Destination - UK - The School Journey Association

Please choose the country you are interested in visiting and then click on the trips available for that country..

London
Isle Of Man
Yorkshire
Lake District & North Wales
Devon & Cornwall
Dorset
Isle Of Wight

London

Day Trips
1 night / 2 days
4 nights / 5 days

Steeped in history, tradition and with many interesting places to visit, London is an excellent educational venue. Whether you decide on a day visit or choose a residential tour, the capital city is full of exciting places to visit.

We offer competitive rates both for day trips and residential stays, which include coach travel. Groups stay at University campus or YHA accommodation, close to central London, All accommodation has good facilities with facilities for visiting school groups. Students are accommodated in modern multi bedded en-suite rooms with staff in twins.

What is included?

Coach from school & throughout the Tour.
Use of coach for excursions.
Full itinerary organised by S.J.A.
Full board accommodation with packed lunch.
Entrance fees.
Fully comprehensive insurance cover.

Tours can be tailored to suit your requirements

Sample Excursions

Sightseeing tour of Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament & Big Ben.
Tour of the South Bank, London Eye, Imperial War Museum, Museum of Moving Image or London Aquarium
St Paul?s Cathedral, walk across bridge to Tate Modern & Globe Theatre.
Tower of London, Tower Bridge & London Dungeon.
Riverboat from Westminster Pier to HMS Belfast or Greenwich Maritime Museum, ?Cutty Sark? and Old Royal Observatory.
Hampton Court Palace then via Runnymede onto Windsor.
Covent Garden, Opera House, London Transport Museum, the National Portrait Gallery, Trafalgar Square, Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus.
The British Museum, Madame Tussaud?s & Planetarium.
The Natural History Museum, Science Museum and Kensington Palace.
London Zoo
Evening Theatre visit.
Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, Battersea Park, Kew Gardens and Regents Park with Zoo.

Sample Itinerary

Sample Day Trip Itinerary

08.00 Depart school ? example Birmingham Central area.

Arrive London for packed lunch from home in Green Park, view St James?s Palace, walk down the Mall to Constitution Hill and Buckingham Palace.

Sightseeing tour: taking in Hyde Park Corner, Victoria, Westminster Cathedral, New Scotland Yard, Westminster Abbey, Houses of Parliament, Whitehall, Admiralty Arch and Trafalgar Square.

Visit: the National Gallery and view St Martin?s in the Fields.

Walk to Covent Garden and the London Transport Museum.

Stop to eat.

Coach to tour the South Bank for a glimpse of the London Eye before the return journey.

21.00 Arrive back at school.

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A Great Experience on a Magical Island

The Isle of Man has been used by The School Journey Association (formerly Educational Travel Ltd) since 1959, and has catered for over 69,000 children from 1533 schools. A few years ago ETL amalgamated with The School Journey Association. SJA has acquired a centre built in success.

The Isle of Man continues to be a cost effective destination for schools, and with travel by ferry or air, is a great place to visit and just like going abroad.

Scenically beautiful with hills, moorlands, towering cliffs, rock pools, sandy bays, leafy glens and waterfalls; the Isle of Man is interesting because of its wide variety of natural and historic attractions: castles, folk museums, Viking remains, ancient monuments, unique transport system, its own currency, postal service, language and government, and children are constantly discovering things that are different.

In the comfort of friendly hotels, no group is too large or small. Bring as few as 10 or 110. The largest hotels have en suite bathrooms. We will only place you in good standard accommodation.

Groups can combine the Manx Experience with Activities at the Maughold Adventure Centre on the island. Activities with qualified instructors include: Archery, Abseiling, Assault Course, Kayaking, Raft Building, Sailing or Target Shooting. Located at Lewaigue Farm situated in scenic rolling farmland with Ramsey Boating Lake close by.

Our charges are competitively priced with those of other school journey companies. The SJA is registered as a charity, which gives it certain advantages and concessions, which in turn reduce overheads. Its Organisers are unpaid volunteers comprising of teachers and Head Teachers with vast experience of school travel, an understanding of the needs of children and in intimate knowledge of the Isle of Man.

To be sure of first choice dates and accommodation, we do recommend that you book early as most schools make a provisional booking before the summer holidays. We can custom build your visit to suit your needs.

Advice for organising trips to the Isle of Man is readily available from Mr Ivor L Morgan, Hon. Secretary for the Isle of Man, a retired Head Teacher who regularly takes groups to the Isle of Man and who is an authority on risk assessments. Group leaders may wish to attend the Risk Assessment weekend which is organised by Mr Morgan and held each spring Bank Holiday.

Douglas

4 nights / 5 days

Our base in Douglas is just off the impressive promenade. Situated close to the Manx Electric Terminus which opens up the North of the Island, including Snaefell, Laxey and the Maughold Adventure Centre. The MER trams stop at all these destinations.

The Hotel has a sea view from some bedrooms and is a good family run establishment. All schools will be made to feel welcome. Just down the drive from the Hotel is the bus stop, horse-drawn tram halt plus the Douglas beach.

From Douglas you can also reach Castletown, Silverdale, Cregneash, Port St Mary and Port Erin by the Manx Steam Train. If you want to visit the House of Manannan in Peel it is only a short coach ride.

The Hotel welcomes you from April to October, when the sun shines brightest and the days are longest. The Isle of Man is scenically beautiful, with hills, moorlands, towering cliffs, rock pools, sandy bays, leafy glens and waterfalls. Douglas offers a variety of activities such as walking on the Marine Drive, playing games at the large Nobles Park and swimming at the exciting National Sports swimming pool, which has 2 flumes and water features.

There is a wide variety of places of interest such as Castle Rushen, Laxey Wheel, and the House of Manannan. Natural and historic attractions include: Castles, folk museums, Viking remains, ancient monuments, a unique transport system using horse-drawn tram, steam train and electric railway. The island has its own currency, postal service, language and government; the children are constantly discovering things that are different from mainland UK.

Groups can stay in Port Erin on request.

Our voluntary Isle of Man advisor is a retired Head Teacher who has been involved with education in Cheshire for many years, and took his own school annually to the Island. It helps to have a long experience of school travel and an intimate knowledge of the Isle of Man.

What is included?

Return boat fare from Heysham or Liverpool;
Flights from seven airports also available.
Transfer to hotel (16 miles).
Dinner, bed & breakfast, with light lunch or packed lunch.
Packed lunch for schools departing after breakfast.
Tour information and advice from our Isle of Man advisor.
Itinerary organised by SJA.
Comprehensive insurance cover.
One FREE staff place for every 8 pupils.
Additional information sent by the Tourist Board and the Manx Heritage Museum links National Curriculum targets.
APD Tax where applicable.

Sample Excursions

Peel Castle
Manx Museum
Rushen Abbey
Castle Rushen
Nautical Musuem
Cregneash Village Folk Museum
House of Manannan
Great Laxey Wheel
Maughold Activity Centre
Silverdale Boating Lake
Curraghs Wildlife Park

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Scarborough, Whitby

4 nights / 5 days

Both Whitby and Scarborough make excellent centres for exploring North Yorkshire. Scarborough is an excellent seaside destination with many interesting places to visit. En route visit the Magna Science Centre for hands on interactive sessions. Visit the Scarborough Sealife Centre, Robin Hood Bay, Eden Camp and Castle Howard. Also spend a day in York where your group will visit the Jorvik Viking Centre and the Railway Museum Groups are accommodated in excellent hotels within walking distance of the beach.

In Whitby, the many places of interest in the vicinity associated with Captain Cook. Visit the Captain Cook Memorial Museum in Whitby and walk across the bridge of the river to the old town, which is largely unchanged since the days of Captain Cook. Climb the 199 steps from the old town to the Abbey, Whitby's most famous and most prominent feature. The 7th Century Abbey is one of the most interesting places in the history of Britain's early churches.

Harrogate, York

4 nights / 5 days

The tour is based at either Harrogate or York in good quality, family run hotels. A warm welcome will be offered by the proprietors, who have had many years experience in catering for school groups.
Pupils share multi-bedded rooms. Staff share twin bedded rooms which have colour TV and tea/coffee making facilities. A disco can be arranged if required.

Spend two days exploring the City of York, England's Eternal City. Experience life since Roman times by visiting the Jorvik Viking Centre. Walk along the Roman Wall that still surrounds much of York. The Castle Museum portrays life throughout the Victorian Era. Enjoy a Ghost Walk or do a Brass Rubbing in the evening. Book an educational session at St. William's College before visiting the Minster. Eat packed lunches in the Coach Study or Gardens of the Railway Museum. Explore the Magical Shambles and the River.

Visit Stump Cross Caverns with its Stalactites and Stalagmites before spending the rest of the day at Lightwater Valley Theme Park or Flamingo Park. On the return journey why not stop at Harewood House with its magnificent Bird Garden.

What is included?

Coach from school and throughout the tour.
Full board accommodation with packed lunch, in conveniently situated, family run hotels.
Entrance fees to places of educational interest.
Itinerary organised by SJA.
Comprehensive insurance cover.
Tours may be lengthened or shortened and may be tailor made to individual requirements.

Sample Excursions

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Lake District

4 nights / 5 days

Take your School Journey to the Lake District and combine magnificent scenery with culture and fun outdoor activities.

Accommodation is offered in the seaside town of Morecambe, situated close to the Promenade and Town Centre. Pupils share well appointed multi-bedded rooms. Staff have en-suite rooms with TV and tea making facilities.

Sail on Lake Windermere, followed by a ride on the Steam Train. Visit the White Scar Caves, Ingleton Waterfalls, Lancaster Castle and Brockhole National Park.

Groups from the South may stop en route for an educational talk and guided tour of Coventry Cathedral, alternatively a visit to the Museum of Transport.

North Wales

4 nights / 5 days

The tour is based in Llandudno in friendly family run hotels which have wide experience in catering for school groups. Beautiful mountain scenery, rivers and interesting educational excursions make this a perfect destination for a school trip.

Visit the Sygun Copper Mine, Welsh Mountain Zoo, Caernafon or Conway Castle, ride the Blaenau Ffestiniog Railway or take a boat trip on the river Conway. The Great Orme Tramway is a great educational experience or visit the Victorian School of 3Rs for a lesson.

What is included?

Coach from school and throughout the tour.
Full board accommodation with packed lunch.
Entrance fees for visits.
Fully comprehensive insurance cover.

All coach tours are based on 4 nights/5 days.
Departures from London.
Groups of 40 primary age pupils with 5 free staff places.
Quotes for smaller or larger groups and for departures from other areas, available on request.
Tours may be lengthened or shortened.

Sample Excursions

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Devon

4 nights / 5 days

Take your school journey to picturesque Devon, the walking country. Enjoy the diversity of the landscape from the rugged heather covered hills and woodlands of Dartmoor, picture postcard villages with thatched cottages, historic towns, cliff top coastal paths, beautiful caves and miles of golden sand. Visit Morwellham Quay, Becky Falls, Stonehenge, The Marble Museum and glass making factory.

Visit the award-winning beach of Dawlish Warren and walk along the South West Coastal Path that meanders along the top of the red sandstone cliffs. Ride a steam train from Totnes to Buckfastleigh and visit Buckfast Abbey.

Accommodation is in a variety of small family run hotels or at Colehayes Park Field Studies Centre, standing in 20 acres of parkland is available for larger groups. All accommodation is full board with packed lunches provided.

Newquay

4 nights / 5 days

Newquay is a premier resort on the North West Coast of Cornwall. It is famous for its surfing and two large beaches. Regular sporting, cultural and entertainment events take place throughout the season.

Accommodation is provided in privately owned hotels in a prime location close to the main beach. The proprietors offer a warm welcome and have a wide experience of dealing with school groups. Newquay is ideally situated for exploring and discovering Cornwall.

Visits include Bodmin Military Museum, Newquay Zoo, Waterworld, Preinggoll Barns, Discovery Centre, Launceston Castle, Cornish Mines.

What is included?

Coach from school and throughout the tour.
Full board accommodation with packed lunch.
Entrance fees for visits.
Fully comprehensive insurance cover.

Sample Excursions

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Bournemouth

4 nights / 5 days

With a wealth of places of interest for excursions, Bournemouth is an ideal base for a school journey. It boasts an award winning sandy beach and has easy access to good educational attractions in the surrounding area.

School groups are accommodated in good quality, family run hotels within walking distance from the beach. All accommodation is full board with packed lunches provided.

Visits include: Brownsea island, Fossil hunting at Lyme Regis, The Dinosaur Museum, Waterside Museum, Natural World & Model Railway Museum, Weymouth Sea Life Park, Abbotsbury Village, The Bovington Tank Museum, Monkey World and Corfe Castle.

Weymouth

4 nights / 5 days

Weymouth a traditional seaside town, famed for over 200 years, King George III and the Royal Family spent time there. A diverse choice of local attractions, a dramatic coastline of cliffs, quiet coves, and safe, soft, sandy beaches. Also an excellent base to tour the surrounding countryside, villages and towns of South Dorset. With a 17th Century picturesque Harbour, Brewers Quay with the Timewalk, Shire horse stables, Deep Sea Adventure (displaying the history of diving), Nature reserve, Swannery, Tudor House and the Northe Fort, there is much to see and do.

Accommodation is provided in family owned hotels on a full board basis.

What is included?

All tours in the UK are based on Primary and Junior age groups of pupils with 1:8 free places for staff with departures from London.

Cost includes

Coach from school and throughout the tour.
Ferry crossings where applicable.
Full board accommodation with packed lunch.
Entrance fees for visits.
Fully comprehensive insurance cover.
Tours may be lengthened or shortened to requirements.

Quotes for smaller or larger groups and departures from other areas available on request.

Sample Excursions

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Isle Of Wight Tours

Experience the natural, unspoilt beauty of the Isle of Wight. This tranquil and enchanting Island is an ideal place for Primary school group leaders and their pupils to visit.

With many historical places of interest and a variety of indoor and outdoor attractions and adventure for your group to experience all year round, this is the island to explore and discover!

Residential tours are in the main resorts of:

Shanklin at the southern end of Sandown Bay is built on the cliff top, while sheltered below lies a mile of sandy, safe beach.
Sandown offers all the fun of the traditional seaside resort with a magnificent sandy beach, pier complex, gardens with a lake and a mini-golf course and a leisure centre.
Ventnor is a Victorian spa town and is one of the sunniest spots on the Island due to its southerly aspect. The town is built on a series of terraces with superb sea views from all levels.

Activity Centres: PGL and Allnatt

PGL: Little Canada is set in 48 acres of beautiful woodland on the banks of Wootton Creek. The centre offers distinctive log cabin style accommodation and a diverse range of indoor and outdoor activities.

PGL: Whitecliff Bay Situated near Bembridge on the Isle of Wight. Whitecliff Bay is a PGL partner centre offering chalet-style accommodation, indoor and outdoor heated swimming pools, direct access to a sheltered, sandy beach and a range of land-based activities on site.

Allnatt Venue - East Dene Centre: East Dene is a beautiful stone built mansion set in around 10 acres of woodland, gardens and play areas, with superb sea views and direct access to Monks Bay.

The Mansion House accommodates the Reception, beds for up to 100, a magnificent Dining Room, Seminar Room and Library, beautiful lounge for adults, a magnificent room overlooking the sea which can be used by schools, there is also a covered walkway to the Coach House, which accommodates a further 80 beds.

Tours are based on 4 nights/ 5 days, Monday-Friday or 4 nights/ 3 days, Tuesday-Friday. It is possible to lengthen or shorten your visit. We will tailor a tour to meet your requirements with a full choice of excursions.