Family-Friendly Adventures in Thiepval, Hauts-de-France!

Thiepval Memorial

Why Visit?

The Thiepval Memorial, located in the Picardy region of France, is a poignant site dedicated to the memory of the missing British and South African soldiers who died in the Battles of the Somme during the First World War and have no known grave.

### Morning: Arrival and Exploration

Start your day early by arriving at Thiepval. This site is accessible by car, located about an hour"s drive from Calais or Amiens, making it an easy day trip. There is ample parking available for visitors.

Upon arrival, begin at the Thiepval Visitor Centre. Here, you can immerse your family in the detailed exhibits that explain the historical context of the First World War, the Battle of the Somme, and the significance of the memorial itself. The exhibits are interactive and designed to be engaging for children, featuring personal stories and artifacts.

### Midday: Guided Tour

Join one of the guided tours typically available from spring to autumn. These tours delve deeper into the stories behind the names inscribed on the memorial and the landscape"s transformation over the years. Tour durations and timings can vary, so check the schedule in advance.

### Afternoon: Memorial and Surrounding Grounds

After the tour, take your time to walk around the Thiepval Memorial, designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens. The memorial is impressively large and inscribes over 72,000 names. Discuss with your children the importance of remembrance and the scale of sacrifice made during the war.

You can also explore the nearby Thiepval Wood, where trenches and shell holes are still visible, offering a real-life glimpse into wartime conditions. Guided walks are often available to explore these woods.

### Practical Tips:

- Wear comfortable walking shoes.

- Check weather forecasts; the area can be quite windy.

- Facilities like restrooms and a small cafe are available at the visitor center.

This itinerary promises a thoughtful and educational day out for families, ensuring both adults and children leave with a deeper understanding and remembrance of the Great War.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Lochnagar Crater

Why Visit?

Family Day Trip to Lochnagar Crater: A Journey into History and Nature

Morning: Arrival at Lochnagar Crater

Start your adventure to Lochnagar Crater early in the morning. Located near the village of La Boisselle in France, the crater can be easily reached by car from the city of Amiens, just about an hour"s drive away. There"s a designated parking area near the site from where you can take a short, scenic walk to the crater itself.

Interesting Fact: The Lochnagar Crater was created on July 1, 1916, during the First World War, by a massive explosion set off by the British army aiming to destroy German defenses. Today, it stands as a poignant memorial and a stark reminder of the war"s impact.

Midday: Explore the Crater and Surroundings

Upon arrival, take a walk around the crater, which measures about 100 meters in diameter and 30 meters deep — it"s one of the largest man-made craters preserved from World War I. As you stroll, explain to the kids how the crater is a symbol of peace and remembrance. You can also find informative panels detailing the history of the site and the Battle of the Somme.

Lunch: Picnic Near the Crater

Pack a picnic to enjoy in the serene surroundings. There are several beautifully maintained spots around the area that are perfect for a family meal amidst nature.

Afternoon: Visit the Lochnagar Crater Memorial

Dedicate the latter part of your visit to exploring the memorial erected near the crater. It features a poignant collection of plaques and memorials contributed by visitors from all over the world. It"s a good opportunity to teach children about the importance of peace and the global impact of historical events.

Departure

As the day winds down, take a leisurely walk back to your car. The visit to Lochnagar Crater not only offers a lesson in history but also provides a chance to reflect on the importance of peace and remembrance.

This family-friendly itinerary to Lochnagar Crater promises an educational and memorable day out, rich with historical insights and surrounded by the peaceful beauty of the French countryside.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial

Why Visit?

Embark on a poignant family journey to the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial, located in France"s Somme region, which pays tribute to the valiant soldiers of the Newfoundland Regiment from World War I. This historical tour not only educates but deeply moves its visitors.

Getting There

From Paris, a scenic 2-hour drive leads you to the quaint village of Beaumont-Hamel. Renting a car or taking a regional train to the town of Albert followed by a short taxi ride are the best options for reaching the memorial.

Start at the Visitor Centre

Begin your visit at the newly renovated Visitor Centre, where interactive displays and knowledgeable staff help children understand the historical significance of World War I. They"ll learn about the life of a soldier through engaging, age-appropriate explanations and artifacts.

Tour the Battlefield

Guided tours are available, offering families a comprehensive walk through the preserved trenches and craters. This immersive experience is both educational and touching, highlighting the bravery and sacrifice of the soldiers. The guides are great at engaging with children, making the history come alive in a respectful manner.

The Caribou Monument

The striking bronze caribou, the emblem of the Newfoundland Regiment, stands overlooking the battlefield. It"s an excellent spot for reflective moments and discussing the impacts of war, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation among young ones.

Memorial"s Surroundings

The area around the memorial is perfect for a quiet picnic, where families can take in the serene beauty and reflect on their visit.

Interesting Fact

July 1st, not only Canada Day back home but also marks the anniversary of the Battle of the Somme, where the Newfoundland Regiment suffered significant losses, making this memorial a critical piece of their heritage.

This visit promises to be a memorable, educational, and heartfelt experience, connecting the past with the present in a meaningful way for both kids and adults.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Pozieres

Why Visit?

Pozieres, a small village in the Somme region of France, is steeped in World War I history, making it a poignant stop for families interested in history. Here’s a concise, family-friendly itinerary for visiting Pozieres:

Morning: Pozieres Battlefield and Memorial Sites

Start your day at the Pozieres Memorial on the D929 road, which is easily accessible by car from Amiens or Arras (approximately 45 minutes drive). The memorial commemorates over 14,000 casualties of the UK and the South African forces who died in the battles of 1916. It"s an opportunity to teach your children about the sacrifices made during WWI. Walk around the site to see the remaining trenches and the preserved battlefield, which can be both educational and moving.

Lunch: Local Dining in Albert

Head to the nearby town of Albert for lunch, about a 15-minute drive from Pozieres. Choose a family-friendly restaurant like "Le Corner"s Pub" for a taste of local French cuisine. Albert also features the Somme 1916 Museum, which is perfect for a post-lunch visit. The museum is housed in a former air-raid shelter and presents a detailed depiction of soldiers" lives during the Great War.

Afternoon: Lochnagar Crater

After lunch, drive to the nearby Lochnagar Crater, about 20 minutes away. This massive crater was created by a mine explosion on the first day of the Battle of the Somme and is now a poignant memorial owned by a British charity. It’s a physical representation of the war"s impact on the landscape and serves as a powerful visual lesson for kids.

Evening: Reflective Walk and Dinner

Wind down your day with a reflective walk around the village of Pozieres itself, noting the smaller memorials and cemeteries. For dinner, head back to Albert or stay in Pozieres at a local inn that serves traditional French dishes, offering both comfort and local flavors.

This itinerary not only provides a deep dive into the historical significance of the region but also includes engaging, educational experiences for children, making history accessible and impactful.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Villers-Bretonneux

Why Visit?

Villers-Bretonneux, a town enriched with history and remembrance, makes a profound and educational destination for families. Located in the Somme region of France, it"s easily accessible by car or train from major cities like Paris or Lille.

Morning: Australian National Memorial and Sir John Monash Centre

Start your day at the Australian National Memorial, located just outside Villers-Bretonneux. You can drive (approximately 1.5 hours from Paris) or take a train to Amiens and then a local bus or taxi. The memorial is a poignant tribute to Australian soldiers who died during World War I. Walk amongst the headstones, and climb the tower for panoramic views of the battlefield. Next, visit the Sir John Monash Centre, an interpretative museum that uses interactive multimedia displays to tell the stories of Australian soldiers on the Western Front. It’s educational and engaging for all ages.

Lunch: Local Dining in Town

Head into Villers-Bretonneux for lunch. Enjoy traditional French cuisine at a local bistro. The town is small, so walking or a short drive from the memorial sites is feasible.

Afternoon: Franco-Australian Museum

After lunch, visit the Franco-Australian Museum located in the Victoria School. The museum, easily accessible by a short walk through the town, showcases the special bond between France and Australia, highlighting how Australian forces liberated the town in 1918. The museum is engaging for kids, with artifacts and stories that bring history to life.

Evening: Stroll and Dinner

Conclude your day with a leisurely stroll around the town. Notice the Victoria School, inscribed with "Do Not Forget Australia," a testament to the enduring friendship between the two nations. For dinner, enjoy a meal at another local eatery, where you can discuss the day’s learning and experiences.

This itinerary offers a blend of education, remembrance, and cultural immersion, ideal for a family trip to Villers-Bretonneux.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.