Belgium

Flanders Fields

Discover the history behind Flanders Fields and visit the memorial sites from the First World War, when you visit Ypres, Belgium.

Between 1914 and 1918, Flanders Fields saw some of the largest battles of the First World War, and in turn suffered some of the most significant losses of military personnel and civilians in military history. 

Discover the history, stories and commemorations behind the events that took place in Flanders Fields. From museum visits to WWI cemeteries, battlefield tours and monument visits, there are plenty of opportunities to explore, learn and pay tribute to those lost during the First World War. 

This now peaceful landscape is home to the largest Commonwealth military cemetery in the world, Tyne Cot Cemetery. Tours around this, and the many other war cemeteries, occur daily and are a poignant way to explore Flanders Fields whilst honouring those who lost their lives.

 
 

DVR

Dover

CQF

Calais

Morning

02:00

04:25

06:50

09:15

Midday

11:40

Afternoon

14:05

16:30

Evening

18:55

21:15

23:40

Tyne Cot Cemetery in Flanders Fields

Discover Flanders Fields

Tyne Cot Cemetery

The Tyne Cot Cemetery is perhaps one of the most recognised war sites in Flanders Fields. This remarkable site is the largest military cemetery of the Commonwealth War Graves in Europe and is the resting place of 11,954 soldiers. Located on the memorial wall at the end of the former battlefields overlooking the cemetery, in a touching commemoration, are the names of the 35,000 soldiers of which have no known grave. The fully accessible visitor centre at Tyne Cot offers you panoramic views over the battlefields, the chance to learn more about the war site and is open daily from 10:00 to 18:00 - (Closed from 1 December to 31 January).

If you’d like to learn more about World War I by visiting Flanders Fields, book your ferry crossing to Calais and start planning your trip today.

 

Poppies at Tyne Cot Cemetery

Tyne Cot Cemetery

In Flanders Fields Museum

The In Flanders Fields Museum stands to tell the stories and honour those who witnessed and fought the WW1 battles in the fields of Flanders.

From the beginning of the war movements to each significant battle, right through to Armistice Day and the commemorations that continue to this very day. The museum includes state of the art multimedia to immerse yourself into, a great way of discovering more about the Great War. With educational programs, restaurants and other facilities, the museum is a good starting point before heading out on one of the many memorial tours.

Tours and The Last Post

There are a number of tours and events available throughout the year at Flanders Fields – including accessible tours. From battlefield tours to exhibitions and music performances, not forgetting the very moving experience of observing the ‘Last Post’. Every evening at 8pm, since 1928, the 'Last Post' has been sounded under the imposing arches of the Menin Gate – a memorial arch displaying the names of 54,896 soldiers who went missing in action. Observing the ‘Last Post’ is a fitting end to a day of touring around the war sites and memorials.

If you prefer to organise your own self-guided tour, the Flanders Fields and surrounding countryside offer ample opportunities to explore the historic war sites and beyond. Whether you are planning to explore the region by bike, foot or campervan, there are plenty of WW1 themed trails, camping sites and cycling routes available for you to explore the area.

 
The last post being sounded at Menin Gate

Wonder peacefully through Flanders Fields, and discover the history behind the many memorial sites and war graves.

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