01
First World War
Ypres, Arras
& the Somme
From Essex Farm and Tyne Cot to Vimy Ridge, Thiepval, Beaumont-Hamel and the Last Post at the Menin Gate.
Battlefield tours · France & Belgium
More than
a tour
A journey through history
Visit the places. Hear the stories. Honour the sacrifice. First and Second World War tours for individuals, clubs, associations and private groups.
“Lest we forget”
Menin Gate · Ypres
WWI & WWII itinerariesCarefully planned battlefield routes
Flexible datesGroup dates available throughout the year
Local departuresPoole, Bournemouth, Ringwood & Southampton
Our battlefield tours
Walk the ground
Understand the story
Each route brings together battlefields, museums, memorials and cemeteries, with time to reflect at the places that matter most.
Ypres, Arras
02
Second World War
Normandy &
the D-Day beaches
Pegasus Bridge, Ranville, Arromanches, Longues-sur-Mer, Merville Battery, Hill 112 and the Falaise Pocket.
Prices shown from the current tour information. Final itinerary, availability and price are confirmed when you enquire.
Travel made straightforward
The details are handled
The history stays with you
Comfortable travel
Coach and ferry travel is arranged around the itinerary, with regular comfort stops along the way.
Quality hotels
Pre-visited accommodation rated at least three stars, with private bathroom or shower facilities.
Historical context
Context-rich visits that connect each landscape, memorial and museum with the people behind the history.
Personal requests
Ask in advance about a cemetery, memorial or battlefield connected to your family and the route may be adapted.
Private & group tours
Your group
Your history
Your route
Clubs, associations and groups of friends can request dates throughout the year. For larger tailor-made groups, local pick-up and specific places of interest can be discussed when planning the itinerary.
Plan a private tourA route through remembrance
- 01YpresMenin Gate · Tyne Cot · Passchendaele
- 02ArrasWellington Quarry · Vimy Ridge
- 03The SommeThiepval · Beaumont-Hamel · Lochnagar
Routes can be adjusted for personal memorial visits where practical.
Good to know
Prepared for the journey
Battlefield touring is rewarding, but some locations are remote and the ground can be uneven. A little preparation makes the experience far more comfortable.
Rooms & meals
Prices are normally based on two people sharing a twin room. Breakfast is included; other meals are only included when stated.
Walking & clothing
Expect uneven paths, broken ground and occasional trenches or dugouts. Bring sturdy footwear and wet-weather clothing.
Passports & insurance
Everyone travelling needs the correct documents and adequate travel insurance. Check current requirements before departure.
Frequently asked
Before you travel
If your question is not here, call or email. A real conversation is often quicker than wrestling with twelve dropdown menus.
Can we choose a date for our own group?
Yes. Dates are available throughout the year and Harding Poppy Tours will try to accommodate clubs, associations and groups of friends.
Can you include a particular memorial or grave?
Give as much notice as possible. If the location works with the route and timings, a small diversion may be possible.
Are single rooms available?
Single-occupancy rooms are usually available for a supplement and are subject to hotel availability.
How much walking is involved?
There is a fair amount of walking and some ground is uneven. If mobility is a concern, discuss it before booking so the itinerary can be explained clearly.
Where do regular tours depart from?
Regular pick-up points currently include Poole, Bournemouth, Ringwood and Southampton. Private groups can ask about a local pick-up.
Start a conversation
Ready to walk
in their footsteps?
Tell us which tour interests you, how many people are travelling and any places with a personal connection.