School History Trips to Ypres

FAQs about this tour

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

• How can I learn more about this trip experience?

  This trip experience is impactful, thought-provoking and unforgettable! Take a look at our blog for a reflection of Brighton Hill School’s Battlefields experience – our History Tour Guides truly made it one for the books!

• Would you recommend a history tour guide on this trip?

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

• What WW1 battles took place in Ypres?
  • First Battle of Ypres 1914 – Attempting to outflank the Allied left, Germany began the ‘Race to the Sea’
  • The Second Battle of Ypres 1915 – Poison gas attacks begin
  • The Third Battle of Ypres – Also known as the Battle of Passchendaele, the third encounter at Ypres is marked with mud, high rain and considerable casualties.
• Where can I find more information about this destination and its history?

  For information on more the WW1 Battlefields – check our resource page!

• What should students pack for a school trip to Ypres?

  Here are some of the essentials that students should bring on a history school trip to Ypres (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  
• Which WWI battles and sites will we visit around Ypres?

  On a school history trip to Ypres, our trips take you to places that were central to several major WWI battles. Your group will visit:

  • The sites of the First Battle of Ypres (1914), where the Allies first tried to prevent German advances in the war.
  • The Second Battle of Ypres (1915), notable for the first large-scale use of poison gas.
  • The Third Battle of Ypres (also known as the Battle of Passchendaele), which features heavy rain, mud, and high casualties.

  Some of the specific battle sites & memorials on the itinerary:

  • Hill 60 and Sanctuary Wood Museum (Hill 62)
  • Langemark Cemetery and Tyne Cot Cemetery
  • Essex Farm Cemetery
  • Menin Gate and participating in the Last Post Ceremony
  • In Flanders Fields Museum
• What curriculum links and learning outcomes does a school history trip to Ypres support?
  • The trip supports study of life on the frontline, including trench life.
  • It covers command and leadership, examining decisions and consequences in wartime.
  • Students learn about war and technology, such as weapons, tactics and the use of poison gas.
  • The role of women during WWI and how the war impacted their lives.
  • Advancement in medicine and medical practice as driven by necessity in war conditions.
  • The concept of the Home Front, showing how civilian life was affected.
  •  Understanding the contribution of Commonwealth and Empire troops in WWI.
  • Study of writers, poets, and literature related to war (memorialisation, voices of those who served).
  • Broader themes like conflict and warfare over time.
  • Alignment with the AQA and Edexcel exam boards, meaning the trip is relevant to GCSE / secondary History curricula.