History trips to London
History trips to London
Where history meets the here and now
London’s been through it all – plague, fire, civil war, the Blitz, protests – you name it. With over 2,000 years of history packed into its streets, it’s the ultimate place to dive into everything from the Roman Conquest to WWII and right up to today’s politics.
One minute you’re touring the Houses of Parliament, the next you’re watching a trial unfold at the Old Bailey. Insights like this get students truly engaged.
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Meet our London experts
It’s the people behind the scenes who make our trips truly special. Our Tour Designers know London inside-out and are ready to listen, share ideas, and offer tailored, experience-led advice to make your trip a huge success.
Ready to start planning? Call us or arrange a video appointment online.
Charlotte
“My favourite itinerary”
Here’s a little inspiration to get you started…
Harry
“My top pick of things to see and do”
London is packed with historical points of interest, but here are a few standout experiences I always recommend for History groups:
British Museum
The British Museum was founded in 1753 and is one of the great museums of the world.
Central Criminal Court – Old Bailey
Universally known as the Old Bailey, the Central Criminal Court of England is probably the most famous criminal court in the world and has been London’s principal criminal court for centuries.
Churchill Cabinet War Rooms
The Cabinet War Rooms were used as emergency accommodation for Winston Churchill and the war cabinet against air attacks during the Second World War.
Houses of Parliament
The guided visit will enable students to see The Queen’s Robing Room, the Royal Gallery, The Prince’s Chamber, the Chamber of the House of Lords, the Central Lobby, House of Commons, Member’s Lobby, Division Lobby, St Stephens Hall and Westminster Hall.
Imperial War Museum
IWM London tells the story of those whose lives have been shaped by war from the First World War to the present day.
The lastminute.com London Eye
The famous London Eye is one of the world’s highest observation wheels, standing at 135 metres high.
The National Archives
There are a wide range of Key Stage 5 workshops at the National Archives in Kew which take place in their purpose-built classroom.
The Supreme Court
Guided tours consist of an interactive introductory talk given by one of the Information Officers, time in the educational exhibition area and the opportunity for students to observe some of an appeal hearing (depending on the court schedule and space in the public seating areas).
Tower of London
Tighten your grip on ten centuries of Tower history.
British Museum
The British Museum was founded in 1753 and is one of the great museums of the world. The museum displays works of man from 1753 to present day from all cultures over the world in the following collections; Africa, America, Europe, Asia, Britain, Japan, Pacific, Rome, Near East and Greece.
Central Criminal Court – Old Bailey
Universally known as the Old Bailey, the Central Criminal Court of England is probably the most famous criminal court in the world and has been London’s principal criminal court for centuries. Today’s courthouses, opened in 1902, are built on the site of the famous Newgate Prison, home to some unsavoury characters and particularly public executions. Public galleries open each day for viewings of trials in session.
Churchill Cabinet War Rooms
The Cabinet War Rooms were used as emergency accommodation for Winston Churchill and the war cabinet against air attacks during the Second World War. The original twenty-one rooms are open to the public and include the Cabinet room, the transatlantic telephone room and the Prime Ministers room.
Houses of Parliament
The guided visit will enable students to see The Queen’s Robing Room, the Royal Gallery, The Prince’s Chamber, the Chamber of the House of Lords, the Central Lobby, House of Commons, Member’s Lobby, Division Lobby, St Stephens Hall and Westminster Hall. Visitors can observe Prime Minister’s Question Time on Wednesdays at 3pm (tickets must be obtained in advance through your local MP).
Imperial War Museum
IWM London tells the story of those whose lives have been shaped by war from the First World War to the present day. Highlights include the Trench experience, the First World War Galleries and Secret War which explains the part spies have played in warfare. Explore stories and key moments from the Second World War in A Family in Wartime and The Holocaust Exhibition.
The lastminute.com London Eye
The famous London Eye is one of the world’s highest observation wheels, standing at 135 metres high. The wheel has thirty-two capsules, each of which holds 25 people and views possible as far away as twenty-five miles on a clear day.
The National Archives
There are a wide range of Key Stage 5 workshops at the National Archives in Kew which take place in their purpose-built classroom. They will give your group the opportunity to work directly with real documents. Workshops include: Tudor Rebellions, Chartism on Trial, Civil Rights and an AS/A2 History Masterclass.
The Supreme Court
Guided tours consist of an interactive introductory talk given by one of the Information Officers, time in the educational exhibition area and the opportunity for students to observe some of an appeal hearing (depending on the court schedule and space in the public seating areas).Your tour will provide an introduction to the Court’s role in the UK justice system and the type of cases they hear. Debate day workshops are also available where alongside a court tour groups split into opposing groups to prepare to a debate based on an actual case that has previously been considered by the Court.
Tower of London
Tighten your grip on ten centuries of Tower history. The fun and interactive ’Hands on history’ exhibition has enhanced displays aimed at encouraging visitors to literally get to grips with items including swords and armour inspired by the Royal Armouries’ collection. Health and safety advice: wear sensible shoes due to uneven walking surfaces.
Jamie
“My top tips”
Here’s how to make the most out of your History trip to London.
Charge everything overnight
Delays, detours and tweaks happen – staying calm sets the tone Phones, power banks, watches – future you will be grateful.
Snacks solve many problems
Students tired, grumpy, quiet? Snacks help more than you think.
Stay sun safe
Sunburn is no joke – so take Baz Luhrmann’s advice and wear sunscreen
Harry
The best places to stay
We’ve tried and tested accommodation across the city to find the options that work brilliantly for school groups – safe, comfortable, and perfectly located.
Generator London
Located in Bloomsbury, close to Russell Square, Generator London offers centrally located accommodation within easy reach of the West End, Covent Garden and key London attractions.
- En‑suite or shared‑facility rooms
- Central Bloomsbury location
- Close to Russell Square Underground Station
- Easy access to the West End and major sights
- Well connected by tube and bus routes
A&O London Docklands Riverside
Set on the eastern stretch of the River Thames, A&O London Docklands Riverside offers group‑friendly accommodation with good transport connections into central London.
- En‑suite or shared‑facility rooms
- Riverside Docklands location
- Quiet setting away from the city centre
- Easy access to DLR and bus services
- Good connections to central London attractions
Premier Inn London
Across multiple locations in London, Premier Inn hotels offer comfortable, reliable accommodation with easy access to public transport and the city’s key cultural, historic and educational attractions.
- En‑suite rooms
- Multiple London locations available
- Consistent, comfortable accommodation
- Easy access to public transport across the city
- Practical option for school and group travel
YHA London Thameside
Positioned on the south bank of the River Thames in south‑east London, YHA London Thameside offers group accommodation with good bus and rail links to central London.
- En‑suite rooms
- South Bank location
- Near rail and bus links
- Easy access to city centre
- Facilities for groups
Royal National Hotel
In London’s Bloomsbury district, the Royal National Hotel offers large‑scale accommodation within easy walking distance of Russell Square Underground Station.
- En‑suite rooms
- Central London location
- Near Russell Square station
- Oxford Street, Covent Garden & Theatres close by
- Extensive on‑site facilities
The most popular questions, answered
London places students at the centre of UK political life, giving them the chance to explore institutions, debates and decisions that shape the country today. Seeing government in action helps them connect classroom learning to real processes, real people and real power.
History, Government & Politics, Citizenship and Law all gain depth here, with visits that explore democracy, justice, protest and political change. Students return with a clearer sense of how the UK’s political system works and how its history continues to influence modern society.
Absolutely, every itinerary is shaped around your learning goals, whether you want to focus on Parliament, the justice system, political activism or the evolution of British democracy. We guide you through the best visit combinations so the programme feels purposeful, balanced and achievable.
From planning to travel, we’re right beside you with calm, practical guidance. We handle logistics, bookings and timings, ensuring you always feel supported and free to focus on your students’ learning experience rather than the admin.
We use trusted, school‑friendly accommodation across the city, chosen for safety, comfort and easy access to key political and historical sites. Teachers can expect a reliable base that keeps travel simple and gives students a secure place to unwind after full days exploring London.
Your package typically includes accommodation, meals, transport and pre‑booked visits to help you maximise learning time. Free place ratios are built in, and we take care of the organisational details so you can concentrate on guiding your students through London’s rich political and historical landscape.
What people say
“This was my second journey via Esto, and I would highly recommend the company to anyone bringing groups to London.”
Pianca School
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