3 day Tour
WWI - Somme and Ypres Battlefield Tour
Delve into a journey through time and explore the profound history of these battlefields, where the past comes alive.
Are you intrigued by the historical significance of the Somme and Ypres? One pivotal question that arises is, "What were the reasons behind the Somme battle?" This immersive experience takes you back to the four-month Battle of the Somme, which transpired from July 1 to November 18, 1916.
The objective was clear: Allied commanders aimed to ease the pressure on the French defenders at Verdun by inflicting heavy losses on German forces further north and drawing their reserves into the fray. This critical juncture in history saw the British Army suffer the tragic loss of 60,000 men on the sombre day of July 1, 1916.
Important information: Your preferred drop off and collection point will be agreed with your driver prior to the tour start date.
![A somber memorial with black crosses, bronze plaques, and stone tablets displaying names, set against a serene park backdrop with lush greenery and a gray sky.](https://travelenglandtours.com/abd/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Somme-and-Ypres-Battlefield-Tour-1024x576.webp)
![A black obelisk-shaped memorial with emblems and text stands in a park area, flanked by a wooden bench and surrounded by trees and a green fence.](https://travelenglandtours.com/abd/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Somme-and-Ypres-Battlefield-Tour-12-1024x576.webp)
![An emblem of the royal air force station coningsby, featuring a red and white castle motif with golden crowns, encircled by a blue band with golden text. it's framed and displayed on a wall.](https://travelenglandtours.com/abd/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Somme-and-Ypres-Battlefield-Tour-11-1024x576.webp)
![A dimly lit interior showing a row of wooden bar stools with metal footrests aligned along a bar counter, featuring ornate wooden details and a warm, inviting ambiance.](https://travelenglandtours.com/abd/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Somme-and-Ypres-Battlefield-Tour-10-1024x576.webp)
![An illuminated display of a vintage golden jacket with a high collar, accessorized with a chain and pendant, set against a dark background.](https://travelenglandtours.com/abd/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Somme-and-Ypres-Battlefield-Tour-9-1024x576.webp)
![Close-up of a rough textured fabric mask with two large, circular eye holes and a smaller mouth hole, resembling an abstract face. the colors range from beige to brown with shadowy surroundings.](https://travelenglandtours.com/abd/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Somme-and-Ypres-Battlefield-Tour-8-1024x576.webp)
![Rusty, corrugated iron sheets forming a trench with exposed pipes set against a backdrop of scattered leaves and bare trees, suggesting a historical or military simulation setting.](https://travelenglandtours.com/abd/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Somme-and-Ypres-Battlefield-Tour-7-1024x576.webp)
![A grave marker with the inscription "captain w.p. nevill, east yorkshire regiment, 1st july 1916" surrounded by rows of similar headstones and green vegetation.](https://travelenglandtours.com/abd/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Somme-and-Ypres-Battlefield-Tour-6-1024x576.webp)
![Interior of a historic mine featuring rough stone walls, wooden support beams, and mining tools displayed on platforms illuminated by soft lighting.](https://travelenglandtours.com/abd/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Somme-and-Ypres-Battlefield-Tour-5-1024x576.webp)
![A war memorial with red poppy wreaths lined up on steps, inscribed with "their name liveth for evermore." flanked by stone pillars and a geometric brick floor pattern.](https://travelenglandtours.com/abd/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Somme-and-Ypres-Battlefield-Tour-4-1024x576.webp)
![Sculptural installation of various elongated, vertical forms resembling organic tree branches or limbs, with hand-like extensions at the top, presented in a dimly lit gallery setting.](https://travelenglandtours.com/abd/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Somme-and-Ypres-Battlefield-Tour-3-1024x576.webp)
![A space capsule displayed in a museum, featuring a charred exterior and numerous heat shield tiles, illuminated under bright lights, with a row of red wreaths placed in front.](https://travelenglandtours.com/abd/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/WW1-10-1024x576.webp)
Day 1
Embark on an immersive Somme and Ypres tour
Commencing from Ashford Euro station...
The Battle of Somme, etched in history, unfolded on July 1, 1916, marking the darkest day for the British Army with a staggering loss of 60,000 lives within a single day. As we travel across the expansive 25-mile battlefront, we delve into events that transpired over a century ago.
Our itinerary encompasses significant sites:
Albert 1916 Museum
Fricourt German Military Cemetery
Lochnagar Crater
Pozieres
Thiepval
Ulster Tower
Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial Park
Hawthorn Ridge
Serre Road Military Cemeteries
Day 2
Embark on the Ypres Salient experience
Day 2 of the Somme and Ypres battlefield tours commences at the Cloth Hall in Ypres.
Ypres Salient played a pivotal role during the 1914-1918 period, witnessing three major battles.
Over the next two days, we explore numerous historical landmarks, from the site of the first gas attack to the trenches where the Christmas Truce occurred in 1914.
Among the highlights:
Sanctuary Wood Museum
Hill 62
Hooge Crater and Museum
Poperinge
Brandnoak British Military Cemetery
Yorkshire Trench
Langemark German Military Cemetery
Tyne Cot Military Cemetery
Menin Gate, where The Last Post is played at 20:00 hrs
Day 3
Your battlefield tour brings you to the Flanders Fields Museum
An essential starting point.....
Situated in the rebuilt Cloth Hall of Ypres, it narrates the tale of World War I in the West Flanders region. The hall, symbolizing wartime hardships and recovery, was reconstructed after its destruction during the war.
Additional sites on the itinerary:
Flanders Fields Museum
Saint-Martins Cathedral
St. George’s Church
Hill 60
Island of Ireland
Messine Ridge
Plug Street
For more information on the Somme and Ypres - Wikipedia provides comprehensive resources.
Get in touch
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Embark on a captivating journey as we explore the enchanting landscapes...
Immerse yourself in the stories shared by our experienced guides, who will transform your trip into an unforgettable saga of discovery.
We would love to hear from you regarding your tour requirements. If you cannot find the perfect tour on our site we can create a custom itinerary for you.