Trips to London for Religious Studies Students

The Central Gurdwara (Khalsa Jatha) is the oldest established Sikh place of worship in Europe, originally formed to promote religious and social activities among the Sikhs who had settled in the UK.

Westminster Cathedral is London’s largest Catholic church and the mother church of the Catholic community in England and Wales. View the rich collection of mosaics and marbles around the magnificent building and witness spectacular views over London from The Tower Viewing Gallery. Guided tours suitable for different age groups can be provided.

The London Central Mosque (more commonly known as Regent’s Park Mosque), is an established part of the London landscape and provides guided tours for all ages, either with a basic general insight into Islamic belief and practice, or by arrangement, tours with a specific desired focus.

The Bevis Marks Synagogue of the Spanish and Portuguese Jews, is the oldest in the United Kingdom. It can also be contrasted with the 19th century West London Synagogue which is the most famous Reform synagogue in the country. For groups studying Judaism, the Jewish Museum will also provide a thorough background on the history and development of the Jewish community here.

Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, known more commonly as Neasden Temple, is the first traditional Hindu Mandir (temple) in Europe and attracts half a million pilgrims and visitors every year. This dramatic building holds an ‘Understanding Hinduism’ exhibition - a concise, yet comprehensive study of the Hindu religion. Introductory talks to groups are available as well as downloadable worksheets.

This, the first Buddhist temple in the UK, was created with the objective of dissemination of theoretical and practical Buddhist teachings in Europe.

A rich learning resource for students in Years 9-13. Visits include an orientation session to help prepare and focus students, a visit to the galleries and a feedback session to help students reflect on what they have learned.

The Wiener Library is one of the world’s leading and most extensive archives on the Holocaust and Nazi era. Formed in 1933, the Library’s unique collection of over a million items includes published and unpublished works, press cuttings, photographs and eyewitness testimony. Workshops include The Nazi Games (looking at propaganda and the 1936 Olympics) and Rescues of the Holocaust (looking at individuals who saved lives under Nazi rule).

Visit the new stadium and take a 90-minute tour. See England’s changing rooms, the players’ warm-up zone, VIP reception area, the Royal Box, dugouts, the post-match interview area, press conference room, treatment rooms and the Bobby Moore Statue. You can even ‘Lift the Cup’!

Educational workshops are also available for Business Studies, English and History.

At St Paul’s Cathedral, students can study an iconic Christian place of worship and learn about the beliefs and practices of the Church of England through a number of themed tours suitable for KS3-KS5, including: The World of Worship, The Bible: Is it Relevant in Today’s World?, The Big Issues, ‘Jesus’ Fact or Fiction for Today’s Society and Christianity Through Art & Design. General guided tours suitable for different age groups can also be provided.

Suitable for KS3/4 groups - The Freedom of Religious Expression case looks at a real appeal against a well-known company. It explores the right to religious expression in the form of wearing a religious symbol to work.  This fascinating session considers the role of the European Convention on Human Rights in people’s everyday lives and looks at tolerance, rights and religious conviction.