School History Trips to The Somme
Uncover one of the most famous battles in British history
A hundred years since the Battle of the Somme, one of the most famous battles in British history, its significance remains undiminished, yet the full impact of the battle has often been overlooked. We can help to change that.
A history trip to the Somme will guide your students through the events that led up to the start of the battle, exploring the sites where the fighting took place and learning how the battle unfolded and the effect it had on the rest of the war.
We’re thrilled to see groups are planning and booking trips for later this year and 2023, so now is a good time to start talking to us if you have an idea in mind!
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Our Recommended Itinerary
Here’s what your trip could look like
Day 1
Meet History Tour Guide. Coach and Channel Crossing to the Somme
Newfoundland Memorial Park
Evening meal and Fun Files quiz
Day 2
Lochnagar Crater
Thiepval Memorial
Evening meal and Fun Files activity
Day 3
Ulster Tower
Coach and Channel Crossing home
Arrive home
Based on 3 day, 2 night coach tour for 43 passengers (+4 free places) travelling October 2023. Includes History Guide. Subject to availability.
- History Tour Guide
- Coaching for the duration of your tour
- Full board accommodation
- Travel insurance
- Free staff place ratio 1:10
- 24/7 support
- Vamoos travel app & info pack
- Tailor-made itinerary
- Motorway tolls and taxes
- VAT
- Excursions:
- Newfoundland Memorial Park
- Lochnagar Crater
- Thiepval Memorial
- Ulster Tower
Optional Extras
- Dedicated Tour Manager
- Hoodies and Polo Shirts
Excursions in The Somme
Browse a selection of our favourite excursions
Ulster Tower, The Somme
Memorial ’14-18 (Notre...
Delville Wood Memorial...
The Wellington Quarry,...
Vimy Ridge, The Somme
Newfoundland Memorial ...
Thiepval Memorial, The...
Lochnagar Crater, The ...
Alternative Itineraries
Expertly tailored to the curriculum
WWI Medicine & Surgery
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How WWI Changed Literature
View our specialist itinerary that focuses on this specific area of the curriculum.
Discover moreAccommodation
Popular places to stay in The Somme
- Located in the historic centre of Albert
- Sole occupancy available (subject to availability)
- Teachers’ lounge
- Free access to football and basketball pitch across the street
- Wi-Fi
- Breakfast room (capacity 190)
- Games room with pool table, table football and pinball machine
- Teachers’ lounge with pool table, computer, fridge and telephone
- Computers with free internet access
- Contained outdoor space
- Free access to football and basketball pitch across the street
- Wi-Fi
- Enjoy a game of pool or table football
- Relax in the teachers’ lounge
- Make use of the computers
- Play some games or relax in the contained outdoor space
- Play a game of football or basketball on the pitch across the street
Curriculum Information
All secondary school students
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Curricular Links
- Life on the frontline
- Trenches and trench life
- Command and leadership
- War and technology
- Women – their role and the impact of war on their lives
- Medicine and medical advancement
- The Home Front
- The role of the Commonwealth and Empire troops
- Writers and poets
- Conflict and warfare over time
Additional Information
Your journey doesn’t have to end here! See what else we can offer to help you get the most out of your tour. From expert History Tour Guides to dedicated Tour Managers, we’ll go above and beyond to support you and your students.
Discover more about this tour
Special Feature
There’s so much more to explore…
Explore History Hub!
Full of inspiration, articles, and FREE teaching resources. All content is FREELY available online.
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History Tour Guides
Here's why we recommend a History Tour Guide to enhance your School History Trip to The Somme.
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Because choice is what makes life interesting
The Western Front
Studying war and British society? Develop understanding of the impacts of war along the Western Front.
Ypres
Discussing women, their role and the impact of war on their lives? Explore this theme in Ypres.
London
Focusing more on Monarchy and Democracy in Britain? Explore long periods of British history in London.
What our customers say
FAQs about this tour
Find the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.
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Do your hotels comply with our Local Authority’s guidelines?
All hotels are audited to standards set by the School Travel Forum (STF), this criteria is based on information and guidance from educational authorities. Whilst local laws and standards have to be taken into consideration, as they may differ from country to country, our standards do not. We are happy to provide copies of our hotel audits should you wish to see them.
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Can I talk to Rayburn Tours whilst out on tour?
Yes, a 24-hour emergency phone number will be provided in your final documents pack and one of our experienced members of staff will be happy to help with any problems you have whilst out on tour.
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Do you provide risk assessments for the visits you offer?
You can download our Generic Risk Management Handbook which will help you complete your risk assessment for your school or Local Authority. The aim of the handbook is to provide all tour leaders with supportive suggestions to help raise awareness to risk, suggest control measures to help mitigate the risk and manage risk pro-actively. For further assistance, please speak to a member of our team who will be happy to help.
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What do I need to do to ensure safe travel for my group?
Information is available from your Local Authority on what is expected from party leaders on a trip. In addition, we are happy to assist you in ensuring that you have all of the necessary information to successfully assess risks and ensure a safe trip for you and your group. Further advice and information can be found on the OEAP National Guidance website.
Travel in safe hands
Your safety is of the utmost importance to us and we monitor the safety aspects of all of our tours to ensure you have a memorable experience for all the right reasons.
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