In the Somme, your students will discover the huge scale of destruction caused by WW1.
Experience the living conditions in the trenches and the destructive power, waste and futility of war with our school trips to the WW1 battlefields.
You can visit France or Belgium – or combine the two for a comprehensive experience of the Western Front.
Wherever you choose to go on your battlefields school trip, your students will learn more about the huge scale of the conflict, the personal experiences of the soldiers, and the effect on civilian life in the areas around the battlefields. And you’ll be helping to keep the memory of the First World War alive for future generations.
And remember, the WW1 battlefields can be combined with a visit to the Opal Coast or Paris to give your tour a cross-curricular focus.
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Tour Consultant
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WW1 activities that your school group will love
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 of the events of 1914-1918.
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 the top here – only 68 returned.
Thiepval Memorial to the Missing
This colossal brick structure records the names of 72,000 British soldiers whose bodies were never found.
Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917
Commemorating the Battle of Passchendaele in 1917, this museum contains fascinating exhibitions and interactive experiences of life in the trenches.
Tyne Cot British Cemetery
Take your students to the largest cemetery for Commonwealth forces in the world, and let them reflect on the sheer number of lives lost.
Vimy Ridge
At Vimy Ridge, a striking monument, an interpretive centre and a section of preserved trenches commemorate the Canadian soldiers who wrestled control of the escarpment in a brief but bloody battle in April 1917.
Essex Farm
John McCrae's 'In Flanders Fields' remains, to this day, one of the most memorable war poems ever written.
Somme 1916 Museum
A unique underground museum where students will learn about the lives of soldiers on the frontline of WW1.
Hooge Crater Museum
On the site where some of the fiercest battles were fought is the 'Hooge Crater' Museum 1914-1918, one of the
Which WW1 battlefields can we visit?
The Somme, France
One million men were wounded or killed in the Battle of the Somme, making it one of the deadliest battles in human history. Your students will follow the Circuit of Remembrance to uncover what happened.
They’ll pay their respects to the fallen soldiers at Thiepval Memorial and see how soldiers from all around the world fought here, with visits to the Newfoundland Memorial and Delville Wood. At the Somme 1916 Museum, they’ll explore interactive exhibits that will deepen their understanding of the battle and the experiences of soldiers who fought in it.
Finally, at the Lochnager Crater, the largest man-made crater in the world, your students can reflect on the impact of WW1. The crater is now a memorial dedicated to peace, fellowship and reconciliation between all nations who fought on the Western Front.
Ypres Salient, Belgium
Modern-day Ypres is a beautiful city, and it’s safe enough for students to walk around independently. It’s also a great base to reach the main sites of the Ypres Salient, which are located within 20-30 minutes from each other. And there are plenty of opportunities for groups to stop and visit memorials or cemeteries along the main routes.
The In Flanders Fields Museum is one of the most popular visits on our school tours to the WW1 battlefields. The museum provides an overview of the period from 1914-18, and school groups have the option to explore the museum with an audio guide tailored to their age. Interactive exhibits bring the horror and brutality of the Great War to life.
Meanwhile, at Talbot House, your students will see another side to the experience of the soldiers who fought here. Known as the ‘Every Man’s Club’, Talbot House was a home away from home, where rank was abandoned and soldiers could enjoy some much-needed R&R. It’s always a good way to end a tour.
Other highlights include:
- Exploring reconstructed trenches and an underground bunker at Museum Passchendaele 1917.
- Visiting Hooge Crater Museum, which has a separate exhibition focused on the Medical Aid GCSE unit.
- Exploring preserved trenches at the Hill 62 Museum.
- Paying your respects to fallen soldiers at Tyne Cot British Cemetery.
- Visiting the local chocolate shops for a true taste of Belgian chocolate.
Can we take part in a Last Post Ceremony?
Yes, we can organise for your group to participate in the incredibly moving Last Post Ceremony at Menin Gate, Ypres. The ceremony takes place every evening at 8pm to remember the lives lost during warfare.
Standing underneath the huge memorial, inscribed with the names of the missing soldiers of WW1, groups can lay a wreath during the service. This is a truly unforgettable moment of your battlefield tour.
What's the benefit of a school trip to the WW1 battlefields?
A visit to the WW1 battlefields is one of the most important trips pupils can make. It’s tough to truly understand the enormity of the lives lost and the reality of war until you’ve seen it first-hand.
Furthermore, the First World War was now fought over a century ago. As time passes, there is a real risk that the world will forget the horrifying scale of destruction and the absolute futility of war. By taking your students to the battlefields, you’ll help to keep that memory alive.
Your students will explore the personal stories of soldiers who fought in the war. They’ll come face-to-face with the terrible conditions in which soldiers were living, fighting and dying. And they’ll have a better understanding of the fear that would have been felt when being ordered to go over the top.
Your students will also learn more about the infrastructure on the Western Front. They’ll learn more about what happened to injured soldiers, and those suffering from trench foot and trench fever. And they’ll find out where they could go for a little respite before returning to the fighting.
What support do we provide?
Your school trip to the WW1 battlefields will be completely tailor-made, to ensure that it meets your specific requirements and learning objectives. And we’ll be on hand throughout the process to answer any questions you have.
In fact, we’ll be with you every step of the way, from now until you return home at the end of your trip. While abroad, you’ll be able to reach us with just one phone call, at any time of the day or night. With this comprehensive level of support, you’ll be able to immerse yourself in the experience with complete peace of mind.
Learn more
03 Mar 2023
Exploring the WW1 Battlefields
Zoe, Megan and Laura have just got back from the WW1 battlefields around Ypres - find out what they got up to!
FAQs
Can we include visits to the graves of former pupils or relatives of our students?
Yes. In fact, we'd highly recommend doing something like this as it really makes the trip memorable.
We can certainly include this in your itinerary, we just need plenty of notice and, of course, all the necessary info to get this sorted for you. We can even help you out with the reasearch (if you need us to).
Can we arrange a specialist guide?
We can definitely arrange this for you (and we'll make sure they're fully aware of all your requirements, including your learning objectives).
This is especially beneficial if this is your first time leading a tour to the WW1 battlefields (and it's a great option for more experienced group leaders too). Just let us know you're interested in this option when you enquire.
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