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, York, Liverpool, Cambridge and Bath.
This is our trips programme for the Autumn term 2023. Booking will be available through the DMU online store closer to the date of each trip.
Please note that this schedule is provisional only, and we reserve the right to change the dates and details of trips.
York - Saturday 21st October
Renowned for its Roman, Viking, and Medieval heritage and for its architecture and old cobbled streets, York is also famous for York 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. Explore the city yourself, or book onto our optional walking tour. Places on this trip are available through the
Cardiff - Saturday 18th November
An all-day trip to the capital of Wales! Cardiff is a compact but exciting city of castles, history, and culture, where seven Victorian and Edwardian shopping arcades nestle amongst the biggest names on the high street. There's also a selection of art galleries, not forgetting the National Museum of Cardiff. Places for this trip will be available from mid-October.
London - Tuesday 19th December
A Christmas trip to the capital. Take your pick from the huge range of London attractions, or perhaps spend the day shopping under the Christmas lights. Places for this trip will be available from mid-November.
Frequently asked questions
What happens on the trip? Is there a tour? Will you show us around?
Most of our trips also offer a limited number of places on an optional city tour, which you'll usually need to book at the same time as you book the main bus trip. 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.
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 have different interests and usually want to do different things!
Can I bring my friends or partner on a trip?
Yes. Students can book places for friends and family 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 DMU students.
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.
How can I book a place?
You can book a place on a trip through the DMU Online Store. 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 cannot accept in-person payments or payment in cash - sorry.
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 a UK student at DMU. Can I join the trip too?
Yes. Home students are very welcome to join Explore UK trips.
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.
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.