Arcadia England

For students joining us in the Spring, we are very excited to announce our events that will be on offer to you! We’ve been working hard to select some of the best experiences that we think will be a great introduction to your new home in the UK, from action-packed adventure weekends to theatre trips and city breaks!

Read on below for what we have in store. Event registration opens Thursday, 1 December at 12 noon (EST) in your Arcadia Passport. And, don’t forget, if an event is full you can add yourself to the wait-list to be notified automatically if more space becomes available.

Please note that all events depart from the Arcadia London Center unless stated otherwise. Students based out of London who intend to travel independently may submit a request for reimbursement of their travel, however, this is not guaranteed as it is subject to group travel bookings in advance of the event.

 Windsor Castle Day Trip

Themes: Life & Death, Tradition & Innovation, Tribes

Windsor Castle is the largest inhabited castle in the world with approximately 500 residents all year round! It is Queen Elizabeth’s weekend home and is often used for royal functions.

The castle was first built in the 11th century after William the Conqueror and it has been used by monarchs since the reign of Henry I, making it the longest occupied palace in all of Europe. It was originally built to protect London by overseeing the River Thames, but it’s purpose has changed drastically over the course of time. Join us on this visit to marvel at the architecture, and to explore the royal history within.

Churchill’s Cabinet War Rooms

Themes: Life & Death, Sensory, The Underground, Total Immersion, Tradition & Innovation

This museum comprises the Cabinet War Rooms, a historic underground complex that was home to government command centre during the Second World War. You can also see the Churchill Museum, a museum exploring the life of the then Prime Minister, Winston Churchill. During the war, two rooms were of particular importance. The map room was constantly in use. The other was the Cabinet Room in which Churchill declared: ‘This is the room from which I will direct the war.’

Please note this event takes place on a Friday afternoon, it is your responsibility to check for academic clashes.

Liverpool Weekend Trip

Themes: Life & Death, Tradition & Innovation, Tribes

Liverpool officially become a city in 1880, its urbanisation and expansion due to its status as a port city. It was notably the port of registry for a number of famous ships, including the RMS Titanic. Liverpool is also home to two Premier League football clubs and, oh yes, we nearly forgot, a band called The Beatles also came from here! Join us as we take a weekend to explore this incredibly diverse and historical city.

Dublin Weekend Trip

Themes: Life & Death, Tradition & Innovation, Tribes

Fly over the Irish Sea for our two night excursion to Dublin (or Baile Átha Cliath in Irish). This capital city is known for its live music scene, Guinness and, of course, U2. But did you know that a century ago Dublin was also home to an event that shaped both Ireland and the Modern World? During this trip, we will take a tour along the streets of the city to learn about its rich and turbulent history. 

Please note this event leaves on a Friday afternoon, it is your responsibility to check for academic clashes.

Highlands & Skye Weekend Trip

Themes: Tradition & Innovation, Tribes

This unique three-day weekend excursion explores the beautiful Highlands and Isle of Skye (voted the most desirable place to live in Britain).

From London, we will take Britain's only sleeper train for an over-night journey to Scotland. After a restful trip, we will travel through the spectacular Trossachs National Park to enter the Scottish Highlands, visiting The Falls of Dochart, Glencoe and Eilean Donan Castle. 

On Skye, we will explore the ancient iron-age Dun Beag Broch, 13th-century Dunvegan Castle and its ties to the Viking invasions as well as the geological wonders of Mealt Falls and Kilt Rock. On the last day of the trip, we will visit the ruins of Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness and the Battlefield of Culloden before touring the Blair Athol Whisky Distillery.

Please note this event leaves on a Thursday evening, it is your responsibility to check for academic clashes.

Wales Adventure Weekend

Themes: Sensory, Total Immersion, Tribes

Ditch the city for a weekend to experience the beautiful landscapes and coastal surroundings of the Pembrokeshire coast in Wales. During this Adventure Weekend, you will have the chance to try activities such as sea kayaking, surfing and coasteering led by experienced and trusted guides. You’ll also stay in a fully catered eco-lodge, where after a busy day outdoors you can retreat to delicious home cooked meals, campfires and cosy nights in.

Please note this event leaves on a Friday afternoon, it is your responsibility to check for academic clashes.

Theatre - Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead at the Old Vic

Themes: Pop Culture, The Underground

Whether it be a light-hearted comedy, a musical, or a serious piece dealing with the darkness of the human heart, theatre provides an opportunity to witness a reflection of British life and to examine it in relation to your own attitudes, beliefs and experiences. This Spring, have the chance to see Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter) and Joshua McGuire (About Time) on stage in the mind-bending situation comedy,  Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead.

Cycle Tour Afternoon

Themes: Sensory, Total Immersion

Join us on a professional bicycle tour for a unique perspective on some iconic London sights as the sun sets and day turns into night. You'll ride past the Globe Theatre, where you'll have spectacular views of St Paul’s Cathedral. You’ll also find yourself riding along the river bank, across from the historical Tower of London. You may even get the chance to see Big Ben just as the clock strikes nine, which is the perfect way to end this particular night out!

Stonehenge & Bath Day Trip

Themes: Life & Death, Tradition & Innovation, Tribes

Stonehenge - Stonehenge, a World Heritage Site, is composed of the substantial remnants of the last in a sequence of such monuments erected between circa 3000BC and 1600BC. There has always been intense debate over what purpose Stonehenge served and during your visit you will get the chance to form your own opinion. A huge effort and great organisation was needed to carry the stones tens, and sometimes hundreds, of miles by land and water and then to shape and raise them. Stonehenge’s orientation in relation to the rising and setting sun has always been one of its most remarkable features.

Bath - Two thousand years ago, with most of the world at their feet, the Romans recognised the unique qualities of Bath and settled here. They chose well. Set in a sheltered valley, surrounded by seven wooded hills and nourished by Britain’s only natural hot springs, it is a natural haven. An exquisite Georgian city grew from Bath’s ancient roots epitomised by Jane Austen. The Royal Crescent, The Circus, Pump Room and Pulteney Bridge are among the finest architectural treasures in the world, which explains its designation as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Brighton Day Trip

Themes: Pop Culture, The Underground, Tradition & Innovation, Tribes

According to Doctor Johnson, Brighton is ‘the perfect place to regain one’s health and then to ruin it again.’ This unique city by the sea offers fantastic shopping, sightseeing and the Brighton Pavilion – a
sprawling, Arabesque palace that was a favourite of King George IV.

Spend the morning at the famous Pavilion before enjoying free time to explore in the afternoon. Browse the quirky independent shops in North Laine or enjoy Fish 'n Chips on pier. You need at least one trip to the seaside during your time in the UK and Brighton is the best of the bunch!

Free Tours - Arcadia Explores

Led by Arcadia Faculty

On three separate occasions throughout the Fall, you can join our faculty for a free exploration, walk or tour. The details, dates and times of these events will be announced during the semester.

 Learn more about Co-Curricular themes & excursions in Great Britain.