Explore the Battlefields of the Somme
Discover the 1916 Offensive
Learn about the Battle of the Somme, its objectives and its significance during the First World War.
Visit Historic Battlefield Locations
Explore key sites associated with the offensive and discover the events that unfolded there.
Understand the opening assault of July 1916
We begin with the ground around Beaumont-Hamel, the Ancre Valley, Thiepval, Ovillers, La Boisselle, Fricourt, Mametz and Montauban. In The Footsteps Tours, we place the opening assault within the wider attempt to break the German line, explaining the geography of the battlefield and the scale of the operation. Our historian links individual locations to the course of the day while keeping the focus on the ground visited. We examine terrain.
Follow later fighting across woods and sectors
The next stages cover Bottom Wood, Mametz Wood, Bazentin Woods, High Wood and Delville Wood, followed by the Australian sector at Pozieres and the Canadian sector at Courcelette. In The Footsteps Tours, we also visit Flers-Courcelette, associated with the introduction of tanks to the battlefield. This route shows how the campaign developed after the opening assault, with changing objectives and operations across several national sectors. We link actions to strategy.
Day One: The opening day of the Somme
Visit the battlefields of the deadly day in British Army history, including Beaumont-Hamel, the Ancre Valley, Thiepval, Ovillers, La Boisselle, Fricourt, Mametz and Montauban.
Day Two: The Battle of the Woods
Follow the fighting in the days after 1 July, including Bottom Wood, Mametz Wood, the Bazentin Woods, High Wood and Delville Wood.
Day Three: The Australians, the Canadians and the Tank
Visit Pozieres and the Australian battlefield, the Canadian sector at Courcelette, and the Flers-Courcelette battlefield where tanks were used.
Your tour ends at your tour hotel.
Itineraries are subject to change for operational reasons. Any changes will be advised before departure.
Price: From £750.00 GBP per person
Based on: pick-up and drop-off from your agreed location in Arras; six people touring; a dedicated tour vehicle driven by an expert battlefield historian; two people sharing a twin room.
Notes: Costs may vary with hotel availability and selection. Single occupancy supplement £105.00. A supplement may apply for anniversary dates. Deposit is 30% or £200.00 per person, whichever is greater. Booking indicates acceptance of the Standard Terms and Conditions.