Barcelona: A Trip to Remember

Published by Sir William Perkins's School on Wednesday 19th of November 2025

In October, SWPS went on a Barcelona trip for Year 10 and Year 11. It was an amazing cultural enrichment trip, and we saw many fascinating sights: La Sagrada Família, Gaudí’s house, PortAventura, the Olympic Stadium, and we did plenty of shopping! We made many memories and had the chance to spend time with people in our year group whom we do not normally get the opportunity to talk to. We experienced a variety of cultural foods and flamenco dancing.

On the first day, we took a tour and saw Gaudí’s buildings. The architecture was designed to feel alive, as if the structures were moving or growing like nature. We found that every part of his work was incredibly detailed. What we liked most about his style was the way it blends inspiration from nature with imagination.

We also went to see La Sagrada Família – it was beautiful and huge. The exterior was filled with small and large details, each with its own meaning. Inside, the light filters through the stained-glass windows, giving the whole space a natural, calm, and almost otherworldly atmosphere. The columns are designed to resemble trees, making the interior feel like a peaceful forest.

On the last day, we looked around the Olympic Stadium. It was impressive, with a design that made it feel spacious. We learnt some facts, such as the stadium being originally built in 1929, its capacity being around 54,000–56,000, and that it is named after Lluís Companys, who was a Catalan political figure. The building is surrounded by open spaces and views of the city, which makes the whole area feel lively.

We also went to PortAventura World! It was great fun! We saw the fastest roller coaster in Europe, Red Force. At the entrance, it was styled like a Catalan coastal village. There were restaurants, pop-up stalls and cafés. The place was serene. It did not feel like just one theme park – it is split into six different ‘worlds’. When walking to and from the roller coasters, there were huge palm trees, and it felt like a tropical island, giving it a natural atmosphere. The rides were thrilling, and there was something for everyone.

Visiting the markets was amazing – the stalls were full of fresh fruit, seafood, and local delicacies. The cafés and boutique shops made the city feel cosy and authentic, perfect for people-watching. Walking along the high streets was eye-opening and gave me a real sense of everyday life in Barcelona.