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Children listening to a guide in a historical kitchen

School visits

School visits are a great way to deliver Curriculum for Excellence through hands-on experiences, encouraging discovery and exploration.

Choosing where to go

Most Trust places lend themselves to cross-curricular activity including art, drama and music as well as social studies, science and technology topics.

If you’re looking for inspiration, we have a list of topics and themes covered at Trust places – each one offers unique opportunities.

Our properties are spread across Scotland, and you don’t have to travel far to begin exploring. Connections with local heritage and landscapes can be among the most valuable experiences for learners.

Booking a visit

Information on school visits, including tours, opening hours and availability, is available from individual properties.

Many of our places are very popular for school visits, so you should book early to avoid disappointment. Please also make sure you book all visits, even if you are not using our staff. We need to know that your young people are at the property for safety reasons. You should also book coach or other transport parking to ensure there is space for you when you arrive.

Travel subsidies

Thanks to generous support from the Scottish Government, we’re able to offer a transport subsidy to schools wishing to visit The Battle of Bannockburn, Culloden or Robert Burns Birthplace Museum. The subsidy covers 75% of transport costs, up to a maximum of £300.

Download the Travel Subsidy application form

Get in touch

Have you enjoyed a visit, created some inspiring work you’d like to share, or hit upon an idea of how we could improve our offer? Please do get in touch – we love to hear from schools! Contact us by using our online form or by post at National Trust for Scotland, Hermiston Quay, 5 Cultins Road, Edinburgh EH11 4DF.

Explore

Preparing for your visit

Information on how to ensure your school visit runs smoothly

A young boy tries on a top hat and looks in a mirror.

Topics and themes

Visits to Trust places complement classroom work with hands-on experience, from guided walks and tours to opportunities to try out new activities.

A re-created Georgian kitchen, showing a large wooden table in the foreground with a large cone of sugar standing on it.

Teacher packs and resources

We’ve created some useful teacher packs and resources about topics that are linked to a number of our places.

A lady dressed as Mary, Queen of Scots stands at the front of a chapel, talking. Behind her are several adults on a tour, listening.

Teacher events

We offer training courses, events and other learning opportunities for teachers and learning professionals.