Preparing for your visit
Information to help you choose where to go for your school visit and how to book.
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 £350. Scotland’s special schools and units, as well as schools with a majority of pupils from areas with high indicators of multiple deprivation, can apply for 100% of transport costs, up to a maximum of £350. Please note funding is limited, so applying early is advised.
Access and additional support
We welcome all learners to our places and want to ensure that all pupils and teachers get the most from their visit. Some of our sites have specific provision for learners with hearing or sight loss, such as hearing loops, Braille transcripts and/or handling objects.
We do our utmost to accommodate visitors with mobility support requirements. Some buildings have lifts. At other places, lower floors of buildings and gardens are accessible to wheelchair users. We regret that not all of our historic buildings or natural heritage areas can be adapted for full access.
If you have any queries regarding access, please don’t hesitate to contact property staff before your visit. They will be happy to provide further details and advice, and to meet particular requirements if they can.
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, Broadstone, 50 South Gyle Crescent, Edinburgh EH12 9LD.