Edinburgh school tour - Calton Hill

Study Tours

Edinburgh Elizabethan History School Tour

Experience our Edinburgh Elizabethan history school tour. Uncover the dramatic story of Mary, Queen of Scots, the Scottish Reformation and the turbulent politics that shaped Elizabethan Britain. This immersive study tour in Edinburgh brings to life the characters, conflicts and power struggles that defined the late 16th century.
From £219 per person
Scotland
1-3 Days
All Ages
Mixed Group
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Expertly Organised Edinburgh Elizabethan History School Tour

EXPERIENCE Scottish History With Interactive Learning

Our Edinburgh Elizabethan history school tour provides a unique opportunity for your group. Edinburgh is an outstanding destination for exploring the Elizabethan era from a Scottish perspective, focusing on the life and imprisonment of Mary, Queen of Scots, the religious and political tensions that shaped the two kingdoms, and the events that ultimately led to the union of the crowns in 1603.

Students on this UK History tour will walk the historic Royal Mile, visit Edinburgh Castle where Mary lived and ruled, and explore Holyrood palace where she gave birth to James VI – the future King James I of England. This school History tour also introduces learners to the Scottish Reformation, the role of John Knox, and the growing conflict between Catholic and Protestant factions.

Through castle tours, palace visits, museums and interactive experiences, students gain rich context that supports Elizabethan curriculum content, especially around plots, succession, religious division and the relationship between Elizabeth I and Mary, Queen of Scots.

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This UK History tour is perfect for…

The Edinburgh Elizabethan history school trip is specifically designed for:

  • GCSE History – Edexcel (Early Elizabethan England 1558–1588 – Mary, Queen of Scots)
  • GCSE History – AQA (Elizabethan England c.1568–1603 – Mary, Queen of Scots, religion, plots)
  • GCSE History – OCR (Tudors/Stuart transition & Reformation themes)
  • KS3 History (Tudor–Stuart Britain, Reformation, monarchy & succession)
Edinburgh Castle

Why Us

Learning Beyond the Classroom

Curriculum
Led

Every tour is designed to support subject learning with real-world experiences that bring classroom topics vividly to life.

Inspiring
Destinations

From European capitals to global hubs, our destinations give students direct access to places, ideas and experiences that deepen understanding.

Educational
Visits

Programmes include guided visits, workshops and subject-relevant experiences built to engage students and support meaningful learning outcomes.

Safe &
Structured

We plan every detail carefully, giving teachers confidence that travel, logistics and student wellbeing are fully supported throughout.

Learning
That Lasts

Study tours build confidence, independence and curiosity while creating shared experiences students remember long after they return home.

Itinerary

Suggested Itinerary

  • Arrive in Edinburgh
  • Visit to Edinburgh Castle – Mary’s chambers, royal apartments, birth of James VI
  • Lunch
  • Guided walk along the Royal Mile – key sites of Tudor–Stuart intrigue
  • Visit to St Giles’ Cathedral – Scottish Reformation & John Knox
  • Evening meal
  • Optional: Ghost walk (historical focus available)
  • Breakfast
  • Visit to Holyrood Palace – Rizzio murder site, Mary’s apartments, political tensions
  • Lunch
  • Visit to the Museum of Edinburgh – artefacts & context of 16th-century Scotland
  • Explore Calton Hill (panoramic views, defensive geography)
  • Evening meal
  • Return home or overnight stay
  • Breakfast
  • Visit to Craigmillar Castle – Mary’s refuge and suspected plotting ground.
  • Lunch
  • Visit to Scottish Parliament – modern governance link (optional educational workshop)
  • Free time in Princes’ Street Gardens
  • Depart Edinburgh
  • Return travel
school study tours

Optional Extras

MAKE THE MOST OF IT

Strengthen your Edinburgh Elizabethan history school trip with:

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle

Explore this iconic fortress and discover centuries of Scottish history and royal heritage.

Holyrood Palace

Holyrood Palace

Visit the official residence of the monarch in Scotland and learn about royal life.

St Giles’ Cathedral

St Giles’ Cathedral

Discover this historic church at the heart of Edinburgh’s religious and political history.

Edinburgh school tour - Calton Hill

Museum of Edinburgh

Learn about the city’s past through engaging exhibits and artefacts.

walking tour

Royal Mile historical walking tour

Walk Edinburgh’s most famous street while uncovering its rich history.

Craigmillar Castle

Explore this well-preserved medieval castle with strong links to Mary, Queen of Scots.

John Knox House

John Knox House (where available)

Discover the story of the Scottish Reformation in one of Edinburgh’s oldest buildings (where available).

Scottish National Museum

Scottish National Museum (16th-century galleries)

Explore 16th-century Scotland through fascinating galleries and collections.

Mary King’s Close edinburgh

Real Mary King’s Close (everyday life in historic Edinburgh)

Step beneath the city streets to experience everyday life in historic Edinburgh.

ghost walk edinburgh

Ghost/history walks (age-appropriate, historically themed)

Engage with Edinburgh’s past through age-appropriate, historically themed walking tours.

workshops

Scottish Parliament workshop

Learn how modern Scotland is governed with an interactive educational session.

Camera Obscura edinburgh

Camera Obscura (optional fun/add-on)

Enjoy interactive exhibits and panoramic city views at this fun and educational attraction.

Testimonials

WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY

“Seeing the Bayeux Tapestry and visiting Mont St Michel. Ashley Young was a fantastic tour manager. Friendly, kind and reassuring. He is a credit to SLT tours – please thank him again on our behalf. We could not have asked for a better Tour Manager.”

Lucy Oldfield

Hayfield School History Tour, Normandy July 25

“A fantastic tour of Iceland planned and delivered by SLT Tours. Great support from day one and a clear customer centred approach. Nothing was too much trouble and the tour was an amazing experience for students and staff alike.”

Stuart Wilson

Sir Thomas Wharton Academy, Iceland Geography Tour, July

“Absolutely fantastic experience with SLT Tours supporting our Sixth Form Washington DC Turing Scheme visit. This is our second visit with SLT and the service and organisation were exceptional yet again, truly going above and beyond. A huge thank you to Linsey for the meticulous planning and to Jake for attending the visit. Jake built great relationships with both students and staff, making the trip even more memorable. The entire team provided brilliant communication throughout. Highly recommended and we look forward to working with the team again in the future.”

Thomas Young

Bishop Hogarth Catholic Education Trust, Washington DC History & Politics Tour, March 25

“I cannot speak highly enough for the fantastic service and support we received from SLT on our trip (with 45 pupils) to Krakow. From making the enquiry until we landed back in the UK I felt well looked after, like the team were doing their best to give everything I requested and supported whilst navigating my first international trip. I would highly recommend, especially Jess whose support, advice and exceptional care whilst out there was perfection, she made the trip a breeze! I've already booked for next year!”

Catherine Lutman

Barlow RC High School RE Tour, Poland, March

“A fantastic tour of Iceland planned and delivered by SLT Tours. Great support from day one and a clear customer centred approach. Nothing was too much trouble and the tour was an amazing experience for students and staff alike.”

Stuart Wilson

Sir Thomas Wharton Academy, Geography Tour, July

“On our school’s recent trip to Berlin, we were incredibly lucky to have Linsey there to support us. Linsey was extremely knowledgeable, passionate and helpful with everything that we did and it would be a pleasure to do more trips with her! ”

Dylan Richardson

Tibshelf School MFL Tour, Berlin, May 25

“I can't thank SLT tours enough for delivering an excellent trip to Chamonix for our school group. Despite an incredible amount of setbacks due to Turing Funding issues, and several date changes, SLT were easy to contact and worked tirelessly to ensure our trip went ahead. Thanks so much to Linsey, James and Becky for your work on the Chamonix Trip.”

Lucy Boyle

Airdrie Academy MFL Tour, September 25

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