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 Morning Summary Afternoon Summary Evening Summary
1

Depart school

Visit to the In Flanders Fields Museum

Last Post Ceremony

2

Guided literature tour, including Essex Farm, Vancouver Corner, Tyne Cot and Hill 62

2 days, 1 night Price from £199 pp
  • 1 night's half-board accommodation
  • Comprehensive travel and medical insurance
  • Detailed information pack
  • Free staff place ratio 1:8
  • Itinerary planning service
  • Motorway tolls and taxes
  • Return Channel crossings
  • Return executive coach travel
  • Vamoos travel app - giving you access to all your trip documents on your phone or tablet
  • VAT at current rates to tour operators

Accommodation

Educational Activities

Essex Farm

Essex Farm

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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

Hill 62 Museum/Sanctuary Wood

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Sanctuary Wood and its trench museum show an authentic and vivid portrayal of what is was like to live in… Read More

Museum

In Flanders Fields Museum

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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

Menin Gate

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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

Tyne Cot British Cemetery

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Within a kilometre of the farthest point in Belgium reached by the Allied forces lies the largest cemetery for Commonwealth… Read More

Cultural Activities

Bellewaerde Park

Bellewaerde Park

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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

Leonidas Chocolate Shop

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Hans and Stephanie are always happy to welcome you to their chocolate shop! Situated in the Grote Markt main square… Read More

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

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4 While you're away

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5 After your trip

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Need help?

I love being able to provide school trips that give students the opportunity to experience different cultures and languages. When I was a student, I visited a town near Lyon for a French exchange trip. I found it really interesting living with a French family, I really enjoyed the trip and my language skills improved, as I quickly became more confident at speaking the language – Caroline Hill Tour Consultant

Don't take our word for it …

The area is beautiful and really worth visiting. The Schwarzwald Museum was really good and ideal to do before the Eble-Uhren Park as they complimented each other. The Mercedes-Benz Museum was fantastic and the students loved it. The Dorotheenhütte was very popular with our students and most of them made their own vase to take home. The Christmas markets were also excellent to visit with the students – we went to a small local one in Villingen and the large one in Stuttgart. — Ockbrook School , December 2018

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As an Assured Member of the School Travel Forum (STF) we have an effective Safety Management System in place.

As well as reassuring you that your group's safety will be prioritised at all times, this will also help you to meet your due diligence and reduces the amount of External Provider paperwork required.

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All air tours and flights arranged by us are also **ATOL protected**. Our ATOL number is ATOL 5079. Protection extends primarily to customers who book and pay in the United Kingdom.

The Halsbury Difference

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Originally founded by teachers in 1986 and with several former teachers in our team, we understand the pressures on you as Group Leader and work hard to relieve them.

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