Each year in November we pay our respects to those who have fallen whilst fighting for our Country. What better way to celebrate the sacrifice these brave men made than visiting the key locations from World War One and Two.
World War 1
Between 1914 and 1918 the First World War raged on with some of the bloodiest battles in history. It is thought that over a million soldiers were wounded, went missing or were killed in action. Flanders Fields in Belgium has become a region dedicated to the events of WW1 with people making pilgrimages from across the World to visit. Here are some of the key attractions to visit whilst in the Flanders region.
Flanders Field Museum, Ypres
Recently renovated to mark the centenary of WWI the museum has doubled in size and showcases a variety of documents and objects related to the war. You can climb to the top of the Bell Tower to experience views of the region once destroyed by war.
Menin Gate, Yp res
The Menin Gate is a popular attraction on any Battlefields tour, each evening at 8pm a moving ceremony takes place under the arch. The simple service is dedicated to the 55,000 soldiers whose bodies were never returned.
Battlefields of Flanders, Belgium
The main battlefront in World War 1 for the British, more than 200,000 soldiers from the British and Commonwealth forces died here. See the trenches at Sanctuary Wood before a chance to visit the Tyne Cot Cemetery. Nearby is the Irish Peace Tower which is dedicated to the Irish troops who fought. There is also a chance to learn more about the Christmas Day truce.
The Somme, France
One of the most haunting places to visit whilst on a Battlefield tour, there is a chance to visit the Museum at Peronne and the largest British Mine Crater at La Boisselle. There is also a chance to visit the preserved trenches as Newfoundland Park, the Ulster Tower, the memorial at Thiepval and the Serre.
Arras, France
Visit the famous Wellington Quarries, a series of complex tunnels used by the British in WWI. See the trench system at Vimy Ridge that was captured from the Germans by the Canadians. There is also a chance to pay homage at the Arras War Memorial and the option to visit the memorial on Hill 145.
World War 2
The global battle that was fought between 1939 and 1945 and more than 100 million people served in a variety of military units. Remembered for being one of the most deadly conflicts with over 50 million fatalities, people visit from across the globe to see the most important battle sites across Europe.
D-Day Landing Beaches, Normandy
Start your D-Day Landing Beaches tour at Pegasus Bridge where you can visit the Pegasus Memorial Museum and Café Gondre. Visit the famous beaches of Sword, Juno, Omaha, Utah and of course Gold beach. See the huge guns at the Battery Longues-sur-Mer and the Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery at Bayeux.
Operation Market Garden, Germany & Netherlands
Attempts to shortern World War 2 led to Operation Market Garden, the Battle for Arnhem. Visit the German Cemetery at Ysselsteyn and visit the National Liberation Museum and Commonwealth War Graves. Explore Wolfheze and Heelsum and the Bridge at Arnhem and see St Elizabeth Hospital where some of the bitterest fighting took place.
The Maginot Line, Belgium
Focussing on the fortifications in Belgium, take a guided tour of Fort d’Aubin-Neufchateau which was damaged in 1940. Explore the system of bunkers and tunnels at Ouvarge Fermont where you descend in original lifts and take a ride on an ammunition train. You can also visit the cemetery at Luttange where the first soldier of WW2 is buried.
To see a full selection of Battlefield tours available visit our website.