London’s Art & Design Scene
Discover London through the lens of art, design, and architecture on a journey that fuses tradition with innovation. From world-class museums and cuttingedge galleries to vibrant street art and soaring cityscapes, this tour celebrates creativity in every form. Admire the timeless beauty of the National Gallery and Victoria and Albert Museum and explore the bold reimagining of urban spaces like Peckham Levels. Wander along the
Southbank where performance, public art, and design converge, and ascend landmarks like The Shard and Sky Garden for breathtaking perspectives of the city. With neighbourhoods alive with murals and markets, London becomes both classroom and inspiration.
days 1-2
First Impressions and Iconic Perspectives
The tour begins with a panoramic coach ride through London, where students gain their first impressions of the city’s architectural contrasts, from neoclassical government buildings to bold modern skyscrapers. A Thames river cruise frames landmarks like Tower Bridge and the London Eye, before an afternoon at the British Museum introduces global artistic traditions. The next day elevates the perspective with a visit to The Shard, Renzo Piano’s crystalline tower, offering sweeping views across the metropolis. Students then explore contemporary art at Tate Modern, housed in the strikingly repurposed Bankside Power Station, before a guided walk along the Southbank highlights how urban regeneration integrates art, performance, and public design.
day 3
Masterpieces and Performance Design
Students delve into European painting at the National Gallery, supported by a hands-on workshop that brings curatorial and artistic practices to life. A visit to the Courtauld Gallery introduces impressionist and modernist masterpieces within Somerset House’s neoclassical setting. The evening unfolds in Covent Garden and Soho, where vibrant creative districts showcase design in street life, boutique shops, and performance culture. The day culminates with a West End theatre production, where students can consider costume design, staging, and scenography as part of the wider art of performance.
day 4
Design Innovation and Contemporary Practice
The focus turns to design innovation at the Victoria and Albert Museum, where decorative arts and fashion reflect centuries of craftsmanship. At the Saatchi Gallery, students encounter thought-provoking contemporary exhibitions in a minimalist, adaptive architectural space. Later, the Design Museum introduces forward-thinking concepts across product design, graphics, and digital creativity. A 3D printing workshop provides hands-on insight into the future of design processes and technology.
Add a backstage visit to a West End theatre to see costume workshops, set construction, and stage design in action.
insider knowledge: Theatre Design Tour
day 5
Immersive Encounters and Historic Collections
En route to London, stop at Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world. Discover the State Apartments, view St George’s Chapel, and perhaps glimpse the ceremonial Guards. Arriving in the capital, celebrate your first night in London with a special dinner cruise along the River Thames—an unforgettable perspective of the city’s illuminated landmarks.
Students could try a stencil-making, urban sketching or graffiti spray-painting workshop.
insider knowledge: Workshops
day 6
Urban Creativity and Market Culture
At the Sky Garden, students discover how biophilic design merges architecture, landscape, and urban views atop one of London’s tallest skyscrapers. The group then explores Shoreditch, guided through its street art and graphic interventions that blur the line between urban design and social commentary. Free time in Spitalfields and Shoreditch allows students to observe how architecture, markets, and creative industries shape these neighbourhoods into cultural hubs.
days 7-8
Legacy, Community and Farewell
The morning brings a visit to Dulwich Picture Gallery, an architectural landmark by Sir John Soane and the world’s first purpose-built public art gallery. A street art walking tour through Peckham, Dulwich, and Brixton introduces layers of urban creativity, from large-scale murals to community-led projects. The highlight is Peckham Levels, a striking example of sustainable urban design, where a disused car park has been transformed into a multi-use cultural and creative space. The day closes with a memorable group dinner at Battersea Power Station, where the iconic industrial building has been reimagined as a dynamic riverside destination blending heritage with contemporary design. On the final morning, the group transfers to Heathrow, departing London with a wealth of inspiration drawn from its world-class art, design, and architecture.
Inclusions
- Ground transportation throughout
- Group dinner at Battersea Power Station
Accommodation in a 3 star hotel
- London – Premier Inn Wembley Park
Admissions to
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British Museum – entrance
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Thames river cruise
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The Shard – viewing platform entrance
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Tate Modern – entrance
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London Eye – ride
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National Gallery – entrance
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National Gallery workshop (hands-on session)
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Courtauld Gallery – entrance
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West End theatre production – ticket included
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Victoria & Albert Museum – entrance
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Saatchi Gallery – entrance
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Design Museum – entrance
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3D printing workshop – participation included
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Moco Museum – entrance
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Frameless immersive experience – entrance
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Wallace Collection – entrance
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Sky Garden – entry
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Dulwich Picture Gallery – entrance
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Group dinner at Battersea Power Station (venue + meal included
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Panoramic London coach tour
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Guided Southbank architecture & regeneration walk
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Street art tour of Shoreditch
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Street art walking tour of Peckham, Dulwich & Brixton
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Guided street art tour in Shoreditch )
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Guided visit in Shoreditch/Spitalfields (urban design & markets)
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