Books have a way of bringing learning to life. Seeing their worlds beyond the page can spark imagination, curiosity and creativity in a way the classroom sometimes cannot. Across the UK, there are brilliant destinations that connect directly to much-loved stories, authors and characters, making them ideal for school trips.
Here are ten of the best book-themed school trips in the UK, all well suited to group travel by coach or minibus.
1. Alnwick Castle
Explore Shakespeare’s birthplace and surrounding historic sites, with workshops focused on language, performance and storytelling.
Why it works:
Combines literature, film and history in one unforgettable visit.
Best for: KS2 to KS3.
Address: Alnwick Castle, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 1NQ
Website: https://www.alnwickcastle.com
2. The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre
Located in the village where Roald Dahl lived and wrote, this interactive museum brings stories like Matilda and The BFG to life through creative workshops and exhibitions.
Why it works:
Designed specifically with schools in mind.
Best for: KS1 to KS2.
Address: 81 High Street, Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire, HP16 0AL
Website: https://www.roalddahlmuseum.org
3. The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction
This immersive attraction introduces pupils to Peter Rabbit and friends, set in the landscapes that inspired the books.
Why it works:
Strong links between storytelling, nature and literacy.
Best for: Early years and KS1.
Address: Crag Brow, Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 3BX
Website: https://www.hop-skip-jump.com
4. Stratford-upon-Avon
Explore Shakespeare’s birthplace and surrounding historic sites, with workshops focused on language, performance and storytelling.
Why it works:
Brings classic literature off the page and onto the stage.
Best for: KS3 to KS4.
Address: Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Henley Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6QW
Website: https://www.shakespeare.org.uk
5. The British Library
Home to original manuscripts, famous novels and historic documents, the British Library offers excellent curriculum-linked workshops for schools.
Why it works:
Shows pupils that books are living pieces of history.
Best for: KS2 to KS4.
Address: 96 Euston Road, London, NW1 2DB
Website: https://www.bl.uk
6. Haworth Parsonage
Visit the home where Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights were written, surrounded by the moorland that inspired these iconic novels.
Why it works:
Strong links between place, writing and atmosphere.
Best for: KS4 and older students.
Address: Church Street, Haworth, West Yorkshire, BD22 8DR
Website: https://www.bronte.org.uk
7. The Charles Dickens Museum
Set in Dickens’ former home, this museum explores Victorian life and the stories behind classics like Oliver Twist and A Christmas Carol.
Why it works:
Literature and social history combined.
Best for: KS2 to KS4.
Address: 48 Doughty Street, London, WC1N 2LX
Website: https://dickensmuseum.com
8. The Story Museum
An immersive museum dedicated entirely to stories, myths and books, with interactive exhibitions and school workshops.
Why it works:
Encourages reading for pleasure and creative thinking.
Best for: KS1 to KS3.
Address: 42 Pembroke Street, Oxford, OX1 1BP
Website: https://www.storymuseum.org.uk
9. The Gruffalo Spotter Trail
Woodland trails featuring sculptures and activities inspired by The Gruffalo, set in forests across the country.
Why it works:
Combines outdoor learning with a much-loved story.
Best for: Early years and KS1.
Address: Multiple locations across the UK
Why Coachhop works for school trips.
Organising a school trip involves more than just choosing the destination. Transport needs to be reliable, safe and easy to manage, especially when you are responsible for a large group of pupils. Coachhop is built to support schools at every stage of the journey.
One simple booking process.
Instead of contacting multiple operators, schools submit one enquiry and receive quotes from trusted local providers. Everything is clearly laid out, making it easier to compare options and choose the right vehicle.
Trusted operators, every time.
All journeys are fulfilled by licensed and insured operators, giving schools confidence that safety and compliance come as standard.
The right vehicle for your group.
Coachhop makes it easy to select the correct coach or minibus size for your group, with space for bags, lunches and learning resources without overbooking or unnecessary costs.
Clear timings and organised travel.
Pick-up points, drop-off locations and schedules are confirmed in advance, helping staff manage supervision and keep the day running smoothly.
Less admin, more reassurance.
Booking, payment and journey details are all handled in one place, reducing paperwork and back-and-forth communication.
Planning your next school trip? Get a free instant quote with Coachhop and make the journey as enjoyable as the story itself.