Wellington Quarry Arras
Explore the historic WW1 tunnels of Wellington Quarry in Arras, France, built by New Zealand tunnellers. An immersive journey into underground warfare...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate
Wellington Quarry Arras
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the historic WW1 tunnels of Wellington Quarry in Arras, France, built by New Zealand tunnellers. An immersive journey into underground warfare.
"A fascinating, sad, and stunning subterranean tour that brings WW1 history to life."
🧥 Dress in Layers
It's always cold underground! Bring a jacket or sweater, even in summer.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking on uneven surfaces in the tunnels.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Wellington Tunnels
Underground network
Explore the historic WW1 tunnels, a vital network built by New Zealand tunnellers.
The Battle of Arras Exhibit
Museum area
Gain insight into the strategic importance of the tunnels during the 1917 battle.
New Zealand Miner's Story
Throughout the tour
Learn about the incredible efforts of the New Zealand tunnellers who excavated the tunnels.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
Prepare for the Underground Climate
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🧥 Dress in Layers
It's always cold underground! Bring a jacket or sweater, even in summer.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking on uneven surfaces in the tunnels.
📚 Book Tickets Online
Tours can sell out, so secure your spot in advance.
🗣️ Consider Bilingual Tours
If you're comfortable, these offer a broader perspective.
Tips
from all over the internet
🧥 Dress in Layers
It's always cold underground! Bring a jacket or sweater, even in summer.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking on uneven surfaces in the tunnels.
📚 Book Tickets Online
Tours can sell out, so secure your spot in advance.
🗣️ Consider Bilingual Tours
If you're comfortable, these offer a broader perspective.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Wellington Quarry for its deeply moving and educational WW1 history, particularly the immersive underground tour. The detailed accounts of New Zealand tunnellers and the strategic significance of the site are highlights. Some guests wished for exclusively English tours to avoid missing details in bilingual presentations.
"I highly recommend visiting this site. Especially for people interested in history and for those who lost a family member on that fateful day. For me, it was an emotional day as I was walking in the footsteps of my great grandfather who lost his life in the Battle of Arras. The guide was really good, however, I would have preferred if the tour was solely in English as opposed to bilingual, I felt we missed some points."
Dennis Gane
"We had a tour guide named Manon who explained the Battle of Arras and how thousands of French and Brits worked to build the tunnel. We were brought underground and it was cold and dark, a combination of videos and sounds made the experience even more vivid. North France made a perfect world war tour"
Melissa Monroe
"Truly impressive ww1 tunneling site occupied by the Kiwis prior to the 1917 battle of Arras.
Guided tour with an English speaking guide , the subterranean tour is fascinating, sad, and stunning all at once."
Peter Carrington
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Wellington Quarry is located in Arras, France. It's accessible by car, with parking available nearby. Public transport options might involve local buses from the city center. Many visitors arrive as part of a wider Northern France or WW1 history tour.
The quarry is well-signposted within Arras, especially for tourists. Following signs for 'Carrière Wellington' or 'Wellington Quarry' will lead you to the entrance.
Yes, Wellington Quarry is an excellent destination for a day trip from cities like Lille or even Paris, though it's best combined with other Arras attractions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary, but expect to pay around €10-€15 for an adult ticket. It's always best to check the official website for the most up-to-date pricing and any potential discounts.
Yes, booking your tickets online in advance is highly recommended, as tours often fill up, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. Typically, the site is open daily, but it's crucial to check the official website for the exact times during your planned visit.
Yes, guided tours are the primary way to experience the quarry. You can often choose between English-only tours or bilingual tours, depending on availability.
No, access to the Wellington Quarry tunnels is only permitted with a guided tour. This ensures visitor safety and provides historical context.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The tour involves a guided walk through the underground tunnels, enhanced with videos, sounds, and historical explanations about the WW1 Battle of Arras and the role of the New Zealand tunnellers.
The guided tour typically lasts around 1 to 1.5 hours, providing a comprehensive overview of the site's history and significance.
While educational, the content can be intense due to the WW1 history. It's generally suitable for older children and teenagers who can appreciate historical context.
The temperature inside the quarry tunnels remains consistently cool, around 10-12°C (50-54°F) year-round.
Photography is usually permitted inside the quarry, but it's always good to check for any specific restrictions or guidelines provided by your guide.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the atmospheric lighting within the tunnels, the historical displays, and any unique architectural features of the underground network. The contrast between the dark tunnels and illuminated exhibits is striking.
Yes, it is quite dark, so a camera with good low-light performance or a tripod might be beneficial for sharper images.
The main tunnel network and areas with historical artifacts or informational displays offer great photographic potential.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Older Children
Key recommendations: Ensure children are comfortable in dark, enclosed spaces and understand the historical context of war. The cool temperatures mean bringing an extra layer is essential for everyone. Consider booking an English-language tour if your children are learning the language, or a bilingual tour if they can follow along.
🌍 History Enthusiasts & WW1 Buffs
Don't miss: The detailed explanations of the tunnel construction, the strategic importance during the Battle of Arras, and the personal accounts of the soldiers. Visiting Arras itself, with its other historical sites, can create a rich and fulfilling itinerary for any history enthusiast.
🚶 Solo Travelers
Tips for solo visitors: Arrive a little early to get acquainted with the site. Don't hesitate to ask your guide questions; they are a wealth of information. Consider visiting on a weekday morning to enjoy a more peaceful experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Wellington Quarry
During World War I, the strategic importance of these tunnels was recognized. From the autumn of 1916, significant efforts were made to connect and expand the existing network. The New Zealand Tunneling Company, comprised of experienced British miners and smaller soldiers known as 'Bantam Soldiers,' worked tirelessly in eight-hour shifts, 24 hours a day. They dug approximately 20 kilometers of electrically lit tunnels, ready for the Battle of Arras by April 1917. The tunnels were named after New Zealand cities, with the main network named after its capital, Wellington. This underground city housed warehouses, meeting rooms, kitchens, a hospital, and even a small railway network, allowing soldiers to move directly to the front lines.
The tunnels played a pivotal role in the success of the Battle of Arras, enabling Allied soldiers to approach enemy lines undetected. Despite the immense casualties of the battle, the sudden attack was considered a tactical success. After the war, the tunnels were reused as shelters during World War II before being resealed and largely forgotten until their rediscovery in 1990. In 2008, they were opened to the public as a museum dedicated to the memory of those who served, with a special focus on the tunnel workers and soldiers.
The Immersive Tour Experience
Guides, often fluent in multiple languages, share detailed accounts of the New Zealand tunnellers' efforts, the strategic planning of the Battle of Arras, and the daily lives of soldiers underground. You'll learn about the challenges they faced, the camaraderie they shared, and the immense bravery required to fight in such conditions. The tour highlights the scale of the underground network, emphasizing how it allowed for surprise attacks and troop movements, contributing significantly to the Allied efforts.
The experience is often described as poignant and moving, especially for those with a personal connection to the war. Walking in the footsteps of history, surrounded by the very environment where these events unfolded, creates a powerful and unforgettable impression. It's a stark reminder of the human cost of conflict and the ingenuity employed during wartime.
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