Crime & Punishment School Trips

York and Ripon

York and Ripon are fantastic destinations for a crime and punishment trip. From the Anglo-Saxons through to the Viking and Norman conquests, and right through to the modern day, your students will explore how crime was punished throughout the ages.

Both York Castle Museum and Ripon Museums offer your students the opportunity to step back in time and learn more about the prison system through the ages.

The buildings that now house York Castle Museum were once a Georgian prison and your students can explore some of the cells and learn more about what life was really like for inmates in prisons, where conditions could be pretty brutal.

They’ll hear the personal stories of some of the inmates, including the most infamous prisoner incarcerated here, Dick Turpin, the legendary highwayman. Learn more about his crimes and what prison life would have been like for him and the other inmates.

You’ll also be able to explore the lives of seven other former inmates and their varied fates, from the last woman to be burnt at the stake in Yorkshire to a young tearaway who ended up in Australia. There’s even the opportunity to look up your own family names to see if any of your relatives might have been former inmates!

Your students will also have the opportunity to learn more about the formation of professional policing and how the court system works.

At Ripon Museums, you’ll also learn more about the justice system as a whole, from the establishment of the police force to the court system we still use today, by taking part in a ‘trial’.

You’ll also visit a Victorian Workhouse, where your students will learn why people were sent there and what life was like for them. And your students will be able to take on the role of Victorian detectives to investigate a murder that takes place there!

Why arrange a crime and punishment trip?

Bring history to life

Through the stories of real people, your students will gain a deeper understanding of the attitudes towards crime, punishment and justice throughout the centuries. They’ll see how those who were found guilty often endured brutal punishments.

Your students will be able to participate in the ‘trial’ of the Sinkler brothers, who were arrested for poaching and ultimately transported to Australia. By taking part in this role play, they’ll learn more about the Georgian court system.

Later, they’ll continue the story of the Sinkler brothers, as they find out more about early policing, the crime of poaching and the punishment of transportation.

They’ll then help to investigate a murder at the Workhouse, using Victorian detection techniques.

All of this hands-on experience of history will not only bring the topic to life for your students, but it will also give them practical memories which they can draw upon when it comes to assessments.

Spark a passion for history

History is endlessly fascinating. It’s a web of stories that lead us to our present day. But it can sometimes take a little while for students to understand this. By taking them out of the classroom and giving them the opportunity to experience history, you’ll be helping your students to realise that these were real people and real experiences, and this is certain to pique their interest.

And for those students who already love history, the opportunity to jump back in time and inhabit the lives of people who lived centuries ago will be an experience that can only grow their passion for history.

Enjoy the trip as much as your students

Originally founded by former teachers, we understand the value of history school trips and how to make them successful.

Your trip will be completely tailor-made, to ensure that it meets your specific requirements and learning objectives. And we’ll be on hand throughout the process to answer any questions you have.

In fact, we’ll be with you every step of the way, from now until you return home at the end of your trip. While abroad, you’ll be able to reach us with just one phone call, at any time of the day or night. And, with this comprehensive level of support while you’re away, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy immersing yourself in history as much as your students.