York & Scarborough
The North of England provides plenty of opportunities for students of all ages to learn in a variation of environments ranging from the vast expanses of the iconic 'Yorkshire Dales' to the rocky coastlines of Whitby and Scarborough.
Curriculum Links:
Linked to Cultural, Geography and History (Romans, Vikings, Industrial Revolution)
PLACES TO VISIT
York Castle Museum
York Castle Museum covers a huge range of subjects, from the Norman invasion of 1066 to the history of the 18th Century prison building in which the museum resides.
York Dungeon
The York Dungeon documents much of York's less glamorous history through actors, shows and exhibitions, taking a humorous and light-hearted approach to subjects such as the Vikings, the Black Death and Guy Fawkes.
National Railway Museum
At the National Railway Museum, your students will discover a bygone age of steam and whistles with multiple historic locomotives on display including a working replica of Stephenson's Rocket.
Jorvik Viking Centre
From 1976–81, archaeologists uncovered the Viking-age houses and workshops of Jorvik. An activity centre now stands on the site, offering a fun and educational experience for all ages.
Flamingo Land
Flamingo Land combines white-knuckle rides of a theme park with a zoo featuring over 140 species.
York Minster
One of the most iconic buildings in Britain's religious heritage, the "Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of Saint Peter in York", provides a variety of interesting activities and a valuable educational experience.
York's Chocolate Story
At York's Chocolate Story, your students can discover the stories behind the greatest names in chocolate, unwrap the secrets of chocolate making, and even learn the art of the chocolatier for themselves.
Scarborough Castle
Henry II’s great tower and the medieval castle walls dominate the Scarborough headland. Inside the walls are remains of a 13th-century royal residence, and at the seaward tip, the ruins of a Roman signal station and medieval chapel.
Itinerary Example
3-Day Yorkshire Heritage: Medieval York & Coastal Scarborough
Discover the contrast between England's most famous Viking and medieval stronghold and its historic North Sea coast. Designed for your organisation groups, this residential tour combines urban history, Roman and Viking heritage, gothic architecture, and coastal geography.
Day 1: Arrival in York, Viking Heritage & Shambles (Medieval History)
Day 1
Morning/Afternoon: Arrive in York by executive coach. Visit the JORVIK Viking Centre to travel through reconstructed 10th century streetscapes with authentic sights, sounds, and smells.
Late Afternoon: Take a guided walking tour along the cobbled Shambles and climb the historic medieval city walls for an overview of York's defensive layout.
Evening: Check into your accommodation, enjoy a hot group meal, and take part in a ghost walk through York's ancient alleys.
Day 2: York Minster & Coastal Travel to Scarborough (Gothic Architecture & Coastal Geology)
Day 2
Morning: Depart after breakfast to explore York Minster, one of Europe's largest Gothic cathedrals. Climb the Central Tower for views or explore the underground crypts and Roman foundations.
Afternoon: Drive east toward the Yorkshire coast to arrive in Scarborough. Visit Scarborough Castle, perched high on a rocky headland separating the North and South bays.
Evening: Group dinner at your seaside accommodation followed by a coastal evening walk along the South Bay promenade.
Day 3: Coastal Fieldwork, Scarborough Cliff Top Walk & Return (Geography & Coastal Processes)
Day 3
Morning: Check out after breakfast with packed lunches. Conduct coastal geography observations at Scarborough bay, examining wave action, sea defenses, cliff erosion, and coastal landforms.
Afternoon/Evening: Visit the Rotunda Museum to learn about local geology and fossil heritage before boarding the coach for your homeward journey back to your organisation.
Optional En Route Visits & Extensions
Depending on your your organisation location and timetable, popular add on stops for this itinerary include:
National Railway Museum (York): Explore iconic locomotives including the Mallard and Flying Scotsman to support STEM and Industrial History modules.
Whitby Abbey & Harbour: Travel slightly further north along the coast to visit the ruins that inspired Bram Stoker's Dracula.
Eden Camp Modern History Museum (Malton): Stop en route to explore a preserved WWII prisoner of war camp.
Flamborough Head: Conduct dynamic fieldwork on chalk stacks, arches, and sea caves.
Note on Itinerary Timings: Activities and site visits can be tailored to support History modules, Geography fieldwork, or general cultural trips.
PLACES TO STAY
Astor York
Centrally located hostel, grade II listed Victorian building. Situated about a 10–15 minute walk from York’s city center and railway station, en-suite dorms and private rooms, eaturing a social atmosphere, bar, large lounge, self-catering kitchen facilities.