From Textbooks to Trenches: Bringing History to Life on the Frontlines
At TCBC School Tours, we believe that educational travel is about more than just visiting new places—It’s about creating meaningful, lasting connections to history. Last week, we sent Hollie Dunne, our Product Manager and Ruby Ho, one of our Tour Specialists on a WW1 Battlefields familiarisation trip organised by Visit Flanders, giving them the opportunity to experience these significant sites just as our teachers and students do on a battlefields school tour.
Walking Through History
Ruby reflected on her experience, sharing:
“As a Tour Specialist for TCBC School Tours, my job isn’t just about booking hotels, transport, and visits—it’s about creating meaningful experiences for students. This trip deepened my understanding of the historic battlefields of Belgium, where we send our school groups. Seeing how the itinerary works in person allows us to refine timings, improve engagement, and build strong relationships with local guides and war museums, ensuring our WW1 battlefields tours remain immersive and impactful.
Walking among the gravestones, standing in preserved trenches, and hearing first-hand accounts of soldiers' experiences drove home the fact that these trips go beyond learning history—they evoke powerful emotions. This trip has strengthened my knowledge and reinforced the importance of school battlefield tours in keeping history alive. I look forward to using these valuable insights to create even better, more engaging history tours for the students who travel with us.”
The Power of Experiential Learning
Hollie also shared her perspective:
“As Product Manager at TCBC School Tours, I ensure that all accommodation and visits meet high standards for our school groups while designing engaging itineraries. Seeing the WW1 Battlefields directly was both moving and insightful, reinforcing the value of experiential learning in history education.
Stepping into the very places where history unfolded—from the trenches of Flanders to the war memorials—brought the past to life in a way that textbooks never could. Connecting with suppliers also provided valuable insights to refine our school tours, ensuring they remain educational, engaging and unforgettable.
The trip also highlighted the power of storytelling in education. Understanding the experiences of individual soldiers and the strategic decisions made during the war adds depth to learning. This experience reaffirmed my commitment to crafting well-structured itineraries that create meaningful historical connections for students.
One of the most memorable stops was Talbot House in Poperinge, a haven where British soldiers found rest and companionship during the war. It was a ‘home away from home,’ offering comfort and respite from the front lines. Its welcoming atmosphere, rich with historical artefacts and personal stories, served as a powerful reminder of the resilience and camaraderie among soldiers. For students, stepping into Talbot House during a WW1 battlefields school trip brings history to life in a way that textbooks simply can’t.”
Enhancing Our Tours for the Future
Beyond the emotional impact, this battlefield familiarisation trip provided invaluable insights to refine our school tours. Engaging directly with suppliers and museum staff gave us fresh perspectives, helping us ensure our history trips for schools remain structured, engaging, and educationally enriching.
A huge thank you to our partners at Visit Flanders for organising this incredible opportunity, and a special shout-out to the Peace Village and Talbot House for their warm hospitality. This experience has only strengthened our commitment to designing school trips to the battlefields that are informative, deeply moving and unforgettable. We’re excited to apply what we’ve learned to continue bringing history to life for the next generation of students.
School Trips to the Battlefields
To organise a WW1 battlefield tour for your school, contact us now for a quote. Let us help your students step into history with an unforgettable educational tour to the historic battlefields of Belgium.