Sanctuary Wood Hill 62

Sanctuary Wood Hill 62 is a privately run military museum and preserved First World War trench site located about 3 km east of Ypres, near Zillebeke, in the West Flanders province of Belgium. It is one of the few places along the Western Front where original trenches have survived in something close to their wartime condition.

Where does the name come from?

The name "Hill 62" refers to the site's elevation — the rise stood 62 metres above sea level and offered a view over the town of Ypres, making it a strategically important observation point. "Sanctuary Wood" dates back to October 1914, when the trees on the site served as a "sanctuary" — a place of cover for stragglers waiting to rejoin their units after becoming separated during the fighting.

How did the trenches and museum come to be?

By mid-November 1914, as the First Battle of Ypres drew to a close, the British and German front lines in this part of the wood became static, and the trench positions remained largely fixed for years. After the war, the landowner chose not to fill in the trenches but to leave them in place. As visitor numbers grew over time, sections of the trenches were partially restored to ensure they could withstand the increasing foot traffic. Today the site is regarded as home to some of the best-preserved trenches anywhere on the Western Front.

What can visitors see on site?

Visitors can walk through the original trench network and see the remains of wartime field fortifications. Adjoining the trenches is a small, family-run museum that houses a substantial collection of Great War relics, including weapons, personal belongings of soldiers, and historical photographs documenting the fighting that took place in this area.

Why visit?

What sets Sanctuary Wood Hill 62 apart from many other First World War memorial sites is that it lets visitors experience trenches in their original physical setting rather than a rebuilt or reconstructed version — this ground has survived, largely untouched, since the fighting stopped. For anyone with an interest in military history and the Western Front, it stands out as one of the most authentic stops on a tour of the Ypres Salient.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Sanctuary Wood Hill 62 located? It lies about 3 km east of Ypres, near Zillebeke, in the West Flanders province of Belgium.

Where does the name "Hill 62" come from? From the elevation of the rise — 62 metres above sea level — which gave a view over Ypres and made it a strategically important spot during the war.

Are the trenches original or reconstructed? The trenches date from the First World War and were preserved in place by the landowner after the war; they have since been partially restored to withstand visitor traffic, but their layout and location are authentic.

What is inside the museum next to the trenches? A small, family-run collection of Great War artefacts — weapons, soldiers' personal belongings, and photographs from the period.

Who is this site best suited for? Mainly visitors interested in First World War history and the Western Front who want to see trenches that have not been rebuilt from scratch.