Château d'Ebblinghem
Your perfect Northern France base for enriching language, history, cultural and primary trips
A historic French château, designed around teachers and students
For over 25 years, Château d'Ebblinghem has been helping schools get more from their time in Northern France. Ideally located near St Omer, just 45 minutes from Calais and within easy reach of the WWI Battlefields, it brings together accommodation, activities and dedicated support in one place. The result? Less time spent managing logistics and more time focused on creating meaningful learning experiences for your students.
Whether they're building confidence through French language and enrichment experiences, deepening their understanding of World War I history or taking part in fun evening activities, every element of their stay is designed around their needs.
For teachers, it's the reassurance of knowing support is always close at hand. Dedicated Group Co-ordinators, carefully designed facilities and experienced NST staff help ensure your trip runs smoothly.
Because Château d'Ebblinghem isn't simply where you stay. It's where NST helps your trip succeed.
Why do teachers choose Château d'Ebblinghem?
Because everything is designed to help school trips run smoothly. Accommodation, dining, activities and support are all close at hand, making it easier to supervise students and stay organised throughout your visit.
Dedicated Group Co-ordinators and experienced NST staff provide support whenever you need it, giving teachers the confidence that help is always available. Meanwhile, students benefit from a range of French language, cultural, history and evening activities that keep them learning, engaged and making the most of their time in Northern France.
What makes Château d'Ebblinghem ideal for French language trips?
NST's French Language Enrichment Experience at Château d'Ebblinghem is designed to help students use French with confidence beyond the classroom.
With support from a French-speaking Group Co-ordinator, students are encouraged to practise their language skills throughout the day, from morning briefings and mealtimes to evening activities and local visits. Combined with regular interactions with native speakers, it provides an immersive and engaging way to develop language skills in authentic settings.
Why is Château d'Ebblinghem a great base for WWI Battlefield trips?
Located within easy reach of key First World War sites in France and Belgium, Château d'Ebblinghem is an ideal base for history and literature groups. Students can connect classroom learning with visits to significant battlefields, memorials and museums, while on-site activities such as Journey to the Trenches and opportunities to view WWI artefacts help bring the history of the Great War to life.
To further enhance the experience, groups may also choose to travel with an NST History Subject Expert, providing specialist insight and helping students gain a deeper understanding of the events, people and stories they encounter throughout their tour.
The Château's Story
Set within a historic French estate near St Omer, Château d'Ebblinghem has a history stretching back centuries. During the First World War, the surrounding area played an important role in supporting British forces and military units were stationed at the château itself.
Today, the château combines its fascinating history with facilities designed around the needs of school groups, creating a unique setting for language, enrichment, primary school and WWI battlefield trips.
Spaces Designed to Help Your Trip Run Smoothly
Most groups staying at Château d'Ebblinghem enjoy sole occupancy of their accommodation building, giving teachers greater flexibility when planning room allocations and supporting individual student needs.
Dedicated Dining Area
Each accommodation building has its own dedicated dining area, giving your group a space to come together, relax and refuel after a busy day of visits. With three nutritious meals served each day and packed lunches for days on tour, students stay energised and ready to make the most of their experience.
Depending on your group size you may share the La Caserne dining area with another school group.
Teachers' lounge
After a busy day of visits, the teachers' lounge offers a comfortable space to unwind, catch up with colleagues or prepare for the next day's activities. Reserved exclusively for adults, it's the perfect place to relax and recharge while students enjoy their evening programme.
Enjoy complimentary tea and coffee-making facilities, a wine and cheese reception each evening, and free WiFi to help you stay connected throughout your stay. It's just one of the many ways Château d'Ebblinghem is designed to support teachers and make life a little easier when you're away with a group.
Le Manoir - The historic heart of the château
The historic heart of Château d'Ebblinghem, Le Manoir combines the character of a traditional French country house with comfortable accommodation designed for school groups. Student and teacher rooms are located together, with dedicated dining and teacher areas helping groups stay connected and organised throughout their stay.
Students rooms : 13 x 4 beds (2 bunk beds)
Teacher rooms: 3 x 2 single beds
All bedrooms are en-suite
La Gareyne - Accessible and practical for a wide range of groups
La Gareyne offers a welcoming and comfortable environment where students and teachers can stay together as a group. With en-suite bedrooms, dedicated teacher facilities and accessible accommodation, it provides a practical and supportive base for educational visits to Northern France.
Students rooms : 13 x 4 beds (2 bunk beds)
Teacher rooms: 3 x 2 single beds
All bedrooms are en-suite
La Caserne – Perfect for larger groups
Ideal for larger groups, La Caserne combines comfortable en-suite accommodation with dedicated dining and teacher facilities, all under one roof. With accessible bedrooms, lift access and plenty of shared space, it's designed to help groups stay organised while making supervision simple for teachers.
Students rooms: 18 x 4 beds (2 bunk beds)
Teacher rooms: 6 x 2 single beds
All bedrooms are en-suite
L'Auberge - A sociable and welcoming setting
L'Auberge combines the character of the château with facilities designed around the needs of school groups. En-suite accommodation, dedicated teacher areas and communal spaces help create a relaxed and sociable atmosphere, giving students the opportunity to spend time together while teachers benefit from a comfortable and well-organised environment.
Students rooms : 13 x 4 beds (2 bunk beds)
Teacher rooms: 3 x 2 single beds
All bedrooms are en-suite
What teachers say about Château d'Ebblinghem
Browse our most popular trips from Château d’Ebblinghem
An Inspiring Base for WWI History School Trips
Few educational experiences have the same impact as standing where history happened. Staying at Château d'Ebblinghem places your group close to some of the most significant First World War sites in Europe, helping students develop a deeper understanding of the conflict through powerful, first-hand experiences and curriculum-linked learning.
Your dedicated Group Co-ordinator
Your Group Co-ordinator is here to ensure the smooth-running of your school tour, acting as all-round support for your group. During the course of your stay your Group Co-ordinator will:
- Meet you on your arrival, organise a welcome talk and centre orientation and organise your group into their accommodation.
- Accompany you on excursions and assist you with supervision and provide practical and historical information regarding your destination.
- Help supervise them in the dining area.
- Liaise with the Group Leader and adult members of the group on a daily basis to ensure good communication throughout your stay.
- Organise and supervise evening activities for your group.
- Encourage your students to use their language skills at all times, for example, during mealtimes and evening activities.
Organised evening activities
Crêpe Evening
Crêpe Evening
A chance for your group to prepare and cook French crêpes. This activity can be supported by our crêpe activity worksheet designed to help support on-centre language learning. Boules can be added to this activity during the summer months.
French language, food technology, French culture
History Activities
History Activities - Journey to the Trenches
An interactive activity taking the group from enlistment through to life in the trenches.
This activity must be pre-booked through your Tour Co-ordinator and takes place during the day.
History, teamwork, fun, decision making
History Activities
History Activities - View WWI artefacts
Take a close look at a range of WWI artefacts at the château to help evoke the atmosphere of the war and aid pupils in their understanding of trench life.
WWI History: WWI Medicine & Surgery on the Western Front
History Activities
History Activities - WWI Army Biscuits
In this hands-on biscuit baking activity, students prepare traditional ‘army biscuits’ which soldiers would have eaten during WWI. Take part in a quiz, then taste the results with camp coffee!
This activity must be pre-booked through your Tour Co-ordinator and takes place during the day.
Small charge applies.
Campfire
Campfire
Enjoy a traditional campfire, guests can enjoy songs, relax, share stores and reflect on their shared experiences from the day.
Teamwork, fun, support & encouragement
Disco
Disco
A chance to dance the night away. A popular activity for the final evening of your trip.
Fun, confidence & social skills
Silent Disco
Silent Disco
Enjoy a fun Silent Disco with colourful headphones & all your favourite songs!
Fun, confidence & social skills
Quiz
Quiz
Q & A style challenges, this activity can be based on a variety of subjects.
Fun, competition & French language
Passport to the World
Passport to the World
Students are given maps to find flags placed around the centre. The flags hold questions for them to answer before they return to base.
Teamwork, fun, competition, French language
Disc Golf
Disc Golf
Taking frisbee to the next level! Test your aim on our disc golf course and challenge your friends to see who will be the disc golf champion!
Competition & fun
Archery Tag
Archery Tag
Let the battle commence! Your pupils will first learn how to use the bow to shoot the foam tipped arrows, before embarking on a series of thrilling team combat games in our brand new action packed archery tag session.
Teamwork, competition & fun
Sports & Games
Sports & Games
A variety of more traditional sports and games can be offered.
Fun, teamwork, competition
Resources to support & extend language learning
Resources to support & extend language learning
We offer a range of language resources to help your group get the very most out of their time away encouraging pupils and expand their vocabulary including a crêpe activity worksheet and meal vocabulary placemats and town trails.
French Enrichment Activities
French Enrichment Activities - Dégustation de fromage
Sample a range of French cheeses and discuss the varying tastes, your likes and dislikes in the target language. A fantastic after-dinner activity at NST’s château. This activity must be pre-booked through your Tour Co-ordinator
French language, French culture, food technology, fun, educational
Small charge applies.
Recreational Activities Available at Château d'Ebblinghem
-
Two football pitches (one floodlit)
-
Volleyball area
-
Four hectares of private grounds
-
TV, DVD player and white board available in each building
-
Full box of sports equipment
-
Games room with pool tables, air hockey and arcade games
Meals - French Flavours and Familiar Favourites
Good food helps students get the most from their trip. That's why our catering team provides nutritious, balanced meals that keep groups energised throughout their stay. Alongside familiar favourites, students can also enjoy authentic French dishes and local flavours, giving them the opportunity to experience French culture through food. Breakfast and evening meals are served on site, packed lunches are provided for days on tour, and we cater for a wide range of dietary requirements
Supporting healthier eating habits:
- Fresh fruit with all meals
- Salad available at dinner time
- Two hot vegetables are served every day at dinner
- Water is available with all meals
- Orange juice is available with breakfast
- Semi-skimmed milk is available with breakfast
Watch our château mini-movie
Where to find Château d'Ebblinghem
1934 Route Nationale, 59173 Ebblinghem, France.
Perfectly positioned for history, language, cultural enrichment and primary school trips, Château d'Ebblinghem sits just 45 minutes from Calais and within easy reach of the WWI Battlefields, St Omer and a wealth of French cultural experiences. Its convenient location helps maximise time on tour, giving students more opportunities to learn, explore, and engage with their destination.
Do you cater for special dietary requirements?
Absolutely. We cater for a wide range of dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free and halal diets, and allergens are clearly displayed.
Food is one of the highlights of a stay at Château d'Ebblinghem. Alongside nutritious, balanced meals, students have opportunities to sample authentic French cuisine and local specialities, helping them experience another side of French culture. It's often one of the parts of the trip they talk about most afterwards.
Does Château d'Ebblinghem cater for students with SEND/ASN and accessibility requirements?
Yes. We welcome groups with a wide range of needs and will work with you to help ensure every student can take part. Our team can discuss individual requirements before travel, and advise on accommodation, accessibility and any practical considerations to support your group.
For students with physical accessibility needs, the Gareyne building offers full ground-floor disabled access, including walk-in showers, while La Caserne provides lift access and accessible bedrooms.
We know that no two groups are the same, which is why we're always happy to discuss your requirements and help you find the most suitable arrangements for a successful and enjoyable visit.
What safety measures are in place at Château d'Ebblinghem?
The safety and wellbeing of every student and teacher is our priority. Château d'Ebblinghem has been designed around the needs of school groups, with dedicated NST staff on-site throughout your stay and comprehensive risk assessments covering both the centre and its activities.
Our experienced Group Co-ordinators are trained to ensure they can provide practical support, local knowledge and oversight during activities and excursions. They'll be on hand throughout your visit, helping everything run smoothly and safely.
For added reassurance, student and teacher accommodation is arranged with school groups in mind, and a member of the château team is always on duty overnight. Combined with rigorous staff training and industry-leading safety standards, this helps provide peace of mind for both teachers and parents.
Can I visit Château d'Ebblinghem before my group's visit?
Yes. We understand how valuable it can be to visit the Château before travelling with your students. An inspection visit gives Group Leaders the opportunity to explore the accommodation and facilities, familiarise themselves with the local area and start planning a successful trip with confidence.
Inspection visits to Château d'Ebblinghem can be arranged throughout the year, subject to availability. If you're interested in arranging a visit, please speak to the NST Educational Travel Co-ordinator, who will be happy to discuss the options available and help find a suitable date.
Speak to one of our school travel experts
Our team of school travel experts have unrivalled destination knowledge and experience so they can help to bring your tour ideas to life and might even suggest options you hadn’t already thought of too!
So get in touch today and we'll help to create a bespoke, budget-friendly tour itinerary to meet your specific learning requirements.