Most of what we see in the world which is man-made is there by design, whether that be good or bad is a matter of opinion, but it is a crucial aspect of this subject that both the creative and logistical sides of the topic are discussed in full. Undertaking trips is a great way to generate debate, inspire students creatively and also make them think about implications of things such as location, weather, longevity, colour, shape, materials, texture interaction with the surrounding environment, design history, fashion and fads.
Trips for design are very often either practical workshops or visits to museums, buildings or venues which have exhibits or themselves designed to inspire students to think creatively or logistically. Great examples include a trip to the Victoria and Albert museum in London, to view the Eden Project in Cornwall or the Sage arena in Gateshead from a design perspective.
Often trips will lead to major follow-up projects in the classroom which will include both practical and theoretical session, and other topics such as Physics or Technology can be involved.
Due to the nature of the practical sessions which often take place on design-based trips, the implications for safety are very important and increased attention should be paid to the suitability fo the activities, the tools being used and also ensuring the students are well-briefed, wear any protective equipment or clothing at all times and behave themselves.
Or you could be inspired by visiting design icons such as the Tate Modern, the Saatchi Gallery or even the studios of Aardman Animations.
Main organisations:
Design and Technology Association (DATA)
National Society for Education in Art and Design
British Institute of Interior Design
Inclusion: NASEN
NST is the UK's leading school tours, school trips and educational travel company for primary schools, secondary schools and colleges.
Since 1967 we've been creating expertly planned school tours - helping groups get more from their time away... Take a Learning Journey.
Curriculum-linked school trips
Lying just a few miles from the centre of Glasgow, this unique villa has been described as Alexander 'Greek' Thomson's finest domestic design. It was built in 1857-8 for James Couper, a local businessman.
Many rooms are richly ornamented in wood, plaster and marble. School groups are welcome. Please contact the Education Officer at Pollok House for details.
FHT Travel Ltd provides a knowledgeable and professional student group travel services, with bespoke visits based on each institute’s subject specialism needs and offering great value for money. Whilst away, a full and varied programme can be arranged, giving students the ideal opportunity to enhance their studies away from the institute.
ABTA and ATOL Bonded
Equity are specialists who will work with you to deliver fantastic learning experiences for young people that inspire them in the classroom and everyday life. We have been providing groups with inspiring school trips for over 80 years, which is why we are the best at what we do.
Regional Travel Advisors
Diverse School Travel is a passionate and vibrant business, offering schools & colleges wonderful and exciting educational and cultural tours throughout the UK, Europe, and beyond.
Adaptable Travel provides innovative educational tours for thousands of passengers each academic year from schools, colleges and universities. We pride ourselves on offering unique, safe and low-cost school trips and study tours.
Corfham Castle is a mid 12th century motte and bailey fortress but sadly nothing now remains above the ground. In the inner bailey, the low motte has a wide surrounding ditch and the foundations of a shell keep. The large ditched outer bailey is lined with the foundations of a curtain wall and flanking towers.
Broncroft Castle is a late 14th century stone fortified manor house, founded by Sir Roger Burley. In the Civil War, the castle was garrisoned by the Royalists until 1645 but it was ordered to be slighted in 1648. 'Much demolished' the Lutley family made repaired in the mid to late 17th century.
Halsbury Travel will work with you to create a tailor made trip that will inspire your pupils and bring your subject to life.
Established in 1986, Halsbury Travel is a friendly, family-run school tour operator. With several former teachers in our midst, we understand from first-hand experience the pressures on teachers when organising school trips.
Set within the magnificent grounds of Glasgow’s Bellahouston Park and inspired by the designs of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, House for an Art Lover combines art gallery and exhibition space, events venue, café, multipurpose artists studios and magnificent visitor attraction into one unique and inspiring venue.
Rainham Hall is a charming and remarkably fine example of a Queen Anne house, built in 1729 by an enterprising merchant and ship’s captain, John Harle.
The Jaguar Land Rover Education Business Partnership Centres are based on the Solihull Land Rover Manufacturing Site, the Castle Bromwich Jaguar Manufacturing site and the Gaydon Research and Development facility in Warwickshire. Our Visitors come from all around the world to see the facility.
Standing proudly atop a prominent hill, the Kymin and its nine acres of pleasure grounds, overlooks Monmouth and the beautiful Wye Valley.
Once part of the enormous Monmouthshire estate of the Dukes of Beaufort, the Kymin’s fortunes have fluctuated over the last two centuries. Originally a popular picnic site in the late 18th century, building on the Round House commenced in 1794.
Discover 800 years of the castle’s history from palatial dwelling to cattle shed; romantic ruin to restoration. The brick castle was built by Ralph Cromwell, Lord Treasurer of England, between 1434-1447 as a display of his wealth, power and ambition in unstable times.
Next to the Olympic village, this skatepark is quite quirky, the main feature being a huge bowl with some nice lines and a massive cradle for the more adventurous. Then at one end of the park is a small open end bowl section with pool coping and a few ledges and banks dotted around.
An indoor go karting centre with junior and adult karts rurally situated in the midlands. All racewear is provided. Lap times printed after each session. There is an indoor viewing area, party rooms, toilets, outdoor patio and a cafe serving hot and cold snacks.
This is the perfect place to relax, create and enjoy painting your own ceramic item. An ideal activity for children, adults, birthday parties, rainy days and sunny days. Choose from over 120 ceramic items and a selection of 30 colours to create a master piece or a simple handprint.
This unique collection interprets the rich architectural history of Bath and the men who transformed a provincial town into the world famous Georgian Spa. It demonstrates how classical design influenced the buildings and illustrates the construction of a house from the cellars to the rafters.
We cater for Key Stages 1 to 4.
Welcome to a vibrant world of entertainment and versatile event spaces in two magnificent buildings. Genteel yet lively. Historic yet cosmopolitan. Truly the energy and heart of Cheltenham.
Breathtaking, unique and radiating regency refinement, Pittville Pump Room is Cheltenham’s most spectacular private hire venue. When not in use, come and sample the fountain’s historically medicinal Spa Waters.
A small early Bronze Age stone circle traditionally believed to depict nine ladies turned to stone as a penalty for dancing on Sunday. It is part of a complex of prehistoric circles and standing stones on Stanton Moor.
Explore the amazingly vast history of South Tyneside, come face to face with exotic snakes, spiders and lizards and admire fantastic works of art at South Shields Museum & Art Gallery.
There's so much to do at the newly refurbished Manchester Central Library:
The Hatton stages a highly regarded programme of historical, modern and contemporary art exhibitions. The permanent collection consists of over 3,500 works, including Kurt Schwitters’ Merzbarn.
This picturesque castle set in Calshot, a coastal village in Southampton, Hampshire, England. This beautiful village provides a perfect relaxing family day out by the coast.
This artillery fort, built by Henry VIII to defend the sea passage to Southampton, was recently used as a Navy and RAF base.
The Bushcraft Company offer residential school trips with a difference, taking students into the wild and giving them real back-to-nature experiences they will never forget.
A 15-year-old boy fell 60ft over the edge of a cliff whilst on a geography school trip, miraculously only suffering minor injuries.