la carriere wellington

Well presented reflection of part of the WW I history of the city. These tunnels are an interesting complement to visiting trenches and cemetries

The is an excellent way to learn about the Battle of Arras in 1917. The old quarries were adapted by tunnellers, mainly from New Zealand, to move up and accommodate some 24,000 soldiers very close to the front line before the assault took place. The story also brought home the sheer scale of the carnage of the subsequent battle (which was largely unsuccessful). A fascinating and interesting underground visit - you even have to wear a old style WW1 tin (safety) helmet as you make the tour which lasts about 1 hour.

With so many war memories now on display across northern France in particular, the risk is that it all becomes too much. It's sad, and we need to remember those who died, and, for that matter, those who fought and lived, like my grandfather - he was at Ypres. But every so often you find something that is a little out of the ordinary, something in the way of heritage tourism that is worth the visit. These underground quarries are a case in point. I've noted that a small number of visitors found the experience 'terrible', but I can't understand that, and for the most part, everyone, like my wife and I, were enthralled by the visit. We were ridiculously early, having walked from the centre of Arras on icy footpaths, but the staff were arriving as we did, and let us in to wait. When the time came, having watched a 10-minute film about the battle of Arras in April 1917, we donned protective headgear in the form of Tommy helmets, quaint and I'm guessing I looked odd, but it's the same for everyone. Then, although we had a guide (English-speaking tours available), we went down into a lift into the tunnels were thousands of troops were garrisoned for several weeks, waiting to launch an attack on the unsuspecting Germans. It was all very moving, and all the other expressions of sadness that seem appropriate in such a setting, but the visit isn't just about the war; it's also about the work of New Zealand forces who used the quarry to link underground tunnels to great military effect. That's the real story here, that and the conditions the men endured.If you walk from Arras, there is an underpass at the SNCF station, no need to walk around the streets; just walk into the station and you'll see steps leading down, although you'll need a map to find a way through the streets. About a 20-minute walk from the centre, or just 5 minutes by taxi.

The Wellington Quarry - (la Carrière Wellington) Visited These First World War tunnels which connect with original tunnels and quarries underneath the city of Arras. we experienced the sounds and sights of the time when hundreds of allied forces were massed in the tunnels for several weeks waiting to launch an attack on the German lines. In March 1916 New Zealand Tunneling Companies dug a network of tunnels in the ground underneath the Ronville and Saint-Saveur districts of Arras. They dug new tunnels and rooms and joined them up with the existing ancient tunnels and quarries or pits already under the city, quarried out hundreds of years before. The tunnels were fitted with running water and electricity supplies. Accommodation in the underground city was available for the soldiers to live and sleep in, and there was a large hospital for treating the wounded in a labyrinth of rooms with enough space to fit 700 beds and operating theatres. Visitors in groups of up to about 20 people are taken 20 metres down below ground level to the underground quarry and tunnels in a lift, each person wears a headset with their chosen language. The guide takes the group on a tour through the tunnels lasting approximately 25 minutes. the headsets automatically start at set places to give very clear descriptions for visitors; the commentary describes the difficult time experienced by the French and British soldiers and the local townspeople who lived underground at Arras throughout the war. The commentary gives a history of the tunnels and quarries dug into the chalk under the city, and it details the work carried out by the tunnelers together with the preparations they made for a surprise British attack starting the Battle of Arras on 9th April 1917..

We knew nothing about these medieval tunnels under Arras. They were developed further by New Zealand tunnellers during World War 1 to launch a surprise attack on German trench defences. 25,000 Allied soldiers waited quietly in these tunnels for 7 days before the attack. It is a profoundly moving experience to walk through these tunnels which still hold carvings and writings of soldiers camped there as they waited for so many long days. There are side tunnels off left and right where improvised bedding was arranged. In the museum you can see pictures and read letters written at the time. The information offered by the guide is so detailed and enthralling.Entry is 6.80 euro per person and the tunnels are accessed by a lift. Don't be too worried about claustrophobia as the tunnels are quite spacious and there's a metal walkway so the path is not uneven for less steady walkers. It takes about an hour and I think the tours leave about every hour. Perhaps there are more tours offered at the height of the season. We were there mid October. You may like to book as there is a limit on numbers. You are given earphones and you can dial your language, though our guide spoke English on that occasion.No food there but we walked about 150 metres to a supermarket. There's a cafe there in the far left corner as you enter, easy to miss. No photos allowed in the tunnels themselves but a booklet is available for purchase. There is a vast tunnel system under Arras but this is the one open to the public.This was a surprising highlight of our WW1 battlefields experiences.

Arras has lots of interesting places to visit but this for us was the number one attraction. In the past we lived 6 years further along the then front line near to Verdun and had visited all of the WW1 sites in that area we learned even more about that war on this visit to the Wellington quarry. The automated audio guide added to the excellent explanations given to the group by our accompanying guide provided a wealth of information and we thoroughly recommend a visit.

Our short stay in Arras was a complete revelation. We knew nothing about the tunnels in the town centre or indeed in the Wellington Quarry. It was a wonderful place to visit with an informative guide and moving images and commentary. It is suitable for mobility-impaired people too, so don't miss it. We bought a ticket at the Tourist Office (in town) which combined this, a trip up the Belfry, and Les Boves.

A very interesting and haunting historical experience. Very reasonably priced and outfitted for multiple languages. A must see WWI historical site

We visited the mines as we were staying in Arass during the October half term break. This was a well presented and distinctly poignant memorial to a part of World War I history that is not otherwise known about.The extensive middle age mines were used by Allied forces preparing to advance to the German line which culminated in the battle of Arras in April 1917.One really got the feel of so many troops being present waiting for the call to action and not knowing the outcome. The English signage was good as was the guide who showed us around. The shop was excellently stocked with quite a bit of memorial items, just right for visiting the many world war memorials in the locality. No cafe on site but we had lunch and a drink at the nearby supermarket cafe. Was very glad to have been there.

There are so many museums, exhibitions and films to see during a tour of this area that this is a welcome alternative but just as moving and thought provoking.

Well worth the small fee. Being down there, where all those soldiers waited for days before launching their surprise attack, and hearing all the letters they sent to their families was heart-wrenching.

A modern approach which provides an excellent insight into the daily life in Arras for its inhabitants and Allied forces during a tragic time in its history. Knowledgeable guide, thought provoking displays, opening up with Wilfred Owen's Anthem for Doomed Youth, was both sobering and set the scene well. Shows a different side to the conflict and very worthwhile visiting alongside some of the traditional sites. Worth comparing with the tunnels at Vimy Ridge.

Excellent interactive site and tour related to World War 1. It's a guided walk through the underground tunnels that were by the Allies during the Great War. Audiovisuals complement the tour

As others have said this is a guided tour in a small place so visitors are limited, we walked in and straight onto a small tour but this was out of season during the week. Guess a summer weekend would be an issue.Excellent value for a lead tour, don't want to go into to much detail to spoil the tour.But a good 45mins underground that goes very fast and gives a different view on the battle field, with personal touches.Very professional outfit.Would like to have some form of map of the whole underground system available so could have looked at location of exits and entrances from the surface.

These are the underground mines, re-excavated by the New Zealanders to prepare for the British Soldiers to hide before the Battle of Arras. The visit gives a wonderful insight to the living quarters underground of the troops and is also really informative. The video and photo presentations give you a real feel as to what it must have been like to be there before and leading up to the battle