Home Front Bus is a unique Living History Experience contained within a classic double deck bus. Detailed reconstructions of a 1940’s Living Room, Shop, Bombed out Street and Air Raid Shelter, containing period features and artefacts replicate the sights, sounds and smells of the Home Front providing an exciting and inspiring educational experience for schools and events.
Home Front Bus is primarily aimed at Key Stage 2 pupils where it enhances learning about the popular topic ‘Britain since the 1930’s’. A visit can also support work in areas such as Citizenship, Transport, RE, Literacy and Drama. As the pupils move through the bus, they learn about different aspects of ‘Life on the Home Front’..
In the Living Room, children learn about the precautions everybody had to make during the war and the effects of living with constant fear. We talk about domestic life, evacuation and the upheaval caused by the disintegration of families.
In the Shop the focus shifts to food rationing, the need to grow your own vegetables and the importance of community spirit.
On the upper deck we face the realities of bombing raids in the Bombed out Street and learn about the role of ARP Wardens.
At the sound of the air raid siren, we retreat into the Air Raid Shelter where we listen to the bombs falling outside and wonder whether our house will be hit. We hear first hand accounts of children who experienced the blitz.
The Outside of the bus forms a fifth set where there is still much to learn about evacuation, transport, blackout, the black market and propaganda.
The bus is also ideal for visiting events with a historic or nostalgic focus. The uniqueness and quality of the presentation is guaranteed to educate, entertain and create opportunities to discuss many issues.
“I would like to take this opportunity of thanking you and your colleagues for the very interesting day. The pupils really enjoyed the experience and were talking about it afterwards. They showed that they had listened and taken in a great deal of what was said and many continued to ask questions about different aspects of the talks.”
Harbour School, Dover
"What a fantastic resource and a fabulous learning experience! The children (&staff) have had the opportunity to experience a little bit of life in the 1940’s today and we’ve learnt a lot."
​
Ryarsh Primary School
Click on the map above to see where the Home Front Bus has been
“Having completed so many year 6 trips about WW2 I can hand on heart say that this has been the most enjoyable and informative by far. So much information in such a short space of time. Characters were very knowledgeable and friendly. History brought to life!”
​
Boughton-under-Blean Primary School
"Thank you so much for a great experience. The children and staff enjoyed each section of the bus very much. I know we have all learnt a great deal through the visit of the World War 2 bus. It was very beneficial to the children's learning to have a grasp of the reality of the war. We will certainly recommend you."
​
Manor Oak Primary School, St Mary’s Cray
"The children have had the most wonderful day, such wonderful input and friendly staff. They have all learnt so much and the bus has really helped to bring history to life. Thank you so much."
​
Churchill Primary School, Westerham
