Our History @TheChâteau Weekend in April 2026 is the ultimate journey to the past in Normandy, packed with exciting activities specially crafted for UK students and teachers. Immerse students in the history of World War II, highlighting the stories of those who fought and utilising genuine World War II artefacts.
Nestled in the heart of Normandy, the Château du Molay, owned by Travelbound, is more than just a place to stay – it is a gateway to an authentic historical experience, deeply connected to the local community.
Thanks to our close partnerships with local experts, we are able to offer students a unique glimpse into the past of this key region, showcasing the best of what Normandy has to offer.
Highlights of your History weekend trip
Connect and engage in exciting activities with fellow history students
Explore the recently refurbished D-Day Museum in Arromanches
Visit the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial at Omaha Beach
Take part in various evening activities at the Château to bring history to life
What to expect?
In 2026, we are bringing together KS3 students and teachers of History from across the UK for a dynamic, interactive history experience like no other, at the Travelbound-exclusive Château du Molay in Normandy.
- Dates: 24-27 April 2026
- Location: Château du Molay, Normandy
Throughout the weekend, your group will participate in engaging activities and excursions with subject experts dedicated to bringing history to life. This is a unique chance for students to enhance their learning outside the classroom, while connecting with peers from other schools.
Set in the stunning Chateau du Molay, the weekend offers access to fantastic facilities, where students can dive into practical activities and gain invaluable insights into the local culture, while carefully selected visits ensure they also get the most out of every moment and come away with increased confidence and historical knowledge.
What's Included?
- Travel by British coach*
- Full-board accommodation
- 1 free teacher place per 10 students
- Return Channel crossing
- Travel insurance
- 24/7 support during the trip
*Coach sharing with other schools can be arranged
Itinerary
Morning
- Travel from the UK to the Château du Molay (coach pick-ups en route in the UK)
Afternoon
- Welcome meeting and drink.
Evening
- Dinner at the Château
Morning
- Breakfast at the Château
- Arromanches 360 Cinema
- D-Day Museum
Afternoon
- Packed lunch
- Workshop or guided visit with a subject expert
Evening
- Dinner at the Château with French cheese board
- Château evening activity
Morning
- Breakfast at the Château
- Maisy Battery
- American Cemetery
Afternoon
- Packed lunch
- Workshop or guided visit with a subject expert
Evening
- Dinner at the Château
- Château evening activity
Morning
- Breakfast at the Château
- British Cemetery
Afternoon
- Packed lunch
- Return to the UK on coach (staggered drop-off points)
Your accommodation: the Château du Molay
Our exclusive 18th-century Château du Molay can accommodate 195 guests in 42 en-suite bedrooms and is set amongst 38 acres of beautiful private parkland.
Located only 14 kms from Bayeux, within easy reach of the world-famous Calvados coast and just a 45-minute journey from Caen, the Château is in an ideal location for school groups coming from the UK.
Your excursions
Arromanches 360
Using a 360-degree circular screen, the Arromanches 360 cinema offers a powerful and immersive experience, focusing on the pivotal events of the D-Day landings and the Battle of Normandy.
D-Day Museum
In the heart of the D-Day beaches, Arromanches is famous for its ‘Mulberry’ artificial harbour. The museum employs models, videos, and a diorama to animate the displays.
American Cemetery
The Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial covers 172.5 acres and contains the graves of 9,387 military dead, most of whom lost their lives in the D-Day landings of 1944.
British Cemetery
The largest of the 18 Commonwealth military cemeteries in Bayeux, Normandy, contains 4,868 graves of soldiers (many still unidentified) from the UK and 10 other countries.
Maisy Battery
Students can explore over two miles of original trenches and bunkers, and see German field guns in position at this huge, recently uncovered German artillery battery near Omaha Beach.
Learning Outcomes
Subject Focus
Students can:
- Connect with fellow History students
- Study WWII Normandy
- Visit the D-Day landing beaches, museums, cemeteries and monuments
- Learn about the fascinating French Resistance
- Study the Norman Conquest
Student Outcomes
Students will have the opportunity to:
- Gain awareness of the events and experiences of soldiers in WWII
- See how societies come to terms with traumatic events and understand the modern-day effects of recent history
- Gain a sense of the breadth of history and develop knowledge of history
- Explore conceptions of patriotism and consider the quest for international peace
Interested in our History Weekends?
To find out more about our History @TheChâteau Weekends or to request a quote, please call our friendly team on 01273 244572 or fill in the quick form below.