Brilliant!!!!!
Out of all of the places I've visited in the UK, France, Belgium and the Netherlands that are related to the two World Wars the 'museum' at Sanctuary Wood is far and away the worst.
An unfortunate blot on an otherwise fascinating, and sobering, landscape.
Definitely one to avoid
We take our pupils there but only because it is one of the few places where "original" trenches can be seen. The collection of artefacts is pretty good too. However, they are always given strict instructions not to spend a single cent there.
There have been stories for some time now that the Canucks . Belgians have bought out the loathsome owner but that he has the right to stay there until he pegs it
For 'original' trenches I'd suggest Newfoundland Memorial Park on the Somme, Vimy Ridge or even the much better museum at Zonnebeke
Sanctuary Wood's 'artefacts' undoubtedly contain some genuine items but when I visited there I remember seeing a number of quite definite post-WW1 items.
Great to hear your school runs trips over there
I'm leading a day trip across to Ypres for my local bike club on April 19th and you have given me some extra places to build-in to the trip.
As we have a day trip I am concentrating on Ypres and the "big name" places.
Glad you found it worth a read.
If you only have a day, I'd suggest restricting your riding as much as possible to maximise the time spent at the places of interest. With that in mind, Polygon Wood isn't far from Ypres, the Zonnebeke museum is near Polygon Wood (and is a good indoor visit if the weather is unkind). Tynecot isn't far from either.
The Cafe/Bar near Polygon Wood, is a handy lunch stop. The owner was on the Ch4 Time Team special about a bunker excavation and he will no doubt treat you to a view of his photo's.
Polygon Wood CWGC is on Lange Dreve. N50 51.436 - E2 58.702
The Cafe is also on Lange Dreve, with the junction of Lotegatstraat. N 50 51.232 - E2 58.702
Zonnebeke (Passchendaele Museum) is on Berten Pilstraat. N50 52.259- E2 59.183
Really enjoyed the report, especially as I met the gang of you out there!
Many thanks for the directions for the campsite down Aras way.
regards
Brendy (the Irish guy on the Varadero, but who aspires to GSer things!)