School History Trip to Dunkirk
Occupied twice by German troops in the 20th century, this history school trip to Dunkirk brings into focus the themes of Hitler’s foreign policy, the origins of WW2, Britain at war and the development of warfare!
Visiting this area allows students to explore life during the Second World War, from invasion to liberation. You’ll also explore the links between science and war.
You’ll also be able to expand on the theme of the German occupation from 1940 to 1945 in the Nord-Pas de Calais, one of the hardest hit regions during the ‘dark years’.
Suggested Itinerary (3 days, 2 nights)
Day 1/3

Morning
Travel to Dunkirk

Afternoon
Meet guide for Dynamo tour - Evacuation beaches, the port, British Memorial and cemetery, Zydcoote Maritime Hospital, shipwrecks of Dunkirk

Evening
Evening meal
Day 2/3

Morning
Battle of Dunkirk Museum

Afternoon
Blockhouse Bunker V2 launcher

Evening
Evening meal
Day 3/3

Morning
La Coupole - Museum of Science and War

Afternoon
Return travel to UK

Evening
Arrive back at school
What's included?
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2 nights' 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
A-Level
- The changing nature of warfare
- Life in the trenches
- Challenges of German nationalism
- Germany: democracy and dictatorship
- Germany and West Germany
GCSE
- Life in wartime Britain
- Developments in British warfare
- 1918-1939: the inter-war years
- Germany: democracy and dictatorship
Key Stage 3
- Challenges for Europe and the wider world, 1901
Primary
- British history beyond 1066
Educational activities and visits
Battle of Dunkirk/Operation Dynamo Museum
The Battle of Dunkirk exhibit gives an account of the fight carried out by the French army and by the… Read More
Blockhouse Bunker
When visiting the Eperlecques bunker, you will discover an authentic launch pad with its V1 ready for takeoff. The site… Read More
Dunkirk Cemetery and Memorial
The Dunkirk Town Cemetery contains British, Canadian, French, Belgian, American, Czech, Norwegian and Polish war graves amongst many other nationalities.… Read More
Dynamo Tour
Your guide will join you on board for atour of the evacuation beaches, the port, British Memorial and cemetery, Zydcoote… Read More
La Coupole
Built in 1943 as a base for Hitler's V2 missile, La Coupole is dedicated to life in Northern France during… Read More
Accommodation
This modern centre was built in 2011 and has has eighty-six rooms spread over three floors. L'Escale has 24 rooms special adapted for guests with disabilities.Students will stay in multi-bedded rooms and staff in twins. All rooms have a full bathroom, and WiFi is available throughout the building.Breakfast is served every day and the evening meal can be taken in the hostel's restaurant. Packed lunches are available on request.On the fourth floor groups have access to a TV room, a library and a lounge. Groups can also request one of the floor's three meeting rooms.
Centre Europeen de Sejour is a light and modern Youth Hostel in Calais. It offers a total of 162 beds spread between 84 rooms. Pupils are normally in twin or triple rooms with one shared bathroom between every 2 rooms. Staff will be accommodated in twin bedded rooms, but single rooms are available at a supplement. Other facilities include a large self-service restaurant, two meeting rooms which can be used for group activities, TV, video and a games room with billiards and table football.
YH Oostduinkerke is a modern youth hostel right by the dunes. Students will generally be accommodated in multi-bedded rooms and staff in twins. All rooms are ensuite with a shower, sink and toilet. There are several rooms on the ground floor which are specially adapted for wheelchair users.There are three conference rooms with television, DVD-player and a projection screen available for groups to use. Free WiFi is available in the reception area.Evening meals are taken in the restaurant which can hold up to 135 people and offers a large variety of meals of excellent quality. There is a playground in front of the hostel where children can play safely.
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?
Laura Martin — 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.
Beautiful city with plenty to offer. The Gros-Horloge, l’Historial Jeanne d’Arc and the Panorama XXL were well worth visiting.— Redborne Upper School and Community College
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 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.