History school trips to Brussels
£379 to £745
A typical school trip to Brussels cost is £379 to £745 per person, depending on time of travel, transport, accommodation and inclusions.
Belgium’s capital city, Brussels is an affordable option for students to discover key historic periods of European warfare first-hand. Today, the city is a vibrant, modern centre for international politics, and visits to the European Parliament and BELvue Museum allow students to explore the role of the European Union in dealing with terrorism. A visit to Coudenberg Palace, a site of political and royal importance, will help students understand changes in power, and is crucial in understanding the nation's development and its role in European politics. Visiting the National Bank of Belgium helps students understand the economic history of Belgium and Europe, while an excursion to Mini-Europe expands on the theme of European conflict and integration in a fun and interactive way.
SUGGESTED ITINERARIES
- Travel to Brussels
- Free time to explore Brussels
- National Bank of Belgium
- BELvue Museum
- European Quarter and European institution(s)
- Coudenberg
- Mini Europe
- Return to the UK
Through visits to battlefields, museums and memorials, students can engage directly with the people, places and events they study in the classroom.
Key Stage 3 History
Challenges for Britain, Europe and the wider world (1901 to the present day)
- Investigate the causes and consequences of the First World War.
- Explore the experiences of soldiers on the Western Front.
- Examine the impact of conflict on civilians and communities.
- Understand the political and social changes that emerged from twentieth-century conflicts.
A Study of an Aspect or Theme in European History
- Develop knowledge of Belgium's role in major European conflicts.
- Explore how historical events are commemorated through memorials, museums and cemeteries.
- Consider how interpretations of war have changed over time.
Historical Skills Development
- Analyse historical evidence presented in museums and commemorative sites.
- Evaluate different perspectives on conflict and remembrance.
- Strengthen chronological understanding of twentieth-century European history.
GCSE History
Brussels and the surrounding battlefields offer valuable learning opportunities for students studying:
Conflict and Tension, 1894-1918
- Examine the origins and impact of the First World War.
- Visit key battlefield sites associated with trench warfare and military strategy.
- Understand the realities faced by soldiers on the Western Front.
Britain: Health and the People / Warfare Through Time
- Investigate developments in medicine and battlefield treatment during wartime.
- Explore changing methods of warfare and military technology.
Germany, Europe and International Relations
- Understand how international alliances, nationalism and political tensions contributed to conflict.
- Assess the long-term consequences of war on Europe.
Historic Environment Studies
- Engage directly with primary locations, memorials and artefacts.
- Develop contextual understanding of key historical events.
A Level History
Brussels provides excellent context for students studying modern European history, international relations and conflict.
Learning opportunities include:
- Evaluating the causes and consequences of European conflicts.
- Investigating the relationship between nationalism, diplomacy and war.
- Examining historical memory and commemorative culture.
- Analysing the significance of Belgium during the First and Second World Wars.
Cross-Curricular Learning Opportunities
Politics
- Explore the role of Brussels as the political heart of the European Union.
- Examine how international cooperation seeks to prevent future conflict.
Citizenship
- Reflect on themes of peace, democracy, remembrance and international relations.
- Discuss the importance of collective memory and commemoration.
Religious Studies
- Explore the role of faith and remembrance in military cemeteries and memorial ceremonies.
- Consider ethical questions surrounding conflict and reconciliation.
Geography
- Analyse how geography influenced military strategy and battlefield development.
- Understand the significance of Belgium's location within Europe.
Features
ACCOMMODATION
Situated in an old brewery building, the Meininger City Centre is a unique space that'll get your students talking from the moment you walk in. Its central location means guests can quickly reach all the major sightseeing attractions in Brussels, including the Black Tower and several murals and sculptures. Impressively, the hotel also operates with carbon neutrality in mind.
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- 24hr-reception
- Free Wi-Fi
- Baggage storage (extra cost, PIN-locks)
- Bicycle rental (extra cost)
Conveniently located a short walk from the central train station and the Grand Place, this hostel makes a great base for visiting Brussels. Typical of Belgian youth hostels, Youth Hostel Bruegel offers a mix of en suite rooms and rooms with shared facilities.
- TV room
- Common room/lounge
- Courtyard garden
- Internet access
Situated in an old brewery building, the Meininger City Centre is a unique space that'll get your students talking from the moment you walk in. Its central location means guests can quickly reach all the major sightseeing attractions in Brussels, including the Black Tower and several murals and sculptures. Impressively, the hotel also operates with carbon neutrality in mind.
-
- 24hr-reception
- Free Wi-Fi
- Baggage storage (extra cost, PIN-locks)
- Bicycle rental (extra cost)
Conveniently located a short walk from the central train station and the Grand Place, this hostel makes a great base for visiting Brussels. Typical of Belgian youth hostels, Youth Hostel Bruegel offers a mix of en suite rooms and rooms with shared facilities.
- TV room
- Common room/lounge
- Courtyard garden
- Internet access
Excursions
BELvue Museum
The BELvue is a museum dedicated to the culture and heritage of Belgium – extending further than chips, beer and chocolate! Here, students can discover more about the country, as told through present day testimonials and then traced back in time. It’s a great one-stop shop for your students to learn all about Belgium, through more than 1,500 historical and unique documents.
Coudenberg Palace
The former home of Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor and Archduke of Austria, Coudenberg Palace dates back to the 12th century. Although the site is reduced to ruins today, students can walk through the archaeological site and visit the Rue Isabelle and the old structures of the main buildings, which are the foundations of the modern royal district.
Grand Palace
Surrounded by the opulent Baroque guildhalls, the Flamboyant Town Hall and the neo-Gothic King’s House building, Brussels’ Grand Place is a sight to behold – and we can’t wait to show it to you. The most important landmark in the city, this UNESCO World Heritage Site dates back to the 11th century, and offers the perfect base for your school trip, as well as giving your students a great opportunity to learn about Belgian history.
Museum of Natural Sciences
Visit the largest dinosaur gallery in the whole of Europe at Brussels Museums of Natural Sciences. Here, school groups can learn about how the human body has evolved, study over 1,000 different specimens and get close to gigantic dinosaur skeletons – an experience we’ve found is always popular among students.
Parlamentarium
Students with an interest in European politics will be right in their element with a visit to the Parlamentarium – the visitor’s centre of the European Parliament in Brussels. Here, school groups can learn anything they’d like to know about the European Parliament and the EU through interactive displays and hundreds of multimedia components.
Planetarium
Discover the beauty of the dark night sky in one of the largest planetariums in Europe at the Planetarium of the Royal Observatory. Beneath a semi-spherical dome, school groups can embark on a magical journey where the Sun, the Moon, the planets, the Milky Way and more than 8500 stars can be projected.
Mini Europe
Located on the outskirts of Brussels, Mini Europe is a miniature park made up of Europe’s best known landmarks including the Eiffel Tower, Big Ben, the Leaning Tower of Pisa and Brussels’ Grand Place. Mini Europe is a great place to spend a few hours, allowing your students to take lots of fun photos, marvel at the tiny structures and learn more about the significance of the European Union.
Chocolate Factory
An excursion we know your students will love, a visit to this chocolate factory is always popular on our trips to Brussels. At Concept Chocolate, your school group will learn all about the art of chocolate making, and have the opportunity to even try some delicious Belgian chocolate!
National Bank Belgium Museum
Invite your students to follow the history of finance in this interactive museum. Here, school groups can explore the story of money, from the origins of the word ‘salary’ to the way payment methods have changed over time, while learning about the emergence of currency through the centuries.
Stella Artois Brewery - Leuven
Students can learn all about Leuven’s most famous beer at this brewery tour. From the history of Stella Artois to the brewing and manufacturing process, this excursion offers a great opportunity for school groups to find out what makes one of the city’s finest exports so popular.
BELvue Museum
The BELvue is a museum dedicated to the culture and heritage of Belgium – extending further than chips, beer and chocolate! Here, students can discover more about the country, as told through present day testimonials and then traced back in time. It’s a great one-stop shop for your students to learn all about Belgium, through more than 1,500 historical and unique documents.
Coudenberg Palace
The former home of Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor and Archduke of Austria, Coudenberg Palace dates back to the 12th century. Although the site is reduced to ruins today, students can walk through the archaeological site and visit the Rue Isabelle and the old structures of the main buildings, which are the foundations of the modern royal district.
Grand Palace
Surrounded by the opulent Baroque guildhalls, the Flamboyant Town Hall and the neo-Gothic King’s House building, Brussels’ Grand Place is a sight to behold – and we can’t wait to show it to you. The most important landmark in the city, this UNESCO World Heritage Site dates back to the 11th century, and offers the perfect base for your school trip, as well as giving your students a great opportunity to learn about Belgian history.
Museum of Natural Sciences
Visit the largest dinosaur gallery in the whole of Europe at Brussels Museums of Natural Sciences. Here, school groups can learn about how the human body has evolved, study over 1,000 different specimens and get close to gigantic dinosaur skeletons – an experience we’ve found is always popular among students.
Parlamentarium
Students with an interest in European politics will be right in their element with a visit to the Parlamentarium – the visitor’s centre of the European Parliament in Brussels. Here, school groups can learn anything they’d like to know about the European Parliament and the EU through interactive displays and hundreds of multimedia components.
Planetarium
Discover the beauty of the dark night sky in one of the largest planetariums in Europe at the Planetarium of the Royal Observatory. Beneath a semi-spherical dome, school groups can embark on a magical journey where the Sun, the Moon, the planets, the Milky Way and more than 8500 stars can be projected.
Mini Europe
Located on the outskirts of Brussels, Mini Europe is a miniature park made up of Europe’s best known landmarks including the Eiffel Tower, Big Ben, the Leaning Tower of Pisa and Brussels’ Grand Place. Mini Europe is a great place to spend a few hours, allowing your students to take lots of fun photos, marvel at the tiny structures and learn more about the significance of the European Union.
Chocolate Factory
An excursion we know your students will love, a visit to this chocolate factory is always popular on our trips to Brussels. At Concept Chocolate, your school group will learn all about the art of chocolate making, and have the opportunity to even try some delicious Belgian chocolate!
National Bank Belgium Museum
Invite your students to follow the history of finance in this interactive museum. Here, school groups can explore the story of money, from the origins of the word ‘salary’ to the way payment methods have changed over time, while learning about the emergence of currency through the centuries.
Stella Artois Brewery - Leuven
Students can learn all about Leuven’s most famous beer at this brewery tour. From the history of Stella Artois to the brewing and manufacturing process, this excursion offers a great opportunity for school groups to find out what makes one of the city’s finest exports so popular.
Trip details
All Equity packages are tailor-made to suit the needs of our groups. Here are our standard package inclusions:
- Return travel by air or coach (air packages include overseas airport transfer. Coach to UK airport from school is available as an optional extra)
- All security charges, airport and local taxes
- 1 free staff place for every 10 full paying passengers by air OR 1 free staff place for every 8 full paying passengers by coach
- Half-board accommodation
- Excursions
- Full use of your coach during your trip (this applies to coach groups only and is subject to EU drivers hours regulations)
- 24-hour emergency service support
- All travel documentation, luggage labels and resort information
- Lunches
- Meals en-route. While travelling to and from your destination you need to consider meals. These are not included in the package prices
- Tourist tax
Prices are subject to change based on intended dates of travel and final numbers, the Equity team are here to offer you advice and guidance from start to finish, ensuring your school trip runs smoothly and is a great success.
Travel by: Air
Nearest airport: Brussels Airport (BRU)
Transfer time from airport: Approximately 40mins
Coach transfer time from Calais: Around 2.5hrs by coach
Best times to travel: Year round
Suggested tour length: 4 days, 3 nights
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