the wellington quarry, memorial to the battle of arras

DKD94

We are so glad we visited after finding this attraction via TripAdvisor and having a few hours to kill in Arras before heading home. The reception desk were helpful and were able to arrange a tour for 14 of us, even though we hadn't booked - something that was a problem at other attractions in the area. The tour was very informative and you do not need background knowledge/a wild interest in WW1 to appreciate it. Our tour guide spoke perfect English and was keen to answer any questions that we may have. The visit was particularly moving for us as we had a family member that fought in the Battle of Arras and it was the perfect way to learn about the conditions that he faced as a soldier at the time. Overall, we would definitely recommend that people should go to the Wellington Quarry when visiting Arras.

Venetia60

Even if you're not madly interested in WW1 or military history, this tour is an absolute must and suitable for the whole family - unless anyone suffers from claustrophobia. A lift takes you 20 metres underground, after which the walking is perfectly even. Our guide was excellent and, although it's not Disneyland, the exhibition makes good use of technology in sight and sound. The entire experience is amazing and highly informative. Don't miss it if you're in the area.

Simongeorgep

Arras was one of the main British Army front line bases throughout WW1.We re-discovered the quarries there and managed to dig them out and join them up so that we could conceal 10,000 troops there before releasing them up a newly dug adit just in front of the German front lineBlackadder's General Hogmany Melchett was a genius compared to his real life colleagues!But despite the slightly sub-optimal plan it was an attempt to try something different and this memorial and attraction have faithfully captured the story and re-create it very wellWe took someone in a wheelchair and it worked well

Westdocker

This is well worth a visit, its part of our heritage and we should embrace it. The guide was very good and very knowledgeable, admission was reasonable and the exhibits and books excellent.

Dovinesque

We did this tour in conjunction with the Belfry tour purchased from the tourist office. Good value and a short walk from the main station in Arras. You get about an hour of guiding with clear audio commentary plus additional info from a short film follows with more info.The whole thing is well paced and thought provoking. The tour is underground but adequately lit on safe walkways. Worth the time.

catface41

We had never heard of these caves before visiting Arras for the Christmas Market and now regret our ignorance. It's an absolutely essential visit to get some feel of the scale of the war and it's impact. It's very moving too - 4000 a day killed, every day for the first 2 months in that battle. It's hard to comprehend such things. The caves are well fitted out to make the visit very easy and informative and the staff are extremely helpful. Can't recommend it highly enough.

Terry_Marsh

I can't help feeling that visitors mistake this memorial for the Wellington Quarries. The memorial is just that, the great long wall that flanks the quarry visitor centre. It lists the companies of soldiers who fought at the Battle of Arras, and suffered tremendous losses. But it's all a bit dated, and needs a face-lift. It's moving, of course, and a worthy reminder, but surely someone could do something about its condition.

Guin36

How long should we plan for the Wellington Quarry visit? We would also like to visit Ypres/Flanders Field - Cloth Halls museum on the same day driving to Bruges. Is this too much or can we do it in one day, leaving from Arras?

maggie9

We donned helmets for this chilly walk through the caves, largely there before the First World War, but adapted by Allied troups to move from Arras to surprise the German troups. The caves housed 24,000 troups for six months. It was a fascinating tour, explained both by audio and by a guide. The circumstances under which the troups lived brought home how very pampered we all are today. Cold slabs of stone to lie on, dripping ceilings, little in the way of warmth, or food. The camaraderie kept them all going. A very moving experience, and very worthwhile.

934gayg

I emailed before we arrived in Arras, not knowing if we would need a reservation and they kindly got back with me very quickly. This is a look into both WWI and WWII and the the terrible conditions and extreme circumstances the servicemen faced. It is a great tribute to them and a very interesting experience. Well presented with a charming and knowledgable guide who takes the small groups through the chalk quarries. Thank you for a great tour!

RAH1975_21

A four day coach trip entitled "Footsteps of the Fallen". We stayed at the Hotel Mercure in Arras for three nights. On the first couple of days we visited the various cemeteries and memorials to the fallen in the area and Vimy Ridge.On the last day we visited the underground Wellington Quarry which was used in both WW1 and WW2 as a headquarters and billeting facility. We had to don helmets and wear a device for an audio guide. A very interesting and informative visit and well worth it. Many books and souvenirs on sale relating to the Great War in the entrance area.

SianSedgwick

Fascinating tour with helpful guide. The only negative was that my audio guide ran out of battery power before the end of the tour, but as a reminder of the conditions that soldiers endured during WW1, this was very humbling and the battery issue didn't interfere with my experience.

SLB1952

wear headsets so tour can be in language of choice. Excellent recommendation by tourist office. Allow an hour.

JohnK363

I needed it as the ceiling is low !!My worry was that it was going to be "disney-fied" - a needless worry.Excellent tour and explanation of the when; why; how & who behind the tunnels and the hell that engulfed the area.

Bobw353

This is a fantastic exhibition. Walking through the tunnels is fascinating - we can't imagine what those troop went through, but this gives you a real feel of the conditions they endured and sacrifice they made for us all.