Zeitgeist Tours for Schools

06/12/2024

Out Flanders Fields on another Fritz and Tommy tour, starting with a visit to the excellent Yser Tower Museum.

First 'frontline' trial-outing of a new 'Fritz', historian and author Andrew Lucas who has joined the group today to shine some light on the German experience of war.

29/11/2024

We had a fantastic, sunny day of learning and adventure yesterday, diving into the history of the First World War, learning all about the innovations in military medicine, life in and outside the trenches. Of course there was time for firing blanks, bayonet fencing lessons, a simulated gas attack, stretcher-bearing practice and much much more.

A Zeitgeist Trench Experience in the UK - the perfect alternative to a battlefield tour to France and Belgium.

21/11/2024

"During the four days that I spent on the trip, the thing that astounded me was the sheer amount of knowledge that each of the guides had. They were able to answer any and all questions that we could imagine while all the time being captivating and brilliantly immersing us in the experience as well as very entertaining (...) As well as appreciating the hardships of trench life and understanding the life of a soldier during the First World War, we got to have an amazing amount of fun – being able to go inside tanks and even being able to fire their guns. The high quality of the museums and deeply fascinating places that we had the opportunity to visit such as trenches and tunnels gave us a deeper understanding and appreciation of life during WWI. Not only did the guides give us more general interest for the war, but they were also able to focus specifically on the significance of technologies (the topic of our coursework). This meant that we are now able to produce our coursework confidently and with a more rounded understanding of what we should write about as well as many useful facts that can be used in our essays. However, what defines my memory of the trip is the fascination that I believe we have all shared and will stick with us throughout our lives.”

https://www.canford.com/d/~board/latest-news/post/canfordians-remember-the-fallen-on-trip-to-ww1-battlefields?fbclid=IwY2xjawGr_bBleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHdNNtraVL6hxACyCg4B7YU7Ecy4EyrM1loMMjRJx0ZgfGyHJ8VnqgGH62w_aem_-mLuut9ctb4kmH2A5Ekvew

From the 1st to 4th November, the History department took 35 Fifth Form pupils on the annual trip to the French battlefields

21/11/2024

It's wonderful to be recognized for our unique school battlefield tours.

"Doing things differently" has been our guiding principle from the very beginning, and it continues to shape everything we do.

Thank you for the great feedback
Canford School 🧭 🎒 ✏️ 💻 .

We believe that joy and innovation are key to unlocking incredible learning experiences, and we remain dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what's possible.

16/11/2024

Happy Birthday, Richard Townsley! 🎉 From all of us at Zeitgeist Tours, we wish you the happiest of birthdays! 🥳

While it's often like you mainlined a case of Red Bull and chased it with two pints of triple espresso, that boundless energy is part of what makes you such a wonderful and kind-hearted friend, colleague, and fellow guide. We wouldn't be the same without you! ❤️

With your energy and enthusiasm you are a true asset to our team, and we are grateful to have you. 😊

We hope you have a day filled with fun and laughter surrounded by your loved ones.

Cheers and Prost to you, Richard! 🥂

08/11/2024

Another great day in Flanders. Now heading home to Blighty!

07/11/2024

07/11/2024

Another day in Flanders Fields

04/11/2024

Our battlefield tours go beyond lectures and static displays by offering engaging, hands-on experiences. A key element is our Handling Sessions, where students can examine authentic period weapons, uniforms, and equipment.

Our most recent client, Canford School, gave us carte blanche to design a 4-day tour for their IGCSE history students. Given complete freedom, we designed an immersive full day workshop session in a genuine wartime setting. Experts from France, Germany, and Britain guided students through an extensive collection of original artifacts, providing an unparalleled opportunity to deepen their historical understanding.

03/11/2024

🔥 More Tanks 🔥

Our battlefield tour with Canford School took us deep into the story of technical innovation in the First World War. We explored fortifications, deadly gas, flamethrowers, machine guns, and the terrifying world of mine warfare. 💣 But the highlight? Tanks! 💥

Today, we got up close and personal with the legendary FT-17 – a game-changer in WWI. Not only did students get into this metal beast, they were also allowed to fire its gun! 🤯

Because at Zeitgeist Tours, we don't just talk about history, we experience it. 😉

03/11/2024

🪖💥🔥💣 With a tour in support of the IGCSE 0977 syllabus, we explored the awesome technical developments of the First World War! 💥 Fortifications, gas, flamethrowers, machine guns, mine warfare and of course... TANKS! 💥

Today we a whole day of exclusive access to the Musée France 40, so our amazing group got up close and personal with some metal beasts from both World Wars! 😲 Because just 'looking at' a tank wouldn't be good enough for a Zeitgeist Tour! 😉


We do things differently!

03/11/2024

As the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in vibrant hues of orange and purple, Jim Williams and Richard Townsley (following the coach in the baggage van) embark on a new journey, leaving France and heading towards a fresh adventure with a new tour group. ;)

Belgium or bust!

03/11/2024

When in France...you rent your own museum, for an entire day.

A special First World War battlefield tour for a school which asked us to do what we do best and then to dial the experience factor, activities and period-immersion up to 12.

Period French beef stew, freshly cooked from scratch, in an original WW1 (1916) field kitchen.



We are Zeitgeist

02/11/2024

Helmets, electric torches, group split into small subsections, 14 miles of tunnels, slippery ground, galleries that can't be passed without bending down, dripping water, flickering lights and a real sense of 'danger'.

This school asked us to turn everything up to 12. And we did.

02/11/2024

There is not a single place on the former Western Front of the First World War, where you can explain the nature of mine/underground warfare like here in the Argonne.

Two hours spent in the beautiful network of trenches, saps, tunnel entrances and dugouts on the Vauquois. Before climbing down into the hill itself!

02/11/2024

🧐 🛡️ Our first major visit today led us to Fort de la Pompelle, a 19th-century fortress that withstood intense bombardment during World War One. The fort offers a compelling case study in the evolution of defensive architecture and the enduring struggle between protective fortifications and the destructive power of artillery.

02/11/2024

Exploring the IGCSE 0977 History syllabus on this groundbreaking tour, venturing where no British battlefield tours for schools have gone before! 🇬🇧
📱
Using mobile technology to enhance the learning experience.

We are also joined by our German co-director, providing valuable, additional expertise. 🇩🇪 🗺️

02/11/2024

Today we start here!