WW1 Battlefields School Trip

Visit the French Battlefields

One million men were wounded or killed in the Battle of the Somme, making it one of the deadliest battles in human history. On a trip to France, your students can follow the events of the 1916 Battle of the Somme by following the Circuit of Remembrance.

They’ll be able to 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 events of the battle and the experience of the soldiers who fought in it.

At the Lochnager Crater, the largest man-made crater in the world, your students can reflect on the impact of WW1, as the crater is now a memorial dedicated to peace, fellowship and reconciliation between all the nations who fought on the Western Front.

Visit the Belgian Battlefields

In Ypres, you can explore the preserved trenches at the Hill 62 Museum and take part in the Platoon Experience at the Passchendaele Museum. And you can pay your respects to fallen soldiers at Tyne Cot British Cemetery.

The In Flanders Fields Museum uses fantastic interactive exhibits to bring to life the horror and brutality of the Great War and the lives of those on the Western Front. Meanwhile, at Talbot House, your students will see another side to the experience of the soldiers who fought here.

A truly unforgettable moment of your battlefield tour will be the opportunity to participate in the Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate.

Why arrange a school trip to the WW1 battlefields?

Keep the memory of WW1 alive

The First World War was fought over a century ago and 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 the memory alive for future generations.

Your students will explore the personal stories of soldiers who fought in the war. They’ll even be able to explore some of the trenches to get a better idea of the terrible conditions in which soldiers were living, fighting and dying.

And they’ll be able to visit memorials and war cemeteries where the scale of the loss of life will be brought home. You could even ask them to research family connections or find the grave of a former student of the school, to help them connect with the stories of the soldiers.

Help them understand trench warfare

Visiting the battlefields on a school trip allows students to gain a deeper understanding of trench warfare, including how the trenches were set up and the conditions experienced by the soldiers.

They’ll be able to visit reconstructed trenches, where the personal stories of soldiers will be brought to life. And they’ll have a better understanding of the fear that they would have felt when being ordered to go over the top.

Your students will also be able to 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.

Enjoy the trip as much as your students

Originally founded by former teachers, we understand the value of history trips and how to make them successful.

Your trip 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. And, with this comprehensive level of support, you’ll be able to immerse yourself in history as much as your students.