Q Can I download a PDF overview of our Self-Drive tours?
Yes - click here
Q Are you still doing conducted tours starting in the UK?
Our conducted tours for the remainder of this year are now fully booked. We are currently reviewing our tours and will most likely discontinue conducted tours starting from the UK with effect from 2010 in order that we may put all our efforts in to providing our popular Self-Drive tours.
Please bear in mind that you can now have the 'best of both worlds' inasmuch that you can now combine a Self-Drive tour with the luxury of a personal guide to meet you at your hotel to take you (and just you...) where you wish to visit.
If you have your heart set on a conducted tour starting from the UK then there are many companies to choose from (as you may have seen when searching the internet!), some better than others.... We will be happy to recommend a company we have come to respect over the years we have been organising tours - just email us and we'll let you have details.
Q Can I buy your guides separately (without including hotel accommodation)?
No. Our Self-Drive guides are only available when booking a 'package' comprising hotel accommodation and Channel crossing (the latter is not necessary for those travelling direct to France or Belgium).
Q
Which battlefields do you recommend visiting?As you may have already guessed, this is a hard if not impossible question to answer - but quite reasonable to ask!
Somme Battlefield
The Somme battlefield lies in an area of the Somme department of northern France called Picardie. This battlefield is a lot easier to explore than others as there has been little building work over the intervening years which, together with the gentle rolling slopes, makes comprehending the events of the battle so much easier. The biggest Commonwealth Memorial in the world is the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing, which stands high above the Somme battlefield and can be seen from miles around. The principal ‘battlefield towns’ for the Somme battlefield are Albert and Peronne. The Somme was the first battlefield I visited over forty years ago, and the quiet remoteness of the open terrain, coupled with its tragic legacy, drew me back to it time and time again (in fact I've never really stopped). For those interested in exploring on foot, then the Somme is in my view the more rewarding to navigate when compared to Ypres.Ypres Battlefield
Ypres lies in the heart of an area known as Flanders, with infamous villages such as Passchendaele, Hooge, Messines, Hill 60 and so many others that have become so synonymous with the Great War, making up the ‘salient’ that lies just a few kilometres to the east of the town. The Ypres area (now spelt the Flemish way 'Ieper') has a much flatter terrain when compared to other battlefields such as the Somme and has seen some degree of development over the post war years. Ypres is a most vibrant town with a particularly strong legacy of the battles that almost encircled the town throughout 1914-1918. The second largest Memorial to the Missing, the Menin Gate Memorial, located close to the town centre, is perhaps the most visited memorial on the Western Front, due largely to the famous 'Last Post' ceremony which takes place at 8.00 pm each and every evening.
What about children?On balance I think that Ypres is the best battlefield/town to visit for children and younger people wishing to explore the legacy of the Great War. The 'In Flanders Fields' museum is specifically aimed at younger visitors and there are many other museums to visit such as the recently opened Passchendaele Experience Museum. There is also the Last Post Ceremony which takes place at 8.00 pm every evening (as in every evening...) which is most often attended by many children.
Q How far are the Somme and Ypres from places like Calais and CDG airport (Paris)?
The Somme battlefield is just under a two-hour drive south-east from Calais and about the same drive-time from CDG (Paris).
The Ypres battlefield is about one hour's drive east from Calais and about three hours' drive north from CDG (Paris).
Ypres is about one and a half hour's drive north from the Somme battlefield.
Q When are Self-Drive tours available?
Self-Drive tours are available all year round. You choose the dates you wish to travel. The only limitations are those of availability of accommodation and Channel crossings! Hotel accommodation close to the battlefield is limited so it’s best to book as far in advance as possible. We will always come back to you with alternative options if your preferred choice is unavailable.
Q What is the cost of the Self-Drive tours?
The cost of a Self-Drive tour very much depends upon the hotel/Guest House chosen, the number of nights away, the time of year and the cost of the Channel Crossing. Eurotunnel prices vary from week to week (similar to flight prices). It’s impossible to list all the permutations of cost - this is why we ask you contact us for a quote. When emailing us, please give a rough idea of:
How many in your group (or just yourself)?
How many nights away you have in mind? (See next question for guidance).
How many rooms you require - and what type (ie, double/twin/single)?
Which hotel or hotels you wish to stay at? (Click here for options).
Whether you require a Channel crossing by Eurotunnel or ferry? (Not necessary for travellers already in France/Belgium or making their own way there)
Q
How much time should I earmark for a Self-Drive tour?There is a tendency for people to cram too much in to just a few nights away. Visiting the battlefields is not a sightseeing tour like visiting Paris. It requires time to reflect and absorb the events that took place beneath your feet, coupled with a natural tendency to want to explore using the maps etc that accompany our guides. Far better to allow too much time than too little (though sometimes easier said than done...)
As a general rule try and find time to spend at least two nights visiting either the Somme or Ypres battlefields, bearing in mind that two nights only gives you one clear day to get out and about.
Q Can I combine a visit to two (or more) battlefields?
Yes - this is your tour and you can spend as long as you wish at whatever battlefield(s) you choose. If you have in mind to combine both the Somme and Ypres battlefields then may be try and spend two nights at each location. At a pinch spend three nights, dividing your time between the Somme (two nights) and Ypres (one night).
Q Can I explore the battlefields without your Self-Drive guides?
Yes, but most likely at a cost of not being able to make sense of what you see. To see the terrain of today (mainly farmland) for what it was like all those years ago requires a combination of present day and original WWI ‘Trench Maps’, as well as a clear narrative of what precisely took place and where, and how to get to these places! One also needs clear directions as to where to drive, where to stop, what to look for and how to relate the landscape of today to how it was back in the Great War.
There have been many excellent books written about the Great War, but such books are rarely accompanied by adequate maps and plans sufficient to allow the reader to make sense of the landscape today. We have been exploring the battlefields of the Great War for over 40 years, the past thirteen of which running our specialist First World War battlefield tour company. During this time we have encountered many 'DIY' battlefield visitors, most of whom have a good understanding of the main battles, but who don't have a suitable written guide as to precisely where these events took place.
To overcome this frustration we have spent many years creating written self-drive guides to the Somme, Villers Bretonneux and Ypres battlefields of the Great War. These are not just any old guides. They have been specifically designed to take you on a journey of exploration, so you know exactly where to stop, where to walk and what to look for. The comprehensive guides have been specifically written and styled for both the first time visitor, as well as those wishing to explore in greater depth. The guides also include a separate easy-to-follow route plan and laminated map, so you can easily navigate the narrow roads that criss-cross the battlefields. At the heart of the guides lies a comprehensive selection of original trench maps, linked to present day easy-to-read maps, battlefield diagrams, panoramic and aerial photographs and descriptions, all arranged in very easy to follow sections.
Q Do your guides cover the entire Somme and Ypres battlefields?
No, as this would not be possible. Our Somme (1916) and Ypres battlefield guides are particularly suited for those seeking to understand the key battles that comprised these two major battles of the Great War. When I first visited the battlefields, I was never satisfied at being told that in a general area such-and-such a battle took place. I wanted to know precisely how the battlefield looked and precisely where the trench systems, both British and German were. It's no good staring at French or Belgium countryside unless you have adequate maps/diagrams/narrative etc which will allow you to use your mind's eye to 'convert' the countryside back to how it may have looked all those years ago. This fundamental principle underpins the guides we have produced.
The written guides are based on a rough assumption that you have just a couple of days or so to get a good overview of what happened where. They also take you to places other visitors may well not get to see. Visitors seeking to explore the Somme and/or Ypres battlefields in more detail, or explore a battlefield other than the Somme (1916) or Ypres, and not included in the below itineraries, or the actions of a particular regiment/battalion etc, or soldiers from a specific country, should still consider taking a general tour of the Somme and/or Ypres battlefields using our self-drive guide (printed) and to then ‘bolt on’ a day or two with a personal guide (your own ‘real’ English-speaking guide!) to focus on any specific areas of interest or battlefields not included in our printed guides. Here's more about this option...
Q Can I take a Self-Drive tour and have a guide to show me/us around the battlefields?
Yes! This is now one of the main attraction of our flexible Self-Drive tours. Your Self-Drive Tour can easily be combined with a one or two day (or more…) personal conducted tour which will be undertaken by one of our experienced, independent English-speaking guides who now live on or close to the WW1 battlefields of France and Belgium. We can arrange for our guide to collect you at your hotel and take you on a tour of the Somme and/or Ypres battlefields, or indeed just about any WW1 Western Front battlefield!
Will I be joining other members of the public?
No. This will be a truly personal tour and as such you will not be joining a group comprising other persons. This option adds considerably to the total cost of a self-drive tour when compared with joining a fixed-itinerary ‘public’ tour, but is by far and away the very best way to see the battlefield, especially bearing in mind this may be your only occasion to make the visit you have in mind. A personal tour is also better suited for the quiet exploration and reflection of past events, without the possible distraction of others making up your group - and the need for the tour leader to stick to a fixed time schedule!The personal (optional) tour we arrange can easily focus on areas of specific interest to you, such as battlefields where soldiers from any particular country or regiment fought and died (especially helpful for those seeking to explore battlefields where the British, Australians, New Zealanders, Canadians, Irish etc saw action). This service is included in the total cost you will pay, thus making your battlefield visit a seamless experience with everything arranged by us in advance.
Q Do you include evening meals with your Self-Drive tours?
The short answer is 'no'. The reason is that we have found that most people understandably want to have the freedom to eat where they choose (other than breakfast which is always included in our tour cost), rather than being tied to a hotel restaurant. This is one of the joys of visiting France and Belgium! having said this, we will be pleased to offer a half-board rate for any hotel should you so wish (it's no problem for us - we are here to make your tour as enjoyable and relaxing as possible).
Q Do you recommend just any old hotels?
Certainly not! We are not Expedia or some other remote faceless computerised hotel booking service. We only recommend hotels which we have personally 'tried and tested'. We prefer smaller privately owned hotels and pride ourselves in maintaining a personal relationship with the hotel owners so that our guests are looked after in the way we expect (we have a reputation for being a bit fussy...). We also tray to be as honest as possible so that if a hotel has a minor shortcoming which we think worthy of mentioning we will do just that (such as slow restaurant service etc). Unlike Expedia etc, we are here to answer any queries you may have, even whilst you are away (and can be contacted 24 hours a day if really necessary!).
Q Will I have to share a room with someone else?
For Self-Drive tours you decide which rooms you prefer to have. Single rooms work out more than sharing a twin or double room.
Q Where can I find advice about driving in France and Belgium (including required documentation etc)
This sounds a bit harsh, and I don't want it to seem so, but It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the appropriate documentation with you when you drive in France and Belgium, as well as complying with all laws and regulations relating to the use of vehicles generally. This is not a monumental task but simply a question of making sure you comply with the laws of France and/or Belgium, which may vary from those in your home country. It's fairly quite straight forward.
To help you, I have found the following websites helpful in determining what a driver needs to be aware of before taking his/her car abroad:
http://www.brittany-ferries.co.uk/540
Q Is there anyone who can advise me on where to visit and the time I need?
Somme Battlefield Tours Ltd is here to provide a personal service and to help in every way possible. We are pleased to offer advice on any aspect of the tours, or to include variations not mentioned here. Just phone for a chat (the nature of what we do often takes us away from our office so if we're not there then please leave a message and we'll get back to you ASAP). We are here to help you put together the best tour for the time you have at your disposal.
Q What do I need to pay when making a booking?
A deposit of £80 per person or 20% of the total tour cost, whichever is the greater, is required when booking a Self-Drive tour. The final balance is due eight weeks prior to departure. Payment in full will be necessary if you book within eight weeks of departure.
Q You are a small company - how are you able to guarantee security of any payments I make?
Somme Battlefield Tours Ltd fully complies with the provisions of the UK Tour package, Tour Travel etc Regulations 1992. These strict regulations provide that any payments you make to us must be held in a separate Trust Account which can not be released to us until your tour has been completed (for this reason always be cautious of anyone asking for cheques to be made payable to an individual as opposed to a Trust Account or similar). Full details of our trustees (Barclays Bank) are available upon request.
Unlike many other small tour operators,
we are a fully registered United Kingdom Limited company and as such our accounts are open to inspection by any person (upon payment of a small fee to Companies House). The above regulations are rightfully intended to protect travellers such as yourself.Q Do I have to buy travel insurance from you?
No. We advise that you shop around to get the best quote. Please also bear in mind that having medical and travel insurance is a condition of travelling with our company.
Q Can I pay by credit card.
Yes - we accept payment by Visa, MasterCard, Solo and Switch. I'm sorry but we are unable to accept payment by Diners or Amex.
Q Can I pay by internet banking (bank transfer)
Yes - we'll be pleased to let you have our bank details if this is how you would like to pay.
Q Who do I make cheques payable to?
'Somme Battlefield Tours Ltd Trust Account'
Q What meals are included?
For Self-Drive tours the cost is based on bed and breakfast (we tried including all meals but found that clients prefer to eat where they wish, as opposed to being tied to a hotel restaurant)
If we haven't been able to help you here then please e-mail us and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have, or assist in any way possible.
Please also tell us about anything we should include in these FAQs - your feedback helps us no-end!
Click to email us