pay tribute to family, or if you simply take an interest in history. Join one of our battlefield coach tours to France and Belgium on these unique occasions to get up close to events that shaped our world and commemorate those who fought.

Commemorate Arras and Cambrai

The penultimate year of the Great War, 1917 saw several pivotal events – crucially, the USA entered the war, while Russia’s revolution saw it leave the conflict. Intense fighting continued closer to home, with major battles in Arras and Cambrai in Northern France. Make the trip here to see the battlefield where tanks were first used en masse in the historic battle of Cambrai. Travelling via Vimy Ridge and the Arras Memorial, this five-day coach trip takes you to the heart of theWestern Front on a true one-off occasion, marking two centenaries in WWI’s major European theatre.

Mark the Messines offensive

From 7–14 June 1917 troops from the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand took part in a famous victory at Messines. The fighting involved a huge mine blast that devastated the German lines and was probably the biggest planned explosion in history until the A-bomb tests of 1945.

Control of Messines Ridge gave vital high ground to the south of Ypres, making it a strategically important location, and the victory was a prelude to the Battle of Passchendaele. A visit here is humbling any time but the centenary year is a special chance to experience history up close.

Walk the battlefields

Walking tours provide a real sense of place and give you the time