First World War Battlefields – Ypres Salient

Ypres is an excellent destination for schools looking for a trip that is tailored for a History School Trip covering the World War I (WW1) Battlefields.

The fact that approximately 500,000 people were killed in a 25 square–mile radius of Ypres during the First World War surely demonstrates its significant position on the northern Western Front and illustrates the grave cost paid as the British managed to hold it in order to stop the Germans reaching the Channel ports.

Given its current splendour it is hard to believe that the town itself was totally destroyed. Restoration work has successfully rebuilt the town to look as it did before the First World War.

However, a sober reminder of the tragedy that will perhaps forever haunt the area takes place daily at Menin Gate where the Last Post is played by the local Fire Brigade every evening at 20.00 hrs. This is a popular World War I Battlefields excursion and if your party would like to lay a wreath at Menin Gate,or if you would like to take part in the Last Post Ceremony, please visit www.lastpost.be

Although it is possible for your school trip to tour the area at leisure and at your discretion free of charge, in order to get the most out of your time in the area we thoroughly recommend a Battlefields Guided Tour. Reminders of the First World War are literally all around you and your guide can help bring the history of the area alive, allowing your school trip to learn at first hand the history of this area.

Click here for examples of our Ypres accommodation and World War 1 Battlefied excursions.

Contact us to receive a pack giving full information on prices, accommodation and excursions to Ypres and other school trips to Belgium.