School History Trips to Washington DC

FAQs about this tour

Find the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

• Are there any opportunities for alternative activities to provide a break from hard-hitting history topics?

  Absolutely! We recognise the importance of a well-rounded experience and strive to engage students in the world of history while also allowing them time to decompress. Our tours can offer a variety of activities, so students can achieve the right balance between immersive learning and chill time.

• Why take students on a history trip?

  History trips give students the opportunity to ‘step into the story’. After all, there’s only so much you can teach, and learn, from a classroom! These trips spark student’s curiosity, drive learning, and instil a deep appreciation of the world’s rich cultural legacy.

  To bring these fascinating periods of history to life, we have a vast array of tools at our disposal! Discover the fascinating tales of heroism, bloodshed and battles… Learn about the monumental landmarks and the shrouded secrets that have remained hidden for years! It’s simply all brought to life on a trip…

• Is this destination suitable for any other kinds of trips?

  The USA is THE perfect destination for a cross-curricular trip. Whether it be a fascinating and deep-rooted history, an immersion into a vibrant culture, or some action-packed sports!

• What should students pack for school trips to Washington?

  Here are some of the essentials that students should bring on school history trip Washington DC (please note that some items are seasonal):

  Travel documents: 

  • Passport 
  • Visa (if required) 
  • GHIC card 

  Clothing: 

  • Socks 
  • Underwear 
  • Tshirts 
  • Shorts/trousers 
  • Waterproof coat 
  • Jumper 
  • Pyjamas 
  • Outfits for downtime/ evening meal 
  • Appropriate footwear 

  Personal care 

  • Toiletries- shampoo, bodywash, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, sanitary products 
  • Medication  

  Environmental protection items 

  • SPF 
  • Hat/cap 
  • Lip balm 
  • Insect repellent 
  • Woolly hat  
  • Scarf 
  • Gloves 
  • Thermal layers 

  Other 

  • Chargers for electrical devices 
  • Plug adapters 
  • Card games 
  • Book 
  • Portable gaming device  
• What key sites can we see in Washington DC?

  Washington DC is full of iconic monuments that are a must-visit on a trip to Washington DC, including the White House Visitor Centre, the Lincoln Memorial, and the National Archives. Our Tour Coordinators can help you plan and include all of the key sites your group would like to visit!

• Which sites are must-visits (Smithsonian museums, Capitol, White House, Arlington, National Archives)?

  Smithsonian Museums

  The Smithsonian offers a whole cluster of world-class museums on the National Mall. For history students, the National Museum of American History is the most relevant. It contains exhibits on the U.S. Constitution, the Civil Rights Movement, the Cold War, and America’s role in world conflicts — all themes that overlap with GCSE units (e.g., the fight for rights, superpower tensions, or America’s global role). The National Air and Space Museum is also valuable if students are covering the Cold War, especially the Space Race.

  The U.S. Capitol

  Visiting the Capitol gives students insight into how American democracy functions. A guided tour explains the structure of U.S. government, the role of Congress, and symbolic moments in history such as debates over slavery, civil rights, and war. It links well with GCSE themes of democracy, power, and political systems.

  The White House

  The White House represents the executive branch and presidential power. Tours (if available) are tightly controlled and must be arranged through an embassy, but even viewing the exterior and visiting the White House Visitor Center offers context on how the presidency has evolved. For GCSE students, it’s most useful when framed around leadership and decision-making in major historical moments (e.g., Kennedy during the Cuban Missile Crisis, Johnson during Civil Rights).

  Arlington National Cemetery

  This site offers powerful material on commemoration and the human cost of war. Students can see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, JFK’s gravesite, and sections dedicated to wars from the Civil War to Afghanistan. It links strongly to GCSE themes of remembrance, sacrifice, and how societies memorialise conflict — comparable to studying the Western Front cemeteries in Europe.

  National Archives 

  The National Archives is a must for history students. It houses the original Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, and Bill of Rights. GCSE students studying democracy and rights can directly connect to the foundations of American government and civil liberties. It also makes a strong contrast with British developments in rights and freedoms.