The Battle of Waterloo Guided Tour
The Battle of Waterloo marked a huge change in the way in which warfare was to be conducted. Wellington’s momentous victory not only brought about significant political change to Europe and the wider world, but also the decline of long established military order. Our visit to Waterloo in company with an expert Military Historian will use the chronology of the battle to highlight not just the roles of the key commanders but also the nature of warfare experienced on the rain-sodden field of Waterloo. We will consider the decisive impact of Wellington on the day, the effect of concentrated British musketry on massed French Infantry and the diminished influence of once all-powerful cavalry when faced with well-trained, disciplined Infantry and Artillery. The learning experience will be reinforced with visits to the Lion Mound to view the terrain, the Panorama to gain understanding of troop types and the Waterloo Visitor Centre to view the weapon types employed during the battle.
PLACES TO VISIT
The Panorama
Next to Memorial 1815 stands the Panorama, a vast circular building housing Louis Dumoulin’s 1912 painting marking the battle’s centenary. Its scale, detailed depictions and 360° presentation create an immersive experience that places visitors at the heart of the action.
The Memorial
Buried at the foot of the Lion’s mound the Memorial gives you the opportunity to experience one of the most turbulent times in history through a multi sensory experience.
The Lion's Mound
From the top of the hill, you can view the entire battlefield, with a panoramic table showing infantry formations and cavalry positions throughout the battle. The mound marks the spot where the Prince of Orange was reportedly wounded before later becoming King of the Netherlands.
Hougoumont Farm
This fortified farm protected the Allies’ right flank and became one of the fiercest battle points on 18 June. Though the orchard and garden changed hands seven times, the 1,500 coalition soldiers held firm. The original farmhouse burned down, and the building seen today is the former gardener’s house.
Itinerary Example
Battle of Waterloo Guided Tour: 1815 & The Fall of Napoleon
Step directly onto the ground where European history was rewritten. Designed for History and Military Studies students, this tour pairs key site visits with an expert battlefield guide to break down Wellington and Napoleon’s strategies, troop movements, and the human cost of the 1815 campaign.
Day 1: Journey to Belgium & Command Headquarters (19th-Century History)
Day 1
Morning: Depart your pickup location by executive coach for a morning ferry or Eurotunnel crossing to Calais, traveling east into Belgium.
Afternoon: Stop at Le Caillou (Napoleon’s Headquarters), the farmhouse where the French Emperor spent the night before the battle and issued his final orders.
Evening: Transfer to your accommodation centre, check-in, unpack, and enjoy a warm group dinner together.
Day 2: Full-Day Guided Battlefield Tour & Strongholds (Tactics & Leadership)
Day 2
Morning: Meet your expert battlefield guide for a walking tour across the strategic terrain. Examine Wellington’s sunken lane defense, infantry squares, and the vital tactical stronghold at Hougoumont Farm.
Afternoon: Explore the underground Memorial Museum with guided commentary on key artifacts and uniforms. Climb the Lion’s Mound (Butte du Lion) for a panoramic, top-down view of the battlefield, followed by a visit to the monumental 19th-century Panorama Canvas.
Evening: Return to your accommodation centre for a hot meal and an evening debrief session led by your guide or teaching staff.
Day 3: Wellington Museum & Homeward Journey (Leadership & Heritage)
Day 3
Morning: Check out after breakfast with packed lunches. Visit the Wellington Museum in Waterloo town—the Duke's original headquarters—to examine battle dispatches, personal weapons, and victory maps.
Afternoon/Evening: Drive to Calais for your return channel crossing, arriving back at your organisation with a comprehensive understanding of Napoleonic warfare.
Optional En-Route Visits & Extensions
Depending on your your organisation's location, budget, and travel schedule, popular add-on stops for this route include:
Plancenoit Village: Explore the site of the fierce flank attack where Blücher's Prussian forces engaged the French Imperial Guard.
La Haye Sainte: Examine the central farmhouse that stood as a pivotal barrier against French cavalry assaults.
Ligny & Quatre Bras Battlefields: Extend your tour to visit the preliminary battle sites from the days preceding Waterloo.
Note on En-Route Timings: Available visit time on Day 1 and Day 3 depends on your your organisation's departure location and travel distance to the channel ports.