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History and Politics School Trip to New York

History and Politics School Trip to New York

Explore America’s history, politics and global influence on a school trip to New York. From the events of 9/11 to the United Nations headquarters and Wall Street, students will connect classroom learning with real-world examples of American history, international relations and economic power.

  • Key stage 4 - 16+
  • Year round

Discover American History and Politics in New York

Explore America’s history, politics and global influence on an educational school trip to New York, bringing classroom learning to life in one of the world’s most influential cities. 

Tailored to GCSE and A-Level students, this History and Politics school trip will explore American history, immigration, the Civil Rights movement, world-class museums, powerful memorials and the development of modern America, all in one iconic city.

Through visits to key historical and political landmarks, students can bring their studies to life and gain a deeper understanding of political power, international relations and America's influence on the world today.

Itinerary

Day 1 - New York's History & Skyline

  • Flight to New York 
  • Transfer to accommodation
  • See the Empire State Building and discover the story behind one of New York’s most iconic landmarks and its place in the city’s history
  • Dinner at Bubba Gump, a themed diner inspired by the classic film Forest Gump

Day 2 - 9/11 & Immigration

  • Explore Liberty Island and the Statue of Liberty, an iconic symbol of freedom and democracy
  • Tour Ellis Island Immigration Museum and discover the experiences of millions of immigrants who arrived in America
  • Visit One World Observatory and enjoy 360° panoramic views across New York City
  • Visit the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, exploring the events of September 11 and their lasting impact on America
  • Dinner at a typical New York pizzeria

Day 3 - Politics, Power & Culture

  • Guided walking tour of Midtown, including Central Park and Times Square, or Downtown, including Wall Street and the New York Stock Exchange
  • Visit the United Nations and discover the role of the UN in international diplomacy, peacekeeping and global affairs
  • Dinner at Ellen’s Stardust Diner
  • Watch a Broadway show and experience New York’s world-famous theatre scene

Day 4 - Sightseeing & Departure

  • Last-minute shopping and sightseeing 
  • Transfer to New York JFK Airport
  • Depart New York on an overnight flight

Day 5 - Arrive back in the UK 

Excursions
Statue of Liberty
Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island tour
One World Observatory New York
One World Observatory
National September 11 Memorial
National September 11 Memorial & Museum
United Nations New York
United Nations Tour
Wall Street Bull
Wall Street
Times Square
Times Square
Empire State Building observation deck
Empire State Building
Wicked on Broadway
Broadway show
Central Park
Central Park
Apollo Theatre
Apollo Theater Historic Tour
Ellens Stardust Diner
Ellen’s Stardust Diner
The Museum of American Finance
The Museum of American Finance
Midtown Manhattan New York
Midtown Walking Tour
Statue of Liberty

Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island tour

Take a short ferry ride from Manhattan and visit one of New York's most iconic sights - the Statue of Liberty, located on historic Ellis Island and home to the Immigration Museum.

One World Observatory New York

One World Observatory

This astonishing and interactive tour reveals the transformation of New York City from unsettled lands to today’s remarkable forest of skyscrapers.

National September 11 Memorial

National September 11 Memorial & Museum

Learn about the events of 9/11 in an exacting timeline & gain insight into the lives of the victims, offering a solemn yet enlightening experience that honours their memory and the resilience of a nation.

United Nations New York

United Nations Tour

Visit the UN headquarters for a tour to get a behind-the-scenes view of the organisation at work.

Wall Street Bull

Wall Street

Take a walk down Wall Street, the heart of global finance and home to the New York Stock Exchange. Stop by the iconic Charging Bull statue for a fun photo op!

Times Square

Times Square

Take some time to explore the world-famous major commercial intersection and hub of activity in Midtown Manhattan with its giant lit-up screens, shops and restaurants.

Empire State Building observation deck

Empire State Building

Travel 102 stories up the Art Deco skyscraper. Learn the history of the building from its construction through to its place in modern-day New York. Scatter to the observation decks on the 86th and 102nd floors for stunning panoramic views of the city below.

Wicked on Broadway

Broadway show

The street and district famed for theatre, musicals and glamour, Broadway is the heart of performance in New York. This is your opportunity to experience a live show!

Central Park

Central Park

Explore Manhattan’s largest urban park, which is nearly 6 times the size of Monaco and has been featured in over 350 films through the years.

Apollo Theatre

Apollo Theater Historic Tour

Get behind-the-scenes access to the legendary Apollo Theatre, renowned for its role in shaping the history of American music and culture. This is “Where Stars are Born and Legends are Made!”

Ellens Stardust Diner

Ellen’s Stardust Diner

The home of the world-famous singing waitresses and waiters and some of the best diner food in the country. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner for tour groups and locals alike since 1987!

The Museum of American Finance

The Museum of American Finance

Through fascinating historical artefacts and interactive exhibits, students will learn about the evolution of American banking, the Wall Street crash, investment and the global economy.

Midtown Manhattan New York

Midtown Walking Tour

Explore the highlights of Midtown Manhattan on a guided walking tour, where students will discover the bright lights of Times Square, iconic Central Park and the world-famous theatres of Broadway.

Included

Our long haul school trips include:

  • Board and lodging as specified in your itinerary
  • Return flights, including Air Passenger Duty (APD)
  • Overseas transfers
  • A detailed itinerary with pre-booked excursions
  • Free teacher to student ratio approx 1:10
  • 24-hour emergency support
  • Comprehensive travel insurance
  • Assistance with inspection visits

Extras to budget for:

  • Any applicable visas
  • School to airport transfers and meals en route 
  • Supplements for small parties, single rooms and additional adults
  • Any local tourist taxes that can only be paid in cash to the hotel
  • Entrances other than those specified in your itinerary
  • Hotel damage deposits
Resources

Ready-made resources to get your trip off the ground

These ready-made trip resources are designed to reduce your admin and help speed up the process of planning, promoting and getting approval for your trip:

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Here's what teachers think

The students have been fully immersed in the historical, political and geographical landscape of New York and Washington and whilst this does not form a formal part of their curriculum the knowledge they have gleamed will no doubt inspire them further in their studies.
Mark Davies, History Teacher at Clevedon School

Frequently Asked Questions About School Trips to New York

Yes, students travelling on a British passport must obtain an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) online before travelling to the US. Each student and teacher needs their own ESTA, and we recommend applying at least 72 hours before departure.

A trip to New York supports learning across many subjects. Business and economics students can explore Wall Street and the New York Stock Exchange, while art and design students can see works by Picasso, Dalí and Warhol at the Met and MoMA. 

Drama and music students can see a Broadway show or go behind the scenes on a theatre tour. For film and media students, there’s NBC Studios and iconic filming locations like Grand Central Terminal and the Empire State Building.

Our New York school trip packages include return flights, board and lodging, overseas transfers, comprehensive travel insurance and a 24-hour support helpline. We also offer approximately one free teacher place for every 10 students and assistance with inspection visits.

Teachers have access to a 24/7 emergency helpline throughout their New York school trip, alongside comprehensive travel insurance and assistance with inspection visits. We’ll also help with planning and practical arrangements. For more advice, visit our Teacher Zone.

October is a great time for a school trip to New York. The weather is mild, and the crowds are more manageable, making the city easier to explore. Students can also see Central Park in its autumn colours. If October doesn’t fit your school calendar, April is another good option, with spring temperatures and cherry blossom season in full swing.