Christmas Markets Trip to Cologne

Our festive adventure began with an early start as pupils enthusiastically headed to Heathrow Airport. Despite a delay, spirits stayed high and we arrived in Cologne in time to check into our youth hostel and head straight out into the cold – because nothing says Christmas magic quite like teeth chattering and twinkling lights!

The first day was all about getting into the festive spirit. Pupils explored the Christmas markets first, making an early start on practising some German phrases while buying gifts for family (hopefully!), sampling seasonal food, and conducting some very serious “research” into local treats (a task embraced enthusiastically by pupils and staff alike). Fuelled by bratwurst and festive cheer, we then tackled the climb up Cologne Cathedral. Some pupils bravely overcame a fear of heights to make the ascent, while others decided that most of the way up was quite high enough, thank you very much. Either way, the views – and the sense of achievement – were well worth it.

The next day took us to Phantasialand, where pupils enjoyed a full spectrum of rides, from gentle and scenic to fast, fearless, and scream-inducing. Courage levels varied, but enthusiasm did not, and everyone returned in one piece – always a key measure of success on a school trip.

The last day arrived far too quickly. Pupils packed up with impressive efficiency (possibly motivated by the promise of chocolate) before visiting the Chocolate Museum in Cologne. Here they learned about sustainability and fair trade… before focusing on the truly important part: sampling chocolate and stocking up on sweet treats in the shop and café. After this sugary highlight, we headed back to the cathedral to explore the inside, discovering its strong Christmas connections, including the relics of the Three Kings housed there – a suitably festive finale.

Despite some delays on the journey home, pupils returned tired but replete with pretzels, bratwurst and chocolate-coated fruit and, in many cases, the desire to go back.

Thank you to Mrs Moore and Mr Searle for accompanying the trip and helping to make it a success.