Menin Gate Memorial
Menin Gate Memorial, Ieper (Ypres)
Menin Gate Memorial
Menin Gate Memorial
5
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues
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About
Ypres (now Ieper) is a town in the Province of West Flanders. The Memorial is situated at the eastern side of the town on the road to Menin (Menen) and Courtrai (Kortrijk). The YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL now bears the names of more than 54,000 officers and men whose graves are not known. The memorial, designed by Sir Reginald Blomfield with sculpture by Sir William Reid-Dick, was unveiled by Lord Plumer on 24 July 1927. Each night at 8 pm the traffic is stopped at the Menin Gate while members of the local Fire Brigade sound the Last Post in the roadway under the Memorial's arches.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • French • Belgian • Mediterranean
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136 within 6 miles
CWGC Information Centre
3
207 ftHistoric Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Market Square
940
0.2 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Sint-Jacobskerk
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0.1 miChurches & Cathedrals
Ramparts Cemetery
451
0.2 miCemeteries
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112
0.2 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks
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43
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
4,890 reviews
Excellent
4,291
Very good
542
Average
49
Poor
6
Terrible
2
NorthStar755425
29 contributions
Oct 2019
Been to last post ceremony several times and always amazed at how many people turn up. It takes place every evening rain or shine and lasts up to 30 minutes. Always a dignified turnout and well worth a visit. The gate itself is a reminder of those who died in the great war.
Written June 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Roslyn138
Wrexham, UK576 contributions
May 2022
Following our visit to Tyn Cott Cemetery we went into Ypres . Entering the town stands the Menin Gate a monument that lists over 54,000 servicemen who died and are stilling missing. The names are inscribed on stone panels inside the memorial . We read that every evening at 8 pm the last post is sounded.
Written June 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
LanceSmallshaw
La Hulpe, Belgium175 contributions
Apr 2022 • Solo
Another opportunity to visit the Menin Gate while staying in Ypres again. The 8pm ceremony by the last post association is always full with all ages. The meeting point before and after is a super family owned bar next to the Ypres Inn over the road next to it called the OL or Owl. The feel and sense of respect of the place continues to ring through the ages. Everyone must visit it once in their lives I have been to do it more often.
Written April 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
conrad57
Ieper (Ypres), Belgium987 contributions
Apr 2020
During Covid19 soft lock down period spring 2020 there were as good as none visitors to the Menin Gate Memorial. The beauty of it's architecture and it's commemorative value was even more impressive than in normal circumstances. How impressive; a signature of British presence, suffering and endeavours during WW1 in the city of Ypres and around in the Salient.
Written June 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
SnowyShasta
Portland, OR1,638 contributions
Apr 2022
This memorial is a place that you should definitely visit if you're in Ypres. It's free to enter, and it is sobering to consider all the many names that are engraved on it of those lost during the war. When we visited, there were a large number of wreaths and flowers that people had placed in remembrance. The memorial is a short walk from the Cloth Hall, and you can also climb to the ramparts and walk along the river. We spent about 20 minutes in the area and looking at the names and tributes.
Written June 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Allister16
Wigan, UK249 contributions
Mar 2020
Firstly the town of Ypres is such a beautiful place you will love it. We stayed there for two days to explore the town and visit the Menin Gate and whiteness the last post ceremony which takes place every night. Truly moving and what a beautiful memorial to the missing. I will never forget it.
Written August 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Hilary R
Hitchin, UK88 contributions
Aug 2020 • Solo
I have been here several times and it never ceases to move me. Even in the middle of the day, when the sun is shining, it brings a chill to the soul to see the names of so many who were lost in battle. Not only a fitting tribute, but also very informative, with lots of displays explaining the context of the names.
Written August 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
stableview2018
Ascot, UK13 contributions
Oct 2019 • Family
Amazing that they still bugle the last post every day and have done every day since WW2. They moved it to Surrey during the war. Such a beautiful way to remember the fallen. After the service there are great places to visit and eat in the square nearby
Written January 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Werther Veulemans
Leuven, Belgium517 contributions
Dec 2018 • Couples
Impressive monument to remember the First World War. Each day at 20.00 o’clock sharp they perform the Last Post. It’s the closest thing you can get to the First World War.
Written December 29, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
brian J
runcorn9 contributions
Aug 2014 • Couples
I am so glad that I knew this place 20 years ago before it became a vile theme park! The behaviour of some people at the 8pm last post here was disgusting, pushing and shoving, I nearly got pushed over in the crush. May I suggest the the council of Ypres organise better crowd control, the fair in the centre of town did nothing to enhance the ambience...a fair on the day after the commemoration of the beginning of The Great War? Disgusting! I will never return!
Written August 9, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Do you have to pay to get into Menin Gate or is it something anyone can visit at any time?
Cheers guys!
derekm3436
Ireland34 contributions
No charge, you can visit it anytime throughout the day and spend as much time as you like.
There are controls put in place at 19:00 hrs to prepare for the nightly 'Last Post Ceremony' which takes place at 20:00 hrs and can run for 20-30 mins approx.
Cheryl B
Newcastle, Australia34 contributions
I have two questions.
1. I have the location of my great uncles name on the wall. Is it easy to find names.
2. Can I place a poppy next to his name
Sharon K
Occitanie, France41 contributions
If you know the name and regiment it could still take a while but all the Australian battalions are together so that might be easier. There is a shelf below the column where his name is so you can leave a poppy there.
Coral C
Luton, UK19 contributions
Hi,there are a group of us coming to Ypres on 20th April 2019 & we would like to lay a wreath either during the afternoon or just after the Last Post !!! The question is whom do we have to ask & do we have to put it in writing. Thanking you in advance
angela g
Bexleyheath, UK64 contributions
The whole evening is organised. You can bring a wreath along but get there at least half an hour before. You will be shown where to go and told what to do.
DongoDan123
Clapham, UK314 contributions
Silly question no doubt but does the last poet play on Christmas Day?
Neil H
Weybridge, UK146 contributions
Every day so yes
Joan D
Wimborne Minster, UK22 contributions
I am visiting Menin Gate on the 16th April 2018 -100 years anniversary of my Granddads death at Tyne Cot, where can I buy a wreath at Ypres?
John G
Dewsbury, UK118 contributions
@Joan D, there’s plenty of places to purchase such items not far from the Menin Gate but there’s also a Legions store right by the entrance, hope this helps you & enjoy your tour, but I’ll warn you in advance it’s very emotional, especially when you’ve a family member, like myself & millions of others, that sacrificed their life for us & it does really make you think what the poor souls encountered & endured.
Alexander R
Edinburgh, UK5 contributions
My wife and I are laying a wreath in memory of her grandfather on 8th September 2017. Are we allowed to take photographs or film this?
spencersgran
Wakefield West Yorkshire40 contributions
Yes of course no problems.Sorry I took so long to reply x
Pamela M
Maidstone, United Kingdom1 contribution
I visited the Men in Gate on 18th April 2015. I found it a very moving ceremony and I would like to know the names of the two brothers from Maidstone Kent whose story was told on this occasion.. I could not quite hear the details of the commemoration and as I live in Maidstone I am interested in finding out more
Pamela Mortime
Tom K
Northampton, UK20 contributions
ay be worth contacting the Royal British Legion in Maidstone,
Trish M
London3 contributions
Hi
We are looking at visiting Ypres shortly and wondered what admission fees are for Menin Gate?
Ian P
Colchester, UK192 contributions
No fee for the Menin Gate. It is not considered a 'Tourist' attraction by the people of Ypres. If you are driving parking in the Grand Square near the Cloth Hall is free from 18.00 onwards, plus if you arrive a little beforehand you can park for 30 mins free. It is only a few minutes walk from there to the Gate and the ramparts. So you could easily park up visit the Gate in daylight, take a short walk along the ramparts, have a meal or drinks in the town, with plenty of time to before the ceremony starts. I recommend you get there at about 19.30 and do not stand on the lights in the road as they get so hot they can melt the soles of shoes.
I hope you find your visit rewarding.
Frequently Asked Questions about Menin Gate Memorial
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- Hotels near Menin Gate Memorial:
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