Private Tour
Private Full Day Tour of the Somme Battlefields
Overview
Available languages
8 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Starting in the beautiful towns of Arras or Albert we head to the notorious battlefield of the 1916 Somme offensive. From trenches to memorials we will guide you through the planning and execution of this infamous campaign.
We only operate private tours, this will be your tour and adapted as necessary to meet your needs during the time. If you have any special sites, such as areas that involved your relatives, please ask as we are keen to adapt the tour specifically for you. With our years of living and working on these iconic sites we aim to ensure you leave with memories of the sacrifice of a generation.
Given suitable notice time we are able to research and prepare a bespoke tour to cover an individual soldier or unit.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Travel time and Lunch stop are included in the tour duration.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Memorial Terre-neuvien De Beaumont-hamel
Visit the preserved trenches and the ground across which the Newfoundland Regiment bravely fought on the 1st July 1916.
Memorial de Thiepval
Your tour takes in the largest memorial in the world to the missing of the British Army, followed by time in the visitor centre.
What‘s Included
Air-conditioned vehicle
Pick up and drop off at either an agreed hotel or Arras train station
Lunch
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Private Full Day Tour of the Somme Battlefields
Pickup included
Reviews
29 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Comprehensive WWI Somme Battlefield Tour
Lisa C,Mar 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Jon is a wealth of knowledge & bonus he is a history major! He made the Somme come alive with an overview of the allied & German lines with sites we visited- a fantastic map. The sites really told the story of the July 1, 1916 battle. We could imagine & visualize movement & the massive losses. Standing near trenches, craters, fields where the battle was fought & cemeteries was profoundly moving! Do yourself a huge favor & book the personal tour it is worth every moment! Thank you Jon
Bringing the Somme to Life
williamwW5208WC,Jan 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our experience with Jon and Alison began weeks before the date itself. They were incredibly attentive to catering the itinerary to our wishes and delivered a perfect tour. On the day from collection to drop off Jon’s knowledge was nothing short of encyclopaedic. Every question, site, monument, and even several graves were covered in immense detail. The tour itself had a well balanced itinerary of battlefields, cemeteries, monuments, and other sites and that kept the tour exciting. We never once felt rushed and had ample time to explore and ask questions. We came to the region specifically to see these battlefields and Jon truly brought them to life. Thank you and best of luck with your book!
Battle of the Somme 01/07/1916
Ken M,Nov 13, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Alison was so knowledgable she really made our day with her an experience to remember. Having booked the tour, Alison contacted us beforehand to arrange the pick up point and also asking us if we had any particular sites that we wished to see or soldier(s) that we wanted to find/know more about. She brought the first day of the Somme battle to life (pun not intended!). There is no way we would have learned as much if we had self conducted our tour - she basically joined up the dots for us. Thank you Alison - we hope we can have another day with you sometime.
An Intimate & In-depth Experience of the Somme Battlefield
Graham M,Oct 14, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00An intimate and in-depth experience of the Somme Battlefield, we about about the main actions of the battle from 1st July through to November 1916. The familiar and the more obscure aspects of the battle were explained in an accessible way with all sides represented. Particular highlights were Y Ravine and the Windmill, and gettingto grips with a genuine Lee Enfield rifle at the Ulster Tower during our lunch stop. We also had a lively discussion about many aspects of the battle and the war in general, including opinions on Haig, Rollinson, Falkenhayn and the other commanders and the critical role the battle played in terms of tactical learning later in the war. Alison was a patient, knowledgeable and flexible guide. She tailored our tour to our specific requests and was willing to make on the spot changes to the schedule (Visiting Y Ravine because I had just read about it for example). Absolutely fantastic experience and well worth the price. I am even recommending Alison to my son's school for possible future trips. Thank you so much for our day. I'm glad we found you as our guide.
This tour was a fantastic experience. Allison was extremely welcoming and had amazing knowledge. I absolutely recommend this tou
Richard B,Sep 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Allison was extremely warm and welcoming. Her knowledge and passion was evident throughout the entire tour. It was an amazing experience, one I highly recommend.
A personalised tour with knowledgeable and passionate guides!
301ginah,Aug 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The main purpose of this trip was to visit my great grandfathers grave in Vaulx Hill. Alison and Jon offered a personalised and well researched tour, focusing first on my great grandfather, then describing the battles from that point on. We visited many significant sites between Bapaume and Amiens. Jon’s knowledge and passion exceeded our expectations. The visit to the John Monash Centre complimented everything Jon had shared with us. Our train was delayed, and Alison and Jon were totally flexible and accommodating. We highly recommend this tour.
First class private tour
P126DCkatherinem,Aug 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Alison was a wonderful guide, knowledgeable, passionate about the subject and a mine of useful tidbits. We really enjoyed the day, thoroughly worthwhile.
Excellent guide
KathyAnn M,Aug 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The guide was excellent. He took us to places where we would never be able find on our own. It is a must see tour.
Very good experience,...
SUDHIR B,Jun 17, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Very good experience, from pick up to drop off. The guide - Alison was knowledgeable, pleasant and ready to provide additional info. She was also interested to listen to our experiences back home or at other locations related to battle experiences and reasons thereof. Overall a very good experience - a lot to carry home from this homage tour
Fantastic day! Great...
Susan C,May 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Fantastic day! Great guide and visited lots of places. Very knowledgeable and answered all my questions!
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Operated by ALW Battlefield Tours