Sanctuary Wood Museum
Hill 62

Take a walk through WWI trenches and learn all about the war to end all wars at the Sanctuary Wood Museum Hill 62

We’ve all seen the movies and read the history books, but what were WWI trenches actually like? It’s hard to know until you see it in person. At Hill 62, you get to explore an original WWI trench layout.

You get to see and learn a bit about WWI. Hill 62 Museum has lots of bits and pieces from the war. Check out the steroviewers near the entrance - it’ll show you realistic 3-D scenes from the war. (Some not family friendly!)

After checking out the museum, you get to walk around the trenches. If you enjoy relaxing strolls and pretty scenery, this isn’t what you’re looking for. The trenches get muddy, they’re not roomy, and they’re not super pretty. But walking through the trenches helps to bring those history lessons to life.

• Intact trenches: in 1919, a farmer returned to Ypres once the war was over. He reclaimed his land but kept the trenches pretty much how they were. The museum is actually owned by the grandson of that farmer.
• Learn some more history: a trip to this museum isn’t complete without checking out the famous Sanctuary Wood Cemetery just down the road. Plus, the Canadian memorial Hill 62 is super close too

Learn all about WWI

• Ypres is known for its WWI history. If you want to see more, check out the Yorkshire trench. A trench battle happened here in 1915 where 155 Allied soldiers sadly lost their lives. You can walk through the trenches here too!
• It’s important to see both sides of the war for a full view of history. So what about Germany? At Bayernwald German - Trenches you can explore the WWI German trenches, plus a unique mine shaft.