Ypres School Trips.

Curriculum Travel

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Prices from £299.00*

Ypres, located in the Belgian province of West Flanders, is a charming town renowned for its splendid architecture and picturesque town square, encircled by an array of restaurants and shops. This location offers a unique educational opportunity for students to immerse themselves in the history and culture of the Ypres Salient. By visiting key sites, including museums, visitor centers, memorials, and reconstructed trenches, students can gain a deeper understanding of the region's historical significance.

To enrich their learning experience, consider arranging guided tours. These tours provide insightful narratives about the war, offering a glimpse into the lives of soldiers on the front lines, and allow students to experience the trenches and bunkers firsthand.

Additionally, your itinerary could include a day at the nearby Bellewaerde Theme Park, offering a blend of entertainment and relaxation. And, of course, there will be an opportunity for students to purchase some of Belgium's famous chocolates, adding a sweet touch to the educational journey.

Destinations in Europe

In Flanders Fields Museum | Menin Gate Memorial | Tyne Cot Cemetery | Passchendaele - & the Trenches | Hooge Crater Museum | Market Square | Saint Martin's Cathedral | Ypres Cloth Hall | Bellewaerde Park | The Ypres Salient

These locations in and around Ypres, Belgium, are significant for their historical and cultural importance, especially related to World War I. They offer educational opportunities for school visits, each with unique highlights:

1. In Flanders Fields Museum: Located in the Ypres Cloth Hall, this museum focuses on the First World War. It offers interactive exhibits, personal stories, and educational programs, providing a comprehensive understanding of the war's impact on Flanders.

2. Menin Gate Memorial: This iconic war memorial is dedicated to the British and Commonwealth soldiers who were killed in the Ypres Salient and whose graves are unknown. The daily Last Post ceremony here is a poignant reminder of the cost of war.

3. Tyne Cot Cemetery: The largest Commonwealth war cemetery in the world, Tyne Cot offers a solemn look at the scale of the war's fatalities. It's a place for reflection and learning about the personal stories of those who fought.

4. Passchendaele & the Trenches: The site of the Battle of Passchendaele, one of the war's most brutal battles. Visiting the preserved trenches gives students a tangible sense of the living conditions soldiers endured and the landscape of the battlefield.

5. Hooge Crater Museum: Located near a significant World War I battle site, this museum offers insights into the daily life of soldiers, the history of the war in the Ypres Salient, and features a collection of war artifacts.

6. Market Square: The historic center of Ypres, featuring beautiful architecture and a vibrant atmosphere. It's a good place to learn about the city's history before and after the war and to see the rebuilding efforts post-WWI.

7. Saint Martin's Cathedral: A stunning Gothic church rebuilt after being destroyed in World War I. It provides an opportunity to discuss the impact of war on cultural heritage and the efforts of restoration.

8. Ypres Cloth Hall: A medieval building in Ypres' main square, largely reconstructed after World War I. It's a symbol of Ypres' resilience and offers insight into medieval trade and the city's historical importance.

9. Bellewaerde Park: While primarily an amusement park, it also includes a nature park and elements of history from its use as a battlefield and military camp during World War I, offering a lighter addition to a school trip.

10. The Ypres Salient: An area around Ypres that saw intense fighting during WWI. Visiting various sites in this region can help students understand the strategic significance of the area and the complexity of trench warfare.

Each site offers unique learning experiences, from understanding the historical context of World War I to appreciating the impact of war on society and culture.

What they will learn

Subjects available: History, Geography, Music, Activities, Languages, Cultural, Farming, Architecture, Performing Arts, Archaeology

Visiting these sites around Ypres, Belgium, encompasses a range of subjects and learning experiences, making them particularly valuable for educational trips. Here's a breakdown of the subjects and learning experiences each site offers:

1. In Flanders Fields Museum:

-Subjects: World War I history, social studies, European history.

-Learning Experiences: Interactive exhibits teach about the global impact of the war, personal stories of soldiers and civilians, and the role of technology in warfare.

2. Menin Gate Memorial:

-Subjects: World War I history, commemoration studies.

-Learning Experiences: Understanding the significance of remembrance and the impact of war on families and nations; observing the Last Post ceremony for a real-time connection to history.

3. Tyne Cot Cemetery:

-Subjects: World War I history, sociology, cultural studies.

-Learning Experiences: Reflecting on the human cost of war, learning about the Commonwealth forces, and understanding the significance of military cemeteries.

4. Passchendaele & the Trenches:

-Subjects: Military history, World War I history, geography.

-Learning Experiences: Exploring preserved trenches to understand the daily life and struggles of soldiers, and learning about specific military strategies and battles.

5. Hooge Crater Museum:

-Subjects: World War I history, archaeology, military technology.

-Learning Experiences: Viewing artifacts from the war, understanding the landscape's transformation due to warfare, and learning about the technological advancements of the era.

6. Market Square:

-Subjects: European history, architecture, urban studies.

-Learning Experiences: Exploring historical architecture, understanding the impact of war on urban centers, and learning about post-war reconstruction.

7. Saint Martin's Cathedral:

-Subjects: Religious studies, architecture, art history.

-Learning Experiences: Appreciating Gothic architecture, understanding the role of religion in society, and discussing the impact of war on religious structures.

8. Ypres Cloth Hall:

-Subjects: Medieval history, economic history, art history.

-Learning Experiences: Learning about medieval trade and commerce, understanding the historical significance of cloth production, and discussing post-war restoration of historical buildings.

9. Bellewaerde Park:

-Subjects: Leisure studies, history of warfare, environmental studies.

-Learning Experiences: Understanding the transformation of war sites into leisure spaces, discussing the juxtaposition of entertainment and history, and exploring themes of nature conservation.

10. The Ypres Salient:

-Subjects: Geography, military history, European history.

-Learning Experiences: Analyzing the strategic importance of the region, understanding the geography of battlefields, and discussing the long-term impact of war on landscapes and communities.

These sites collectively offer a multifaceted educational experience, covering aspects of history, culture, sociology, and more, while providing tangible connections to the past and fostering a deeper understanding of the complexities and consequences of war.

What's included

Four-Day Educational Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Departure and Ypres Exploration

- Morning: Departure from school and journey to Folkestone/Dover for a ferry crossing to Calais.

- Afternoon: Arrival in Ypres, followed by a visit to the In Flanders Field Museum, an immersive experience into the history of the First World War.

- Evening: Check-in at the hostel. Dinner at a selected local restaurant, offering a taste of regional cuisine.

Day 2: Battlefield and Cemetery Tour

- Morning to Afternoon: A guided full-day excursion covering significant World War I sites. This includes visits to Tyne Cot Cemetery, the Yorkshire Trenches, Hooge Crater, Langemark German Cemetery, and the Passchendaele Museum.

- Evening: Dinner at a renowned restaurant in Ypres. Participation in the poignant Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate, a daily tribute to the fallen.

Day 3: Leisure and Cultural Experience

- Daytime: A fun and engaging visit to Bellewaerde Theme Park, offering a mix of thrilling rides and wildlife encounters.

- Evening: Dinner at a charming local restaurant in Ypres. A delightful visit to a local chocolate shop, allowing everyone to indulge in Belgian sweet specialties.

Day 4: Historical Insights and Return Journey

- Morning: Visit to Talbot House, a historic site offering insights into the life of soldiers during their brief respite from the front lines, complete with an audio tour.

- Afternoon: Departure from Ypres, traveling back to Calais for the ferry crossing.

- Evening: Arrival at school, concluding the educational and memorable four-day tour.

Transport

**Inclusions:** - Round-trip ferry or Eurotunnel crossing between the United Kingdom and France - High-quality executive coach transfers in accordance with the itinerary - Professional tour management services to assist throughout the planning of your tour - 24-hour emergency assistance available on call

Accommodation

We maintain strong collaborative relationships with the proprietors of four notable hostels in Ypres, specifically tailored to host school groups. These include the Menin Gate Hostel, Poppies 1, Poppies 2, and Salient. This strategic partnership enables us to offer a seamless integration of visits to Ypres with excursions to the Somme. Our accommodation in Albert, located in the Somme region, is managed by the same esteemed company that oversees our Ypres facilities, ensuring a consistent and high-quality experience for all guests. Furthermore, we engage with a diverse array of accommodation providers, ensuring that we can meet a wide range of requirements and preferences. Our commitment is to source and secure accommodations that align perfectly with your specific needs.

Teacher checklist

Risk Assessments, Free Places, Inspection Visit, LOtC, ABTA, School Travel Forum, Adventure Mark, ATOL, Adventure Activity Associates, WYSE, RYA Centre, RYA Centre, BCU Centre, IATA, ETOA, Expedition Providers Association, ASDAN Centre

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* Guide prices are per person for a 4 day/3 night experience based on 44 students and 5 staff. Subject to availability and may vary by departure date, groups size and itinerary. Please ask for details.

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