By Hridhaan – Year 7 

In early July 2025, students from Lenham and Throwley at our school set off on an unforgettable five-day trip to Germany. Packed with excitement and adventure, the trip gave us the chance to explore the Rhine and Moselle Valleys, enjoy thrilling rides at one of Europe’s best theme parks, and take in the rich history of some incredible towns and landmarks. 

Our journey began in the early hours of Monday 7th July, as we boarded the coach at school and made our way to Dover for the ferry crossing to Calais. From there, it was a long but scenic drive through France and into western Germany, where we finally arrived in the picturesque village of Moselkern. That evening, we settled into our hotel and enjoyed a group dinner followed by evening activities like intense football organised by the teachers. 

On Tuesday, we took a peaceful cruise along the Rhine River, boarding at Sankt Goar and sailing past castles and vineyards to the beautiful town of Bacharach. We then crossed the river by ferry to Rüdesheim, where we visited Siegfried’s Mechanisches Musikkabinett – a museum filled with mechanical musical instruments. The day ended with some free time to explore the cobbled streets of Rüdesheim, home to charming shops and the iconic Drosselgasse. 

Wednesday brought a very different kind of excitement – a full day at Phantasialand, a spectacular theme park in Brühl. With rides ranging from thrilling roller coasters to immersive themed zones, the park offered something for everyone. Whether you loved the fast-paced loops of Taron or just wanted to enjoy a churro while walking through the fantasy-themed areas, it was a highlight of the trip for many of us. 

On Thursday, we explored more of the region’s fascinating history, starting in Koblenz at the Deutsches Eck, where the Moselle and Rhine rivers meet beneath the statue of Kaiser Wilhelm I. We then took a cable car up to the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, which offered stunning views and insight into Germany’s military past. In the afternoon, we headed to the medieval town of Cochem, known for its fairy-tale appearance and terraced vineyards. We visited the Reichsburg Castle, perched high above the town, where we had a guided tour through grand rooms like the Knight’s Hall and Trophy Room. 

Our final day, Friday, was spent travelling back to the UK. After breakfast and packing, we drove back across Germany and France to catch our ferry from Calais to Dover. We arrived back at school around 9:30 PM – exhausted but full of amazing memories. 

Whether we were marvelling at a medieval fortress, screaming on an exhilarating rollercoaster, or laughing with your friends during evening activities, this was a trip that none of us would ever forget anytime soon!