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12 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Ypres

Written by Jess Lee Updated Dec 22, 2023

Ypres (in Flemish "Ieper") is associated with some of the most bitter battles of the First World War, when the countryside around town became the site of major trench warfare, and the town itself was almost completely destroyed. Today, the cemeteries and preserved battlefields of this era are a major pilgrimage site.

Ypres itself was founded in the 10th century, and during the Middle Ages was one of Belgium's most important towns (together with Ghent and Bruges ) thanks to its prosperous cloth making.

Ypres managed to retain most of its ancient buildings and evidence of former splendor until the First World War, when Ypres stood in the line of fire and was subject to continuous bombardment by artillery. It has since been rebuilt according to the original plans, and the architecture of the central town is the main sightseeing attraction away from the museums and military sites.

Discover the best places to visit in this historic city with our list of the top attractions and things to do in Ypres.

WWI Battlefields

Visit the in flanders fields museum, come to menin gate for the last post, admire the architecture of the grote markt, visit sint-maartenskathedraal, hooge crater memorial museum, st. george's memorial church, walk along the fortifications of rijselpoort, tyne cot cemetery, german war cemetery, pay your respects at the memorials around kemmelberg, the merghelynck and stedelijk museums, map of attractions & things to do in ypres.

The area all around Ypres was, in the four years of 1914 to 1918, the scene of some of the bloodiest battles of the First World War. The dead are buried in 170 war cemeteries, and their graves are still visited by relatives.

From Ypres, Route 14-18 is signposted to the most important battle zones. An unmarked 63-kilometer tour through the battlefields begins at the Menin Gate.

Take road N345 and N332 heading northeast through one of the most hotly contested areas, past several British cemeteries and trench warfare battlefields for nine kilometers to view the major sites along the way to the village of Zonnebeke.

Completely destroyed after the war, it now has an attractive church with a freestanding belfry dating from 1921.

Ypres' huge Lakenhalle (cloth hall) takes over one side of the central Grote Markt square. The large hall on the first floor is open to visitors and houses the In Flanders Fields Museum , dedicated to chronicling the heavy fighting of the First World War in and around Ypres.

Multi-media exhibits tell the personal stories from the soldiers who fought here, and displays include uniforms and equipment of all the armies, some architectural remains of the Lakenhalle, and pictures of old Ypres. There is also a regular program of temporary exhibitions.

It is also possible to climb the 231 steps up to the top of the cloth hall's belfry for views across the town and the surrounding battlefields.

The original cloth hall building was begun around 1260 and completed in 1304 but it was completely destroyed in the First World War. The new structure is one of the finest and largest secular buildings in Europe.

The extent of the hall in which the cloth was stored, checked, and sold, is indicative of the power wielded by the guilds within the town. Above the entrance door is the statue of the patron saint Onze-Lieve-Vrouw-van-Thuyne; in the niches are statues of count Baldwin and Mary of Constantinople together with King Albert I and Queen Elizabeth.

On the east wing of the cloth hall, a town hall was added in 1619 in the style of the Spanish Renaissance, which has also been reconstructed. It bears the coat of arms of the Spanish King Philip II

Address: Grote Markt, central Ypres

Official site: https://www.inflandersfields.be/

From the east end of the Grote Markt it is just a short distance to the Menin Gate, built by the architect Sir Reginald Blomfield on the site of the medieval town gate, through which the British soldiers marched to the front.

The Menin Gate is the starting point for any battlefield tour and today, the gate serves as a memorial to the First World War with the names of the 54,896 British soldiers who were killed or missing in action inscribed under its arches.

Every evening at 8pm since 1928, The Last Post is sounded here.

Address: Menenstraat, central Ypres

One of the most distinctive architectural elements to the Grote Markt is the 70-meter-high-square belfry which projects from the center of the Lakenhalle and is visible from the surrounding countryside.

Its carillon of 49 bells plays from June to October at 9pm. From the tower, which is a UNESCO site, there is a superb view over the plain of Flanders.

Opposite the Lakenhalle to the south, on the corner of Boomgaardstraat, stands the Nieuw Vleeshuis (meat hall), dating back to 1277, where meat was sold on Saturdays until 1947.

At the north end of the Grote Markt on the left is the Kasselrijgebouw (Old Town Hall) with the Seven Deadly Sins represented in the gables.

Address: Grote Markt, central Bruges

Behind the Cloth Hall to the north stands Sint-Maartenskathedraal. The church was originally built in the 13th century, and its south entrance and tower added in the 15th century, but having been completely destroyed during the war, the church was totally rebuilt in 1922.

Its large-scale proportions are reminiscent of the monumental French cathedrals, with the tower more than 100 meters high.

Inside, you can view some art treasures that survived the bombardment of the war. In particular, the church is home to a brass font (dating to around 1600) and the picture of Onze-Lieve-Vrouw-van Thuyne, which is traditionally believed to have miraculous powers.

Also inside the church are the tombs of Bishop Jansenius, the founder of Jansenism; Georgius Chamberlain, sixth bishop of Ypres; and Count Robrecht of Bethune.

The church's glass paintings are a present from Great Britain to commemorate the war losses.

Address: Sint-Maartensplein, central Ypres

This private museum, inside a chapel that was built here in 1927, is five kilometers east of central Ypres. The museum is set on the front line battlefield site, where, in July 1915, British troops set off a mine explosion in an attempt to destroy the advantageous observation point German troops had. The explosion created what became known as the Hooge Crater (which has long since been filled in).

The collection includes an extensive range of uniforms, weaponry, and equipment from all the armies involved in the battles, as well as dioramas that depict life for the troops in the trenches and bunkers, and photographs from the battlefront.

The Hooge Crater Military Cemetery for Commonwealth soldiers is next door to the museum.

Address: Ypres-Menin Road, Hooge

Official site: https://www.hoogecrater.com/en/

North of the cathedral, opposite the Ypres Schouwburg theater on the corner of Vandenpeerboomplein, is St. George's Memorial Church.

The Anglican Church commissioned Sir Reginald Blomfield to build this church in 1927 to commemorate the soldiers of the British Commonwealth who were killed in battle in Flanders during the First World War.

The entire interior of the church, together with the statue of St. George and the plaque with the famous poem In Flanders Field , was funded by Great Britain and the Commonwealth.

Address: Elverdingsestraat, central Ypres

The Rijselstraat ends at the Rijselpoort (also known as the Lilletor, and in English as the Lille Gate), a massive fortified gate from the Burgundian period. This is the only one of Ypres' original city gates that has survived with its rooms intact.

During the First World War, the British general staff had its headquarters in the casemates. Near here, the gate ruins of the old ramparts can still be seen.

For tourists interested in Ypres history, a walk along the fortifications is a must. Not far from the gate, just inside the ramparts, is an interesting attraction - the 16th-century 'Houten Huis', a painstakingly restored example of one of 90 traditional wooden houses in the area.

Address: Rijselstraat, central Ypres

Near the hamlet of Nieuwe-Molden, about 12 kilometers northeast of Ypres, is the largest British war cemetery in Flanders. Tyne Cot Cemetery was laid out by Sir Reginald Blomfield with almost 12,000 war graves and a memorial to 35,000 soldiers missing after August 16, 1917.

The location affords one of the best views of the former battlefields.

From the Tyne Cot Cemetery, a narrow road leads to the N313. A short distance south of the junction, at the crossing with the road to Langemark, a memorial commemorates the 2,000 Canadians who died in the first German gas attack in 1915.

About three kilometers from the Canadian monument, the pretty village of Langemark was much contested in the war and has a huge German war cemetery (almost 45,000 graves).

At Langemark, in 1914, thousands of young, inexperienced recruits, mostly students and schoolboys, lost their lives; a fact which was exploited by the propaganda machine of the Third Reich and even today can be seen as being symbolic of the spontaneous willingness of youth to make sacrifices.

From Langemark, return towards Ypres, past the British cemetery of Cementhouse, to Boezinge with a view of the silhouette of Ypres.

At De Klijte (10 kilometers from Dikkebus), turn left to arrive at the village of Kemmel; two kilometers southwest of here rises Kemmelberg, the easternmost spur of an upland range in West Flanders that was much contested during World War I.

There is a panoramic view over Ypres and the plain of Flanders from the top. A large French communal cemetery (about 5,300 graves) with a memorial crowned by the Gallic cockerel lies on its western slope.

In Mesen, five kilometers beyond Kemmel, are several war cemeteries. The elevated ground north, between Mesen and Wijtschate, was taken by the British in 1917 by massive mine blasting. One of the largest mine craters of that battle, Lone Tree Crater, is now a small lake and is preserved as a memorial, known as the Pool of Peace. From here, you can continue on the N365 north, back towards Ypres.

Some five kilometers beyond Wijtschate, a small road turning off to the right leads to the village of Zillebeke and to Hill 60, four kilometers south east. It was an important artillery observation post and the center of heavy fighting, now crowned by two British memorials.

The Merghelynck Museum is housed in the old home, dating back to 1774, of Frans Merghelynck, who was once the treasurer for Empress Maria Theresia. Part of the splendid Louis XV and Louis XVI interior survived the First World War and is definitely worth a look.

Diagonally opposite the Merghelynck Museum is the 13th-century Steenhuis, now a post office, the only stone building left standing in Ypres.

At the south end of the Rijselstraat, a narrow street leads off to the right to the Stedelijk Museum, which functioned as a hospital for the poor in the 13th century and now documents the town's history in a series of exhibits.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Normandy D-Day Beaches and Memorials : Located near French Normandy , Ypres is just one of the many World War II sites in the area. Tourists visiting Ypres can easily explore the Normandy D-Day memorials and beaches , as well as numerous museums and cemeteries.

Medieval Bruges : North of Ypres, historic Bruges is known for its distinct medieval architecture and charming, narrow streets and canals. Bruges is a popular place for tourists to stay while exploring the nearby coastal towns , including the high-end beach community of Knokke-Heist.

Romantic Ghent : Another beautiful old Flemish town, the city of Ghent is famous for its picturesque canals and beautiful architecture. Unlike Bruges, Ghent is not packed with tourists, making this an excellent place for visitors who want to experience authentic Flemish culture.

• (1) Cloth Hall
• (2) "Nieuwerk" (Stadhuis)
• (3) St Maartenskathedraal
• (4) Schouwburg
• (5) St George's Memorial Church
• (6) Vleeshuis
• (7) Gerechtshof (law courts)
• (8) Kasselijgebouw
• (9) Ypres Reservoir Military Cemetery
• (10) Rampart Military Cemetery

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Points of interest

In Flanders Fields Museum

Last Post ceremony

Ypres Tourism

27 wwi memorial sites in flanders fields recognised as unesco world heritage.

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Home » Travel Guides » Belgium » 14 Best Things to Do in Ypres (Belgium)

14 Best Things to Do in Ypres (Belgium)

Ypres (also known as Ieper) is a place with a haunting past. Expect to be moved when visiting this city that played such an important role in the First World War and saw the loss of a generation of soldiers during the fierce battles that took place here and in the surrounding areas. It is believed that 300,000 soldiers lost their lives on the front line here known as the Salient. As you would expect there are plenty of war museums, memorials, military cemeteries and battlefields to tour, learn about and respectfully explore.

If you are visiting Ypres, you should be prepared to visit many sombre places but there is also plenty of charm in the city to appreciate too. Surprisingly much of the medieval architecture remains or has been restored and like many Belgian cities, the market square contains an impressive array of architecture. There is also good food, with particular attention paid to traditional Flemish cuisine and of course more beer.

No matter what you do in the city of Ypres, your thoughts will not be far from the devastation and loss of World War 1 and the city will ultimately always be haunted by its past.

Lets explore the best things to do in Ypres :

1. Be moved by Flanders Fields

The in-Flanders Fields museum in Ypres is one of the city’s top attractions.

The museum, which explores all aspects of WW1 uses various media and sensory experiences including videos, sounds and smells to fully immerse visitors.

There are even interactive experiences including selecting a war time persona and following their trials and tribulations throughout the war.

2. Pay your respects at the Menin Gate Memorial

Another landmark relating back to the First World War, the Menin Gate is a memorial to the 55,000 soldiers who went missing in action during the First World War.

The structure itself is a colossal stone archway that crosses the city moat at the eastern exit of the city.

The names of the British and Commonwealth soldiers who went missing during the war are all inscribed on the monument and make for a chilling sight.

3. Pop into the Belle Almshouse

The Belle Almshouse is a tiny chapel that is tucked away in Ypres and is very easy to miss.

Do not expect to see the Notre Dame is rather plain and unassuming and is nestled between other buildings on Rijelstraat.

Inside the church however there is hidden treasure.

The chapel is full of fantastic artwork dating back as far as medieval times.

The art is mainly religious but travellers will enjoy the satisfaction of stumbling upon this hidden gem.

4. Marvel at the Lakenhalle

The Lakenhalle is the most impressive building in Ypres and arguably the most impressive in the entire country.

It is located in the Grote Markt and has been restored almost entirely to its 14th Century glory.

The stand out features of the buildings design include the whopping 70-meter-high belfry tower and the large central windows.

It is possible to climb the tower but it will cost you an extra 2 Euros, charged upon entrance to the Flanders Fields museum.

5. Eat some baked goods

The Henk Bakery on Sint-Jakobstraat has become something of an icon.

It is known by locals and tourists alike for its great bread, cakes and puddings and will regularly be heaving with hungry customers.

The price of its goods does not reflect the bakery’s popularity however and the Henk Bakery still offers great value with a serving of its famous broodpudding costing only 40 cents.

6. Watch the Last Post ceremony

The moving Last Post ceremony takes place daily at 8pm.

Traffic passing through the Menin Gate temporarily comes to a halt as buglers sound the Last Post in remembrance of the soldiers who lost their lives in the First World War.

The tradition started back in 1928 and still changes each evening with different instruments or soldiers being present meaning that it is worthwhile to watch the event more than one time.

The Gate gets busy around the time of the Last Post every evening so be there in good time to ensure yourself a decent view.

7. Visit one of the city’s best art museums

The Stedelijk Museum, located on Leperleestraat, is a small but impressive art museum.

The exhibits here feature art from the 19th Century mainly but they are regularly changing and it is unlikely that two visits will ever be the same.

The artwork is housed over three floors in the almshouse building which dates back to the mid-16th Century.

The price here is steep for anyone other than serious art enthusiasts with an adult entry costing 15 Euros, students can get in for half that.

8. Enjoy some local cuisine

Ypres is a great place to taste true Flemish fodder and the best of the best is surely De Ruyffelaer on Gustave de Stuersstraat.

The restaurant is cutesy and cosy both inside and out with a wood clad interior and fire place complemented by artwork and various antiques.

Flemish dishes include pâté, various game and plenty of pork dishes (the pork knuckle is excellent) all cooked in traditional Flemish methods and resulting in food as comforting as the surroundings.

9. Tour the Flanders Battlefield

Ypres, or Wipers as it was known by the British Army, was the scene of destruction and loss on an epic scale for four years throughout the First World War.

In this area, it is thought that 35 men were lost for every metre gained by the British Army.

The organised tours available here include not only the battlefields themselves but also the museums and military cemeteries around the city.

The tour guides aim to balance giving tour groups plenty of information and facts whilst remaining respectful and ultimately remembering the sacrifice made by those who lost their lives here.

10. Climb the man-made Hill 60

Another historic site that was of great importance during the First World War is the man-made defensive position referred to as Hill 60. What will surprise you about the hill after reading about the amount of lives lost here is how small it is.

During the First World War the hill transferred between the French, Germans and British troops.

There is a small fee for exploring hill 60 but it is well worth paying in order to walk in the trenches and imagine what life must have been like for the soldiers during those years.

11. Walk along the Vauban Ramparts

You can join the Vauban Ramparts at the Menin Gate Memorial and continue along the canal, enjoying peaceful surroundings and plenty of benches along the tree-lined path.

The walk is generally calm compared to other places in Ypres and is a great place to escape the busy hot, streets in the height of summer.

The ramparts themselves date back to the 17th Century and were used to fortify Ypres when it was just a village.

12. Eat some chocolate

After visiting many sombre war museums, battlefields and graveyards you could well need cheering up, if so there is no better place than the Leonidas Chocolaterie.

Belgian chocolate is known throughout the world for its quality and Leonidas is a great example.

The chocolatiers are still active and you can watch the process of making the chocolates, enjoy some free samples and no doubt buy bucket loads of the sweet stuff to take home with you.

You can find Leonidas on the Grote Markt.

13. Tour the Kazematten Brewery

What could be better than world-class chocolate? World class beer of course! The Kazematten brewery is housed in a historic building which dates back to the 18th Century and was used for ammunition storage during the First World War.

It is now known for its great beers and is open to the public every Saturday from 3pm – 5pm.

Tours begin every half an hour, cost ten euros per adult and include three beer tastings.

Private tours can be arranged by appointment only.

14. Walk around the Market Square

Many of the above-mentioned attractions can be found in the city’s market square but it is worth a visit on its own merits.

The square is home to many spectacular looking buildings that should be seen in daylight and after sunset for spectacular effect.

The square is also home to great restaurants, pubs and other things to do including an ice rink and Christmas markets during the festive months.

14 Best Things to Do in Ypres (Belgium):

• Be moved by Flanders Fields
• Pay your respects at the Menin Gate Memorial
• Pop into the Belle Almshouse
• Marvel at the Lakenhalle
• Eat some baked goods
• Watch the Last Post ceremony
• Visit one of the city’s best art museums
• Enjoy some local cuisine
• Tour the Flanders Battlefield
• Climb the man-made Hill 60
• Walk along the Vauban Ramparts
• Eat some chocolate
• Tour the Kazematten Brewery
• Walk around the Market Square

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14 Wonderful Tourist Attractions to See and Things to Do in Ypres (Ieper), Belgium

Ypres (Ieper) is a city in the West Flanders province of Belgium. Although there are a variety of places to visit in Ypres , Belgium. The city is best known for the World War I sites. It was a major battle centre in the country during the First World War.

Many of the best things to do in Ypres town revolve around the Battles of Ypres between German and Allied Forces. The battles have left back ruins that have now become Ypres tourist attractions . These include army headquarters, bunkers, trenches, battle sites, ruined buildings, shelled lands, and more. There are also quite many things to do near Ypres concerning the war.

However, there is much more to explore when you travel to Ypres. It is a historic town that dates back to the 1st century BCE and beyond. During the Middle Ages, it became a major trade centre known for its Cloth Market. You will come across some of the monuments during Ypres sightseeing that still continue the tradition. This entire market site is included among UNESCO World Heritage sites.

You will also come across other historical monuments built during the Middle Ages. The most prominent among these is the St. Martin’s Cathedral. It is one of the most magnificent things to see in Ypres .

Aside from history, Ypres travel is also includes exploring culture. The city is home to several art museums and galleries. These house ancient, modern, and contemporary artworks. You can also see a collection of royal treasures belonging to Kings and Queens of Belgium when you visit Ypres.

While you are exploring the history and culture, you can also take some time to enjoy the regional cuisines and beverages. There are also many places to visit near Ieper for entertainment. You can go to the amusement parks for games and thrill rides. Or you can explore the wilderness nearby for hiking.

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Table of Contents

Top 14 Tourist Places to Visit in Ypres, Belgium

1. menin gate (menenpoort).

This memorial monument is dedicated to the British and Commonwealth soldiers who died in the battle of Ypres Salient during the First World War. The structure is quite imposing. It takes inspiration from old Greek and Italian architecture and is among the most magnificent things to see in Ypres, Belgium.

Although built in 1927, the history of this gate dates back to the 17th century. It served as the gateway to the town of Menen. Hence, the name. You should take a few minutes to admire this monument when you visit Ypres, Belgium.

2. In Flanders Fields Museum

This museum focuses entirely on WWI. The museum is part of the Cloth Hall building, which itself was damaged during the war. It is one of the best places to visit in Ypres if you are interested in military and warfare history.

Rather than glorifying war, the museum shows the harshness of battle. The museum tells the story of the invasion of Belgium and the tragedies that followed.

It is among the best things to do in Ypres, Belgium as it gives you an experiential insight into history. You will need at least an hour to tour this museum.

3. Cloth Hall Ypres (Lakenhalle)

The Cloth Hall used to be among the largest commercial buildings in Europe during medieval times. It was the city’s main market as well as the centre of the region’s cloth industry.

The structure dates back to the 13th century and was built several times over the years. As a result, it bears hallmarks of different ages. Owing to its history and architecture, the Cloth Hall is among the most important Ypres attractions. You will need an hour or so to explore this historical structure.

4. St Martin’s Cathedral (Sint-Maartenskerk)

Dating back to 1230, this church is among the oldest buildings you will come across during Ypres travel. The church was extended during different centuries and was damaged during the First World War.

The structure carries designs, features, stories, and scars from numerous events. There are few other Ypres tourist attractions that have seen as much. The cathedral is also renowned for its architecture and opulent interiors.

The tower of the cathedral is still among the tallest structures in the country. The cathedral is included among the top things to do in Ieper for several reasons. You will need at least an hour to explore the cathedral.

5. Hooge Crater Museum

The Chateau of Hooge served as the headquarters of the British forces. Many of them died when it was bombed by German forces on the 31st of October in 1914. The place is now converted into a museum dedicated to these soldiers and the incidents of the war.

It is among the best historical places to visit near Ypres owing to the events of the war. You will get to see many artifacts and learn about the stories of many soldiers. It takes about an hour to tour this museum.

6. Hooge Crater Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery

This cemetery is the final resting place and pays tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives in the Ypres Salient during WWI. You can visit the cemetery and the museum together. It is important among things to do around Ypres. Take a few minutes to pay your respects to the fallen soldiers.

I suggest you should book a Full-Day Tour of Ypres to See Hooge Crater Cemetery and other attractions.

7. Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917

This museum focuses on the Battle of Passchendaele of 1917.  It was the third battle of Ypres and cost the lives of more than 500,000 soldiers. This happened only in a span of 100 days for merely 8 km of land.

The museum focuses on the events and stories of the battle. The exhibits include artifacts from the battle, uniforms, memorabilia, documents, photographs, and more. You will need about 2 hours from Ypres sightseeing to tour the museum.

I suggest you should book a Half-Day Tour to Ypres Battlefields to see Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917 and other attractions.

8. Passchendaele Canadian Memorial

This memorial pays tribute to the Canadian Corps for their role in the Second Battle of Passchendaele during WWI. It is located at Crest Farm. This was the location recaptured by the 4th Canadian Division. This is yet another one of the places to visit around Ypres that gives you great insight into the events of WWI.

9. Yorkshire Trench and Dug Out

The village of Boezinge was another important battleground between Allied and German forces during World War One. This is the trench system that was discovered by an archeologist and has been turned into an open-air museum.

You will get to see the actual ground where the battle was fought and the conditions faced by the soldiers. This is a walking experience of history and one of the best things to do near Ypres town. You will need 2 hours for this tour.

10. Bellewaerde Park & Bellewaerde Aquapark

These amusement parks are the best places to visit in Ypres for fun and entertainment. The Aquapark has all sorts of slides, rides, pools, and games for water activities. It also has a themed obstacle course designed like a fort and a jungle. It has all the top things to do in Ypres town for families.

The Bellewaerde Park on the other hand is an amusement park focused on thrill rides. You can enjoy rollercoasters, rides, obstacle courses, rafting, and more. There are a lot of fun activities to enjoy here and you can easily spend a few hours at any of these parks.

I suggest you should get your Entry Ticket to Bellewarde Park and Bellewarde Aquapark in advance.

11. Kazematten Brewery

This historic brewery is housed in an 18th-century structure that was used to house ammunition during WWI. These bunkers were also behind the foundation of a morale-boosting newspaper called the Wiper Times.

Now you can have a sip of The Wiper Times Beer at this bunker at Kazematten Brewery. It is a historic as well as refreshing attraction that you can enjoy when you visit Ypres.

12. Merghelynck Museum

This museum is housed inside the old house of Frans Merghelynck, the treasurer of Empress Maria Theresia. The exhibits of this museum include many artifacts from the personal collection of Merghelynck.

It also has some of the most wonderful things to see in Ypres from the Royal Collection of Empress Maria, King Louis XV, and King Louis XVI.  You will need about an hour to tour this museum.

13. Grote Markt

This market is the historical as well as the modern heart of the city. It is housed in a 70-meter-tall belfry that you can spot throughout Ypres sightseeing. The structure is greatly admired for its architecture.

You should visit this Ypres attraction twice. Once on a Saturday, when it hosts the market, and once to admire the structure with artistic features. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to tour the place on each visit.

14. Yper Museum

This museum is housed in the Cloth Hall. It is dedicated to the history and culture of the city. In one place you can browse through 11 centuries of the city’s history. It is among the top things to do in Ypres town if you want to know the city.

The museum also has a large model of medieval Ypres. You will get to learn about important events, people, and buildings in the city. The museum also tells you how the city has evolved over the ages. You will need at least an hour from Ypres travel to explore this museum.

If you are looking for more tourist attractions in Ypres, check out the sections below. We have compiled a complete list of places and activities that you can explore in the city and around it.

Things to do in ypres, belgium, monuments, museums & historical places to visit in ypres, belgium.

• In Flanders Fields Museum
• Tyne Cot Cemetery
• Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917
• Hooge Crater Museum
• Sanctuary Wood Museum
• Yper Museum
• Talbot House
• St. Martin’s Cathedral
• St. Sixtus Abbey
• Merghelinck Museum
• St. George’s Memorial Church
• Langemark Cemetery
• Hooge Crater Cemetery
• Poperinge Hop Museum
• The Canadian Hill 62 Memorial
• Kemmel Command Bunker
• Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery
• National Tabaks Museum
• Passchendaele Canadian Memorial
• Yorkshire Trench and Dug Out
• Musee de la Rubanerie Cominoise
• Vestingroute
• Kasteeldomein Zonnebeke
• Museumhuis Lucien de Gheus
• Lettenberg Bunkers
• The Messines Ridge Memorial to the Missing
• Liverpool Scottish Memorial
• Biscuiterie James Destrooper Museum
• Kasteel du Parc
• Kasteel van Zonnebeke
• Tobacco Museum
• Kasteel Couthof
• Elzenwalle Kasteel
• Kasteel de Warrande
• Old Timer Museum
• St. Jansgodshuis Church
• St. Jacobskerk Church
• The Old Cheese Factory Museum

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Ypres, Belgium

• Polygon Wood Nature Preserve
• Wandelverhaal
• Dikkebusvijver Lake
• Zillebekevijver Lake
• Gasthuisbossen
• Hellegatbos Nature Preserve
• Leperlee Canal
• Provinciedomein Kemmelberg
• Scherpeberg Nature Preserve
• Palingbeek Wandelroute
• Galgebossen Nature Preserve

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Ypres, Belgium

• Bellewaerde Theme Park
• Bellewaerde Aqua Park
• Westvleteren Brewery
• Ice Mountain Adventure Park
• De Zonnegloed Animal Sanctuary
• Bengal Rapid River
• Plugstreet 14-18 Experience
• Pool of Peace
• Outside Adventure Park
• Winjgoed Monteberg Winery
• Island of Ireland Peace Park
• Cordoba Cable Car
• De Oude Kaasmakerij
• Welsh National Memorial Park
• Passchendaele Memorial Gardens
• Burggraaf Frimount Park
• Village on Pilotis

Shopping in Ypres, Belgium

• Grote Market
• Ieper Market Square
• Boterstraat
• Meensestraat
• Rijselstraat

Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventure in Ypres, Belgium

• Cable Car Ride

Sightseeing in Ypres, Belgium

• The Brooding Soldier Sculpture
• Kosmos Rodeberg
• Coming World Remember Me Sculpture
• St. Julien Canadian Memorial
• Provinciedomein Palingbeek
• R.E. Grave Memorial Park

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Ypres, Belgium

• Kazemaaten Brewery
• De Ruffelaer Ieper
• De Steenen Haene
• Frituur de Leet
• MarktCafe Les Halles
• De Palingbeek
• De Vier Koningen
• Hostellerie Saint Nicholas
• De Fonderie
• De Oude Kaasmakerji

Where to Stay in Ypres?

Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range, and Budget Hotels in Ypres. You can check below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Ypres.

Luxurious Hotels

• Novotel Ieper Centrum
• Albion Hotel
• Flanders Lodge
• Main Street Boutique Hotel
• Hotel New Regina
• Bed and Breakfast saBBajon
• B&B Wellness Yoake
• Juliette’s B&B

Mid-Range and Budget Hotels

• Kasteelhof ‘t Hooghe
• Ambrosia Hotel
• Hotel O Ieper
• Alliance Hotel Ieper Centrum
• Hotel Old Tom
• Gasthof ‘t Zweerd
• B&B Het Kapittel
• B&B Laurus

Custom Tours Package in Ypres

How to reach ypres, belgium.

The closest airport to visit Ypres is the Ostend – Bruges airport. It sits about 45 km away from the city. You can also use the airports of Lille, Antwerp and Brussels . These cities offer road connectivity to reach Ypres.

You can get direct trains for Ypres travel from several cities in Belgium. This includes major cities like Brussels and Antwerp. You can also get connecting international trains to visit Ypres from Lille, Amsterdam , and Dusseldorf . The bus network also offers great connectivity within Belgium. You can get direct rides from several cities and towns to reach Ypres.

If you are planning to get to Ypres by road, you should head for routes A16, E40, N8, E17, E403, or N37. These routes will help you get to the city.

There are no direct water routes to visit Ypres.

Image Reference

• Menin Gate (Menenpoort) – Don Barrett / Flickr
• In Flanders Fields Museum – Wouter van der Maden / PixaBay
• Cloth Hall Ypres (Lakenhalle) – Ruben Holthuijsen / Flickr
• St Martin’s Cathedral (Sint-Maartenskerk) – Jez / Flickr
• Hooge Crater Museum – Paul Easton / Flickr
• Hooge Crater Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery – Wernervc / Wikimedia Commons
• Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917 – Michael Day / Flickr
• Passchendaele Canadian Memorial – LimoWreck / Wikimedia Commons
• Yorkshire Trench and Dug Out – Andrew Nash / Flickr
• Bellewaerde Park & Bellewaerde Aquapark – nl:Rickie97 / Wikimedia Commons
• Kazematten Brewery – Bernt Rostad / Flickr
• Merghelynck Museum – Karmakolle / Wikimedia Commons
• Grote Markt – Andrew Nash / Flickr
• Yper Museum – VladCOBHC / Wikimedia Commons
• 23 Beautiful Tourist Attractions to See and Things to Do in Avignon
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Mustafa Natalwala

Mustafa is a content writer and digital marketing expert at WideWorldTrips.com His mainly interests are into travelling, photography, film-making

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• 1.1 Town name and languages
• 1.2 History
• 2.1 By train
• 2.4 By bicycle
• 3 Get around
• 4.1 Landmarks and memorials
• 4.2 Further afield
• 4.3 Other sites
• 10 Stay safe

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Town name and languages

The official Dutch name for the city is Ieper - this is the version of the name you will see most commonly in and around the Flemish-speaking town. Most native English speakers, however, will know the town by its French name Ypres , as popularised in media and history texts during and immediately after the First World War.

The town of Ypres formed the centre of the so-called "Ypres Salient" during most of the First World War —an area of Allied (British and Belgian)-held land surrounded on three sides by the German front line that formed the northernmost section of the Western Front. Holding Ypres was vital for the Allies in their bid to prevent the Germans from gaining control of all the Channel ports, vital for the transport and supply of the British Expeditionary Force. As a result, the city became the focus of several major battles to break in and out of the Salient and was subjected to fairly continuous bombardment by German artillery for most of the war. By 1918, little remained of the town but shattered ruins surrounded by muddy shell-pocked fields.

After the First World War, most of central Ypres was rebuilt with German reparations (war debt) money. This was a lengthy process: the famous Cloth Hall was not completed until the 1960s.

Ypres has its own 50.84824 2.876427 1 Train Station . From there, you can easily walk to the city center. But the station is poorly served, causing slow connections to most other towns a bit further away.

Ypres has bus lines towards neighbouring towns.

Ypres is easily reachable by car - highway to Kortrijk , then follow directions for Ieper (A19).

From the ports of Calais or Dunkirk, take the A16 East, turning off at junction 28 (A25 towards Lille). Get off at Junction 13 and follow the signs for Ypres (Ieper).

Ypres isn't big, so it's perfectly traversable by car. You can park at the main square, in front of the cloth hall for a small fee (except during the weekly or other market), or freely near to the train station. A car also allows you to visit places further on such as the various cemeteries.

Although it's a nice region to cycle, the distances are often too far when you have a specific destination outside the city centre.

Ypres city centre is best approached on foot.

For visiting the war graves and memorials, one could use a car or cycle. Take the guided "Battle field tour" - bus, or buy an audio tour on the internet - same sites, but a lot cheaper if you have your own transport

The attractions of Ypres are divided between the town center and several villages in the surrounding countryside - most of the battlefields and cemeteries are in the latter. For these, a car, bike or an arranged tour would be best.

Landmarks and memorials

• This memorial contains huge panels inside and out into which are carved the names of the 54,896 officers and men of the British Empire forces who died in the Ypres Salient area and who have no known graves. The names recorded on the gate's panels are those of men who died in the area between the outbreak of the war in 1914 and 15 August 1917. The names of a further 34,984 of the missing - those who died between 16 August 1917 and the end of the war, are recorded on carved panels at Tyne Cot Cemetery, on the slopes just below Passchendaele.
• 50.851057 2.885336 2 In Flanders Fields Museum ( in the Ypres Cloth Hall, in the center ). Apr-Sept: daily 10:00-18:00, Oct-Mar: Tu-Su 10:00—17:00, last entry 1 hr before closing . This museum gives an excellent overview of World War I. It is more like an experience that takes you right into daily life during the war. The experience is very moving, and it's a must-see for everyone coming to Ypres, young and old. Allow at least 2 hr for a full museum visit. When the weather is good enough, the belfry tower is also available for visiting for an additional cost, giving you a great overview of the front region.  
• City fortification . Ypres has been a rather military city from its foundation on, being always on the boundary of some country. The oldest city walls, dating from 1385, were mostly destroyed for expansion. The city walls that guard the south and east of the city were created by the French architect Vauban in the 16th century. The walls are star-shaped, and made from thick dirt moats, allowing them to hold back the heaviest artillery from that age to World War I onwards. Planted with trees, they form a green belt around the city centre.  
• Casemates (Kazematten) ( a bit south of the Menin gate, with entrances to the inner-city ). The Casemates were bomb-free shelters under the city fortifications. They were also built by Vauban, and they even remained functional as armoury until World War I. One of them contains a pub, another one contains a brewery, and the rest are used for temporary expositions.  
• 50.844643 2.889346 3 Ramparts Cemetery , Rijselstraat . Military cemetery in the town of Ypres with 198 Commonwealth soldiers buried next to the Lille Gate (Rijselpoort).  

Further afield

Other sites.

• 50.8497 2.8862 9 Museum Godshuis Belle . Located in the chapel of a former almshouse, it contains a small Ypres art collection. Admission included with a ticket to In Flanders Field Museum . ( updated Sep 2017 )
• Wonderful countryside with many routes for walking and cycling.
• Ballonvaart Westhoek . Daily hot air balloon flights over battlefields around Ypres. The best way to see the impact of the war from the sky. See the large number of bomb craters (now lakes), cemeteries, and trenches. ( updated Jan 2024 )
• Kattenstoet . A parade in Ypres devoted to the cat. It is held every third year on the second Sunday of May. This "Festival of the Cats" commemorates an Ypres tradition from the Middle Ages in which cats were thrown from the belfry tower of the Cloth Hall to the town square below. Symbolically reviving this practice for the parade festivities, a jester tosses stuffed toy cats from the Cloth Hall belfry down to the crowd, which awaits with outstretched arms to catch one. The throwing of the cats from the belfry is followed by a mock witch burning.  
• Lovely shops and cafes selling Belgian chocolates and beer.
• Things from the World War I period in dedicated shops, for example near the Menin Gate.

The marketplace has several restaurants, pubs and places to sit outside during the summer.

Tuesdays usually host a music night outside, organised by "'t Klein Stadhuis" next to the cloth halls and the city hall.

• 50.852148 2.883182 1 Frituur De Leet , Vandenpeereboomplein 43 , ☏ +32 57 21 25 55 . Tu-Su 11:30-14:30 and 17:30-23:00, M closed . Belgian fries and other fast food. ( updated Jan 2018 )

The region around Ypres has many small B&Bs, and in the city centre, there are also several hotels.

• 50.8493 2.888218 1 Ambrosia Hotel Ieper ( Ambrosia b&b Ypres ), D'Hondtstraat 54 , ☏ +32 476 467-016 . Small hotel (10 rooms). Cooked and/or continental breakfast and free internet.  
• 50.851875 2.791491 2 Cherry Blossom B&B ( between Ypres and Poperinge ). English family-run B&B. Motorcyclists and children are welcome. Evening meals and packed lunches by arrangement. Tea and coffee-making facilities/TV in all rooms. A small collection of artifacts to view.  
• 50.861198 2.869551 3 B&B Fresco , Kunstenlaan 38 ( 10 min walking distance up from the station ), ☏ +32 57 200137 . Check-in: flexible , check-out: flexible . English, French, German, and Flemish spoken. The hosts are very friendly. Wi-Fi, terrace, privatised floor with fridge, big comfortable rooms, nice bathroom with bath foams, hearty breakfast (default breakfast with meat, vegetarian on demand including a platter of speciality cheese). Doubles €50 .  
• 50.905638 2.984439 4 Varlet Farm . Bed and breakfast, on the former Passchendaele battlefield, named by British soldiers of the Great War. It was taken by the Royal Naval Division in October 1917. Close to all major memorials. Maps, guidebook, and tour guide available. 7 rooms. Small groups of up to 18 people. Private collection on the farm showing artifacts dug up in the fields.  
• 50.84693 2.89803 5 Urban Gardens camp site , Bolwerkstraat 1 . This camp site is five to ten minutes walk through a country park from the town walls of Ypres and about fifteen minutes walk from the Menin Gate. The site has a reception and sanitary blocks but no bar. It is a short walk from Aldi on Steverlyncklaan. ( updated Aug 2024 )

Ypres is generally very safe. Pickpockets are rare, and violence is very rare. Do watch out in the streets where there's busy traffic.

• Kortrijk is the closest city reachable by rail. Kortrijk is a nice provincial city offering history or shopping and has important rail connections to Brussels , Ghent , Bruges , Antwerp , Lille .
• When you travel by car, it's also easy to reach the other towns that were an importance in World War I, such as Nieuwpoort , Diksmuide , Poperinge and Menin .
• The Belgian coast isn't far away, with sand beaches and picturesque towns a bit further from the beach. Those towns include Veurne , Koksijde and Nieuwpoort .

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Once a bustling centre of industry ranking alongside Bruges and Ghent, it's now impossible to reference Ypres (Ieper in Dutch) without acknowledging the huge role it played in WWI. After its almost total annihilation, the town was rebuilt to its former specifications – a monumental task – to serve as a memorial to those who lost their lives here in the Great War. Its restored Lakenhalle is one of Belgium's most spectacular buildings.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

In Flanders Fields Museum

No museum gives a more balanced yet moving and user-friendly introduction to WWI history. It’s a multisensory experience combining soundscapes, videos,…

The Last Post

Every night at 8pm, traffic through the Menin Gate is halted while buglers sound the Last Post in remembrance of the WWI dead, a moving tradition started…

A block east of Grote Markt, the famous Menin Gate is a huge stone gateway straddling the main road at the city moat. It's inscribed with the names of 54…

Ramparts CWGC Cemetery

One of Ypres' most attractive military graveyards, this Commonwealth War Graves Commission site is found 1km south of the Grote Markt.

Dominating the Grote Markt, the enormous reconstructed Lakenhalle is one of Belgium’s most impressive buildings. Its 70m-high belfry has the vague…

Ypres is unusual in that it has retained extensive sections of its city fortifications. Designed by French military engineer Sébastien Le Prestre de…

Merghelynck Museum

Unrelated to WWI, this museum faithfully reproduces a French manor house dating from 1774 and is filled with period antiques and artworks. The catch: it's…

St-Maarten en St-Niklasskerk

Directly behind the Lakenhalle, this vast church was a cathedral until 1797 and was almost totally destroyed in WWI. Reconstruction has beautifully…

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Commonwealth war graves commission Caring for the fallen

Commonwealth war graves Foundation  Our charity site

• Search in War Dead
• Search in Cemeteries and Memorials
• Search in Website
• Find Cemeteries & Memorials
• War Graves Tours
• Visiting a CWGC site
• The CWGC Visitor Centre
• Visit the CWGC in Ieper
• Visit Malta
• Find WW2 war graves
• Westtoer - Build your own Flanders pilgrimage

Explore Flanders Fields: Visit the CWGC in Ieper, Belgium

The town of Ieper, also known as Ypres , West Flanders, is an area that saw intense fighting throughout the First World War. Known to the British troops based there during the war as ‘Wipers’, the town is intrinsically linked with the war.

Now our home in Belgium, our Ieper Visitor Centre is a vital part of any trip to the Belgian battlefields.

Your journey to ViSITING Ypres Battlefields begins here

Our new visitor centre stands at the heart of commemoration in Belgium directly across from the Menin Gate. It forms the perfect starting point when visiting the WW1 battlefields and the cemeteries and memorials when those who fell are today commemorated. Our multi-language team are on hand. You can: 

• Discover more about our cemeteries and memorials in Ieper and the work of our teams in Belgium and around the world.
• Purchase souvenirs from our gift shop. All proceeds are directly invested in our educational and outreach projects worldwide.  
• Purchase your biodegradable wreath – we can even keep it safe for you until the Last Post. 
• Undertake research on the CWGC database – you can discover if we commemorate your relative or let us assist you with a research project and help find the graves you’re looking for. 
• Join a guided tour of the Menin Gate - learn more about the iconic memorial and discover some of the stories of the Commonwealth casualties commemorated there. 

Get your Biodegradable wreath

Our wreaths, handmade locally using natural plant life that grows across Flanders Fields, are the perfect way to pay tribute to the fallen of the world wars.

Purchase your wreath and take it with you to the Last Post ceremony. If you're visiting us earlier in the day, we're happy to hold your wreath for you, and you can pick it up ahead of the ceremony.

The Visitor Information Centre in Ieper opens on 2 July 2024. 

Sunday: 1 pm - 9pm Monday: Closed Tuesday: 1 pm - 9pm Wednesday: 10am - 9pm Thursday: 1 pm - 9pm Friday: 1 pm - 9pm Saturday: 10am - 9pm

The Centre closes to the public for a winter break (2 weeks TBC). 

On significant days when specific important historical events are commemorated, extended opening hours are possible.

We are dedicated to offering an inclusive experience, ensuring that all visitors, including those with disabilities, can fully enjoy our centre. Wheelchair access is available to the left of the main entrance.  

If you have any questions, or to arrange any added support for your visit please email [email protected] or call us on +32 (0) 5722 4750.

Travelling to Ieper

Our address is:

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission Visitor Information Centre  Menenstraat 46, 8900 Ieper, Belgium

From Lille: take the A25 to exit 13 and join the D948.

From Calais: take the A16 to Dunkirk and Lille and pick up the Lille route.

Eurostar from London to Lille or Brussels. From Brussels, trains run hourly to Ypres with a change in trains in Ghent. From Lille Europe you would need to change stations to Lille Flanders (by foot) and change trains as well in Kortrijk.

BY FERRY/CHANNEL TUNNEL:

Ferry services to Calais, Le Shuttle service to Calais.

Lille airport in Lesquin or Brussels International.

Find us - Ieper Belgium Map

Explore cwgc ieper / ypres war graves and sites.

The trench warfare around the Ypres Salient cost thousands of lives on both sides. Many of our largest cemeteries and memorials can be found in the Flanders region. Some of the closest sites to the town are:

The Ypres Menin Gate Memorial

The Menin Gate in Ieper is one of the most famous war memorials in the world. Unveiled on 24 July 1927, the memorial bears the names of more than 54,000 officers and men from around the Commonwealth who died in the region and have no known grave.

New Irish Farm Cemetery

Located to the north-east of the town, New Irish Farm cemetery is the final resting place of more than 4,700 Commonwealth servicemen of World War One who were brought to the site from battlefield burials and smaller cemeteries in the region.

HOOGE CRATER CEMETERY

Named after the nearby Hooge Chateau and a crater caused by a mine explosion, Hooge Crater Cemetery is located in an area that saw incredibly fierce fighting throughout the duration of the war. Close to 6,000 World War One burials can be found here, more than half of which remain unidentified.

BEDFORD HOUSE CEMETERY

There are more than 5,000 World War One burials at Bedford House Cemetery, as well as 69 World War Two burials. It is named after the Chateau Rosendal, which was named Bedford House by Commonwealth troops stationed nearby.

Ypres war memorial tours with Westtoer

If you want to explore the Ypres salient, but aren’t sure where to start, try building your own Flanders pilgrimage using our self-guided tours. Browse our range of downloadable guides on the local cemeteries and memorials in and around Ieper or try our themed recommendations.

Things to do in Ieper

As well as its ties to the world wars, Ieper has a rich cultural and historical character. There is a huge array of places to see and things to do in Ypres:

The history of Ieper

Ypres was a key strategic point in the front lines having been captured by the British army during the opening months of the war. This advance caused a bulge in the line, known as the Ypres Salient, which was the site of many of the fiercest battles of the war.

Today, the town of Ypres has been rebuilt but still retains its ties to the war. Ieper is home to the iconic Menin Gate Memorial to the Missing and a number of other CWGC war cemeteries and memorials throughout the region. 

Where is Ypres?

Ypres, or Ieper, is a small city in the province of West Flanders, Belgium. 

The city is close to the France-Belgian border and was the last line of defence against the German push to the French ports of Calais and Dunkirk, which were a vital part of the supply lines between Britain and the Western Front. 

Why is Ypres called Ieper?

Simply put, Ypres is the French language name for the town, and Ieper is the Dutch language name for the town. 

Today, Ieper is the official name, but during World War One, British soldiers would use Ypres, although anglicised to “Wipers” - as notably demonstrated by the soldiers’ publication ‘The Wipers Times’. 

Ypres and WW1

The battles at Ypres and the surrounding areas have become synonymous with the trench warfare that typified the fighting on the Western Front. 

The First Battle of Ypres began in October 1914, as the opposing forces attempted to outflank one another, with neither side able to gain a decisive advantage. The German forces wanted to push through Belgium and into northern France, whilst the Allied troops' armies sought to hold the channel ports and preserve their important supply routes with the United Kingdom. The battle drew to a stalemate as the weather worsened, ending on 22 November 1914, although a few ineffective operations were launched throughout the winter months. 

The Second Battle of Ypres began in April 1915 when German forces attacked Allied lines in the north of the Ypres Salient, an area where Allied lines were surrounded on three sides by German-held territory. The battle was notable for one of the earliest uses of poison gas by German forces. The Allied defenders were pushed 3 miles closer to Ypres, although they retreated a German breakthrough did not materialise. 

The Third Battle of Ypres , also known as the Battle of Passchendaele, began in July 1917, lasting for more than three months before it ended in November 1917. In what was one of the bloodiest battles of the war, the Allies made an initially successful assault, before becoming bogged down by bad weather and strong German defences.

In drier weather in September and October, British Empire forces achieved success with limited attacks intended to ‘bite and hold’ German lines. South African, Australian, New Zealand and Canadian forces would all play an important role.

German forces suffered heavy casualties during the battles of the Menin Road Ridge, Polygon Wood and Broodseinde. In October, heavy rain returned and turned the Ypres battlefields into a muddy morass during further fighting at Poelcappelle and Passchendaele . The offensive was finally halted after the capture of Passchendaele in November, and the village would lend its name to popular descriptions of the battle.

Throughout the long years of fighting, the city of Ypres - including its historic cathedral and Cloth Hall - was turned to rubble by German artillery. In 1920, King George V awarded the Military Cross to the city, which also received the French Croix de Guerre. While the city has since been rebuilt, the scars of the Great War are still evident, with many WW1 cemeteries, memorials and monuments to those that died. 

Ieper / YPRES war memorials

Such was the ferocity of the fighting around the Ypres salient, that many of our largest and most well known cemeteries and memorials can be found in or nearby Ieper. 

One of the most famous war memorials in the world, the Ypres Menin Gate, is a key part of the city and home to the nightly Last Post service, where residents and visitors to the city pay tribute to all those who died during the war. 

The CWGC’s New Irish Farm cemetery, Hooge Crater Cemetery and Bedford House Cemetery are located on the outskirts of the city, all of which hold thousands of First World War casualties, and the Tyne Cot Cemetery and memorial can be found just a short drive from the city.

Ieper, seen through the Menin Gate at night, (photo: Dirk Debleu)

YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL RESTORATION

The iconic Menin Gate Memorial is currently undergoing an extensive restoration programme in readiness for its centenary in 2027.

The Ypres Salient Battlefields, Belgium

Battles of the Ypres Salient

Within the first few months of the outbreak of the Great War the Ypres Salient witnessed the first of several major battles to occur there before the war ended on 11 November 1918. The major battles comprised:

• First Battle of Ypres , (19 October - 22 November 1914)
• Second Battle of Ypres (Battle Study), (22 April - 25 May 1915)
• Battle of Messines , (7 - 14 June 1917)
• Third Battle of Ypres (Battle of Passchendaele), (31 July - 10 November 1917)
• Fourth Battle of Ypres - Battle of the Lys, (9 April - 29 April 1918)
• Battle of Ypres , (28 September - 2 October 1918)

Battle Remains

There are numerous sites to visit in the Ypres Salient where remains of the fighting can be seen. These include trenches, mine craters and concrete bunkers.

Battle Remains in the Ypres Salient

Monuments & Memorials

In addition to the military cemeteries, there are a number of large memorials to commemorate the names of “The Missing”, those servicemen whose bodies were never found or could not be identified. These memorials commemorate those who have no known grave in the Ypres Salient. There are also many memorials to individuals, military units and civilians.

The scale of military casualties from the German, French and British Armies during the battles of the Ypres Salient amounted to several hundred thousand dead. Their graves are marked by over 100 military burial grounds on the old Ypres Salient 1914-1918 battlefields.

Ypres Salient Cemeteries

There are numerous public and private museums. These museums contain resources ranging from rare battlefield artefacts and archive collections to original trench systems. Education Services are also available for school and student groups at the larger museums.

Ypres Salient Museums

During the year there are commemorative ceremonies and events taking place in the area of the Ypres Salient battlefields.

• Daily Last Post Ceremony

Sounding of Last Post is a daily Act of Remembrance that takes place every evening at 20.00 hours at the Menin Gate Memorial to the Missing in Ypres/Ieper.

Daily Last Post Ceremony, Menin Gate Memorial

For a listing of events in the area see our page:

Events on the Ypres Salient Battlefields

Accommodation

There is a wide range of accommodation to suit all budgets for visitors to the area of the 1914-1918 Ypres Salient battlefields. As a guide this website provides listings of hotels, guesthouses, Bed & Breakfast, self-catering, hostels and campsites.

Accommodation in the Ypres Salient

• Cafés & Restaurants

The area offers a wide range of options for eating at restaurants, bistros, cafés and tea rooms for the individual traveller and tour groups.

Tourist Information

Information and links for online tourist information or tourist offices for Flanders and West-Flanders (West-Vlaanderen).

Towns & Villages

Ypres - Ieper

The medieval town of Ypres (nowadays called by its Flemish name Ieper) was located at the centre of the 1914-1918 battlefields of the Ypres Salient. Ypres was razed to the ground during four years of fighting. Read an overview of the history of the town, how it was affected by the war and some of the notable sights to be seen.

To see the locations and overview information for the towns in the region of the Ypres Salient battlefields see our page:

Towns & Villages of the Ypres Salient Battlefields

was a small town situated approximately 8 miles to the west of Ypres in the rear British Army area. The town was the location for the famous Toc H Everyman's Club, founded in 1915 by Padre Tubby Clayton.

Acknowledgements

(1) Photograph courtesy of Stad Ieper, copyright Tijl Capoen.

• Western Front Battlefields
• Battlefield Visits
• Memorials & Monuments
• Museums & Archive Collections
• Tracing Family History
• Researching Military History
• Education Resources
• Experience of the Great War
• Remembrance
• Organizations
• The Poppy Umbrella
• Ypres Salient 1914
• Study: Second Battle of Ypres 1915
• Ypres Salient 1916
• Ypres Salient 1917
• Ypres Salient 1918
• Bayernwald German Trenches
• Essex Farm Dressing Station
• Sanctuary Wood Trenches
• Spanbroekmolen Mine Crater
• Tyne Cot Bunkers
• Yorkshire Trench
• Zandvoorde Command Post
• Early History
• Inauguration
• Last Post Ceremony
• Cloth Hall Replica Peace Memorial
• Francis Ledwidge Memorial
• Guynemer Memorial
• Hill 62 Canadian Memorial
• Indian Forces Memorial
• Island of Ireland Peace Park
• Menin Gate Replica Peace Memorial
• Munster War Memorial
• New Zealand (Buttes New British Cemetery) Memorial
• New Zealand (Messines Ridge) Memorial
• New Zealand (Tyne Cot) Memorial
• Passchendaele Canadian Memorial
• Ploegsteert Memorial to the Missing
• St Georges Memorial Church
• St Julien Canadian Memorial Vancouver Corner
• Tank Memorial Ypres Salient
• Tyne Cot Memorial to the Missing
• Ypres War Victims Monument
• Bedford House Cemetery
• Berks Cemetery Extension
• Buttes New British Cemetery
• Essex Farm Cemetery
• Hyde Park Corner (Royal Berks)
• Langemark German Cemetery
• Le Mont-Kemmel French Military Cemetery
• Lijssenthoek Cemetery
• Ramparts Cemetery
• St-Charles-de-Potyze French Cemetery
• Tyne Cot Cemetery
• Ypres Reservoir Cemetery
• In Flanders Fields, Ieper
• Hooge Crater Museum
• Lijssenthoek Visitor Centre
• Memorial Museum Passchendaele
• Sanctuary Wood (Hill 62) Museum
• The Story of Talbot House
• Tyne Cot Visitor Centre
• 11 November Armistice Ceremonies
• B&B/Self-catering
• Visitor Centre for Ypres
• Souvenirs, Books & Gifts
• Fortified City
• Ypres 1914-1918
• 1919 Reconstruction
• Cloth Hall (Lakenhalle)
• Market Square (Grote Markt)
• Lille Gate (Rijselpoort)
• CWGC Office
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Tuvalu Travel Advisory

Travel advisory august 9, 2023, tuvalu - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Reissued with updates to health information and Travel Advisory Level.

Exercise normal precautions in Tuvalu. 

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Tuvalu.

Commercial transportation to/from Tuvalu is sporadically available. 

If you decide to travel to Tuvalu:  

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.    
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter .  
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Tuvalu.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.    
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .     

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Ticket and Travel Information | Notts County (A)

Ticket and travel information for our Sky Bet League Two clash against Notts County.

Match Date: Saturday 5th October 2024 Kick Off: 3 pm Venue: Meadow Lane

*Under 14s must be accompanied by a full-paying adult or senior.

Click here to purchase tickets

Ticket Allocation

We have been allocated 1,905 tickets from Notts County.

Notts County - Ticket Selling Process

Notts county have instructed PVFC to sell all the Y blocks first which amount to around 1000 tickets. The blocks are:  Y1, Y2 & Y3 (These are centre of the stand on the halfway line) 

Z1,Z2 & Z3 will be released once tickets are nearly sold out in the initial Y Blocks. 

All tickets will be digital (Print at home) tickets. These can be printed at home or scanned from a mobile device. There are NO Physical tickets available in the PVFC Store and the club won’t be able to print tickets on PVFC ticket rolls as it affects scanning at Notts County. In some circumstances, we will be able to print on A4 paper on behalf of supporters. 

Notts County are with Ticketmaster so we are able to offer an interactive seating map where supporters will be able to choose seats.

Proof of age may be required on entry for any concessionary tickets.’

Official Coach Travel

Price: £14 per person Departure: 11:15am from Car Park C

Ticket Release Schedule

Any remaining tickets will be available to purchase from Meadow Lane on the day of the fixture.

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In New Orleans, a ‘Black Beach’ Is Being Rescued From the Ruins

During segregation, Lincoln Beach was the only place on Lake Pontchartrain where Black people were allowed to swim. Now, after years of neglect and the intervention of local volunteers, it’s on the edge of revival.

Michael Pellet and Reggie Ford helped spearhead the cleanup of Lincoln Beach, which is now about to undergo restoration by the city of New Orleans. Credit... Bryan Tarnowski for The New York Times

Supported by

By Xander Peters

• Sept. 24, 2024

During segregation, Lincoln Beach was the one place on Lake Pontchartrain In New Orleans where Black people were allowed to swim. Live acts like Fats Domino and Nat King Cole drew crowds to a recreation area that included a roller coaster and swimming pools. But with passage of the Civil Rights Act in 1964, Black New Orleanians were finally allowed to swim at nearby Pontchartrain Beach. Lincoln Beach closed not long after.

The area fell into disrepair over the next 60 years. The three tunnels that once led locals under the railroad tracks to Lincoln Beach’s shoreline are fenced off and filled with storm water. Visiting the beach has long been prohibited, at least officially, although until recently the rules were rarely enforced.

But in the last few months, would-be visitors have been stopped by security guards, a signal of change on the horizon for Lincoln Beach.

In 2022, the city released a plan to redevelop the recreation area. Last year, it announced nearly $25 million in funding for the project . Then, this spring, Representative Troy Carter, a Democrat whose congressional district includes the beach, announced additional millions in federal redevelopment funds to preserve and revitalize the historic site. The city says it wants to open the beach “in a limited capacity” by next summer.

The city’s commitment comes after decades of work by community members who happened upon the beach and decided to save it.

Michael Pellet first saw Lincoln Beach in the late 1990s. Mr. Pellet, who goes by Sage, was walking his dogs near the lake’s shoreline when he noticed the beach area. His father and others had shared stories of youths spent at Lincoln Beach, and of its role as a space for the Black community. But by that time, nature and litter had taken the space.

“You hear all these stories,” Mr. Pellet said. “But I never really saw it.”

It remained in disrepair when Mr. Pellet returned in 2020, shortly after losing work as a barber because of the pandemic. At first on his own, Mr. Pellet began nursing the beach back to health. Days smeared into weeks and months as he bagged enough garbage to create a pile nearly two stories high. Mr. Pellet often camped there.

More locals gradually joined him.

Reggie Ford, an artist who sells his work near Jackson Square in the French Quarter, had heard of Lincoln Beach since he was a child and discovered it on his own on a cold winter day in 2016.

When he saw Mr. Pellet on the local news in 2020 for his effort to restore Lincoln Beach, it only took a few days before Mr. Ford began cleaning the beach too. Eventually, he, Mr. Pellet and other volunteers installed lighted pathways and trash bins. They filled thousands of bags of trash with debris scattered by Hurricanes Zeta and Ida. They built permanent fire pits and a drainage system using PVC pipe that helps keep the area manageable after flooding. They also removed brush, fallen limbs and trees, as well as steel and concrete remnants of the beach’s former infrastructure, like the dilapidated pool and stage.

The improvements drew visitors, sometimes as many as 1,000 in a weekend.

“We decided not to wait,” Mr. Pellet said on a visit to the beach in 2023. He pointed to the seashell-paved paths and the solar-powered lights they installed help visitors see at night. “We transformed this to a place that we want our families, our elders, our children to come to.”

Vanishing Black history

Places like Lincoln Beach are disappearing across the United States. Some simply disintegrate beyond recognition, while others are gentrified. With them go pages of national history.

In Atlantic City, N.J., what was once Chicken Bone Beach — named for the leftovers discarded by its visitors — and its neighboring mom-and-pop businesses have been taken over by a mixture of casinos, hotels and parking lots. Highland Beach in Chesapeake, Md., on the edge of Chesapeake Bay, was founded by Frederick Douglass’s son and later became the first incorporated African American municipality in the state; today, the same shores that once hosted the author Langston Hughes and others are accessible only through private entrances.

In 2022, the National Park Service published a theme study — a narrative historical guide — on the nexus of race, recreation and leisure in the United States that focused on the past and present conditions of sites like formerly segregated beaches. The study found that despite their historical importance, many remain underrecognized and unprotected, furthering a legacy of unequal distribution of recreational resources to Black vacationers.

Providing further representation for such sites will not only help close the “nature gap,” but also help in the “making of a more environmentally sustainable and racially just future,” the study’s authors concluded. A 2018 study by the park service found that Americans who identify as Black, Hispanic or Native American are less likely to use public parks and outdoor recreational areas.

The nonprofit Trust for Public Land also found that people of color are less likely than their white counterparts to live close to parks with properly functioning amenities, like bathrooms and water fountains. Last year, the trust announced an initiative aimed at broadening preservation efforts of Black historical spaces through renovation, like the more than $4 million effort to restore Atlanta’s Prince Hall Masonic Lodge , which once housed Martin Luther King Jr.’s office. The group estimates that only 3 percent of nearly 100,000 sites on the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places center on Black American history.

The growing calls to revive spaces like Lincoln Beach are “coming in response to decades in which these areas and the people who owned them have been dispossessed of so much of this land, and the memories that surrounded it,” said Andrew Kahrl, an author of the park service study and a professor of social, political and environmental history at the University of Virginia.

One example of success came in 2002, when Amelia Island’s American Beach , near Jacksonville, Fla., was designated a historic district. Similarly, Biloxi Beach in Mississippi has experienced a rebirth; there, from 1959 to 1963, Dr. Gilbert Mason Sr. held some of the civil rights movement’s most memorable wade-in protests to desegregate Gulf Coast beaches. Before the protests, the beaches were claimed as private property by neighboring landowners. Today, thousands of young Black Americans gather along those same, now publicly owned, shores to celebrate Black Beach Weekend in April.

Disintegrating remains

Before the security guards were in place, visitors who made their way to Lincoln Beach were forced to hop a concrete barrier, where a makeshift ladder led them down the levee. From there, they climbed between rail cars and walked over railroad tracks until a portal of unkept brush tugged at their clothes. Finally, the scrub gave way to the sight of sand.

There they could wander among the disintegrating remains of the beach’s concrete pool deck and its crumbling pier, which told the story of a place that had seemingly been forgotten by official caretakers like the city.

In 2022, New Orleans for Lincoln Beach , a community-led nonprofit, and the Water Leaders Institute, an organization that helps communities adapt to climate change, released a vision report to help guide the beach’s restoration. The report explores Lincoln Beach’s potential role in helping Louisiana shorelines adapt to climate change while combating coastal erosion — the state has lost nearly 2,000 square miles of coast since the 1930s because of erosion exacerbated by oil and gas activity and leveeing off the Mississippi River.

The rebuilding effort would be nothing without the project’s volunteers, said Aron Chang, a landscape architect and a founder of the Water Leaders Institute who helped draft the report. What the Lincoln Beach volunteers have done is “astounding,” Mr. Chang added.

“They’ve been able to move the gears of city and state and national machinery to the tune of millions of dollars to advance a project,” he said.

The beach reborn

Volunteers like Mr. Pellet and others feel as if their campaign has paid off. In 2021, the area was recognized as a space of “cultural significance” by the city of New Orleans. Last month, Lincoln Beach was also added to the National Register of Historic Places. The status qualifies it for additional grants and other funding sources. The city says it is committed to making it an “economically and environmentally sustainable destination,” according to the office of Mayor LaToya Cantrell.

As for Mr. Pellet, he’s also begun looking ahead to his own future. In 2022, he officially moved on from his work as a barber and began working full time as a climate justice organizer with the environmental nonprofit Healthy Gulf.

But much work remains for Lincoln Beach to thrive again. That includes resolving how to redevelop the recreation area. Proposals include building a waterfront entertainment complex, with a restaurant, a rooftop pool and a drive-in movie theater, as well as amenities like a food hall, kayak launch and urban farm.

“Why travel to Florida?” Mr. Pellet asked, standing on Lincoln Beach’s shoreline. in 2023 “This is a destination spot right here. ”

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Lima, Peru : The city, with its decade-long dining boom , now holds three places on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list, as many chefs embrace Indigenous Andean and Amazonian ingredients in the seafood.

Kyoto, Japan :  The Japanese city is famous for its temples and gardens, but it is laced with waterways  that can offer a different, and no less enchanting, view.

Marseille, France :  Get the full flavor of France’s second-largest city through its favorite street food — pizza  — whether it’s topped with raw garlic, sweet Corsican sausage, Emmental cheese or anchovies.

Rafting in Montana :  On a family trip in Montana, a father shares a tradition with his two sons  even as climate change threatens the certainty of the rivers he grew up running.

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