We’re excited to officially be announcing our spring 2026 excursions. We have a wide variety of events to be sure there’s something for all of our students to enjoy. We have a handful of day and weekend trips that showcase the best of what London, the UK, and Europe has to offer. Along with these paid events, we will be offering numerous “Hidden London” and centre based activities that will be completely free to students and announced in the New Year.

Bookings open via your Arcadia portal on Thursday December 4 at 12pm EST, please make sure you have completed all of the checklist items in your application to be sure you are able to register for events when they go live! 

Have a look below and see what adventures you most want to be a part of next semester. 

Day Trips

Climb to the top of Big Ben

Friday, February 6 

One of the first events of the semester will have you climbing up a spiral 334-step staircase to the top of the Elizabeth Tower, aka the famous Big Ben! You’ll start this tour within Westminster Hall, where the Queen lay in state for four days before being buried at Windsor Castle. A guide will then lead you up to the belfry where you’ll get to see the Big Ben bell alongside a few others. You’ll have a few stops along the way to learn about the history of the bells, clocks, and traditional crafts involved in the tower so you won’t be too winded by the time you reach the top.

While taking in the views at the top of the tower, you’ll be able to hear and see the bells ring at the top of the hour. Then, you can see the large clock face from behind (each dial spans 6.9 meters wide). After making your way back down the tower, you’ll have free time to check out parts of Parliament.

Price: $45

Includes: A guided tour to the top of the Elizabeth Tower and access to Westminster Hall.

Accessibility: The Big Ben tour is not suitable for everyone. Students must be comfortable climbing 334 steps and experiencing high noise levels from the clock mechanism and bells – ear plugs will be provided. The total tour duration is 90 minutes and toilet facilities are available at the beginning and end of the tour only.

Kensington Palace and Afternoon Tea

Saturday, February 14

This royal event is a must for every Londoner. You’ll start your day with a leisurely stroll through Hyde Park (don’t forget to wave at the swans along the way!) as you make your way to Kensington Palace. Upon arrival, your experience begins with an indulgent afternoon tea in the royally inspired Orangery restaurant, nestled within the palace gardens. After enjoying the abundance of mini sandwiches, scones, pastries and of course the delicious tea, you’ll head inside Kensington Palace. You’ll be able to explore its many treasures — including the Jewel Room, the Queen’s State Apartments, and even the birthplace of Queen Victoria.

Price: $95

Includes: Entry to Kensington Palace and an afternoon tea at The Orangery Restaurant.

Accessibility: The afternoon tea can cater to most diets, and for information on accessibility of the Palace visit: https://www.hrp.org.uk/kensington-palace/visit/accessibility/.

Oxford Day Trip

Saturday, February 28

Escape the hustle and bustle of London for a day and venture to the prestigious city of Oxford, renowned for its world-class university and stunning architecture. After a short train ride from London, you’ll set off on a guided walking tour led by a local expert who will share the fascinating stories and hidden gems that make Oxford so special.

Once the tour concludes, enjoy free time to explore the city at your own pace. Wander through the historic colleges of the University of Oxford, stroll around the peaceful Botanic Garden, discover famous film locations from beloved movies such as Harry Potter, and perhaps relax in one of Oxford’s traditional pubs for a taste of local life. Whether you’re drawn by history, culture, or a bit of magic, this day trip promises to be a perfect blend of learning and leisure. 

Price: $35

Includes: Roundtrip train tickets from London to Oxford and a guided walking tour of the city.

Accessibility: There will be some cobble stone streets and uneven grounding around the city. 

 Windsor Castle 

Saturday, March 14

No trip to the UK is complete without a day out in Windsor! This quintessential British town is home to the world’s oldest inhabited castle, and a visit there is included in our trip. You’ll be able to watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony, visit its famous chapel, admire the grand interiors, and view Queen Elizabeth II’s final resting place. You’ll have plenty of free time afterwards to try out one of the city’s many famous pubs or walk over the Thames to nearby Eton, where Prince William and Prince Harry went to school.

Price: £35

Includes: Round trip travel to Windsor; entry to Windsor Castle.

Accessibility: Some hills and uneven cobbled surfaces. Further accessibility information for Windsor Castle: https://www.rct.uk/visit/windsor-castle/mobility-access-at-windsor-castle. 

Stratford-Upon-Avon and the Cotswolds

Saturday, March 28

To be or not to be — that is the question. And in this case, it is to be taking a trip to the historic town of Stratford-upon-Avon, followed by a visit to the charming village of Bourton-on-the-Water in the Cotswolds. After a scenic two-hour bus journey through the English countryside, you’ll arrive in the medieval market town that was once home to William Shakespeare — the site of his birthplace, family house, and final resting place. 

After exploring Shakespeare’s Birthplace and Holy Trinity Church, we’ll continue our journey to one of the most picturesque villages in the Cotswolds, Bourton-on-the-Water. Here, you’ll have free time to enjoy lunch, wander along the riverside, and capture plenty of photos of the classic quaint stone cottages before we make our way back to London. 

Price: $75

Includes: Round trip transportation from London, entrance into Shakespeare's House, and entrance into Holy Trinity Church.

Accessibility: There will be some cobble stone streets and uneven grounding around both cities. You can read more about the accessibility of Shakespeare's House here: https://www.shakespeare.org.uk/visit/plan-your-visit/access/access-bp/. 

Women’s Rugby 

Saturday, April 11 

Watch last year’s world champions, the Red Roses of England, compete against Ireland in an intense and exciting game of rugby! Rugby was invented in England in 1823 when a school student supposedly picked up a soccer ball during a game and ran with it. The match will take place at Allianz Stadium, the home stadium for the England team which is the largest rugby union stadium in the world (and the second largest stadium in the UK).

Price: $20

Includes: A ticket to see Ireland vs England play Rugby at Allianz Stadium.

Accessibility: Please check Allianz Stadium's website for more information on their accessibility: https://www.allianzstadium.com.au/plan-your-visit/visitor_accessibility 

Weekend Trips

York Weekend

Saturday, Feb. 8-Sunday, Feb 9

On this two-day trip, you’ll take a round trip train journey from London to York and be able to stroll through the winding medieval streets lined with 14th-century buildings while uncovering the fascinating layers of York’s history — from its ancient Roman roots to its exciting Viking heritage. On the first day in York, after exploring the gothic architecture of York Minster and seeing the legendary city walls, we’ll be taking you on a spine-tingling ghost tour to hear some of the city’s most mysterious tales. After a good night’s sleep, we’ll be going to the Castle Museum where you can immerse yourself in the history of the city. Then, you will have free time to explore on your own before we head back to London.

Price: $180

Includes: Roundtrip transportation from London to York, 1 night shared accommodation, 1 breakfast, 1 group meal, an entry to the castle museum, and a guided ghost tour.

Accessibility: Walking on coble stone streets; accommodation will be in shared dormitories (with only Arcadia students). 

Bath and Bristol Regional Weekend 

Friday, Feb. 20-Sunday, Feb. 22 

Join our friends from Arcadia Ireland and Arcadia Scotland as we explore two contrasting cities in one weekend! Staying in trendy Bristol, the dockside hostel is the perfect spot to explore a city awash with both history and Banksy murals. On Friday, we’ll have a bit of free time to settle into the city before an included group meal. On Saturday we’ll take a daytrip to Bath where you’ll visit the Roman Baths (and even try a sip of the water), then you will have time to explore the picture-book streets and crescents familiar to any Jane Austen fan.

And last, but certainly not least, on Sunday we will take you on a local walking tour around the city that is led by one of Banksy’s past mentors. The tour ends with a do it yourself street art workshop where you will get to spray paint your own artwork to take home.

Price: $250

Includes: Roundtrip train travel to and from Bristol, and to and from Bath; hostel accommodation; group meal on Friday; breakfast on Saturday & Sunday, entry to the Roman Baths; walking tour and a street art workshop.

Accessibility: Moderate walking, sometimes on uneven surfaces. Accommodation will be in shared dormitories (with only Arcadia students).

Wales Adventure Weekend 

Friday, March 6-Sunday, March 8 

Come with us on a visit to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park in Wales and enjoy an action-packed weekend at the Sealyham Activity Centre! You’ll be able to participate in a wide range of adrenaline-filled activities on both land and in the sea. To give you a sneak peak of the activities, you can choose from things such as coasteering, kayaking, surfing, and more! All activities are led by experienced instructors, and you will have a chance to explore another of Britain’s picturesque nations.

In between your activities, the hotel provides you three cosy meals a day and has space to roam the grounds and play some late night games together. This trip has received rave reviews from past participants and is a must if you’re looking for an adventure!

Price: $395

Includes: All travel, meals while in Wales, accommodation, and activities.

Accessibility: Activities are optional but will involve strenuous activity, walking on uneven surfaces, and swimming in open water. Participants should be confident swimmers. All safety equipment will be provided and activities will be led by qualified instructors. Accommodation will be in shared dormitories (with only Arcadia students).

A Weekend in Belgium: Brussels & Bruges 

Friday, March 20-Sunday, March 22 

Visit two Belgian cities in one weekend with a trip to mainland Europe! You’ll start off this trip by taking the Eurostar to the capital city of Brussels and indulge in a traditional Belgian meal followed by plenty of time to explore the city’s many attractions. On Saturday we’ll head to the charming city of Bruges, where there will be many photo opportunities as you take a canal boat tour through the city centre. You’ll also have time on Sunday to explore Brussels at your own pace or join us for a tour of local museums, (there are museums dedicated to chocolate, French fries, musical instruments and comic art, to name but four).

Price: $380

Includes: Round trip travel to Brussels and Bruges; city tours and museum entries; hostel accommodation; meal on the first night, breakfast on Saturday & Sunday.

Accessibility: some walking; accommodation will be in shared dormitories (with only Arcadia students).