Visit the CWGC in Ieper
The town of Ieper, also known as Ypres, West Flanders, an area that saw intense fighting throughout the First World War. Known to the British troops based there during the war as ‘Wipers’, the town is intrinsically linked with the war.
Ypres was a key strategic point in the front lines having been captured by British troops during the opening months of the war. This advance caused a bulge in the line, known as the Ypres Salient, which was the site of many of the fiercest battles of the war.
Today, the town has been rebuilt but still retains its ties to the war. Ieper is home to the iconic Menin Gate Memorial to the Missing and a number of other CWGC cemeteries and memorials throughout the region.
Ieper, seen through the Menin Gate at night, (photo: Dirk Debleu)
Visit the CWGC Ieper Information Centre
The CWGC Ieper Information Centre is in the centre of town, just a stone’s throw from the iconic Menin Gate. The centre is the perfect starting point when visiting any of the cemeteries and memorials that commemorate those that fell during World War One.
Drop in and our friendly team will help you find out more about CWGC’s local sites, undertake research on the CWGC database or answer questions you may have about our work. You can also pick up a souvenir from the CWGC shop or join our membership scheme.
Purchase a wreath or a CWGC souvenir
Our wreaths are now on sale at the Ieper Information Centre. Each wreath is carefully and respectfully handmade in the former Ypres Salient from woven fresh willow that grows on the former battlefields.
They contains a gorgeous blend of brown and greenish twigs that over time will dry-out to become a beautiful uniform colour. Soft willow catkins provide a touch of white that will never fade, symbolising our commitment to never forget the lives which were lost during the World Wars. A single red flower provides the finishing touch, a colourful glint amongst the headstones.
OUR OPENING TIMES
The Ieper Information Centre is open to the public on:
Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday from 13:00 to 21:00
Wednesday and Saturday from 10:00 to 21:00
No booking is required.
The centre is closed for maintenance from mid-December until re-opening the first week of February.
On significant days when specific important historical events are commemorated, extended opening hours are possible.
FACILITIES
A gift shop is available at the centre. There is a multi-language service available, offering information and brochures about the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and the numerous sites to visit in the area.
You can also freely access our casualty database via iPad to help you find the location of graves of your interest.
We are committed to providing an accessible attraction, and we strive to ensure that visitors with disabilities can enjoy as much of our centre as possible. If you have any questions, or to arrange any additional support for your visit please email enquiries@cwgc.org or call us on +44 (0) 1628 507200. Our Ieper Information Centre is reachable during opening hours on +32 57 35 27 91.
Travelling to Ieper
Our address is:
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission Ieper Information Centre
Menenstraat 33
8900 Ieper,
Belgium
| The best ways to get to us: | |
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BY CAR: From Lille: take the A25 to exit 13 and join the D948. From Calais: take the A16 to Dunkirk and Lille and pick up the Lille route. |
BY TRAIN: Eurostar from London to Lille or Brussels. From Brussels, trains run hourly to Ypres with a change in trains in Ghent. From Lille Europe you would need to change stations to Lille Flanders (by foot) and change trains as well in Kortrijk. |
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BY FERRY/CHANNEL TUNNEL: Ferry services to Calais, Le Shuttle service to Calais. |
BY AIR: Lille airport in Lesquin or Brussels International. |
Find us in Ieper
Explore CWGC sites in and around Ieper
The trench warfare around the Ypres Salient cost thousands of lives on both sides. Many of our largest cemeteries and memorials can be found in the Flanders region. Some of the closest sites to the town are:
The Ypres Menin Gate Memorial
The Menin Gate is one of the most famous war memorials in the world. Unveiled on 24 July 1927, the memorial bears the names of more than 54,000 men and officers from around the Commonwealth who died in the region and have no known grave.
Learn more about the Menin Gate Memorial
New Irish Farm Cemetery
Located to the north-east of the town, New Irish Farm cemetery is the final resting place of more than 4,700 Commonwealth servicemen of World War One who were brought to the site from battlefield burials and smaller cemeteries in the region.
Learn more about New Irish Farm Cemetery
Hooge Crater Cemetery
Named after the nearby Hooge Chateau and a crater caused by a mine explosion, Hooge Crater Cemetery lies in an area that saw incredibly fierce fighting throughout the duration of the war. Close to 6,000 World War One burials can be found here, more than half of which remain unidentified.
Learn more about Hooge Crater Cemetery
Bedford House Cemetery
There are more than 5,000 World War One burials at Bedford House Cemetery, as well as 69 World War Two burials. It is named after the Chateau Rosendal, which was named Bedford House by Commonwealth troops stationed nearby.
Learn more about Bedford House CemeteryWhat to see in Ieper
As well as its ties to the world wars, Ieper has a rich cultural and historical character. There is a huge array of places to see and things to do:
