For groups studying First World War poetry, an English literature school trip will be an unforgettable experience!
John McCrae’s In Flanders Fields remains to this day one of the most memorable war poems ever written. It’s a lasting legacy of the terrible battle in the Ypres Salient in the spring of 1915. Essex Farm, where he wrote the poem, was originally the site of an Advanced Dressing Station and the surgeons’ dugouts can still be visited.
You can also visit Vancouver Corner, the site of the first recorded use of poison gas on the Western Front, bringing to mind Owen’s poem Dulce et Decorum Est. And you mustn't miss the opportunity to take part in the evocative Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate. Plus, of course, this destination is ideal for a cross-curricular school trip in partnership with your school's history department.
Suggested Itinerary (2 days, 1 night)
Day 1/2
Morning
Depart school
Afternoon
Visit to the In Flanders Fields Museum
Evening
Last Post Ceremony
Day 2/2
Afternoon
Guided literature tour, including Essex Farm, Vancouver Corner, Tyne Cot and Hill 62
What's included?
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1 night's half-board accommodation
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Comprehensive travel and medical insurance
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Detailed information pack
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Free staff place ratio 1:8
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Itinerary planning service
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Motorway tolls and taxes
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Return Channel crossings
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Return executive coach travel
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Vamoos travel app - giving you access to all your trip documents on your phone or tablet
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VAT at current rates to tour operators
Curriculum Links
GCSE
- Power and conflict in poetry
- Identifying literary themes
- Understanding historical contexts
- Comparing and contrasting texts
- Wilfred Owen
- John McCrae
- Lord Tennyson
- Ted Hughes
Key Stage 3
- Understanding our literary heritage
- Understanding historical contexts
- Exploring literary themes
- Wilfred Owen
- John McCrae
- Lord Tennyson
- Ted Hughes
Educational activities and visits
Essex Farm
John McCrae's 'In Flanders Fields' remains, to this day, one of the most memorable war poems ever written. It is… Read More
Hill 62 Museum/Sanctuary Wood
Sanctuary Wood and its trench museum show an authentic and vivid portrayal of what is was like to live in… Read More
In Flanders Fields Museum
This interactive museum mixes artefacts with documentary film, audio-visual presentations and contemporary artwork to vividly portray the horror and brutality… Read More
Menin Gate
Situated on Menin Road where men used to march from Ypres to the front lines, the Menin Gate is a… Read More
Tyne Cot British Cemetery
Within a kilometre of the farthest point in Belgium reached by the Allied forces lies the largest cemetery for Commonwealth… Read More
Cultural activities and visits
Bellewaerde Park
Bellewaerde Park is Belgium’s oldest theme park. Built around an ancient castle, this theme park is located only 75 minutes… Read More
Leonidas Chocolate Shop
Hans and Stephanie are always happy to welcome you to their chocolate shop! Situated in the Grote Markt main square… Read More
Accommodation
The Flanders Lodge is a modern log cabin-style hotel located in the heart of the historic World War I Ypres Salient, 1 mile from the Menin Gate memorial, and one hour away from the Somme battlefields. French cuisine is served in the Wintergarden restaurant, with a continental buffet-style breakfast served each morning. There is a coffee shop for refreshments or snacks and three meeting rooms, in addition to an auditorium equipped for video conferences at the Flanders Language Valley estate across the road. All guestrooms benefit from private bathroom facilities.
This former textile factory provides a brilliant base for groups visiting the battlefields and is located 100m away from the Market Square in Ypres town centre. Students will be accommodated in multi-bedded rooms, and staff in twins or singles (supplement may apply). All rooms are en-suite, and with a group size of 35 or more, you will have sole occupancy of the premises. Breakfast is served on site, and evening meals are taken at a nice restaurant in the town centre just two minutes' walk away. Packed lunches are available on request. Facilities include a PA intercom system, recreational room with TV, pool table, pinball machines, table football, free WiFi throughout, a large garden, and a staff room with minibar and digital TV.
Once an inter-war pension for British soldiers, the Poppies School Hotel is now a popular choice amongst school groups visiting the battlefields of the Western Front. Students will be accommodated in multi-bedded rooms, staff in twins or singles (single supplement applies). All rooms are en-suite and the hotel operates on a sole occupancy basis.The hotel serves breakfast every day, but the evening meal is taken at a local restaurant in the town centre. Packed lunches are available on request.Facilities include a PA intercom system, lounge and recreational room with TV, pinball machine, table football, pool table, 5 internet computers and an extensive courtyard.
Supporting you every step of the way
1 Creating Your Perfect Trip
We'll tailor make your school trip to meet your specific requirements
2 Launching your trip to parents and students
Head to our resources section for FREE promotional materials
3 After you've booked
Your dedicated Itinerary Coordinator will work with you on the finer details of your trip
4 While you're away
You'll be able to reach us 24/7 during your trip if you need our help
5 After your trip
Head back to our resources section to continue the learning
Need help?
Gail Biggins — Tour Adviser
Don’t hesitate to contact me for any advice or further information on how your school trip can be tailored to your requirements.
Having used Halsbury three times now I would not use any other company for the school trips I arrange and I'm soon to look into our next adventure with them. I would most definitely recommend Halsbury to any educational setting as they are a trustworthy company that know what they're doing and do it well.— Ercall Wood Academy
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