Brussels to Ypres (Ieper) and Poperinge: Private day trip

Ypres was completely destroyed in WWI, but rebuilt stone by stone. Every evening at 8 pm, the Last Post sounds at Menin Gate - a tradition unbroken since 1928, except during German occupation. Begin at the In Flanders Fields Museum in the restored Cloth Hall. It tells the story of the war through personal accounts, letters, and interactive exhibits. Walk to the Menin Gate, where 54,896 names of missing soldiers are carved into white stone. Explore St. Martin’s Cathedral and see how the city’s Gothic architecture rose again after total destruction. Stroll the old town’s cobblestone streets and take in the quiet, reflective atmosphere. If your timing allows, stay for the Last Post ceremony at 8 pm. It’s a moving tradition of remembrance that has continued daily since 1928, apart from wartime occupations.

Poperinge, just behind the front lines, offered soldiers rest and relief. Today, it’s known for its hop-growing heritage and the historic Talbot House. Visit Talbot House, the incredible soldiers' club where rank didn't matter and everyone from privates to generals could find comfort and normalcy away from the front. It still feels as it did a century ago, with its small chapel and original furnishings. Learn about the region’s brewing tradition at the Hop Museum. Then walk through the market square and admire the town’s Flemish-style buildings. Poperinge is also surrounded by hop fields, a reminder that this peaceful town was once a lifeline for thousands of soldiers. The mix of wartime history and beer culture makes it a unique and memorable stop.