Ypres Salient
An Ypres Salient tours offer students a superb opportunity to study the area that was a pivotal point in the First Word War. Guided Tours For groups looking to enhance their excursions to the battlefields of Europe, we are partners with the International Guild of Battlefield Guides and therefore have access to trained, experienced and vetted guides. They are chosen for their suitability to work with school groups to bring the reality of war to life. All Guild members have one thing in common, their love of Military History.
Curriculum Links:
Linked to WWI History (KS3-5)
PLACES TO VISIT
Langemark German Cemetery
In complete contrast to Tyne Cot, this dark and foreboding place is the only German cemetery in the Salient, with the remains of over 44,000 soldiers including a mass grave of 25,000 men.
Last Post Ceremony
No visit to Ypres is complete without attending the deeply moving ceremony of the sounding of the Last Post, under the Menin Gate. Every evening at 20:00hrs, the traffic is halted and buglers from the local Fire Brigade play the haunting notes of the Last Post.
Hooge Crater Museum and Trenches
Hooge, a key WWI site near Ypres, is home to the Hooge Museum, showcasing artefacts, weapons and uniforms in its old chapel, along with a short film about the area’s battles. Groups can book the cafeteria for packed lunches. The site also features reconstructed trenches built in their original positions, offering valuable insight into frontline life (additional fees apply).
Bayernwald German Trenches (Croonaert Wood)
This unique site is a restored German trench system with 300 metres of trenches, four concrete bunkers and a 30 metre deep mineshaft.
The Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917
This fascinating museum, situated in the grounds of Zonnebeke chateau, gives an overview of the Battle of Ypres, with a focus on Passchendaele 1917, by means of authentic photographic material, historical artefacts and several life-like dioramas.
Visitors can walk through a German trench and descend into a unique 6 metre deep British dugout with communication and dressing posts, headquarters and accommodation. The museum also has reconstructed German and British trench systems.
Talbot House, Poperinge
Poperinge remained one of the few unoccupied towns in Flanders and, in 1915, Talbot House was opened as an ‘Everyman’s Club’, where all soldiers were welcomed, regardless of rank.
In Flanders Fields Museum
Housed in Ypres’ Cloth Hall, the In Flanders Fields Museum offers an immersive introduction to WWI through authentic objects, interactive displays and audio guides. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views from the belfry, and schools can book tailored educational activities and tours.
Hill 62 and Sanctuary Wood Museum
A small part of the original wood was preserved as it was found at the end of the war, with original trenches. The museum offers a collection of authentic relics and graphic 3D pictures.
Essex Farm
This cemetery contains the notable graves of 15-year old Pte. Joe Strudwick and Pte. Thomas Barratt V.C. Outside the cemetery is the Albertina Memorial to the poet John McCrae. He is reputed to have written what is perhaps the war’s best known poem, ‘In Flanders Fields’, in a bunker dressing station here.
Tyne Cot Cemetery
The world’s largest Commonwealth war cemetery containing the graves of 11,962 men. The rear wall of the cemetery contains the names of almost 35,000 soldiers who have no known grave.
The visitor centre complements your visit to the cemetery.
The Menin Gate
The famous British War Memorial, with engraved names of over 54,000 missing British and Commonwealth soldiers who lost their lives on the Ypres Salient.
Itinerary Examples
2-Day Express WWI History: The Ypres Salient & Menin Gate
Ideal for tight budgets or weekend excursions, this high-impact 2-day tour gives travellers a focused, memorable introduction to the Western Front’s most iconic Belgian battlefields and remembrance sites.
Day 1: Journey to Flanders, Essex Farm & Menin Gate Ceremony (WWI & Poetry Focus)
Day 1
Morning: Depart your pickup point by executive coach for a morning ferry or Eurotunnel crossing to Calais or Dunkirk.
Afternoon: Drive into Belgium to visit Essex Farm Cemetery, the historic site where John McCrae wrote "In Flanders Fields". Explore the historic town centre of Ypres (Ieper).
Evening: Transfer to your accommodation for dinner, then return to central Ypres to attend the deeply moving Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate (20:00).
Day 2: Iconic Salient Battlefields & Homeward Journey (Tactics & Remembrance)
Day 2
Morning: Check out after breakfast with packed lunches. Explore the preserved landscape at Hill 60, pay respects at Tyne Cot Cemetery (the largest Commonwealth war cemetery in the world), and visit the German cemetery at Langemark.
Afternoon: Drive to Calais or Dunkirk for an afternoon channel crossing, arriving back at your organisation in the early evening.
Optional En-Route Visits & Extensions
Hooge Crater Museum: A preserved battlefield site featuring an extensive collection of WWI weapons, uniforms, and reconstructed trenches.
Passchendaele Museum 1917: Walk through underground dugout tunnels and interactive trench networks in Zonnebeke.
3-Day In-Depth Study: The Ypres Salient
Our most popular 3-day Flanders itinerary gives groups ample time to explore the key battlefields, trench systems, and museum collections across the Ypres Salient at an unhurried pace.
Day 1: Flanders Crossing & Ypres Historic Town (WWI History Focus)
Day 1
Morning: Early departure from your organisation for your morning channel crossing to Calais or Dunkirk.
Afternoon: Journey to Flanders. Stop at Essex Farm Cemetery and spend time exploring the historic Cloth Hall and market square of Ypres.
Evening: Arrive at your accommodation centre in time for check-in and a group dinner.
Day 2: Full-Day Ypres Salient & Last Post Ceremony (Military History & Remembrance)
Day 2
Morning: Depart with packed lunches (or dine in local cafe) to explore Tyne Cot Cemetery and the contrasts of the German military cemetery at Langemark.
Afternoon: Walk the cratered landscape of Hill 60 or visit an interactive trench museum such as Sanctuary Wood Museum (Hill 62).
Evening: Group dinner at the accommodation centre, followed by attending the Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate (20:00).
Day 3: Final Flanders Site & Homeward Journey (Heritage & Reflection)
Day 3
Morning: Check out after breakfast with packed lunches (or dine in local cafe). Visit a final historical site in the Salient, such as Lijssenthoek CWGC Cemetery or the In Flanders Fields Museum.
Afternoon: Drive to Calais or Dunkirk for an afternoon channel crossing, returning to your organisation in the early evening.
Optional En-Route Visits & Extensions
Talbot House (Poperinge): Discover the famous 'Everyman's Club' where soldiers rested behind the front lines.
Bayernwald Trenches: Explore a rare, authentically restored German trench system near Heuvelland.
3-Day Highlights: Ypres Salient & The Somme
Combining the two most famous sectors of the Western Front into three action-packed days, featuring a full day in France alongside the Menin Gate Ceremony in Belgium.
Day 1: Journey to Belgium & Flanders Crossings (WWI History)
Day 1
Morning: Depart your organisation for your channel crossing to Calais or Dunkirk, travelling on to your accommodation in the Ypres area.
Afternoon: En-route visits available depending on travel time, including Langemark German Cemetery or Passchendaele Museum.
Evening: Check into your Ypres accommodation for a hot group dinner or dine in local restaurant.
Day 2: Full Day on The Somme & Menin Gate Ceremony (Dual-Region Military Focus)
Day 2
Morning & Afternoon: Depart early with packed lunches (or dine in local cafe) for a full day exploring key Somme battlefields, including Thiepval Memorial, Lochnagar Crater, and Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial Park.
Evening: Return to Ypres for dinner, followed by attending the Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate (20:00).
Day 3: Ypres Salient Exploration & Homeward Journey (Humanities & Heritage)
Day 3
Morning: Check out after breakfast. Explore preserved trench systems at Sanctuary Wood Museum or pay respects at Tyne Cot Cemetery.
Afternoon: Drive to Calais or Dunkirk for your return channel crossing, arriving back at your organisation in the early evening.
Optional En-Route Visits & Extensions
Ulster Tower (Thiepval): A replica of Helen's Tower dedicated to the 36th (Ulster) Division on the Somme battlefield.
Vimy Ridge Memorial: Stop en route between the Somme and Calais to view restored Canadian trenches.
4-Day Comprehensive Study: Ypres Salient & The Somme
The ultimate Western Front study tour. Giving groups full, dedicated days in both Belgium and France allows for deep curriculum coverage, site analysis, and meaningful reflection time.
Day 1: Journey Across the Channel to Flanders (WWI History)
Day 1
Morning: Depart from your organisation by executive coach for your crossing to Calais or Dunkirk and onward travel to Flanders.
Afternoon: Arrive in the Ypres Salient. Enjoy an initial orientation visit, such as Essex Farm Cemetery or Brandhoek Military Cemetery.
Evening: Check into your Ypres accommodation for a warm group dinner (or dine in local restaurant)
Day 2: Dedicated Somme Battlefield Tour (1916 Offensive Focus)
Day 2
Morning & Afternoon: Spend a full day in France examining the Somme sector. Key visits include Thiepval Memorial, Lochnagar Crater, Beaumont-Hamel, and the Pozières Memorial.
Evening: Return to your Ypres accommodation centre for dinner and free time.
Day 3: In-Depth Ypres Salient & Menin Gate Ceremony (Remembrance Focus)
Day 3
Morning: Visit Tyne Cot Cemetery, Langemark German Cemetery, and the Hooge Crater Museum.
Afternoon: Explore central Ypres, including the In Flanders Fields Museum inside the historic Cloth Hall.
Evening: Group dinner in Ypres, followed by attending the memorable Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate (20:00).
Day 4: Vimy Ridge & Homeward Journey (Canadian Heritage & Homeward Crossing)
Day 4
Morning: Check out after breakfast. Travel south toward Calais, stopping at Vimy Ridge to explore the restored trenches, subway tunnels, and Canadian National Memorial.
Afternoon/Evening: Complete your channel crossing from Calais or Dunkirk and return to your organisation.
Optional En-Route Visits & Extensions
Historial de la Grande Guerre (Péronne): A world-renowned museum comparing the cultural and social impacts of WWI across France, Britain, and Germany.
Wellington Quarry (Arras): Descend into underground chalk tunnels used during the 1917 Battle of Arras.
Note on En-Route Timings: Available visit time on Day 1 and your final day depends on your your organisation's departure location and travel distance to the channel ports.
PLACES TO STAY
Novotel
Short walking distance to market square. Free Wifi. Fitness centre, strictly non smoking. Meeting rooms available. Single, Twin, double and family rooms. Terrace. Aircon
Munchenhof Hotel
Located in the quiet village of Langemark, about 8km from Ypres, This youth hotel can accept two groups, split between the main building and the adjacent annexe. All 39 rooms have en suite bathroom and toilet.
Messines Peace Village
Quietly located in Messines village and only 15 minutes’ drive from Ypres town.
• Spacious purpose-built youth centre
• 40 multi-bedded chalets with en suite facilities
• Meeting room available with DVD facilities
• Games room with table football and pool table
• Outside grassed playing area
CJT De Lork
Quietly located near Kemmel village and only 15 minutes’ drive from Ypres town.
• Highly recommended, spaciously-built youth centre
• Maximum of 176 beds for students in multi-bedded en suite rooms
• Staff in twin and single en suite rooms
• 7 meeting/classrooms
• Table tennis, table football and outside area
• Large sports hall available during the evening (advance booking required)
Albion Hotel
short walking distance to city centre. 32 rooms. Single, twin, double or family room available. Lounge/bar. Strictly Non smoking rooms
Ypres Lodge
Located about 1.5km from the Menin Gate in Ypres town.
• Modern purpose-built centre for youth groups
• Students in multi-bedded en suite rooms
• Staff in twin and single en suite rooms
• Games area with table tennis, table football and DVD facilities
• Smaller private meeting rooms available (advance booking required)
Messines Peace Village
Quietly located in Messines village and only 15 minutes’ drive from Ypres town.
• Spacious purpose-built youth centre
• 40 multi-bedded chalets with en suite facilities
• Meeting room available with DVD facilities
• Games room with table football and pool table
• Outside grassed playing area
CJT De Iep
Situated about 20 minutes’ walk from Ypres town centre.
• Single group centre
• Students in 2-4 bedded rooms
• Staff in twin and single rooms
• Ample communal shower and toilet facilities
• Games area with table tennis and table football
• Outside grassed playing area
New Regina
City centre location. Near to Menin Gate. Views of the Cloth . 28 rooms. Twins and doubles 3 star hotel. Buffet breakfast. Tea room
Oude Abdij (Old Abbey)
Located in the small village of Lo, between the Belgian coast and Ypres town.
• Can accommodate up to 3 groups at a time
• Students in multi-bedded en suite rooms
• Staff in twin and single en suite rooms
• Extensive restaurant area can be used for meetings
• Games area with table tennis, table football and DVD facilities
Menin Gate School Hotels
Four hotels located within 5 minutes’ walk of the town square – all under the same management and all of which are of an older style property.
Each centre has:
• Breakfast room (evening meals taken at local restaurant)
• Meeting room
• Internet and games room.
• Students are accommodated in multi bedded rooms
• Staff in twins and singles
• All rooms have a shower and WC.