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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

Morning

Depart school

Afternoon

Afternoon

Visit to the In Flanders Fields Museum

Evening

Evening

Last Post Ceremony

Day 2/2

Afternoon

Afternoon

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

What's included?

  • tick icon1 night's half-board accommodation
  • tick iconComprehensive travel and medical insurance
  • tick iconDetailed information pack
  • tick iconFree staff place ratio 1:8
  • tick iconItinerary planning service
  • tick iconMotorway tolls and taxes
  • tick iconReturn Channel crossings
  • tick iconReturn executive coach travel
  • tick iconVamoos travel app - giving you access to all your trip documents on your phone or tablet
  • tick iconVAT at current rates to tour operators

Educational activities and visits

Essex Farm

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Accommodation

Flanders Lodge
Hotel Menin Gate
The Poppies School Hotel
Best Western Flanders Lodge

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.

Hotel Menin Gate

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.

The Poppies School Hotel

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.

Gail Biggins
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

Your School Trip is Fully Protected

As a fully-accredited school travel company, booking with Halsbury Travel offers you complete peace of mind. Our accreditations are your guarantee that:

  • Your school trip will be fully financially protected
  • Your group’s safety will be prioritised
  • Your trip will be a quality educational experience

Safety prioritised

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.

Financial protection

Our Accreditations

Our ABTA bond means all our school trips are financially protected. Plus, all air tours and flights arranged by us are also ATOL protected.

Quality educational experiences

The Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC) Quality Badge is your reassurance that Halsbury Travel is committed to offering LOtC activities that are safe and beneficial to learning.

The Halsbury Difference

School trips designed by teachers for teachers

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.

Trips tailored to your curriculum and learning objectives

We’ll design your trip around your specific learning objectives and curriculum, to ensure it meets your particular requirements.

Rewarding loyalty scheme

Work together with other teachers in your school to save thousands of pounds on future school trips with our multi-trip loyalty scheme!