School History Trips to The Western Front

Where First World War history comes to life

Stand on the ground that men fought and died for
From £195pp i

For four years the Western Front was the destination of mud, blood and fighting. Now, for 100 years it has been the destination of learning, understanding and remembrance.

A journey into the area brings home the reality of the conflict, taking you through a landscape of cemeteries and memorials – from the large and imposing areas dedicated to tens of thousands of servicemen and women, to the smaller and more personal areas erected to individual soldiers and regiments. Walk through reconstructed trenches, stand on the very ground that men fought and died for and understand the world of those who lived through the conflict.

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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Excursions in The Western Front

Browse a selection of our favourite excursions

Neuve-Chapelle Memoria...

Neuve-Chapelle Memorial & Cemetery, The Somme

Ulster Tower, The Somme

Ulster Tower, The Somme

Memorial ’14-18 (Notre...

Memorial ’14-18 (Notre Dame de Lorette), The Somme

Delville Wood Memorial...

Delville Wood Memorial, The Somme

The Wellington Quarry,...

The Wellington Quarry, The Somme

Vimy Ridge, The Somme

Vimy Ridge, The Somme

Newfoundland Memorial ...

Newfoundland Memorial Park, The Somme

Thiepval Memorial, The...

Thiepval Memorial, The Somme

Lochnagar Crater, The ...

Lochnagar Crater, The Somme

Musee des Abris (Somme...

Musee des Abris (Somme 1916), The Somme

Bayernwald Trenches, Y...

Bayernwald Trenches, Ypres

Lijssenthoek Military ...

Memorial Museum Passch...

Memorial Museum Passchendaele

Sanctuary Wood Museum ...

Sanctuary Wood Museum (Hill 62), Ypres

Essex Farm Cemetery, Y...

Essex Farm Cemetery, Ypres

Langemark Military Cem...

Langemark Military Cemetery, Ypres

Tyne Cot Cemetery, Ypres

Tyne Cot Cemetery, Ypres

Hooge Crater Museum, Y...

Hooge Crater Museum, Ypres

Menin Gate and Last Po...

Menin Gate and Last Post Ceremony, Ypres

In Flanders Field Muse...

In Flanders Field Museum, Ypres

Alternative Itineraries

Expertly tailored to the curriculum

WWI Medicine & Surgery

View our specialist itinerary that focuses on this specific area of the curriculum.

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wwi-literature

How WWI Changed Literature

View our specialist itinerary that focuses on this specific area of the curriculum.

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Accommodation

Popular places to stay in The Western Front

  • Located a short distance from Ypres Market Square
  • Adjoining properties that can be used as single units for small groups or both for large groups
  • Sole occupancy available (minimum 40 guests)
  • Games room
  • Wi-Fi
  • Large breakfast and evening rooms (capacity 135)
  • Games room with pool table, table football and pinball machines
  • 2 computers with free internet access
  • Private courtyard
  • Wi-Fi
  • Use the large breakfast room for an evening activity
  • Play a game of pool or pinball in the games room
  • Make use of the computers
  • Relax outside in the private courtyard
  • Explore Ypres Market Square on foot
  • Located on the doorstep of the Menin Gate Memorial
  • Sole occupancy available (subject to availability)
  • Multi, quad, triple, twin and single bed rooms
  • En-suite facilities
  • Table tennis and pool table
  • Wi-Fi
  • Table tennis and pool table
  • 2 computers with free internet access
  • Teachers’ lounge with cable TV and minibar
  • Projector and screen available on request
  • Wi-Fi
  • Play a game of table tennis or pool
  • Make use of the computers
  • Arrange a study evening using the projector and screen
  • Relax in the teachers’ lounge

Curriculum Information

All secondary school students

  • 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.

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Special Feature

There’s so much more to explore…

WW1 History Trips to the Western Front

The Western Front was a stretch of land over 400 miles long that left a scar across France…

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History Tour Guides

Here's why we recommend a History Tour Guide to enhance your School History Trip to the Western Front.

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Other Destinations

Because choice is what makes life interesting

Bayernwald Trenches, Ypres

Ypres

Discussing women, their role and the impact of war on their lives? Explore this theme in Ypres.

From £195pp i
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The Somme

Exploring medicine, medical advancement or the role of the Commonwealth? Develop understanding of these concepts in the Somme.

From £195pp i
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Tower of London

London

Focusing more on Monarchy and Democracy in Britain? Explore long periods of British history in London.

From £99pp i
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What our customers say

Excellent package which enlightened the students while keeping them safe.

Mr Mike Dickins

Abbey Gate College

As always very enjoyable, well planned and perfectly suited to our needs.

Mr Matt Kearle

Reading School

Excellent organisation and good combination of visits – it really encouraged our students to think and reflect.

Ms Catherine Moffat

Southgate School

FAQs about this tour

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

  • Do you DBS (formerly CRB) check your drivers?

    As part of our coach audits, we request that all UK coach drivers are DBS checked by their employer prior to driving on one of our tours. We can request confirmation of your specific driver’s compliance if deemed necessary.

  • Is all of your accommodation audited in advance?

    Yes, all of our accommodation is audited prior to us offering it to a group. The criterion of these audits is governed by the School Travel Forum (STF). It is important to remember that each country is governed by their own standards and laws and these may differ from UK law. However, we require our accommodation to meet our standards as a minimum. We work with the hotels and agents to endeavour to ensure that our standards are met.

  • What does our insurance cover us for?

    Our insurance providers offer comprehensive cover to our groups for the duration of their tour and is tailored specifically for schools, with specialist insurance policies for individual tour types. As with any insurance cover, it is vital that you read through the terms and conditions and that you declare any relevant information as requested. Please see our insurance page for further information and to see what is covered. For groups opting to take their own insurance, we highly recommend that you read all inclusions and exclusions prior to departure.

  • What safety support do you have in place for clients choosing to tour with you?

    At Rayburn Tours we are proud of our continual commitment to safety. Clients who tour with us can be assured that we have the following support services and systems in place: Safety Management System, Generic Risk Management, Crisis Management System, ATOL Licensed, ABTA Bonded, insurance, 24-hour emergency contact system, hotel audits, coach audits and activity audits.

    In addition, we are a member of the School Travel Forum (STF), giving you the reassurance that all of our trips meet, or indeed exceed, the safety standards required by your school and Local Authority.

Vimy Ridge, The Somme

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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