Flanders

Types of trips: History, Battlefield and Military, Home Stay, Cultural, Sport, Music and Performance

Best known for: Battlefield trips to First and Second World War warzones, the canals of Ghent, Chips, Beer, Art and Museums

Why Go?: A century ago in 1914, war was declared and a four-year conflict unfolded which would change the face of the world (particularly Europe) forever, shaping much of the rest of the 20th century and hence the world in which we live today.

Much of the 1914-18 First World War was fought in the trenches of Flanders (the area of north-eastern France and much of Belgium), which has become emblematic of the death and destruction which occurred, symbolised in modern times by the poppy.

The 2014 centenary of the start of the conflict gives staff the opportunity to bring the Great War to life for students. So whether it be a trip to Flanders, using some of the many resources which have been produced from which students of all ages can learn, a trip to one of the many theatre productions or re-living the horrific trench conditions, there is plenty of benefit to be generated by a focus on the First World War.

Make sure to check out the information about government subsidies available for WWI battlefield trips here!

Fact File

Population: 6 million

Major towns: Antwerp, Ghent, Bruges, Ypres, Lille

Language(s): Dutch (Flemish) and French, English widely spoken and understood

Ties to the UK?: Close proximity, and many historical, cultural and language links

Climate/Seasons: Often wet, very similar to Britain

Landscape: Flat, many canals and waterways

Reasons to Visit: Battlefield tours, Commonwealth War Graves cemeteries, Art museums, food and proximity to Brussels

How to Get There: Bus tours are very popular and frequent. Crossing the channel via either the Channel Tunnel or one of the many ferries. Book well in advance and consider what time you intend to cross as this has implications for driver hours and tiredness either side of the Channel, and motorways are often very busy!

When to Go: This corner of Belgium and France has a very temperate climate and its seasons tend to match the UK, so be prepared for rain at any time!

Famous People: Rene Magritte, Jean Claude Van Damme, Constant Permeke

Natural Wonders/Wildlife: Zwin Natural Reserve, River Leie, Antwerp Zoo

History: Heavily involved in WWI, with many battles taking place here and a great loss of life

Architecture: The Yser Memorial, Gravensteen, The Albert Memorial, IJzertoren, Museum aan de Stroom, Gaasbeek Castle, Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp

Culture: The Flemish local language and food, literature

Sport: Football, cycling, swimming, tennis, martial arts

Events: WWI Centenary commemorative events, annual music festivals

Watch Out For: Busy city centres have a high risk of pickpockets, and some WWI centenary sites can get extremely busy - make sure to plan your trip ahead of time and book in advance where possible!

Medical Issues: There are no specific vaccinations or boosters advised for trips to the Flanders region, but always check with a doctor if you have any medical concerns.