Somme Accommodation and Excursions
Below is a sample of just some of the accommodation Schools Into Europe can offer for school trips to the Somme. We can offer a wide range of centres and hotels for any destination - just contact us and let us know your requirements!
POPPIES D’ALBERT
Summary
We are delighted to be able to introduce this brand new international school hotel, located just 5 minutes’ walk from the heart of the historic centre of Albert, making it the ideal base for school trips to the Somme region.
Facilites
The accommodation has 186 beds divided over three floors and groups of at least 45 guests will have sole occupancy of an entire floor, making supervision easy. Rooms are equipped with single or bunk beds (students in multi-bedded rooms, staff in twins and singles) and all have private facilities. Cable TV is available in the breakfast room, and there is also a games room with a pool table, a free internet suite and a mini-bar for adults.
Excursions
This is just a small sample of some of the most popular excursions in the Somme area. To receive details of our full excursion programme please click here to request an information pack.
Guided tour of the Somme
This guided tour can be tailor-made to suit your needs. By prior arrangement there is even the possibility for members of the party to conduct research into individual soldiers, or battalions from your part of the country. For example, a Welsh-themed tour might pay a visit to the Welsh Dragon memorial at Mametz Wood. The tour also incorporates many famous sights, including Thiepval Memorial, the Lochnagar Crater and the Irish Tower.
Musée des Abris
The reality of life in the trenches during the First World War is very much brought home at this museum. Located 10 metres underground, in a tunnel 206 metres long, the soldiers’ lives are effectively recreated.
Canadian Memorial at Vimy Ridge
The Canadian National Memorial at Vimy and surrounding park is open all year round and includes a small but fascinating Historical Interpretive Centre, staffed by extremely knowledgeable Canadian nationals. During the summer months it is also possible to book an English-speaking guide to help bring the surrounding trench systems to life, and take groups into the underground tunnel.
Newfoundland Park in Beaumont Hamel
On the first day of the Battle of the Somme the Newfoundland Regiment attacked the German forces at Beaumont Hamel and suffered appalling losses. After the war the land was purchased by the Canadian government and the trenches maintained as a memorial to those who died. Students can walk in the original trenches (bring your wellies!) and see the layout of the battlefield and the famous caribou memorial statue. We would thoroughly recommend booking one of the Canadian volunteer guides to get the most out of this fascinating and moving visit.
