Next summer, members of NEHS will have the chance to step directly into the pages of literary history. The 2026 NEHS UK Literary Tour, planned in partnership with American River Cultural Exchange, invites travelers to explore the landscapes, cities, and inspirations that shaped the works of Shakespeare, Austen, and many others. Read what previous travelers thought about the UK Literary Tour.
From June 19–29, 2026, participants will visit some of England’s most celebrated cultural sites. The journey begins in London, with stops at 221B Baker Street, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, and the British Library, ending with reflection and journaling in Hyde Park. In Westminster, students will experience Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and a West End musical in Covent Garden.
The tour continues with Highclere Castle and the Regency charm of Bath, home to the Jane Austen Centre. In Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare’s birthplace offers a direct link to his legacy, while Cambridge provides a university tour, creative writing sessions, and even the chance to punt along the River Cam. At Girton College, participants will engage with lectures and archives focused on distinct aspects of literary history and will be able to get up close to the Shakespeare First Folio. The trip closes back in London with visits to the British Museum and Windsor Castle. Check out the full itinerary.
Throughout the tour, students will take part in reading, writing, and journaling sessions designed to connect their own creativity with the rich literary traditions of the UK. The cost is $3,300 and includes all accommodation, breakfasts, guided tours, activities mentioned in the itinerary, and performances at both the Globe Theatre and in the West End. Read more about costs and inclusions.
Registration is open now, with a deadline of November 1, 2025. Registrations require brief reflections on the authors and experiences that matter most to each traveler, along with parental consent for those under 18.
The NEHS UK Literary Tour 2026 is more than just a school trip—it’s a chance to live inside the stories that shaped English literature and create new ones of your own.
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