Price includes
- 3 nights’ room only accommodation
- Return flights & overseas airport transfers
- Extensive group travel insurance
- 1 in 10 free place ratio
Price shown is based on 40 paying passengers from selected departure points and is subject to availability.
Latest offers
Return & Save
Save on your next trip with our new loyalty reward. Click here for more information.
We're making school trips more accessible
Save up to £20pp when you book before the end of July. The sooner you book, the more you save – and those savings can make school trips possible for even more students. Find out more.
Top visits
Walking Tour - Political Sites
Half day tour with a local guide covering externally all the major government buildings:
- Pennsylvania Avenue
- The US Capitol (the Senate, House of Representatives, Supreme Court, Library of Congress)
- The Mall
- George Washington Monument
Walking Tour - Historical Sites
Half day tour with a local guide covering all the major historical sites and monuments:
- Jefferson Memorial
- FDR Memorial
- Korean War Veterans Memorial
- Arlington National Cemetery
- Lincoln Memorial
- Vietnam Memorial
- WWII Memorial
- The White House (exterior)
US Holocaust Memorial Museum
Explaining the story of the Holocaust in a uniquely and immensely thought provoking manner, students will never forget a visit to this museum.
Arlington National Cemetery
The history of this cemetery, the largest military graveyard in the world reflects the conflicts and struggles faced by the American people. Graves here include those from the Civil War, and both World Wars and the eternal flame burning by the grave of JFK.
National Museum of American History
Traces the country’s development in an entertaining and fairly lighthearted manner.
Lincoln Memorial Steps
Stand on the site of Martin Luther King’s famous ‘I Have a Dream’ speech during the defining moment of the Civil Rights Movement in America.
FDR Memorial
This park traces 12 years of the history of the US using a sequence of outdoor rooms; one for each of Roosevelt’s terms of office. Sculptures and murals depict scenes from the Depression enabling you to stand in the ‘Breadline’.
The National Archives
Displays the Constitution, the Bill of Rights and the Declaration of Independence. Visits to the Public Vaults display original records and new interactive exhibits that allow you to touch and explore interesting documents. Key topics that can be studied here are Civil War, Civil Rights, Cold War, McCarthyism.
National Air & Space Museum
Discover the history of America’s aeronautical industry, from the Wright Brothers’ first flyer in 1903, to the Apollo 11 command module. An ideal visit to cover the Cold War and the Space Race.
Mount Vernon
An ideal visit en route to the airport, from the Mansion House to the Slave Quarters the plantation home of George Washington gives you the opportunity to see how the first President of the United States lived.
Smithsonian Institute
America’s national educational facility with 19 museums including:
- National Museum of Natural History
- National Portrait Gallery.
The Smithsonian Institute museums are free.
Scary DC Ghost Walk
Scary DC is Washington District of Columbia’s most haunted ghost tour. Let us see if we can scare you with stories of ghosts, haunted places, and mysterious sightings of apparitions. Listen to the ghostly encounters of our guides to see that the supernatural phenomena of Washington, DC are alive and well. Our tales and legends are blended with bits of human interest and historical fact to make us entertaining and educational for all ages and you may even be surprised by ghost stories told by participants on our tours.. Visit the world’s most haunted capital city: Washington, DC.
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
On-tour support includes...
- Airport assistance during check-in, security and gate checks on your outbound flight from the UK
- Airport assistance when you arrive back at your UK airport when you book a coach transfer to take you home
Additional on-tour support available...
- Pre-booked meals at great group prices
- Services of a Local Guide
Accommodation
Popular options in Washington
Courtyard Washington D.C
The Courtyard Washington D.C, is a bright, modern and comfortable hotel.
Hyatt Place Washington D.C
Hyatt Place is a large 3-star hotel with 200 rooms. This contemporary hotel is bright, modern and spacious, offering comfort for all travellers.
Courtyard Washington D.C
The Courtyard Washington D.C, is a bright, modern and comfortable hotel.
Hyatt Place Washington D.C
Hyatt Place is a large 3-star hotel with 200 rooms. This contemporary hotel is bright, modern and spacious, offering comfort for all travellers.
FAQs
How does a Washington DC cultural school trip support students’ learning?
A Washington DC cultural school trip gives students a first-hand insight into American history, politics and culture in the nation’s capital. By exploring significant landmarks, monuments, museums and memorials, students gain a deeper understanding of how the United States has evolved. This immersive experience helps bring classroom learning to life while developing global awareness.
What cultural and historical attractions can students visit in Washington DC?
Students can visit iconic sites such as the White House, the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial and the Smithsonian museums. These landmarks provide valuable insight into American government, society and historical change. Each visit helps students connect key historical events with real-world locations.
Why is Washington DC a popular destination for cultural school trips?
Washington DC offers an exceptional concentration of museums, monuments and educational attractions within a compact area. Students can explore political history, scientific achievement and cultural heritage all in one destination. This variety creates a rich and rewarding learning experience for school groups.
What is included in the NST Washington DC cultural school trip package?
The package includes return flights, overseas airport transfers and three nights’ accommodation. Extensive group travel insurance and a generous 1 in 10 free place ratio are also included to support teachers with planning and budgeting. NST arranges all key logistics to help ensure a smooth and stress-free trip.
What support do teachers receive during the trip?
NST provides dependable support throughout the planning process and while on tour. A Local Guide is available at key sites, helping students gain more from their visits through expert local knowledge and insight. This support gives teachers added confidence and reassurance throughout the trip.
Can a Washington DC cultural school trip be combined with other destinations?
Yes, Washington DC is often combined with New York to create a broader educational experience covering American history, politics and culture. This allows students to compare two of the USA’s most influential cities while exploring a wider range of themes and attractions. NST can tailor the itinerary to suit your group’s learning objectives.
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 cultural school trips
