If you are on the hunt for that unforgettable educational trip, Belgium is a lively hub of activity and culture just perfect for art, history or business students. The cities of Bruges and Brussels have plenty of unique and interesting sites to visit, offering a truly inspiring learning experience for those young minds.
Discover the best of Belgium from its medieval past to its chocolaty prowess… this educational trip will be one to remember.
Visit Brussels
There’s so much to see while you’re wandering the authentic streets of Brussels, including some impressive landmarks and well-preserved historical sites. Here are some favourites that are sure to have your students marvelling at this magnificent city.
Grand Place
First established in the eleventh century, the Grand Place of Brussels stands proud today as one of the best-preserved plazas in Europe.
Visit the infamous Town Hall (Hôtel de Ville) and explore the Council Chamber, Marriage Chamber and Maximillian Chamber, where the Brussels tapestries are on display. This square is the economic and political heart of Brussels, making it an absolute must when visiting the city.
European Parliament
For an interactive learning experience, the European Parliament is a brilliant addition to your school trip itinerary. There are activities for varied age ranges, perfect for students looking to learn about the way Parliament has evolved over time and how it has affected their own lives. It is a fantastic cultural peephole into political history.
Mini-Europe
Students will love this activity – fun, unique and one-of-a-kind. Discover all of the famous sites around Europe by navigating around 350 miniature models. Each building and landmark is intricately designed to make it completely recognisable, and some are even working models like the eruption of Vesuvius. Learning is half the size, but double the fun!
Atomium
This is yet another great landmark attraction, and a definite must-see on an educational trip. The architectural spectacle, designed by André Waterkeyn, depicts an iron molecule after being magnified 165 million times. Visitors are able to enter the building and watch a presentation about human life; it is a unique and unmissable experience.
Visit Bruges
Bruges is another of Belgium’s diverse cities, just as rich in culture and beauty. There is a wide range of activities here, both informative and entertaining – ideal for a school trip.
A Boat Trip along the Canals
Relaxing on a boat ride is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon in Bruges, particularly when you can discover its hidden corners and immense natural beauty as you are bobbing along. The slow pace will allow students to fully appreciate the tremendous architectural splendour of the city.
Chocolate Museum
An obvious favourite, Bruges’ Chocolate Museum is a sweet-toothed traveller’s dream. Discover the history of Belgian chocolate, admire the vast library of chocolate-related books and consult the expert chocolatiers about their enviable profession!
Diamond Museum
This is an equally interesting visit, and an unusual one at that. Groups are invited to use microscopes and other equipment to view real diamonds in the laboratory and listen to the captivating stories told during the exhibition displays. Learn about the history of diamond cutting as you watch the live demonstration.
To make the most of your trip to Belgium, why not book with a specialised educational tour operator? They can take care of all the details regarding the visit, making sure your educational trip to Brussels and Bruges is one that your students will never forget.
John Gardiner is the Managing Director of The School Travel Company, a tour operator specialising in educational trip itineraries for school and youth groups to the UK, Europe and beyond. As a father and avid traveller, John is very passionate about providing students with valuable and engaging learning experiences outside of the classroom. By sharing his expert advice with teachers, he allows them to inspire their students and bring their studies to life.
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