Menin Gate Memorial Tours and Activities

Menin Gate Memorial featuring heritage elements and a park as well as a small group of people
Menin Gate Memorial which includes heritage elements as well as a small group of people
Menin Gate Memorial which includes heritage elements
Menin Gate Memorial which includes a statue or sculpture
Menin Gate Memorial


Pay your respects to missing World War I heroes, the fallen soldiers whose bodies were never recovered from the battlefields of Ypres.

The Menin Gate Memorial is one of four shrines in Ypres to the missing dead in Belgian Flanders during World War I. The large brick structure bears the names of more than 54,000 servicemen and women who lost their lives fighting for the Commonwealth Forces.

The impressive gate was designed by architect Sir Reginald Blomfield and was unveiled in 1927. Its style is simple and elegant, a tribute to the fallen rather than a triumphant memorial of war.

Marvel at the beauty of the majestic redbrick monument, then wander through one of the arches and into the Hall of Memory. Many of the names of the fallen are inscribed in Portland Stone panels on the hall’s inside walls. Occasionally, a name will be removed from the list when remains are discovered in nearby fields, identified and given a proper burial.

At the western entrance to the memorial, see the sculpted sarcophagus with a flag and wreath. During the war, troops passed through this location on their way to the battlefields. At the eastern entrance is a sculpture of a lion looking out to where the battlefields were located. There are several inscriptions to read at the memorial, including some by writer and poet Rudyard Kipling.

Attend the Last Post ceremony, which is held every evening at the gate. The observance has taken place every day since 1928, except during the period of German occupation in World War II. The road through the gate is closed and a trumpet call is sounded. This is followed by a minute’s silence.

The Menin Gate Memorial is just next to the Kasteelgracht moat in the heart of Ypres. The gate marks the eastern point of the city center and can easily be reached on foot from other attractions, such as the Cloth Hall and St. Martin’s Cathedral. After your visit, go to the nearby monument to the fallen Gurkhas and Indian soldiers.

Plan a trip to see Menin Gate Memorial

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Vintage Hotel Brussels
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Best Lodging Options Near Menin Gate Memorial

Mister Bed Lomme

Mister Bed Lomme

110 Rue du Grand But, Lomme, Lille, Nord
Mister Bed Lomme
Hotel Lille Europe

Hotel Lille Europe

3 out of 5
Avenue Le Corbusier, Allée de Liege, Lille, Nord
Hotel Lille Europe
Novotel Suites Gare Lille Europe

Novotel Suites Gare Lille Europe

4 out of 5
Boulevard De Turin, Lille, Nord
Novotel Suites Gare Lille Europe
OKKO Hotels Lille Centre

OKKO Hotels Lille Centre

4 out of 5
13 rue d'Amiens, Lille
OKKO Hotels Lille Centre
Hilton Lille

Hilton Lille

4 out of 5
335 Boulevard De Leeds, Lille, Nord
Hilton Lille
The Originals Residence, Le Wax, Lille Est

The Originals Residence, Le Wax, Lille Est

3 out of 5
161 Av. le Notre, Villeneuve-d'Ascq, Nord
The Originals Residence, Le Wax, Lille Est
Grand Hotel Bellevue

Grand Hotel Bellevue

4 out of 5
5 Rue Jean Roisin, Lille, Nord
Grand Hotel Bellevue
Ibis Lille Centre Gares

Ibis Lille Centre Gares

3 out of 5
29, Av Charles St-Venant, Le Forum, Lille, Nord
Ibis Lille Centre Gares
Residhotel Lille Vauban

Residhotel Lille Vauban

3 out of 5
69-71 Boulevard Vauban, Lille, Nord
Residhotel Lille Vauban
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Menin Gate Memorial

When visiting the Menin Gate Memorial in Ypres, you can enjoy various activities such as biking and walking tours that delve into the area's rich history. Don't miss the opportunity to take guided tours focused on the memorial and its significance, as well as general sightseeing to appreciate the beautiful surroundings. Make sure to allocate time for both day tours and a deeper history tour to fully immerse yourself in this poignant landmark.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near Menin Gate Memorial, check out Mammoet Center, located 20.9km away, offering a mix of family and city vibes. If you're up for a drive, K in Kortrijk is 27.4km away, featuring a vibrant atmosphere. The Fish Market, 46.7km away, also provides a unique shopping experience.

Recreation

At Ypres Open Golf, enjoy a round of golf surrounded by scenic landscapes, just 1.6km from Menin Gate Memorial. For sports enthusiasts, Le Canonnier Stadium offers a vibrant atmosphere, located 25.7km away. For relaxation, indulge in soothing treatments at Sauna Caldare, 27.4km away, promoting wellness and tranquility.

Adventure

At Menin Gate Memorial, you can experience the thrill of Ice Mountain Adventure Park, a ski field located 11.3km away, perfect for snow sports enthusiasts. For a scenic ride, hop on the Cordoba funicular, 12.9km away, offering family-friendly outdoor adventures. Explore the Bakelandt Fietsroute, 6.4km away, ideal for cycling in nature.

Nightlife

The nightlife around Menin Gate Memorial offers diverse experiences. Catch a romantic film at Kinepolis Bruges, located 41.8km away, or try your luck at Grand Casino Middelkerke, 37.0km away. For a cultural evening, enjoy a show at Kortrijk Theater, just 27.4km from the memorial.

Find the best attractions near Menin Gate Memorial

When visiting the Menin Gate Memorial in Ypres, immerse yourself in the rich history by exploring nearby museums dedicated to military and local heritage. The memorial itself stands as a poignant monument, perfect for those seeking cultural and romantic experiences. Don't miss the opportunity to read reviews and learn more about the Menin Gate, ensuring a meaningful visit to this significant site.

  • In Flanders Fields Museum: This military museum, located 322m from Menin Gate Memorial, offers a poignant exploration of World War I's impact on the region. With immersive exhibits and personal stories, it brings the history of the war to life, fostering a deep cultural appreciation.
  • Saint James' Church: Situated only 161m away, this stunning cathedral features remarkable architecture and intricate stained glass. Its serene atmosphere invites reflection, making it a perfect spot to soak in the local culture and history.
  • Old Cheese Factory: About 8.0km from the memorial, this charming factory showcases the art of cheese-making. With friendly locals and a hands-on experience, it's an adventurous way to taste the region's culinary delights.

Best time to go to Menin Gate Memorial

The best time to visit Menin Gate Memorial can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Menin Gate Memorial falls in August, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Menin Gate Memorial falls in January, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January39.2°F (4.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
February40.3°F (4.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
March44.4°F (6.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April49.6°F (9.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
May55.2°F (12.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June61.5°F (16.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July64.8°F (18.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
August64.9°F (18.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September60.6°F (15.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October54.1°F (12.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November46.6°F (8.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighAverage
December41.7°F (5.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Menin Gate Memorial

Visiting the Menin Gate Memorial in Ypres is budget-friendly, as entry is free. Nearby, you can also explore Ypres Market Square, Polygon Wood, and Saint-Sixtus Abbey at no cost. For cheaper accommodation, consider visiting from January to March, booking about a month in advance, and staying on a Tuesday. Use Expedia to find last-minute deals and refine your search based on your budget. Consider package deals that combine flights, hotel stays, and activities for additional savings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Menin Gate Memorial are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April to May and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Menin Gate Memorial about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Menin Gate Memorial is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Menin Gate Memorial is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your choices based on your budget, desired location, and the type of hotel you have in mind. To find the best prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your hotel stay at the Menin Gate Memorial with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.