Sanctuary Wood

The basics

Initially an area of refuge for British soldiers, Sanctuary Wood–also dubbed Hill 62–became part of the Allied frontline in late 1914 and home to a network of British-built trenches, which remain in place today. Visitors can explore the site independently by purchasing tickets to the trenches and the adjacent museum before walking to the neighboring Sanctuary Wood Cemetery and Canadian Memorial–both of which are free to visit.

Sanctuary Wood features on many private and group World War I battlefield tours departing from Ypres and other cities. These full-, half-, and multi-day excursions typically include round-trip transport and visiting other landmarks like Tyne Cot, making it easy to cover Ypres’ battle sites in one seamless trip.

Things to know before you go

• All the Sanctuary Wood sites are designed for wheelchair access, although wheelchair users may find some trench areas challenging. Wheelchair users are advised to contact the Commonwealth War Graves Commission for guidance on accessing the cemetery.

• Wear sturdy footwear for the often-muddy trenches.

• Plan about 1–2 hours to visit the three sites.

• The museum has a cafe and restrooms.

How to get there

Around 3 miles (4.5 kilometers) from Ypres, Sanctuary Wood is accessible by self-drive, cab, or guided tour–there’s no public transport. Drivers from Ypres should follow the N37 eastward, turn onto the N8 to Geluveld, and take the second right-hand turning (signposted Hill 62) onto Canadalaan. The museum, cemetery, and memorial lie about a mile (1.8 kilometers) along here, each offering parking.

When to get there

The museum and trenches are generally open 10am–5pm Tuesday–Saturday, but close at certain times of the year, so check before visiting. The cemetery and memorial are open daily, although bear in mind that they may close by early evening. The best time to visit is during the drier summer weather. However, visitors peak during this period, especially around midday each day, before swelling again in and around Nov. 11, Armistice Day.

What to see at Sanctuary Wood

Don’t miss the Sanctuary Wood Museum’s stereoview photos: 3D panoramas of the local battlefields, which provide a startling record of the devastation that unfolded here. And be sure to visit the cemetery, where 1,989 Commonwealth soldiers are buried or commemorated, many of them having died in the surrounding woods and fields.