Menin Gate Memorial
Menin Gate Memorial
5
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.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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- EdK59Sevenoaks, United Kingdom1,064 contributionsMenin Gate Memorial Service every night at 8.00pm.A moving ceremony 'The Last Post' is a definite for anyone visiting and staying in Ypres. It takes place every night at 8.00pm. A solemn reminder of the futility of warm, but also remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice.Visited October 2023Traveled with friendsWritten October 8, 2023
- JayWestYyLeeds, United Kingdom575 contributionsSpecialAn amazing and emotional place when they play the last post at 8pm every night . Get there early as it does get very busy and also hope you don’t get a rowdy school group which can happen and spoil the ambiance. We were lucky to see a lone Scottish serviceman also play the bagpipes at an extended event this week. Unfortunately the gate itself is under reconstruction so you can’t see it through the scaffolding. However a must visit if you are on the battlefields tour.Visited October 2023Traveled with friendsWritten October 25, 2023
- CopCodderCape Cod, Massachusetts266 contributionsWish it was fully openWent to see to see the memorial and view the Last Post ceremony. Unfortunately the memorial was surrounded by scaffolding and most of it was covered, but the ceremony was powerfully moving. A definite stop if you love history.Visited June 2024Traveled soloWritten July 14, 2024
- Kevin B11 contributionsA Mecca for RemembranceFirstly, the Menin Gate is currently undergoing a huge refurbishment and is draped in sheets and scaffolding. Having said that, they have tastefully printed a picture of what the Menin Gate looks like on the sheets - really nice touch. Completion is due Summer 2025 and we, personally, would love to see the finished article in all its glory!!Visited August 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten August 15, 2024
- DayTrip435734045851 contributionVery moving experienceWent with a group of friends during our tour of northern France and Belgium. We had the fortune of staying at Menin Gate House 1, the most beautiful and well appointed house in Ypres, the owner of which is chairman of the Last Post Association and a world of information about the Menin Gate. The Royal Grenadier Guards were playing the night we attended and their rendition of Amazing Grace was truly amazing, the hairs were standing on my arms! It's a must do when in YpresVisited September 2024Traveled with friendsWritten September 9, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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JayWestYy
Leeds, UK575 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
An amazing and emotional place when they play the last post at 8pm every night . Get there early as it does get very busy and also hope you don’t get a rowdy school group which can happen and spoil the ambiance. We were lucky to see a lone Scottish serviceman also play the bagpipes at an extended event this week. Unfortunately the gate itself is under reconstruction so you can’t see it through the scaffolding. However a must visit if you are on the battlefields tour.
Written October 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Canada27
Tecumseh, Canada576 contributions
Jul 2022
I've been fortunate to attend the Last Post here on several occasions and every time is a rewarding experience. No two ceremonies appear to be the same, even on back-to-back nights. You can't help but respect a society who honours those who fell defending this city on a nightly basis. This year, I had the good fortune of laying a wreath, which took the experience to a whole new level.
The structure itself is breathtaking. From the engraved walls to the beautiful architecture. Quiet easily one of my most favourite places on Earth (and I have no direct connection to it, other than an interest in the war itself). This is a must visit if you're in Ypres. Tip: Come back at night when it's lit up in all its glory.
The structure itself is breathtaking. From the engraved walls to the beautiful architecture. Quiet easily one of my most favourite places on Earth (and I have no direct connection to it, other than an interest in the war itself). This is a must visit if you're in Ypres. Tip: Come back at night when it's lit up in all its glory.
Written September 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jan B
6 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
We were advised by friends to attend the 8pm memorial service, which we did. We were extremely moved by the level of respect the people of Ypres show every night at 8pm. It brought tears to our eyes, it was very respectful. We spoke to one of the organisers after and they have been holding this service since 1928, apart from the 2nd World War when the Germans took over Belgium. Really impressed with Ypres and the architecture. Great visit and well done to the people of Ypres.
Written July 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
aviaraptor
London, UK33 contributions
Oct 2024 • Friends
A must see event. As simple as that. Join the other international guests paying their respects to the fallen. The honour guards from various nations form up and march on parade. After the last post is played the key guests and supporters lay their poppy wreaths. Remembrance.
Lest we forget.
Lest we forget.
Written October 26, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AvidTraveler12
Winchester, UK1,833 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
This is a major site to commemorate the huge loss of WWI. Every evening at 8pm, a bugler plays the last post and it is very moving.
Unfortunately, the complete structure is covered in scaffolding & tarpaulins for what I am sure is essential maintenance & restoration work. As a result the ceremony takes place underneath the gate and it becomes extremely crowded which somewhat makes the experience not as good as to when the renovation is completed.
Will return once renovations are complete.
Unfortunately, the complete structure is covered in scaffolding & tarpaulins for what I am sure is essential maintenance & restoration work. As a result the ceremony takes place underneath the gate and it becomes extremely crowded which somewhat makes the experience not as good as to when the renovation is completed.
Will return once renovations are complete.
Written June 4, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DayTrip43573404585
1 contribution
Sep 2024 • Friends
Went with a group of friends during our tour of northern France and Belgium. We had the fortune of staying at Menin Gate House 1, the most beautiful and well appointed house in Ypres, the owner of which is chairman of the Last Post Association and a world of information about the Menin Gate.
The Royal Grenadier Guards were playing the night we attended and their rendition of Amazing Grace was truly amazing, the hairs were standing on my arms! It's a must do when in Ypres
The Royal Grenadier Guards were playing the night we attended and their rendition of Amazing Grace was truly amazing, the hairs were standing on my arms! It's a must do when in Ypres
Written September 9, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roslyn138
Wrexham, UK1,202 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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
conrad57
Ieper (Ypres), Belgium982 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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LanceSmallshaw
La Hulpe, Belgium182 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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kevin B
11 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
Firstly, the Menin Gate is currently undergoing a huge refurbishment and is draped in sheets and scaffolding. Having said that, they have tastefully printed a picture of what the Menin Gate looks like on the sheets - really nice touch. Completion is due Summer 2025 and we, personally, would love to see the finished article in all its glory!!
Written August 15, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Do you have to pay to get into Menin Gate or is it something anyone can visit at any time?
Cheers guys!
Written May 30, 2019
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.
Written May 30, 2019
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
Written November 17, 2018
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.
Written November 17, 2018
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
Written October 20, 2018
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.
Written April 19, 2019
Any chance of photos of British army laying wreaths at Menin gate on June 20th? Personal reasons and will explain to person with photos.
Written June 21, 2018
Hello yes
I have a video of you are interested
Regards
Bryan
Written June 22, 2018
DongoDan123
Clapham, United Kingdom
6 contributions
Silly question no doubt but does the last poet play on Christmas Day?
Written February 25, 2018
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?
Written February 1, 2018
@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.
Written February 13, 2018
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?
Written June 28, 2017
Yes of course no problems.Sorry I took so long to reply x
Written August 1, 2017
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
Written May 5, 2015
ay be worth contacting the Royal British Legion in Maidstone,
Written May 6, 2017
Hi
We are looking at visiting Ypres shortly and wondered what admission fees are for Menin Gate?
Written March 1, 2015
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.
Written March 24, 2015
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