first world war tours ypres

Daily Guided Tours of the Ypres Salient and Tours on the Western Front

Not just a business, but a way of life… Flanders Battlefield Tour is well known for organising both, daily tours of the Ypres Salient and the Somme amongst other Western Front areas. Run by Jacques Ryckebosch and Genevra Charsley both are extremely passionate about the First World War. Prior to Flanders Battlefield Tour Jacques curated for many years at Talbot House (TOC H as it was known by the soldiers/veterans) meeting and becoming good friends with First World War veterans. Genevra Charsley has been a member of the Western Front Association since 1997 and assisting with the Poppy Parade on Armistice in Ieper (Ypres) since 1997, both are associate members of the Guild of Battlefield Guides and both have featured on BBC television and international television. Our guides all come highly recommended and are as equally passionate about the First World War, residing within the Ypres Salient they are always well informed and involved about the latest discoveries and development.

"Thank you Jacques for our interesting & personal trip to the somme, a BIG thank you for being so informative.  I'm sure we'll be back for more.  Wishing you both all the success you so rightly deserve."

"Just a note to say that Susan and I were thrilled with Jacques and Genevra's presentations on the Somme & Ypres Salient.  First rate!"

"I would like to thank you for making the arrangements for our tour.  Jacques was superb as our guide and I cannot thank him enough for making our afternoon in Ieper so informative and interesting.  His recollection of facts, views and testimony of those men who witnessed the campaigns was superb as well as sobering.  We hope to be in touch again and will certainly recommend you."

"Having now returned to the UK, we just wanted to drop you a couple of lines Genevra to say thank you again for the informative and interesting Grand Tour we took with you.  We took your advice also and visited St Georges Memorial Church.  Beautiful.  Touching.  We shall certainly recommend your service to any friends that visit Ypres/Ieper in the future."

"Thank you for your tour.  It was fantastic and I was so impressed with your passion.  Your comments relating to Jews were particularly insightful and meaningful to me.  I noticed the grave of one of my namesakes near the Dressing Station althought it was not likely that he is related.  I was, however, able to perfrom the ritual of leaving a stone on the headstone to show visitation."

" Dear Genevra, We're back home on the Mornington Peninsula near Melbourne, and have finally recovered from jet lag and are getting back to normal. Thank-you very much for the amazing day we spent with you - visiting Ypres and many of the WW1 sites, cemeteries, and especially my great-uncle's resting place. It was a day we will not forget.  Your research was so thorough and comprehensive. We cannot remember the name of the other support service you had found, so when you email us the material you promised, could you please let us know. Hoping to hear from you soon."

1 Daily Tours – Ypres Salient

• Grand Tour (North Salient)
• Extended Tour (South Salient)

2 Fromelles

3 the somme, 4 vimy ridge, 5 bespoke tours, © 2024 - flanders battlefield tour -.

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The original Flanders Battlefield Tour

Company since 1993.

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Salient Tours and

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Take a look at our rare and interesting items currently in the  shop .

We are Ypres' oldest and most respected independent tour company. Since 1993, we have provided memorable battlefield tour experiences of the Ypres Salient and France including the Somme, Fromelles  and Vimy Ridge. Our experienced, award-winning guides are not only very knowledgeable in their fields, but are passionate, friendly, approachable and willing to accommodate our guest's needs whenever they can. Our tours begin with an introduction that explains why Ypres became the most famous town on the Western Front. We describe the ebb and flow of the fighting and, with wartime photographs, illustrate the almost unbelievable state of the battlefield. Our minibus then takes you slowly through the now-peaceful farmland that still echoes those terrible days as tonnes of live artillery shells are still unearthed every year. All tours can incorporate visits to others sites by arrangement, so if you want to visit the grave of a relative in the area, please do let us know. Please feel free to call or email us if you would like help in choosing a tour to suit your interests. We would also be glad to help with any research with regards to family members who fought or fell in the area.   We would be honoured to help make your battlefield visit a memorable and special experience, so please book your place in our air conditioned and comfortable minibus.

10 Thought-Provoking Ypres Battlefield Tours (2024)

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Would you like to know what the best Ypres Battlefield Tours are? You’ve come to the right spot!

I live an hour away from Ypres , a town known for its WWI history. Being Belgian, I grew up close to these real stories of the past.

In fact, as a kid, I used to speak every year on the November 11 memorial at the Canadian War Cemetery in Adegem. One time, our then prince, now king, Philippe , was even there to listen.

Ypres is famous for the Battle of Ypres , which was a series of battles during World War I between Germany and the Allied forces. Surrounding the town are battlefields, cemeteries, war museums, and memorials that honour these battles.  

Since September 2023, nearly all of the locations mentioned have been recognised by UNESCO as World Heritage collectively listed under the title “ Funerary and Memory Sites of the First World War (Western Front) “

Joining a Ypres battlefield tour will allow you to dive deep into the history of the First World War. It’s the perfect occasion to learn more about the significance of the area in WW I and/or to honour someone who fought .

I will guide you through the best battlefield tours Ypres, Bruges and even Brussels have to offer and I’ll tell you more about the history of the places you’ll be visiting.

MY TOP PICKS From Ypres | Ypres Battlefields Public Half-Day Tour or Private 4-hour Tour of the Ypres Battlefield |From Bruges Great War Flanders Fields Minibus Tour w/Lunch  

Battlefield Tours from Ypres

BEST YPRES BATTLEFIELD TOURS

1. Private 4-hour Tour of the Ypres Battlefield

⭐ RATING: 5/5 ( 71 Reviews ) |⌛TOUR LENGTH: 4 hours approx.|💰 CHECK PRICE

This Ypres battlefield tour will take you from Ypres to Passchendaele as you board a private car.  

If you have limited time for a tour, this is the perfect chance to retrace the footprints of soldiers between 1914 and 1918 within four hours. 

The first stop is Hill 60 , where you will learn the story behind the massive mines in 1917. 

At Sanctuary Wood Museum , you will see relics of the original Canadian trenches and have an insight into the challenges WW I soldiers endured in these. There are also displays of relevant WW1 artefacts and photographs. 

The Saint Julien Memorial features an 11-metre-tall column of The Brooding Soldier . A visit will give you an in-depth narration of the first German gas attack and how Canadian soldiers bravely held on despite this. 

This tour also allows visits to three cemeteries, where you can commemorate the lives of the fallen Commonwealth and German soldiers. 

Highlights of this tour

• Hill 60  
• Sanctuary Wood Museum  
• Tyne Cot Cemetery  
• Langemark Cemetery 
• Saint Julien Memorial  
• Essex Farm Cemetery 

“We had an excellent guide who made the afternoon very special! He went out of his way to make our tour relevant and informative. We even found our family name on one of the memorials.” CURTIS_S, Dec 2023  ( see more reviews )

2. The Christmas Truce to Passchendaele Ypres Based WW1 private tour    

⭐RATING: 5/5 ( 20 Reviews ) |⌛TOUR LENGTH: 8 hours approx. | 💰 CHECK PRICE 

In addition to Hill 60, Tyne Cot Cemetery, and Sanctuary Wood Museum, this private, customizable Ypres to Passchendaele tour has eight other stops. 

The tour begins at Messines Ridge , south of Ypres, which features 19 mine craters. 

This will be followed by a stop at Hooge Crater Cemetery . Here you can visit the grave of Patrick Joseph Bugden, VC. He was a recipient of the Victoria Cross, which was considered the highest award for bravery. 

The tour continues to the sites of The Black Watch and the Battle of Polygon Wood . The latter is a significant landmark that features the woods which were fought over the war. A visit to this place is not complete without stopping at the cemetery and the Australian 5 th Division monument. 

During the latter part of the journey, you will see the Site John McCrae and Menin Gate Memorial in between drive-throughs to the Broodseinde and Zonnebeke battles sites. 

The Site John McCrae is where the physician and lieutenant colonel composed the poem In Flanders Fields during his service. 

The Menin Gate Memorial , on the other hand, is dedicated to fallen British and Commonwealth soldiers whose graves are not known. If you’re like me, not only will you get overwhelmed by the magnificence of its walls, but also by the number of soldiers—over 54, 000—who fought and whose names are listed here. 

Make sure to return to the gate at 20:00 for the daily Last Post Ceremony – it’s a thought-provoking moment and something you shouldn’t miss when in the neighbourhood.

• Messines Ridge  
• Hooge Crater Cemetery  
• The Black Watch 
• Battle of Polygon Wood  
• Broodseinde  
• John McCrae Site  
• Menin Gate Memorial 
• Zonnebeke  
• Sanctuary Wood Museum 

“Great day out very informative. And always made feel confortable by out guide. I Would highly recomend to anyone visiting Ypres” SEAN_B, AUG 2022 ( see more reviews )

3. Ypres Battlefields Public Half-Day Tour

⭐RATING: 5/5 ( 45 Reviews ) |⌛TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.)|💰 CHECK PRICE

This Ypres Battlefield half-day tour is perfect if you have a small group.  

This is also a great option if you have limited time in the city, but do not want to pass up the chance to revisit the Ypres Battlefields history! 

The tour starts at Sanctuary Wood and its iconic museum , which will give you an overview of the battles in The Ypres Salient. The preserved trenches give a raw insight into what it must have been like to live through the horrible war. 

The Essex Farm Cemetery is also a stop on this tour. This preserved historical area also served as a dressing station and was instrumental in the evacuation of wounded soldiers. 

Following are Commonwealth Tyne Cot Cemetery and the German Langemark Cemetery . Between these, you will pass by the Saint Julien Memorial and have a look at the battlefields of Passchendaele . 

• Sanctuary Wood  
• Essex Farm Cemetery  
• Langemark Cemetery  
• Saint Julien Memorial (Pass By) 
• Passendale  
• Tyne Cot Cemetery 

“Excellent half day tour – our guide Roger was very knowledgeable and gave our small group a very good overall feel for the history of the battles around Ypres Thoroughly recommended” SIMON_R, OCT 2023  ( see more reviews )

4. Full-Day Canadian WW1 Vimy and Somme Battlefield Tour  

⭐RATING: 5/5 ( 6 Reviews ) |⌛TOUR LENGTH: 9 hours (approx.) | 💰 CHECK PRICE  

This full-day Canadian battlefield tour starts from Ypres and continues to Vimy and Somme. 

At the Canadian National Vimy Memorial, you will see the Grange Tunnel as well as the Vimy Ridge, where you will see Canadian and German trenches. The place also has a visitor centre, where you can stop by! 

The next destinations are Courcelette Canadian Memorial and Lochnagar Crater. The latter was the aftermath of an underground explosion. 

At Thiepval Memorial, you can pay respects to more than 72,000 soldiers, who passed away in the Somme and, unfortunately, do not have known graves. 

The last stop is the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial, which commemorates World War 1 Newfoundlander soldiers. The memorial holds a striking bronze caribu that shows honour to the memory of the Newfoundland Regiment volunteers. 

• Canadian National Vimy Memorial  
• Courcelette Canadian Memorial  
• Lochnagar Crater  
• Thiepval Memorial  
• Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial 

“Claude was a really good guide. He was totally knowledgeable about the Great War and all of dates and stats were in his head. He made sure he did whatever we wanted to do and gave us options wherever it was possible. The tour was comprehensive and gave us a better understanding about the causes of the war.” MILLERS, MAR 2020 ( see more reviews )

battlefield tours from bruges

5. great war flanders fields minibus tour w/lunch   .

⭐ RATING: 4.9/5 ( 787 Reviews ) | ⌛TOUR LENGTH: 9 hours | CHECK PRICE  

This historical, full-day Ypres battlefield tour begins from Bruges. 

In an air-conditioned minibus, you will be transported to preserved war trenches, bunkers, and craters, such as Hooge Crater .  

This tour also includes visits to war sites, graves, and memorials including Polygon Wood, Passchendaele, and Menin Gate Memorial.  

As you ride through the Ypres countryside, you have the chance to appreciate the iconic poppy fields that grace the Flanders region. 

Lastly, at the Menin Gate, you can catch the Last Post Ceremony , a daily tribute that remembers the bravery of soldiers. For this, you can request the tour to be extended. 

• Hooge Crater 

Passchendaele 

Polygon wood .

• Menin Gate Memorial (for the Last Post Ceremony) 

“We cannot recommend this tour highly enough!!! Sharon and Philippe were so friendly and helpful, accommodating a stop at a family members grave (thank you again for this!) and even getting in touch with us before the tour to check if we wanted picking up from our hotel instead of walking to the meeting point – now that’s service!” DANIELLE. , DECEMBER 5, 2023 ( see more reviews )

6. Flanders Fields Remembrance Full-Day Trip

⭐️RATING: 4.6/5 ( 15 Reviews ) | ⏳TOUR LENGTH: 11 hours| 💰 CHECK PRICE  

This Flanders Field remembrance full-day guided tour starts in Bruges.  

The first stop is the Passchendaele Battlefield, and then your tour guide will take you to Tyne Cot Cemetery.  

For the rest of the morning, you are set to visit Polygon Wood, where some of the Australian and New Zealand Troops fell.  

This will be followed by stops at memorials for Canadian Troops, including the monument of the Brooding Soldier and Essex Farm Cemetery. 

After lunch in Ypres, you will be set for a drive to France for the Vimy Memorial, which also houses a museum and trenches.  

If the packed schedule allows, you might be able to take a stop at Hill 60 in Ypres. 

Like most tours, this one will conclude with attending the Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate. 

• Passchendaele Battlefield 
• Polygon Wood  
• Brooding Soldier Monument  
• Vimy Memorial 
• Hill 60 
• Menin Gate 

“Apart from a late start due to unforeseen circumstances in Brussels the tour was magnificent. I would highly recommend the tour to anyone interested to broaden their knowledge of military history. The guides knowledge and sharing of his history made the trip very memorable…..thank you..” Garry. , October 3, 2023 ( See more reviews )

7. Private Vimy and Belgium Canadian Battlefield Tour  

⭐ RATING: 4.5/5 ( 5 Reviews ) | ⌛DURATION: 10 hours approx. | 💰 CHECK PRICE    

This private Canadian-focused full-day battlefield tour to Vimy and Belgium starts in Bruges.  

This journey that follows the footsteps of Canadian soldiers will first move towards the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France. Here you have the chance to walk through the preserved trenches and the Grange Tunnel.  

Around lunchtime, you will pass by the Ploegsteert Memorial before arriving at Hill 62 or Sanctuary Wood. 

Your tour guide will then take you to Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry Memorial, which commemorates the bravery of the fallen soldiers under Princess Patricia of Connaught. 

After stops at the Tyne Cot Cemetery and the Brooding Soldier Memorial, you will see the German Langemark Cemetery, where you will witness its contrast to the allied cemeteries. The trip will continue to Essex Farm Cemetery. 

Before ending the trip at Menin Gate for the Last Post, you will have free time to explore the town of Ypres. Here, you can see the beautiful buildings on Main Square, especially the Cloth Hall. 

• The Ploegsteert Memorial 

Hill 62 (Sanctuary Wood) 

• Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry Memorial  
• Saint Julien Memorial 
• Ypres Cloth Hall  

“Claude was a wonderful tour guide for this trip. He was very knowledgeable on the history of different battles and explained them while showing us where the front lines were. Most memorable was the Canadian Vimy Memorial and the Passchendaele Museum.” PATRICIA_P, SEP 202 ( see more reviews )

8. Australian Battlefields Private Tour in Flanders

⭐ RATING: 5/5 ( 5 Reviews ) | ⌛ DURATION: 11 hours approx. |💰 CHECK PRICE  

This whole-day, private Australian Battlefields tour from Bruges will help you trace the Australians’ involvement in World War 1.  

The first destination is the Museum of the Battle of Fromelles. The place will help you understand why and how the bodies of 250 soldiers who were buried in mass graves were unearthed and re-buried in individual graves. The latter is the Pheasant Wood Military Cemetery, which will be the next stop. 

This will be followed by visits to the Australian Memorial Park, VC Corner Australian Cemetery, and Rue Pettilon Military Cemetery. Then you will pass by the Mademoiselle from Armentieres and The Ploegsteert Memorial. 

At Messines Ridge, you will bear witness to the place where the Australians attacked the place. At Hill 60, you will see craters before going to Polygon Wood, the Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917, and Tyne Cot Cemetery. 

After visiting the interesting Australian memorial sites, you will have free time to wander around the town of Ypres. Here you can visit the Cloth Hall, among other impressive buildings in the area.  

Lastly, you will attend the Last Post at the Menin Gate before going back to your place of origin. 

• Museum of the Battle of Fromelles 
• Pheasant Wood Military Cemetery 
• Australian Memorial Park  
• VC Corner Australian Cemetery  
• Rue Pettilon Military Cemetery  
• Mademoiselle from Armentieres 
• Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917  
• Ypres Cloth Hall 
• Menin Gate (for the Last Post Ceremony) 

“This tour was very interesting and emotional. A must for all Australians.” JULIE K, MAY 2017  ( see more reviews)

9. Flanders Fields Remembrance Tour with Lunch  

⭐ RATING: 4/5 ( 179 Reviews ) |⌛DURATION: 11 hours approx. |💰 CHECK PRICE  

This full-day tour will take you on a Flanders Fields remembrance adventure from Bruges on an air-conditioned bus.  

You will be transported to the town of Vladslo for the German War Cemetery , which holds more than 3,000 graves. Here, you can also view the Grieving Parents sculpture, which was created by Käthe Kollwitz in memory of her fallen son. 

This will be followed by a visit to the Trench of Death (Dodengang) in Diksmuide, at the Belgian coast. The site gives a preview of the horrors faced by soldiers during the Great War.  

After about half an hour, you will reach the Saint Julien Memorial (Brooding Soldier). 

Before continuing the journey, you will take a break for a satisfying, traditional Belgian lunch at a local restaurant in Ypres. This is already paid for and included in the tour. 

After your meal, you will learn more at the In Flanders’ Field Museum , which is one of the top Ypres tourist attractions. It’s an interactive museum with an audio-guided commentary about the battlefields’ history and stories of war. 

In the latter part of your tour, your guide will take you to Passchendaele and Passchendaele New British Cemetery . You will pass by Tyne Cot Cemetery and Hill 60 as well. 

To conclude your trip, you will stop by Essex Farm Cemetery before participating in the solemn Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate. 

• Germany Military Cemetery 
• Grieving Parents 
• Trench of Death 
• Saint Julien Memorial (Brooding Soldier) 
• Flanders’ Field Museum 
• Passchendaele  
• Passchendaele New British Cemetery 
• Pass by Tyne Cot Cemetery 

“Our guide was very knowledgeable and really brought history to life. Very friendly, able to answer any questions about the area, the battles. The Last Post ceremony was very moving..” JUSTINE_R, OCT 2023  ( see more reviews )

battlefield tours from brussels

10. flanders fields remembrance full-day trip.

⭐ RATING: 4.43/5 ( 30 Reviews ) |⌛DURATION: 13 hours approx. | 💰 CHECK PRICE 

This Flanders Fields full-day tour starts and ends in Brussels. 

At Passchendaele, you will see the location where the first gas attacks occurred.  

Afterwards, you will be headed to Tyne Cot. A resting place of almost 12,000 soldiers, it is the largest Commonwealth cemetery to date. 

As the trip continues in the afternoon, you will visit the dressing station, where John McCrae composed the famous poem In Flanders’ Fields. Aside from this, other WWW1 memorial sites, such as the Brooding Soldier, are on the list.  

The tour concludes with a visit to the Menin Gate in Ypres for the Last Post Ceremony. 

• Brooding Soldier 
• Canadian National Vimy Memoria 
• Nauville-Saint-Vaast 
• Ypres 

“Really jam packed full day of everything WW1 in Belgium. Lots of interesting commentary and poignant visits to trenches, graveyards, memorials and a museum, plus more. Stefan our guide was knowledgeable, engaging and even added his own personal history..” SARAH, AUGUST 30, 2023  ( see more reviews )

Popular Tour Stops

Passchendaele is a rural Belgian village in Zonnebeke, West Flanders. It is almost synonymous with the Third Battle of Ypres as it is where the unfortunate event took place.

In Passchendaele’s battlefields, you will see the remnants of the man-made earthquake that is WW1.

The Battle of Polygon Wood, a part of the Battle of Passchendaele, had been fought in this forest, which makes it a significant WW1 landmark. 

It derives its name from its shape on the map. This now peaceful wood holds two Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemeteries. Some remains of bunkers also still survived. 

The Canadian Hill 62, otherwise known as the Sanctuary Wood Memorial, features war trenches and a museum. Its trench system is extensive and has sections that run underground.

You will see corrugated iron on the trenches’ sides to preserve its shape these days. The privately owned museum, on the other hand, holds relics and artefacts. These include weapons, stereoviews, and a large collection of WW1 photographs.

Hill 60, which is about 60 meters above sea level, is a significant WW1 site as battles between the German and the Allied Forces took place here.

Due to the extreme nature of the fighting that took place, it is considered a mass grave.

It became impossible to recover and/or identify the soldiers’ remains. The site, nevertheless, is maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

Menin Gate Memorial (Watch the Last Post) 

The Menin Gate Memorial to the Missing is one of four memorial sites dedicated to the British and Commonwealth soldiers who lost their lives during WW1 in Ypres.

On its walls are engraved names of more than 54,000 soldiers whose graves were unknown.

Poppy Fields of Flanders

The war brought opportunities for poppies to appear as they thrived in the harsh conditions of this event.

Later on, these became a symbol of remembrance for the WW1 battles and thousands of soldiers who lost their lives after Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae penned the poem In Flanders Fields after his friend, another soldier, died.

Saint Julien Memorial/Brooding Soldier

The Saint Julien Memorial is a Canadian war memorial site that commemorates the Canadian First Division’s part in WW I.

They participated in the Second Battle of Ypres, which had them brave the first poison gas attacks.

The park features a towering, 11-meter column of a single granite shaft. At the top, you will see a figure of a Canadian soldier with a bowed head and folded hands. 

Tyne Cot Cemetery

The Tyne Cot Cemetery is where the Commonwealth, French, Belgian, and German forces fought during the First World War.

Now, it has become a Commonwealth War Graves Commission burial site for the departed soldiers of the said war in the Ypres Salient. It is also considered the largest Commonwealth Cemetery in the world. 

Essex Farm Cemetery

The Essex Farm Cemetery is another Commonwealth War Graves Commission burial site. This is specifically situated within the grounds of the Site John McCrae.

There are over 1,200 burials commemorated, a little over 100 of which are unidentified. Among other resting places of soldiers, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site under funerary and memory sites of World War I. 

Langemark German Cemetery

The Langemark German War Cemetery is located near the Langemark village, where the first German gas attack occurred. The burial ground holds 44,000 graves. A sad fact about this place is that it holds several mass graves. 

In Flanders Fields Museum (and Belfry) in Ypres’ Cloth Hall

The In Flanders Fields Museum is a military history museum dedicated solely to the First World War.

It allows visitors to experience and learn more about the horrible life at the front through preserved artefacts, touching videos, special sound fragments, and other multimedia materials.  

The museum is located on the second floor of the Cloth Hall in the city centre of Ypres. This is a must-visit memorial conveniently located at the market square. 

Hooge Crater Memorial Museum 

Named after the deep crater, that resulted from a mine explosion during World War I, nearby,  the Hooge Crater Museum is dedicated to said event.

It houses reconstructions of full-scale battle scenes as well as a unique yet extensive collection of war photographs, weapons, uniforms, and other military equipment.  

The museum has a café where visitors can take a break after all the learning!

How to Get to Ypres?

If you are travelling from further away, it is best to note that the nearest airports to Ypres are Brussels , Lille and Charleroi (well, actually, Bruges-Ostend is the closest but it’s tiny and only a couple of airlines fly here).

where to stay in Ypres

If you haven’t already booked your accommodation in Ypres, I can recommend Main Street Hotel . This quirky boutique hotel has the perfect location to explore Ypres. Some rooms come with a terrace and some with a whirlpool, but an extensive breakfast (with sparkling wine!) is included in all stays.

more about the WW I history in Ypres and The Ypres Salient

What caused the ypres war    .

The Battle of Ypres resulted when the Race to the Sea ended. During this time, the Allied forces and the German side both attempted to turn each other’s western flank. 

Why did the Germans want Ypres?    

Ypres is a valuable asset as it offers a strategic route to the coastal ports of France and Belgium.  

What countries fought in the Battle of Ypres?    

The countries that fought in the Battle of Ypres were Germany, Belgium, France, Britain, and Canada. 

How many battles of Ypres are there?

There were five battles of Ypres.  

• First Battle of Ypres – 1914 
• Second Battle of Ypres – 1915 
• Third Battle of Ypres or Battle of Passchendaele – 1917 
• Fourth Battle of Ypres ( Battle of the Lys or Battle of Estaires )   1918 
• Fifth Battle of Ypres ( Advance of Flanders or Battle of the Peaks of Flanders ) – 1918 

How long did the Battle of Ypres last? 

The Battle of Ypres was a series of battles that spanned between 1913 and 1918. 

Who won the Battle of Ypres?

The British Allies were victorious during the Fifth Battle of Ypres. 

How did the Battle of Ypres end?

By the Fifth Battle of Ypres, the morale of German troops waned. Additionally, American soldiers, who were on the Allies’ side, were arriving and gave the latter an advantage. The British had the advantage, the poor condition of the weather and roads made mobility challenging, and the Germans increased their resistance. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can visit war trenches in Ypres. Frequently visited ones include the well-preserved Sanctuary Wood or Hill 62 as well as Yorkshire Trench.  

There are a number of World War I cemeteries, where German soldiers and Allied Forces troops are laid to rest.  

The Third Battle of Ypres, also called the Battle of Passchendaele, occurred in Passchendaele, which is in the municipality Zonnebeke in the West Flanders province. It is close to Ypres.  

During the Battle of Passchendaele, the British army suffered approximately 275,000 casualties. Under this include 5,300 New Zealanders, 15,600 Canadians, and 38,000 Australians. On the other hand, it was 220,000 on the German side.  

Yes, you can visit Flanders Fields independently of on a Ypres battlefield tour.

Flanders is the Dutch-speaking northern part of Belgium. The area around Ypres sits on battlefields where many of the World War I Battles occurred. The term “Flanders Fields” itself comes from the poem “ In Flanders Fields ” by John McCrae.

The In Flanders Fields poem by John McCrae is still popular today as it continues to be a part of ceremonies, particularly Remembrance Day in Canada. Such a day is celebrated to commemorate the men and women who served their country during the war. 

Unfortunately, the person who planted the poppies in Flanders Field is unrecorded or unknown. 

Poppies are disappearing from Flanders Fields because of the changing plant life in the area. Some native plants to the area are close to extinction while invasive, more diverse ones are appearing. 

There are many cemeteries in Flanders Field. There are more than 300 soldiers who were buried in Flanders Field American Cemetery alone.  

YPRES BATTLEFIELD TOURS

So, are Ypres Battlefield Tours Worth It?

Visiting Ypres battlefields does not only mean being in significant places but also immersing yourself and learning about the sad history that deserves remembering.  

Especially if you’re a history enthusiast, joining at least one of the WW1 Battlefield tours from Ypres is worth it! These are well-structured, comprehensive, and most of the time, tailored to you.

Also, if you’re not bringing a car, I highly recommend participating in one for the best experience because everything will be laid out for you! 🙂

🏆We recommend the Private 4-hour Tour of the Ypres Battlefield as the best one available!

BELGIUM TRAVEL PLANNING RESOURCES  

Getting to Belgium : Fly into one of the main international airports : Brussels Airport (BRU) or Charleroi Brussels South Airport (CRL). Take an international train to Brussels South Station. Or take a ferry to Dover or The Netherlands, then drive or take the train to Belgium.

Getting Around : For the major destinations, the train is by far the best option. You can book your train tickets here . If you’d like to visit smaller places, the most convenient way would be to rent a car. We always use Discover cars , they compare all the rental companies and give you the best rates.

Accommodation : Booking.com is the most popular accommodation platform in Belgium. It’s what I use every single time.

Guided tours : Use Get Your Guide or Viator to find fun tours in Brussels, Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp. Or Guruwalk to find free walking tours in multiple destinations.

Babs Rodrigus is a travel addict at heart and loves to explore her home country Belgium and the rest of the world – preferably with her wife and kids. She’s all about showing you the most mesmerising spots in this tiny European country and making you see how great it truly is.

When she’s not travelling, Babs loves to read, write, eat chocolate (hey, Belgian remember) and sing Frozen songs with her daughter.

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The combination of local knowledge and historical research through the years turns out to be a major asset to give our clients the most rewarding experience.

Adapted on your own expectations

The main issue for us is to give our clients a tour adapted to their needs and expectations.Whatever their choice is, a one day or several day tours we can arrange it.

Personal service

Following the footsteps of your relative is very humbling and a lifetime achievement with their suffering in the back of your mind.

Testimonials

"great experience".

We were three friends from Spain and wanted to visit in one day the most important places of WWI at Ypres. Annette was an EXCELLENT guide, the tour that she made absolutly completed our expectations. Without her guidance and knowledge (that is impressive) it would have been imposible to seize the day as we did.

Guided Tours of the Western Battlefields

Battlefield sites

Our guided tour will take you to the most relevant trenches and significant battlefield sites from World War One such as Hill 60, Hill 62, Tyne Cot cemetery, Polygon Wood,Essines Ridge and more in the Ypres Salient. In the Somme we go to Thiepval, Pozieres, Mouquet farm, Villers Bretonneux.

Your own choice

But we take you also to places of your own choice: a small cemetery where a relative is buried or a less known battlefield where he fought was wounded or received an award. We also visit German sites as well Allied.

Trace a soldier

As a special service we can try to trace the movements of an individual soldier during the first world war. If you are interested in that service, please give us notice a few weeks prior to your arrival.

Ypres & Somme Battlefield tours accommodation

During our package tours we use the Novotel in Ypres and breakfast and dinner is included in the price of our 2. 3 or 4 day battlefield tours. Convenient is to arrive in Lille the day before the tour. In this case we will be happy to recommend accommodation near the station where you arrive. If you have choose your own accommodation, we are also able to guide you on the Ypres and Somme battlefields.

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First World War Battlefields

2 days of fully guided tours of the Ypres Salient and the Somme with an expert military historian and Entry to the Hooge Crater Museum

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The two most visited WWI battlefield sites today are Ypres in Belgium and the Somme in Northern France. Our tour encompasses numerous military cemeteries, museums and includes both the Welsh memorials at Mametz Wood and the monument in Ypres, with our expert military guide, visits many of the most poignant sites of the conflict, leaving you with lasting memories.

Novotel Ieper Centrum, Ypres ***

The welcoming Novotel Ieper Centrum is located in the old town, only a short walk from the Menin Gate.

• Contemporary bedrooms •Satellite television • Hairdryer • Air conditioning • Free Wi-Fi • Telephone • Restaurant • Bar • Lift

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TO YPRES Following the Channel crossing to Calais we make our way to Ypres where we stay for the next three nights.

YPRES SALIENT We begin our guided tour of the Ypres Salient at Frezenberg, with an introduction and overview over the Salient. We then travel to Artillery Wood and the grave of Hedd Wyn before arriving at the new Welsh Memorial where we take a short lunch stop. In the afternoon we begin our tour at the Langemarck German Cemetery before continuing to the Tyne Cot Cemetery, the largest British cemetery on the Western Front, finishing our day at the interesting Hooge Crater Museum. Every evening in Ypres you can witness the poignant 'Last Post' which takes place at 8pm. (B, L)

THE SOMME Today we travel to the Somme where we begin our guided tour at the Newfoundland Park and the Ulster Tower. We then continue to the impressive Thiepval Memorial where a gigantic stone monument carries the names of 75,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers of no known grave. We continue to the Lochnagar Crater before finishing at the Welsh Memorial at Mametz Wood. (B,L)

FROM YPRES After departing Ypres, we visit the Canadian National Memorial at Vimy Ridge, a memorial to all Canadians who served their country in battle during the Great War, bearing the inscribed names of 11,168 missing Canadians, killed in action in France. We continue to Calais and complete the journey home. (B)

Please note

Whilst we have carefully planned our programme to be as relaxing and informative as possible, the tour does require a certain level of physical ability in order to walk reasonable distances, sometimes over uneven ground.

Executive coach travel

Short sea ferry crossings

3 nights bed & hot and cold buffet breakfast accommodation in Ypres

City tax in Ypres

2 days fully guided tours of the Ypres Salient and the Somme with an expert military historian

Light lunches on days 2 & 3

Entry to the Hooge Crater Museum

DEPARTURE DATES & PRICES

15 th Mar £439

24 th May £439

5 th Jul £439

23 rd Aug £439

4 th Oct £439

SRS £158

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Kim's Battlefield Tours

Specialising in world war  one   battlefield  tours ypres, passchendaele, vimy and the somme.

A passionate WWI tour guide from the U.K now based in Ypres, Belgium. Bringing to life the stories of the men who fought here, helping to keep their memories alive. 

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  Flanders Fields

Ww1 battlefield tours, ypres salient tour, last post ceremony tour, custom designed tour.

Mob : +32 (0) 475 51 98 28

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Messines Ridge  -  Fromelles  -  Vimy Ridge  -  Somme  -  Retracing ancestors’ footsteps

  It is also nearby Ypres, that Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae wrote his most famous poem  

   “ In Flanders Fields the poppies blow,  

                                         Between the crosses, row on row, …”

From 1914 to 1918, Flanders Fields was the scene of some of the fiercest battles during the First World War , also known as “ The Great War ”. Over a million soldiers were wounded, missing or killed in action over here. The complete destruction of the city of Ypres and the brutal conditions experienced in the Battle of Passchendaele became symbols for the senselessness of war. Today, the landscape still bears witness to this history through its cemeteries, memorials, musuems and the countless individual stories. And “beneath Flanders Fields”  there is so much more…

- fully guided, English - French - Dutch spoken, personalised battlefield tours in the Ypres   Salient & other areas of the Western Front.  

- experienced guide with military background / high-quality tours , top-rated on Tripadvisor       

- comfortable transportation / pick-up and drop-off at hotel / B&B or other place as agreed

- tour information follow-up included

- custom made / private tours possible

We are dedicated to make your Flanders Fields battlefield tour truly memorable and give you an insight in the Great War by guiding you through a careful selection of battlefields, memorials, cemeteries, trenches, bunkers, ...

2Xplore Tours differ because of their unique concept which will be unveiled by your guide. Endless lectures and ready explanations on the usual tourist sites do not fit in our tours. A careful selection is made of “must-see” sites and “off the beaten track” (private) sites, going local !  

We also try to make your visit as comfortable as possible, so you can focus on Flanders Fields to reveal its tragic secrets to you. Forget struggling with maps or books,  traffic & parking problems, timings , looking for the best places,... just listen to & follow your guide.

We provide fully guided daytours for all kind of groups and individuals.

Custom designed tours possible. Ask for it!

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At Classic Battlefield Tours we offer a range of World War 1 battlefield tours that cover the key battles: Ypres, Somme, Verdun, Hundred Days offensive as well as the war in the air with the RFC & RAF tour.

We visits sites across the UK, Belgium and France. We can make tailor made tours for those researching family ancestors which fought in this ‘War to end War’. We will remember them.

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• Flanders Fields Guided Battlefield Tour

Flanders Fields Battlefield guided day tour to the Ypres Salient with option for the Last Post Ceremony.

The infamous battlefields of the "Great War". Guided daytrip from Bruges, Tuesday to Sunday from 9.15am- about 6.00 pm. The guided Flanders Fields day tour takes you to the WW1 battlefields and memorials of the Ypres Salient. A sobering and eye-opening insight into the Western Front. This trip can be extended to include the Last Post Ceremony or to visit an ancestor`s grave. This option has to be asked in advance.

The infamous battlefields of the First World War

No visit to Belgium is complete without learning firsthand about this devastating part of our histories. Never conquering but always conquered, lying at the crossroads of Britain, Germany and France, Belgium has always been the punching bag of great nations. And nowhere are the hardships that men endured for four long years more visible and tangible than in the Ypres Salient. Discover restored trenches, stroll amongst eerily quiet war graves in Passchendale and Polygon Wood, clamber over craters and bunkers on the preserved Hill 60 battlefield and pay homage to the monuments erected in proud memory of the sacrifices of the British Forces (including Anzac and Canadian). And discover the modern-day consequences - the 'iron harvest' from the poppy dotted fields. We visit the beautiful city of Ypres (also known as Wipers) which was rebuilt to medieval plans after being totally flattened in WWI. It is also home to the imposing Menin Gate Memorial to the missing which bears the names of almost 55,000 men who fell in the Ypres Salient and who have no known grave. Erected on the spot where the soldiers left the city for the frontline, this is a truly humbling experience. What makes this tour memorable is the way your guide puts everything in to perspective. True and informative stories, knowledge and passion for the subject.

Information

Optional : last post ceremony, pick up points.

The Flanders Fields guided Battlefield DayTour includes Tyne Cot Cemetery, Passchendale, Hill 60 preserved battlefield, a German cemetery, bunkers and craters, restored trenches, Hooge Crater Museum or an alternative, Essex Farm Cemetery and dressing station (site John McCrae) the town of Ypres and the Menin Gate and various memorials to the British Forces (including ANZAC and Canadian). Download our folder (PDF) Download our folder (JPG)

The Flanders Fields Battlefields guided daytrip has been running since 1990 and is offered every day except Monday, from halfway February through the end of December. Please ask for exact dates. Daytrip from Bruges 9.15am- about 6.00 pm

You have the option to extend the tour to include The Last Post Ceremony at 8.00pm - the tribute to the fallen soldier and played in perpetuity every evening under the Menin Gate. We drop you off in Ypres at the end of our daytour, giving you time to explore the city further and eat a meal. A taxi service will bring you back to your accommodation in Bruges around 9.10pm.

This service is offered for a small extra fee of only €25 pp. Limited seats availalable, minimum two participants requested for this option. This service always has to be requested when booking the tour and availability has to be confirmed by us.

We pick up from most hotels and b&b's in Bruges , but if you are close to a pickup point we might ask you to meet us there.

Hooge Crater Museum

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Day Trip to Ypres, War Sites, and World War I Battlefields in Belgium

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: April 19, 2023

Does the name Ypres (Ieper) ring a bell to you? What about Flanders Fields – the World War I battlefields in Belgium ? If it does, you are now probably seeing images of the ‘great’ war, of the trenches and poison gas, and of hundreds of thousands of young soldiers who lost their lives in the war…

If you are wondering how to visit Ypres and the WW1 sites and battlefields in Belgium , then read on!

In this article, we are sharing our experience and tips for your visit to Ypres and the WWI battlefields. First, you can read about what to see and do in Ypres. In addition, you can find information about Tyne Cot and other famous Great War cemeteries near Ypres, as well as other WWI sites.

At the bottom of this post, you can find our suggested self-drive 1-day itinerary and also organized day tours that visit Ypres and WW1 sites in Belgium.

TIP: If you have no time to read the article and are looking for the best tour that visits Ypres and the battlefields, then check out this highly-rated day tour . It’s the best tour that’s available and ideal if you don’t have a car.

Day Trip to Ypres and World War I Battlefields

Why did we choose Ypres and the WWI battlefields for a family day trip?

This part of Europe has been a battlefield for so many armies throughout history, and Belgian schools do their utmost to ensure that future generations do not forget. The WWI battlefields near Ypres and the WWII Bastogne War Museum and Mardasson Memorial are the main war sites in Belgium and every child learns about their significance.

So it was not a surprise that our 8-year-old son came home from school one day and told us what he had learned about the terrible battlefields in West Flanders where hundreds of thousands of soldiers from all over the world died in the mud. He learned about the use of poison gas, Yperite, life in the trenches, and the fact that the soldiers were even eating their horses in order to survive in no-man’s-land.

We then realized that it was maybe time to bring him and his little brothers to the places he had heard and read about. In fact, we felt a bit ashamed, because it’s less than 2 hours from where we live and we hadn’t visited Ypres yet. While, in the meantime, tens of thousands of people come from all over the world to visit Ypres and the war battlefields every year…

So we thought it was a good time to take some time for reflection and to go back in time a hundred years (or does that sound too serious now?). And we decided to make a day trip to Ypres and surroundings. 

We had a very interesting, moving, and educational day and so I want to share our experience. Whether you live here or are visiting Belgium, Ypres and the WWI battlefields are certainly worth the trip!

In Flanders Fields

Before I share practical information about visiting Ypres and the WWI Battlefields, I’d like to share this beautiful poem by John McCrae – ‘In Flanders Fields’.

In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields.

Tyne Cot Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery and Memorial

It was a cold December day and when we arrived in the tiny village of Zonnebeke the faint winter sun was there to welcome us.

It is here that some of the most infamous battles of WWI, the battle of Passchendaele (Passendale), took place in 1917, taking the lives of more than half a million soldiers.

Tyne Cot war cemetery is an obligatory stop when visiting the war battlefields in Belgium. It put us all in the ‘mood’ for the rest of that day: an impressive burial ground for almost 12,000 Commonwealth soldiers, most of whom the name/identity could never be established.

Our kids understood the meaning of a ‘world war’ after seeing headstones of soldiers from places as far away as Australia, New-Zealand, Canada, South-Africa or India in this tiny little village in Flanders.

The stone wall surrounding the cemetery makes-up the Tyne Cot Memorial to the Missing. Walking around here and seeing the names of almost 35,000 missing Commonwealth soldiers who died here after 1917 is very moving.

Practical information for visiting Tyne Cot:

• Tyne Cot is located approx. 10km outside the city center of Ypres. Address: Vijfwegestraat, 8980 Zonnebeke
• The Tyne Cot visitor’s center was closed during winter, but the cemetery can be visited anytime.

After visiting Tyne Cot, we drove to the center of Ypres, where we had a quick lunch. It wasn’t that easy to find something at a decent price and good quality in this tourist area in the low season, but there were a few restaurants open. I assume that there is more choice if you come here in the high tourist season.

After lunch, we visited the In Flanders Field Museum – it’s located right on the main town square of Ypres.

Ypres – Ieper

When you are visiting the battlefields, make sure to also take the time to explore the small town center of Ypres. If you are not sure where to go, you can follow the signs on the pavement for a tourist route – see the picture below.

Don’t miss the Cloth Hall where In Flanders Fields Museum is located, the St Martin’s Cathedral , the Menin Gate Memorial and the Ramparts next to the canal! Read on for more information about these places!

In Flanders Fields Museum and the Bell Tower

The In Flanders Fields Museum is situated right on the main square of Ypres town, in the impressive Lakenhalle building, or Ypres Cloth Hall . This is definitely a must if you want to get a picture of life during the war! 

We steered the kids away from some of the videos and photographs that were too shocking in detail. On the other hand, our kids showed a huge interest in the stories told by children who survived the war, in the weapons, the clothes, and the various interactive displays.

For more information and practical information, check the official website of the In Flanders Fields museum .

Inside the museum, you can also opt to climb the Bell Tower (Belfry). If you’re fit enough, make sure to do it! The views are great and in the distance, you can see the surroundings where all those battles of WWI took place.

Needless to say, we climbed the 231 steps of the Bell Tower (our kids can never resist a tower to climb!). From there, we had a fantastic view of the city, including the Menin Gate. It’s definitely worth the climb and the kids loved it!

The Menin Gate and the Last Post

Another must-see landmark in Ypres, the Menin Gate , is sometimes also referred to as Ypres War Memorial. It has the names of almost 55,000 missing Commonwealth soldiers who died in the area between 1914 and 1917. Hundreds of thousands of men passed through this gate on their way to the battlefields.

The size of the monument is very impressive. But it’s not before you see thousands of names on the endless walls that you really get a lump in your throat. There are flowers everywhere and many  ‘We will not forget’ messages that people still leave here every day.

“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them.” – Laurence Binyon

Good to know: Every evening, at 8 PM, the Last Post is sounded at the Menin Gate . Following the Menin Gate Memorial opening in 1927, the people of Ypres wanted to express their gratitude towards those who had given their lives for Belgium’s freedom, and since that day for almost a century now, a daily ceremony is held at the Menin Gate. It’s a simple, but moving tribute.

The Last Post would certainly have been an unforgettable experience, but we also wanted to visit other places around Ypres, so we decided to leave this for a next visit. And indeed, a few months later, we returned to Ypres and listened to the Last Post. It’s so moving! If you can, wait for it.

The Ramparts of Ypres

If you have some time to discover Ypres more, it’s well worth walking on the walls surrounding the city.

The Ypres ramparts can be accessed via the Menin Gate. The official website of Ypres tourism has some more information about the Ramparts of Ypres .

Yorkshire Trench & Dug-Out

Our kids wanted to see the trenches, so we drove to the Yorkshire Trench & Dug-Out where we could walk through the restored trenches.

We had some difficulties finding the place in the middle of an industrial area. In fact, the whole place has only been discovered in 1997 with the creation of the industrial site. While the kids walked through the trenches we read the explanatory signs. It’s so eye-opening to learn about life during the war.

Practical info for visiting Yorkshire Trench & Dug-Out:

• Yorkshire Trench & Dug-Out is not easy to find. It’s a very small place, amidst the industrial buildings, so drive slowly and look for a sign, on the left side if coming from Ypres. Address: Bargiestraat, 8904 Ieper

Langemark German War Cemetery

We continued our trip and went on to Langemark , where the first gas attacks took place, to visit the German war cemetery . More than 44,000 German soldiers are buried here, almost 25,000 of them in a mass grave.

If you come to meditate, this is a very good place to be. It was calm and quiet at the popular landmark like Tyne Cot, but this place was absolutely abandoned. The flat grave markers give this cemetery a distinct and modest look. The German graveyards are very different than the somewhat pompous Tyne Cot.

Practical info for visiting Langemark German war cemetery:

• Address: Klerkenstraat 64, 8920 Poelkapelle

Essex Farm Cemetery

One of the best known WWI sites in Ypres is the Essex Farm Cemetery . If you have the time, it’s definitely worth a visit too. You can read more about it here: Essex Farm .

Yser Tower – IJzertoren Diksmuide

The kids wanted to see the Yser Tower (IJzertoren) so we drove to the nearby town of Diksmuide . The Yser Tower is a peace monument and commemorates the soldiers killed on the Yser Front during WWI.

The Yser Tower, the highest peace monument in Europe, symbolizes the demand for peace. Words ‘No more war’ are written on the tower in the four languages of the fighting forces in the area during the First World War (Dutch, French, English, and German).

We knew it would be too late to visit the 22-floors museum (they close at 5 PM in winter), but we could at least make a walk around the peace site with the tower and the impressive Gate of Peace .

Trench of Death, Diksmuide

You can also visit the Trench of Death near Diksmuide . It’s a larger site than the Yorkshire Trench & Dug-Out. We skipped this as it was already dark by the time we were in the area. From what I understand, it’s a much more popular site with longer trenches, so if you have time to do just one, try the Trench of Death.

Here you can find more info for visiting the Trench of Death.

Vladslo German War Cemetery

Our next stop was the Vladslo German war cemetery . It’s one of the many cemeteries in the area, with almost 26,000 soldiers buried there.

It is an impressive place, with each gravestone containing 20 names of soldiers. But it is especially known for the Grieving Parents statues by Käthe Kollwitz , whose son is buried in this cemetery.

It was getting pretty dark by now and walking amongst the graves of so many young men who lost their life here was a moving and unusual experience. Although it all happened a hundred years ago we could still feel the pain, the suffering, and the death around us.

Suggested one day itinerary for Ypres and the World War I Battlefields in Belgium

Visiting Ypres and the war cemeteries was a unique experience, also for the children. We won’t quickly forget it!

If you are visiting Belgium, I highly recommend paying a visit to the WWI battlefields and Ypres.

If you have your own car and want to visit the most interesting WWI battlefields and cemeteries around Ypres in a day, I suggest the following itinerary:

Vladslo German war cemetery – the Trench of Death – Yser Tower and the Gate of Peace – Tyne Cot – Essex Farm or Langemark German War Cemetery – Ypres .

Best Tours to Ypres & WWI Battlefields

If you don’t have a car, it’s best to book an  organized tour to Ypres (see below). You can also take a train to Ypres and visit the sights in town, but it’s not easy to see any other sights if you don’t have transportation.

Ypres tour from Brussels. This might be a good day trip to consider if you are staying in Brussels for a few days. However, the tours for visiting Ypres from Brussels seem to have been discontinued. So you’d have to first take a train to Bruges and then a tour from there – see below.

There are also organized tours to the Ypres battlefields that leave from Bruges . Bruges is very close to Ypres, so this is something definitely worth doing if you are staying there for a few days. Check this highly-rated tour to Ypres from Bruges .

TIP: You can easily take a train to Bruges from any other city in Belgium and join this tour for a day – it starts and ends at the train station in Bruges.

READ ALSO: What to See & Do in Bruges

Tips for Visiting Ypres and WWI Sites

• Plan ahead what you want to see , read about the places you want to visit, and decide on your itinerary in advance. There is so much to do in the area! If you travel with kids, you may want to tell them some history so that they know what to expect and understand what they see. Ypres City has an excellent website to help you prepare for your trip.
• If you are traveling by car, start your day early in the morning, especially in winter. Or stay overnight and take your time to explore the area more in-depth. Here you can find the best deals for Ypres accommodation .
• Take a picnic lunch if you are visiting the cemeteries during the day. We went to Ypres for lunch but wasted so much time on this.
• Dress warmly for the cemetery visits. There is a lot of wind in the area.

Books and Movies about the WWI

If you like history and want to know a bit more about World War I, here are some great book- and movie suggestions:

• The guns of August by Barbara Tuchman – about the start of WW I.
• The Great War: A Combat History of the First World War by Peter Hart.
• Voices from the Front: An Oral History of the Great War by Peter Hart.
• Movie and books about Passchendaele .

Yes, Ypres is worth visiting. The city is beautiful with some impressive landmarks, including Menin Gate and Flanders Fields Museum. In addition, Ypres is the starting point for visiting the World War I sites, battlefields, and war cemeteries throughout the region.

Ypres is best known as the site of five WWI battles between Germans and the Allied armies. Hundreds of thousands of soldiers have lost their lives near Ypres during the First World War. It was in Ypres that mustard gas (now called ‘Ieperiet’ or ‘Yperiet’) was used by Germans in 1917 for the first time.

At least 1 million people died in the battles near Ypres during WWI, with estimates up to 1,35 million casualties. First Battle (Oct-Nov 1914) had over 250,000 casualties, the Second Battle (Apr-May 1915) – around 100,000 casualties. The Battle of Passchendaele (July-November 1917) had around 400,000 to 800,000 casualties. The Fourth Battle of Ypres – 200,000 casualties, and the Fith Battle of Ypres had at least 10,000 casualties.

Yes, you can visit Ypres and Belgian WWI sites as a day trip from Brussels. Ypres is 120km from Brussels and it takes about 1,5 – 2 hours to drive there by car. You can also get to Ypres by train. But if you want to visit the war sites, it’s best to either come by car or with an organized tour.

So, this is our guide to visiting the Flanders Fields and Ypres. If you are visiting Belgium and are not sure how to best plan your time, please check our suggested Belgium itinerary for 3 or 4 days . It covers all the musts!

READ ALSO: Fun Facts About Belgium

More tips for visiting Belgium, Luxembourg & The Netherlands:

• Where to go: Belgium Itinerary
• Safety: Is Belgium safe?
• Best Things to Do in Brussels
• Best Areas to Stay in Brussels
• Brussels Flower Carpet
• Belgium in Winter
• Brussels Christmas Market
• Belgium Christmas Markets
• Best Things to Do in Antwerp  
• Hidden Gems of Antwerp
• Best Theme Parks in Belgium
• Antwerp with Kids
• Best Things to Do in Bastogne
• Best Things to Do in Dinant
• Bastogne War Museum (WWII sites)
• 1 Day in Amsterdam
• 2 Days in Amsterdam
• Best Things to Do in Amsterdam
• Amsterdam Travel Tips
• Best Day Trips from Amsterdam
• Lisse Tulip Fields
• Tips for Visiting Keukenhof Gardens
• Best Day Trips from Luxembourg

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Friday 22nd of September 2023

thanks so much for your one day suggestions. We've just done our day and found it immensely fulfilling and moving. thanks again.

Saturday 23rd of September 2023

Glad to help, Phil. It is a very moving place to visit, indeed. And so sad too, even more so these days when it's very clear that the world still hasn't learned from the past... Enjoy the rest of your time in Belgium!

Saturday 28th of December 2019

Thank you for the informative blog and the one day itinerary suggestion. It worked great and we had an interesting and smooth day in the Ypres area - all thanks to you! :)

Tuesday 31st of December 2019

Glad to hear that you had a great time and enjoyed your visit to Ypres, Maarit. I really appreciate your kind feedback.

Mick stenson

Friday 13th of December 2019

I have visited ypres 3 times every time there is something i missed the time before. it is a very moveing place. i will be returning next year. thanks you

Monday 16th of December 2019

Agree with you, Mick. It's a special place and there is a lot to visit in the region. Enjoy your 4th trip!

Tuesday 15th of October 2019

Hi Jurga, it was great reading your blog. I am organising a tour for former, serving and military historians, next Oct. I am myself an ex cavalry officer from the Indian army, and living in the UK. Having gone through your blog, except for transportation to and back from the UK, would you have the time to help me with advice. Would be grateful and obliged. I organise tours to India which include the battlefields there in the east along the Burmese border

Hi Paddy, I'm sorry but I can't really help you with organizing a trip. I have as much practical information as possible on the blog, but really have no time to help hundreds of thousands of our readers with the practical side of planning their own trips. I'm sure you'll figure it out. Planning a trip to Belgium is nothing compared to India ;)

Saturday 18th of May 2019

Hello Jurga - thank you for your thoughtful and insightful post. We are visiting the first week in June and had decided to stay in Ghent as a good launching pad to brugge, ypres, brussels. We want to spend a day in Ypres. I would like to take a tour to provide (1) a good concise history and (2) transport to the key sites. What would you recommend? Do I do separate tours in ypres and outside? should I just rent a car and do the outside ypres on my own? It is just my husband and me. Thank you for your advice. Jackie (NYC)

Monday 20th of May 2019

Hi Jackie, generally, we recommend this organized tour. It visits Ypres and also some main places outside the town. The tour leaves from Bruges, but you can easily get there by train from Ghent. There are several trains per hour and it takes about 20-30min depending on which station/ train you take. If you rather rent a car, you can definitely visit all those places on your own, it just will require some preparation as there are so many cemeteries and places worth visiting. The tours know the best ones and they have perfected their itineraries to make sure you make the most of your time. We drove there from home and been to the area several times to later find out that we missed some interesting places... So I'd recommend going with a tour.

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Touring the Battlefields - The First Tours

Some had even made the journey whilst the war was still being fought.

The Michelin Tyre Company was one of the first commercial companies offering guided tours to the battlefields of France (Somme) and Belgium (Ypres).

They published a guide to the battlefields in 1919 (yes - 1919!) with fascinating pictures of the recently abandoned battlefields with all the material of warfare still littering the battered shell pocked landscapes.

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Saturday, 22 August, 2009 Michael Duffy

"Suicide Ditch" was a term used by British soldiers to refer to the front-line trench. - Did you know?

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WW1 Battlefield Study Tours

• Belgium & France
• International Relations 1870-1990 ... (+1 more)
• Guided Tour

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Who's it for.

• Educational Guided History, Secondary School

Curriculum Included

• View Key Stage 3
• View GCSE Curricular Links
• View A Level Curricular Links

Key Highlights

• Expert guide support
• Study the causes of the First World War
• Understand the nature of trench warfare
• Learn about life in the trenches
• Sample Itinerary
• Trip Details

About this trip

An Anglia Battlefield Study tour affords the opportunity to combine visits to a wider range of different locations or to look in more detail at those themes which are of particular interest to your students.

As with all our school history trips, you are involved from the outset in designing the itinerary for your WW1 battlefield tour. So if you are keen to follow a particular unit or trace the route taken by former students of your school, we design your tour around where they were stationed and where they fought.

If you want to explore advances in technology, we can look at the development of new weapons and involve your students in a working demonstration of a tank.

With a programme spread over 3 or 4 days, these are, educationally, the most valuable battlefield trips available. They also allow for a more relaxing trip with more time spent at each location visited.

Trip details

Your guided WW1 battlefield tour will incorporate the following key study themes to  support your learning back in the classroom.

Ypres battlefield tours

• Causes of the First World War
• The nature of trench warfare
• Life in the trenches
• The role of women
• The uniform, equipment, and weapons of a British Tommy
• German cemetery ethos: the role of the Volksbund Deutsche Kriegsgrӓberfürsorge (VDK)
• The role of the Commonwealth and former Empire
• The ethos of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission

Somme battlefield tours

• Kitchener's Army and the Pals Battalions
• Recruitment
• ‘Going over the top’
• 1st July 1916
• The development of Mine warfare on the Western Front
• The Somme – a British victory? 

Take a look at the range of visits that may be included in the itinerary of your WW1 battlefield tour:

Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery serves as a poignant memorial, bearing witness to the scale of casualties during World War I and honouring over 10,000 individuals who rest there, including wounded soldiers who succumbed to their injuries in the nearby field hospitals. On this trip, gain valuable insight into the causes of the Great War, 1914 battles, the ethos of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, empire troops and the role of women in the Great War.

Bayernwald, a well-preserved example of a World War I German trench system, provides a unique and immersive glimpse into the life of German soldiers during the conflict, showcasing the challenges and conditions they faced on the Western Front. On this guided tour, you’ll learn about the development of trench warfare, the use of ground, trench construction, daily routine, technology and the challenges associated with trench fighting.

The Vancouver Corner World War I memorial site, known for its iconic "Brooding Soldier" monument, commemorates the Canadian First Division's defence against the first German gas attacks in 1915 during the Second Battle of Ypres. On this tour, your school group will learn about the use of poison gas in World War I, and its effects

Poperinghe, a Belgian town near Ypres, holds historical significance not only for its role as a rest and recreation centre for Allied soldiers during World War I, but also as a site for military court-martial. During this trip, your group will gain insight into military discipline in the Great War, the process of court-martial, as well as the resulting punishment and executions.

Hill 60, a strategic vantage point in the Ypres Salient, is a World War I battlefield site with enduring significance, marked by intense mining activities and military engagements, it now serves as a memorial to the soldiers who fought and perished there.

The historic trench system of Sunken Lane, situated in Beaumont-Hamel, symbolises the devastating impact of World War I, as it witnessed the Newfoundland Regiment's advance on the first day of the Battle of the Somme in 1916. On this trip you will learn about the Battle of the Somme 1916, Kitchener's Army and the Pals Battalions, recruitment during World War I, the plan for 1st July 1916, the 1st Bn Lancashire Fusiliers and ‘Going over the top’.

The Ulster Tower memorial in Thiepval, France, stands as a poignant tribute to the soldiers of the 36th (Ulster) Division, commemorating their sacrifices during the Battle of the Somme in World War I. Learn about the Story of the 36th Ulster Division, the background to the Troubles, the story of Billy McFadzean VC and more.

Auchonvillers, a village near the Somme River, holds historical significance as a location close to the front lines during World War I, witnessing the impact of the conflict and serving as a reminder of the wartime experiences in the region. This trip presents an opportunity for the whole group to handle equipment and weaponry and for a member of the group to dress in Great War uniform.

Sample itinerary

Take a look at sample itineraries

Your price will include

• Fully guided service
• Tailor-made itinerary
• An executive coach for your exclusive use
• Return crossings with ferry or Eurotunnel
• 1 free teacher place for every 10 paying students
• All entrance fees associated with your visit

Why choose Anglia for Guided History Trips?

• Award Winning Service
• Outstanding Educational Experience
• Expert Guide Support & Knowledge
• The Stories We Tell

At Anglia we care about our customers, our staff, the places we visit, the stories we tell and the organisations we work with. These key principles define who we are and what we do. We believe they are also the reason why Anglia is the market leader in fully-guided history trips for UK schools. We work with you to design a bespoke tour, which meets the specific needs of your school and supports what you are teaching in class. We start by asking what you want your students to see and what you want them to experience then build the tour around these requirements. A tour which, as the testimonials on our website show, your students will find thought-provoking, engaging and enjoyable.

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Support and resources for planning your trip

We have been operating school tours for over 35 years so we know a thing or two about planning a school trip. One of the benefits of this is that we have an abundance of knowledge and supporting documents to share with you. In our resources area you will find everything you need for your school trip planning:

• Frequently asked questions
• Parent letters
• Insurance documents
• Risk assessment documents
• Planning tips

Featured Resource

A Guide To Risk Assessment

You need to know you can book with a tour operator who has everything covered for you.

This guide will assist you completing your own risk assessments covering areas such as:

• What is a risk assessment
• Event specific risk assessments
• Emergency procedures

Still unsure? Contact our trip-planning experts for help

Our team of history specialists will help you find the perfect trip for your group's study needs.

• Battlefield Study Tours

KS3 Curricular Links

• KS3 The First World War and the Peace Settlement

GCSE Curricular Links

Meeting exam board specifications. Our tour content is mapped against the major examination board specifications for KS3 to KS5 students.

• Wider world depth study: Conflict and tension: The First World War, 1894–1918

Pearson Edexcel

• Thematic Study: Warfare and British society, c1250–present
• GCSE: Historical investigation: The origins and course of the First World War, 1905-1918
• Thematic study: War and British Society c.790 to c.2010
• British Study: Britain in Peace and War, 1900–1918

SQA National 5

• Historical Study: The Era of the Great War, 1900–1928
• Cambridge Assessment International Education IGCSE: Depth Study: The First World War, 1914-18
• Pearson Edexcel: Historical investigation: The origins and course of the First World War, 1905-1918

A Level Curricular Links

• Themes in breadth: The British experience of warfare, c1790–1918
• Thematic Study: The Changing Nature of Warfare 1792–1945
• Non-British Period Study: International Relations 1890–1941

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The battle of Langemarck, which was the third major attack of the Third Battle of Ypres, was significant for its high casualties, fierce trench warfare, and the creation of the "myth of Langemarck," symbolising the sacrifice and heroism of German soldiers amidst the challenging conditions of the Western Front.

In this guided battlefield tour of Langemarck, you’ll gain expert insight into:

• German cemetery ethos
• Slaughter of the Innocents
• Hitler’s 1940 visit
• Causes of WW2
• Reconciliation

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Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917

The Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917, located in the former Passchendaele Château, is known for its historical significance, comprehensive exhibits, interactive displays, trench experience, educational programs, and memorial gardens, offering visitors an immersive and educational experience about the Battle of Passchendaele during World War I.

Complete with an accurate representation of a British bunker system, it presents an opportunity for school tour groups to handle equipment and weaponry, as well as the chance for a group member to dress in authentic Great War uniform.

Tyne Cot, the largest Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemetery, holds immense significance as a poignant memorial to the fallen soldiers of World War I. In particular, it honours those who fought in the Ypres Salient, and serves as a sombre reminder of the human cost of the conflict.

On a guided tour of Tyne Cot, your school group will gain expert insight into the following points in history:

• 1917: The 3rd battle of Ypres (Passchendaele)
• 1918: The end of the Great War
• Remembrance: With the option of wreath-laying

Newfoundland Memorial Park

Newfoundland Memorial Park pays tribute to the Newfoundland Regiment's valiant efforts during the Battle of the Somme in World War I, showcasing preserved trenches and the iconic Caribou Monument.

Highlights of a school trip to the Newfoundland Memorial Park include expert insight into:

• The Newfoundland Regiment on 1st July
• Preserved trench system
• An opportunity to walk across the battlefield

Thiepval Memorial to the Missing

The Thiepval Memorial to the Missing is a profound testament to the sacrifice of soldiers during the Battle of the Somme in World War I. It commemorates over 72,000 British and South African troops who have no known graves, symbolising the scale of loss and the enduring impact of the conflict.

On a guided tour of Thiepval, your school group will gain expert insight into the following themes:

• The Somme – a British victory?
• The impact of the battle
• A chance for reflection

Lochnagar Crater

Lochnagar Crater presents a rare chance to experience a preserved World War I site, created by a massive underground mine explosion during the Battle of the Somme, serving as a stark reminder of the destructive impact of trench warfare and the human toll of the conflict.

During this guided tour, your school group will gain valuable insight into the use of mine warfare in the Great War.