Explore UK

The Explore UK programme runs weekend trips during term-time to a range of towns, cities and cultural attractions throughout Great Britain. Previous trips have included Oxford, Manchester, Stonehenge, Brighton, Cambridge, Bath and Cardiff.  

This is our trips programme for Spring and Summer 2026. Booking will be available through the ºÚÁÏ´«ËÍÃÅ online store closer to the date of each trip. International students will be emailed directly when bookings open.

Please note that this schedule is provisional only, and we reserve the right to change the dates and details of trips. 

Oxford - Saturday 28 February

One of the most well-known cities in England and home to the oldest university in the English-speaking world, Oxford is known as the “city of dreaming spires” because of its famous university architecture. Other attractions include The Bodleian Library, the historic covered market and the Ashmolean Museum (Britain’s oldest museum).

Bath - Saturday 28 March

This world-famous destination in the English West Country is the only UK city designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. A spa city of honey-coloured architecture, attractions in Bath include the ancient Roman Baths, Jane Ausden Centre and Georgian architectural icons such as the Royal Crescent and the Circus. There's also lots of independent shops - or you might want to experience Bath's thermal mineral waters for yourself in the Thermae Bath Spa! 

York - Saturday 25 April

Renowned for its Roman, Viking, and Medieval heritage and for its architecture and old cobbled streets, York is also famous for the Minster, one of the great cathedrals of the world. Other attractions include the Jorvik Viking Centre, York Castle Museum, Clifford’s Tower and the National Railway Museum; this compact city is packed with things to do!   

Brighton - Saturday 30 May

This classic British seaside resort on the South Coast combines modern culture with majestic Regency architecture, including the iconic Brighton Palace Pier and Royal Pavilion. And in addition to the beach and vintage shops you’ll discover a lively, free-thinking city that’s known for creativity. 

Frequently asked questions

What happens on the trip? Is there a tour? Will you show us around?

We provide information and suggestions of things for students to do at each destination. You're free to spend your time how you want on the trip  - we don't try to organise your day for you, partly because different students tend to have different interests and don't usually want to all do the same things!

If there is enough student demand, we will sometimes offer a limited number of places on an optional city tour. Tours are run by a local guide and usually last around 2 hours. After the tour you will usually have free time in the afternoon to spend how you wish. 

How can I book a place?

You can book a place on a trip through the . Remember that you need to set up an account on the store before you book your trip - this should only take a few minutes. 

We are not able to accept in-person payments or payment in cash.

Can you reserve a place on a trip for me?

We cannot reserve places for students. If you want to join a trip you will need to book a place by making payment through the online store. 

I'm interested in a trip but it's already sold out. How can I get a place?

We try to open trips up to as many students as possible, but for practical reasons there will always be an upper limit to the number of people that can join. Our trips are popular and usually sell out in advance and so we suggest booking promptly onto any trips that you're interested in.

We usually operate a waiting list if trips are full. Contact us by email if you want to be added to a waiting list for a trip that has sold out.  

Can I bring a friend or partner on a trip?

Yes. Students can book an additional place for a friend or family member through the online store  - simply choose the number of places that you want to purchase. The people that accompany you don't have to be ºÚÁÏ´«ËÍÃÅ students. Please note however that we usually operate a limit of 2 adult bookings per student.

Can I bring my children on a trip?

It is usually possible to book children onto trips. If you are planning to do this, please contact us directly at iss@dmu.ac.uk in advance and we will advise you further.

I'm a UK student at ºÚÁÏ´«ËÍÃÅ. Can I join the trip too?

Yes. Home students are very welcome to join Explore UK trips.  

What if I book a place on a trip but then can't attend?

Before you make your booking, please check to make sure that you will be able to join the trip on that date. If you've booked a place but then find you can't attend, you will need to inform us in writing as soon as possible. We can sometimes refund cancellations, though this will always depend on how close to the date of the trip you let us know that you're no longer able to travel. See our cancellation and refund policy.