School History Trips to The Battlefields

FAQs about this tour

Find the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

• What duration would you recommend for a school history trip to the Battlefields?

  A 4 day, 3 night tour allows you sufficient time to explore the sites found in Ypres and the Somme – but a trip can be planned in a day!

• Would you recommend a History Tour Guide on this trip?

  Absolutely, our Guides have huge in depth knowledge of the sites and their history. They bring history to life for students in a whole new way.

• Is there a good selection of accommodation available in the area, that caters well for school groups?

  Ypres is renowned for being a well visited area by school groups and for that reason there is a great selection of accommodation centres and youth hostels, just perfect for schools.

• Are students able to visit the cemeteries and graves of family members who may have fought and lost their lives here?

  This is one thing that our History Tour Guides take great pride in facilitating. If a school knows of any families within their school with particular links to a cemetery, they will make it possible for the relevant students to visit their families graves. This can be an extremely poignant moment on tour.

• How can I make my Battlefields tour personal to my group?

  To make your Battlefields trip more personal and inclusive to your group, tailor your itinerary to focus on specific soldiers from diverse backgrounds, as well as exploring women’s roles in WW1. History tour guides can also help make your tours more personal and inclusive; with their expertise, they know which sites will be the most informative and impactful. Check out our blog to find out more!

• What should students pack for a Battlefields school trip?

  Here are some of the essentials that students should bring on Battlefields trip school (please note that some items are seasonal):

  Travel documents: 

  • Passport 
  • Visa (if required) 
  • GHIC card 

  Clothing: 

  • Socks 
  • Underwear 
  • Tshirts 
  • Shorts/trousers 
  • Waterproof coat 
  • Jumper 
  • Pyjamas 
  • Outfits for downtime/ evening meal 
  • Appropriate footwear 

  Personal care 

  • Toiletries- shampoo, bodywash, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, sanitary products 
  • Medication  

  Environmental protection items 

  • SPF 
  • Hat/cap 
  • Lip balm 
  • Insect repellent 
  • Woolly hat  
  • Scarf 
  • Gloves 
  • Thermal layers 

  Other 

  • Chargers for electrical devices 
  • Plug adapters 
  • Card games 
  • Book 
  • Portable gaming device  
• How can we ensure students are emotionally prepared for visits to war-related sites?

  Engage in pre-trip discussions about the sites students will visit and the expected emotional impact it could have. Let students know that strong emotions are normal when learning about difficult history and the real-life experiences of others. On the tour, ensure emotional support is available through teachers and classmates, and offer breaks if needed.

• Is there an opportunity to participate in remembrance and commemoration?

  Yes, you can participate in moments of remembrance and commemoration at the memorial sites, such as laying a wreath at the Last Post Ceremony at Menin Gate in Ypres.  Students can also read poetry and passages at key sites. Our Tour Coordinators can help organise moments of remembrance during your trip.