Field Trips for London, England

Journey to the southern coast of England during our visit to this popular resort destination! We discover the charm of this seaside city while enjoying scenic coastal views along Brighton Palace Pier and the beachside promenade. During the fall and spring semesters, the day will also include an opportunity to meet USAC students studying in Brighton!

This historic city is perhaps most famous for its prestigious and top-ranking university. As the second-oldest university in the English-speaking world, the University of Cambridge has grown from its modest 13th-century founding into a system of 31 autonomous colleges and has educated more Nobel Prize recipients than any other university in the world. Following our guided tour of central Cambridge and a visit to the university, you’ll have ample free time to grab lunch at Market Square or go punting (boating) on the River Cam.

Just an hour outside of London by train, the historic city of Canterbury has been a pilgrimage site since the Middle Ages. We’ll begin with a guided walking tour of the city center and a visit to Canterbury Cathedral, the headquarters of the Church of England. In the afternoon, use your free time to explore the city’s Roman and Norman ruins, explore the legacy of Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales, or visit the oldest church still used as a place of worship in the English-speaking world.

Known for its maritime history, the borough of Greenwich is located east of central London and is home to the historic Prime Meridian, a geographic line that divides the western and eastern hemispheres. Our walking tour of this historic neighborhood also includes the 19th century clipper ship Cutty Sark, the Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich Market, and breathtaking views of London from Greenwich Park.

Step into history while touring this 16th century royal palace! Once home to Henry VIII and the Tudor dynasty, the palace contains extravagantly furnished rooms and is surrounded by 60 acres of stunning gardens. The historic site has also served as a backdrop for many nationally important events, annual festivals, and countless period dramas.

Dating to the early 18th century, these gardens have transformed from the site of a royal palace to a globally renowned scientific institution for plant and fungal research. On both our guided tour and built-in free time, we will witness firsthand several key events in the gardens’ history, gain insight into Kew's UNESCO World Heritage Site status, and learn about its modern-day environmental conservation and sustainability efforts.

Nestled along England's southeast coast, Margate boasts a rich tapestry of coastal beauty and cultural allure. A small fishing village in the medieval period, Margate became a fashionable seaside resort in the 1730s.

Today, its sandy beaches, historic architecture, and vibrant arts scene make it a captivating destination.

Ranked one of England’s most beautiful cities, Oxford’s defining feature is its historic and world-renowned university. The University of Oxford has grown from its medieval roots into a sprawling system of 39 colleges and more than 25,000 students. As we stroll through some of the university’s best-known landmarks, we’ll discover its Gothic architecture, its inspiring history, and its modern-day impact.

Home to Windsor Castle, the historic town of Windsor is known for its cobbled streets, stunning parks, specialty boutiques, and Eton College, one of England’s most prestigious institutions. We’ll spend the day exploring some of Windsor’s most historic sites, including the royal residence of Windsor Castle and St George’s Chapel.