Somme Battlefield Tours

Immerse yourself in the rich history of the Somme battlefields with a personalized guided tour. Discover the stories, sacrifices, and significance of this historic location through expert guidance and tailored experiences.

About Me

I have been visiting the Somme battlefields for nearly 30 years. My first trip was in 1996 & I’ve been coming back regularly ever

since. Living in the Southeast of England, I am ideally placed to hop across the channel and head down to the battlefields

where I can arrive within just a few hours.

I am a volunteer, firstly, for the RAF Association, which does superb work looking after its family of veterans, and also for the

Commonwealth War Graves Commission, another fantastic organisation. For the CWGC, I clean headstones in my local

cemetery and also run regular tours for groups of children and adults alike. I have been recently christened ‘The War Graves

Guy’, a soubriquet I’m particularly fond of.

The battlefields of the Somme captivate me, where the current peace, tranquillity, and picturesque countryside mask the intense

battles that occurred over a century ago. I walk and cycle through these battlefields to gain a deeper understanding of the

events that unfolded so many years prior.

Whether I'm alone or guiding small groups to the Western Front, reading about an individual soldier, tracing his footsteps,

and attempting to comprehend what he and his comrades endured, and then finally visiting the place where he fell, is profoundly

poignant and incredibly moving.

For the British, the Battle of the Somme, fought from 1 July to 18 November 1916, more than perhaps any other episode has come to epitomise the emotional power and significance of the First World War. The Somme still evokes feelings of carnage, personal hardship and the loss of the best of a generation of men. Over 141 days British forces advanced 7 miles, but at the cost of almost 420,000 casualties, including 125,000 dead. It felt, and continues to feel, like a very high price. Despite these losses during the battle vital military lessons were learned by the British. The soldiers of all its nations were, by the end of the year, battle-hardened and professional.

A brief history of the Battle of The Somme

Tours

In accordance with local laws and regulations, each tour will commence and conclude within the UK. We will journey via the Euro Tunnel or by ferry to the Somme battlefields, which is a drive of under 90 minutes. Once there, I will guide you through the significant historical sites of the Somme battlefields, detailing the onset of the battle, its objectives, and its conclusion.

Tours will be tailored to meet your specific needs.. Maybe you wish to trace the footsteps of a family member? Perhaps you want to learn about the Victoria Cross winners of the Somme, or maybe you want to follow the actions of a particular unit in the battle?

On a tour with me, you'll gain insight into the living conditions of the soldiers, the experience of being under fire, and what it meant to go 'over the top.' With period trench maps and modern GPS technology, you will traverse 'No Man's Land' and uncover tales of triumph and tragedy, heroism and bravery.

Join me in following in the footsteps of the men who served on the Somme battlefields over 100 years ago.

Prices

Each tour is tailored to your own requirements. Please contact me for a quote.

Prices include:

Travel from, and return to, the UK via Euro Tunnel or ferry
Accommodation at a superb local bed & breakfast right in the heart of the Somme battlefields. An excellent evening meal can also be provided
Personal battlefield guiding services using expert knowledge
Personalised itinerary focussing on the historical sites that you want to see
Pre-tour research services for both individuals, and/or relevant units