Walk Through a Genuine First World War Battlefield

Some destinations tell history. Others allow you to experience it.

Just outside the historic city of Ypres (Ieper) lies one of Belgium’s most remarkable heritage sites: the Yorkshire Trench & Dugout, now fully restored and once again open to the public. Hidden within what is now an industrial area, this extraordinary site offers visitors a rare chance to walk through an original British frontline trench exactly where soldiers fought during the First World War.

For anyone interested in military history, family heritage, or simply understanding the events that shaped modern Europe, Yorkshire Trench & Dugout is an unforgettable experience.

A Unique Survivor of the Western Front

Unlike many reconstructed battlefield attractions, Yorkshire Trench & Dugout is the only preserved British trench in the Ypres Salient that remains in its original location.

Originally constructed in 1915 and expanded during 1917, the trench formed part of Britain’s frontline defensive network during some of the most intense battles fought on the Western Front. Beneath the surface lies a deep underground dugout that once served as headquarters for British troops, providing shelter from relentless artillery bombardments.

Walking through the trench today offers a powerful glimpse into the daily reality faced by thousands of soldiers more than a century ago.

Rediscovered by Chance

One of the site’s most fascinating stories is how it was found.

After decades hidden beneath farmland, Yorkshire Trench was accidentally rediscovered in 1992 by a local farmer. Archaeological excavations that followed uncovered an extraordinary collection of wartime remains, including more than 200 soldiers’ remains together with hundreds of personal belongings, military objects and battlefield artefacts.

Many of these discoveries are now preserved and displayed at the renowned In Flanders Fields Museum, helping visitors understand both the military history and the human stories behind the conflict.

A Careful Restoration for Future Generations

Years of changing groundwater levels had begun to threaten the preservation of the trench and underground chambers.

A comprehensive restoration programme has now secured the site’s future while improving the visitor experience.

Highlights of the restoration include:

• New staircases providing safer access to the dugout entrances
• Improved underground lighting revealing previously hidden features
• Modern interpretation panels explaining the site’s history
• Clearly marked pathways tracing the original 1915 trench line
• Gravel routes above ground illustrating the network of underground chambers located approximately ten metres below the surface

The result is a more accessible and immersive experience while maintaining the site’s historical authenticity.

A Community Effort Across Borders

The restoration demonstrates the lasting connection between Belgium and the United Kingdom.

Funding came from both public investment and enthusiastic community support. Crowdfunding campaigns organised in Belgium and Britain—supported by Yorkshire historian John Morrison—raised tens of thousands of euros to help preserve this important piece of shared European history.

The success of the campaign reflects the enduring bond between Yorkshire families and the battlefields where so many of their relatives served during the First World War.

An Outdoor Classroom for New Generations

Yorkshire Trench & Dugout is far more than a historic monument.

The site continues to play an important educational role, welcoming school groups through programmes organised by the In Flanders Fields Museum. Students gain first-hand insight into trench warfare, military strategy and, above all, the human cost of war.

Standing within the narrow trench, surrounded by the landscape where history unfolded, offers a perspective that no textbook can fully capture.

A Powerful Reminder of the Value of Peace

More than one hundred years after the First World War, Yorkshire Trench & Dugout remains one of Belgium’s most moving remembrance sites.

Its preservation allows visitors to reflect not only on the courage and sacrifice of those who served, but also on the importance of protecting peace for future generations.

Whether you are exploring the historic city of Ypres or touring the battlefields of Flanders, this remarkable site deserves a place on your itinerary.

Visitor Information

Location: Bargiestraat, Ypres (opposite IVVO Green Park)

More info here: https://www.inflandersfields.be/

Admission: Free

Nearby Attraction: Visitors can begin their journey at Entry Point North at Hoeve Klein Zwaanhof, where a free introductory exhibition and archaeological displays provide valuable background before walking to the trench.

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