History Trips To Washington DC

Who's it for?

  • Secondary School, Sixth Form

Curriculum Included

Key Highlights

  • Visit the National Mall
  • Go on a walking tour of Historical Sites
  • Take a tour of the White House
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About this trip

Where better to study GCSE or A level American History and Politics than the capital? When you visit Washington your students can cover key study topics ranging from the Civil War, Wall Street Crash and the Depression, the Cold War, Civil Rights and Vietnam right up to the present day politics and policies of the US government.

Sample Itinerary

Use our sample itinerary to help picture what your trip could look like. Our itineraries are flexible, visits and timings will be planned based on your needs.

Select an itinerary:

Sample itinerary for a 5 day trip

Day 1
Morning

Daytime flight to Washington and transfer to your accommodation.

Day 2
Morning

Guided walking tour of the historical sites and memorials including the FDR memorial, WW2 memorial and Vietnam veterans memorial.

Afternoon

Free time to visit Arlington National Cemetery.

Day 3
Morning

Guided walking tour of the political sites focusing on the Capitol Buildings.

Afternoon

Visit to the National Air and Space Museum and on to the National Archives to view the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence.

Day 4
Morning

Visit to the Museum of American History and choose from other Smithsonian Institute Museums on the Mall.

Afternoon

Transfer to airport for overnight return flight to the UK.

Day 5
Morning

Arrive back in the UK

Sample itinerary for a 7 Day trip to New York & Washington

Day 1
Morning

Daytime flight to New York and transfer to your accommodation.

Day 2
Morning

Walking tour of Midtown Manhattan including Central Park, Broadway and Times Square.

Afternoon

Visit the UN Building for a guided tour followed by free time in Midtown Manhattan around Fifth Avenue to see a major shopping area.

Day 3
Morning

Walking tour of Downtown Manhattan including financial district (Wall Street, New York Stock Exchange, Battery Park).

Evening

Visit Ground Zero, 9/11 Memorial and Museum and then St Paul's Church, followed by Statue Cruise to Liberty & Ellis Islands.

Day 4
Morning

Transfer by coach to Washington DC. En-route guided visit around Gettysburg National Military Park.

Day 5
Morning

Guided walking tour of the historical sites and memorials (including the Lincoln Memorial steps to see where Martin Luther King gave his infamous 'I Have a Dream' speech).

Afternoon

Free time to visit Arlington National Cemetery.

Day 6
Morning

Guided walking tour of the political sites focusing on the Capitol Buildings.

Afternoon

Transfer to airport for overnight return flight to the UK.

Day 7
Morning

Arrive back in the UK

Trip Details

Educational Visits In Washington

Other Study Visits

  • US Holocaust Museum
    Take your students to this remarkable museum for an unforgettable trip which explains the story of the Holocaust using film footage, artefacts and eye witness accounts. Along with telling the history of the Holocaust, the museum addresses the subject and prevention of human genocide.
  • National Air And Space Museum
    The Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum maintains the largest collection of historic air and spacecraft in the world. Highlights include the original Wright Brother’s ‘Spirit of St Louis’ flyer and the Apollo 11 command module. This is an ideal visit if you are studying the Cold War as students can discover more about the Space Race.
  • National Museum Of American History
    This museum displays the heritage of the United States in the areas of social, political, cultural, scientific and military history. Throughout the year the museum runs a series of exhibitions based on a variety of subjects so always check the website to see what’s on.
  • National Museum of African American History & Culture
    This museum is a place where people can learn about the richness and diversity of the African American experience. The collection of stories there give unique insights into three key themes that continue throughout the museum - history, culture and community of African Americans.
  • The Pentagon
    Secure a tour around the world’s largest office buildings. The headquarters of the Department of Defense is home to many significant moments in American history where your students can take an hour on a guided tour walking through 1 and a half miles of the huge building. The Pentagon is located approx. 4 miles outside the centre of Washington and can be easily reached by Metro. If you wish to visit the Pentagon you must apply directly to the British Embassy.
  • World Bank Visitor Center
    The Visitor Center showcases the World Bank Group’s efforts to end poverty and boost shared prosperity for the world’s poorest people. Guided tours can be arranged here and also a discussion with a World Bank Group expert on a specific subject matter, for example, economy, poverty, gender, private sector development.
  • Gettysburg National Military Park
    Take a coach trip out of Washington to visit the site of the bloodiest battle of the American Civil War. Along with a visit to the museum and visitor centre, a battlefield guide will join you on your coach for a 2 hour tour of the area which will take you through the key points of the civil war and the importance of this battle.

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Other Cultural Visits

  • The Capitol Steps
    This Capitol Steps are an American political satire group. Originally formed in 1981 by senate staff, they perform every Friday and Saturday evening at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center. They dig into the headlines of the day, create song parodies and skits with their own special brand of humour. This show is more suitable for age 16+.
  • Crime & Punishment Museum
    Described by Good Morning America as a "must see for CSI fans," this museum includes a crime lab and the filming studios for America's Most Wanted, a simulated shooting range, high-speed police-chase, and hundreds of interactives and artefacts.
  • Mount Vernon
    This is the most popular historic estate in America, and was home to Commander-in-Chief of American forces and the first President of the United States, George Washington for more than 40 years. Now, you can visit the Mansion, more than 10 original structures, Washington’s Tomb and almost 50 acres of his extensive estate.
  • Georgetown
    Georgetown is a popular Washington, DC neighbourhood for shopping. This shopping mecca appeals to the younger crowd but also has plenty of boutiques and antique stores for all ages.
  • Penn Quarter
    This revitalised neighbourhood near the Verizon Center in downtown Washington, DC is bustling with activity among the new museums, contemporary restaurants and trendy shops.
  • Capitol Hill
    You’ll find lots of upscale shopping at Union Station, the city’s train station and a shopping mall with more than 130 stores, several restaurants and a 9-screen movie theatre.
  • Potomac Mills
    With over 100 stores and restaurants, Potomac Mills is a great place for everyone, with stores from Vans outlets to IKEA, Abercrombie and Fitch to Papaya, there really is something for everyone. Approx. 1 hours drive out of central Washington.

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We can include specific visits in your itinerary, additional visits can be added based on the trip length and needs of the curriculum or teacher.

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