On a history school trip to the WW1 battlefields of the Somme, your group will develop their understanding of what was the worst day in the history of the British Army!
The Battle of the Somme has gone down in history as one of the bloodiest battles ever fought. In terms of casualties, the first day of the battle (1st July 1916) saw the highest number of British casualties in one day.
The Battle of the Somme was intended to be the Big Push to win the war. The key events of the battle will be brought to life for your students with visits to sites including the 1916 Somme Museum in Albert, Lochnagar Crater, Thiepval Memorial to the Missing and Newfoundland Memorial Park.
Low on numbers? You may like to consider teaming up with your school's English department to make this a cross-curricular trip if they're looking at WW1 poetry.
Suggested Itinerary (2 days, 1 night)
Day 1/2

Morning
Depart school

Afternoon
VisitVimy Ridge andSomme 1916 Museum

Evening
Evening meal and games
Day 2/2

Morning
Visit Thiepval Memorial, Delville Wood, Ulster Tower and Newfoundland Park

Evening
Travel back to school
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
A-Level
- The changing nature of warfare
- Life in the trenches
- Challenges of German nationalism
- Germany: democracy and dictatorship
GCSE
- Developments in British warfare
- Conflict and tension: WW1
- The Western Front
- Life in wartime Britain
Key Stage 3
- Challenges for Europe and the wider world, 1901
Primary
- British history beyond 1066
Educational activities and visits
Delville Wood
Nicknamed 'Devil Wood' by South African soldiers because of the horrendous losses they suffered here, this site commemorates the South… Read More
Lochnagar Crater
On the morning of the first day of the battle of the Somme, Welsh miners blew a huge mine under… Read More
Newfoundland Memorial Park, Beaumont-Hamel
On the first day of the battle of the Somme, eight hundred men of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment went over… Read More
Somme 1916 Museum
From the ninth to the sixteenth centuries, the people of Albert, like many in the region, got used to hiding… Read More
Thiepval Memorial to the Missing
The slaughter on the Somme wiped out a generation, and continues to cast a shadow on Britain’s popular consciousness. This… Read More
Ulster Tower
The Ulster Tower is a memorial to the men of the 36th (Ulster) Division. It is located very near to… Read More
Vimy Ridge
In April 1917, Canadian soldiers wrested control of the escarpment here in a brief but bloody battle. A striking monument… Read More
Accommodation
Poppies d'Albert is a purpose built hotel, catering exclusively for school groups. It is located in the historic town of Albert, in the very heart of the battlefields of the Somme. Students are accommodated in multi-bedded rooms all of which have an en-suite shower, toilet and washbasin. Breakfast is served at the hotel, and the evening meal in a local restaurant.Each floor has a games room with a pool table and a drinks machine. There is also a staff lounge on each floor with computers, free internet access and a minibar. A room is available for group activities. Next to the hotel are a football pitch and a swimming pool, both of which can be used by the hotel's guests.
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.
Lyon is a brilliant city to take a school trip to - easy to navigate with a lot to offer. Le Lyon Bleu is an excellent school and the staff are always ready to help. The lessons were perfectly pitched for my students and I feel it was a very worthwhile experience for them.— Warwick School
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