Madrid Trip | Student Blog

Despite a disruptive start due to Spanish power cuts causing flight cancellations, a group of students embarked on their cultural trip to Madrid. The following blog details their experiences.

Day 1: Monday 28 April 2025

The group all sitting on the minibus wearing seatbelts and smiling

Our highly anticipated cultural trip to Madrid certainly got off to an unforgettable start! Instead of tapas and touring today, we found ourselves back home, thanks to a rather dramatic event: a widespread power cut across Spain and Portugal. The entire Iberian Peninsula plunged into darkness, and unfortunately, that meant our flight was grounded - an unexpected plot twist to our travel plans!

The photo shows us sitting in the minibus as we prepare to return to College from the airport, and we're still smiling!

Day 2: 29 April 2025

Today was all about the journey and our travels were a much smoother affair. Most importantly we've made it to Madrid! The initial travel hiccups are now firmly behind us, and we're ready to dive into everything this incredible city has to offer.

We've arrived, we're excited, and the real adventures are about to begin.

Day 3: 30 April 2025

We kicked things off with a much-needed breakfast.

the group sit around tables outside at a pavement cafe. There are coffee cups and plates of churros on the tables

the group sit around tables outside at a pavement cafe. There are coffee cups and plates of churros on the tables

Then we immersed ourselves into Spanish history with a visit to the magnificent El Escorial monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

5 students standing outside in front of the monastery

5 students standing outside in front of the monastery

Following lunch in Plaza Mayor, we visited the Valley of the Fallen (Valle de Cuelgamuros), where the views were absolutely incredible, and the cathedral built into the rock was amazing.

Grouped around a table with drinks waiting for lunch in a pavement cafe in Plaza Mayor

Grouped around a table with drinks waiting for lunch in a pavement cafe in Plaza Mayor

the cathedral in the rocks with a dramatic sky above

To top it all off we enjoyed some fantastic views of the city from a couple of rooftop bars as the sun went down.

a small group sitting around a table with drinks. It's dusk and everyone is smiling

a small group sitting around a table with drinks. It's dusk and everyone is smiling

What will tomorrow bring... watch this space!

Day 4: 1 May 2025

Thursday was a whirlwind of exploration, we began with an immersive sensory experience at the IKONO museum.

3 people sitting in a room with a monochrome background and throwing feathers in the air

3 people sitting in a room with a monochrome background and throwing feathers in the air

This was followed by a more tranquil visit to Retiro Park, where we viewed the statue of the Fallen Angel and enjoyed a relaxing break by the picturesque lake under the Madrid sunshine.

the statue of the fallen angel surrounded by water in the centre of Retiro Park

The afternoon then offered a glimpse into Spain's rich history with a visit to the magnificent Royal Palace.

a group of 8 staff and students standing in the gardens of the Royal Palace which can be seen behind them

a group of 8 staff and students standing in the gardens of the Royal Palace which can be seen behind them

As evening approached, some of us embraced the city's vibrant nightlife with an exciting trip to Teatro Kapital, a seven-floor nightclub housed in a former theatre, offering a diverse soundtrack to their Madrid adventure.

A group of 5 - 3 students and 2 staff - stand outside the nightclub

A group of 5 - 3 students and 2 staff - stand outside the nightclub

Day 5: 2 May 2025

On our final day in Madrid, we took the Metro to Sweet Space, an interactive museum where art and sweets meet. It had themed rooms with fun installations, like marshmallow trees and an ice cream lab. We even went on a flamingo ride!

Emilio and Dom sitting in a pink bumper car

Emilio and Dom sitting in a pink bumper car

After Sweet Space, we got some food and did a bit of last minute shopping before heading to the airport for our flight home.

the group sitting round rectangular tables tucking into a meal at the airport

the group sitting round rectangular tables tucking into a meal at the airport

On the way home there was a special surprise for teacher Lisa, when the cabin crew, on our behalf, thanked her for organising our brilliant trip. So that's it, now we're home and thinking about where we can travel to next!