Top 10 Best World War I Sites for Students and Travelers

The Tower of London surrounded by a sea of ceramic poppies honoring the fallen of World War I (photographed in 2014).

World War I, the Great War, was one of the most transformative conflicts in history. It reshaped borders, altered politics, and deeply impacted the lives of millions. Today, battlefields, cemeteries, and museums across Europe and beyond stand as solemn reminders of this devastating war. For students, educators, homeschoolers, and history enthusiasts, visiting these sites offers more than just a history lesson; it is an emotional and educational experience that brings the events of 1914–1918 to life. This guide explores ten of the best, most significant World War I sites worth visiting and provides insights into their historical importance, what visitors can expect to see, and why they matter.

1. Flanders Fields - Ypres, Belgium

A segment of the trenches at The Sanctuary Wood Museum on Hill 62.

Ypres, Belgium - "Wipers" to the British soldiers who served there - was the site of several major battles during World War I. Today, the area is a living classroom where students can learn about trench warfare and the sacrifices of soldiers from around the world. The Menin Gate Memorial to the Missing is an iconic site, engraved with the names of more than 54,000 soldiers who have no known grave. Every evening at 8 p.m., the Last Post ceremony is performed, a powerful act of remembrance that has continued almost uninterrupted since 1928.

Nearby, the In Flanders Fields Museum uses interactive exhibits to tell the story of the war from multiple perspectives, including soldiers, civilians, and medical personnel. Students can also visit preserved trenches at Sanctuary Wood, where they can step into the very places soldiers lived, fought, and died. This immersive experience helps young travelers understand the brutality of trench warfare and the impact it had on those who endured it.

2. The Somme Battlefields - France

Thiepval Memorial to the Missing of the Somme, France.

The Battle of the Somme in 1916 remains one of the bloodiest battles in history, with over one million casualties - more than 55,000 British on the first day alone. Today, the Somme region is dotted with memorials and cemeteries that commemorate the soldiers who fought there. The Thiepval Memorial to the Missing, designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, is a striking tribute to more than 72,000 missing soldiers.

Visitors can also see the Lochnagar Crater, created by a massive mine explosion on the first day of the battle. At Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial Park, preserved trenches and battlefield landscapes give students a clear picture of how the war was fought. Guided tours often highlight personal stories of soldiers from across the world, making this an ideal stop for history education.

3. Verdun - France

Part of the Verdun battlefield showing the legacy of artillery bombardment.

Verdun was the site of the longest single battle of World War I, lasting nearly a year in 1916. Over 700,000 soldiers were killed, wounded, or went missing during this campaign, making it a symbol of French determination and sacrifice, and giving weight to the words, "On ne passe pas!" - "They shall not pass!"

The Douaumont Ossuary is one of Verdun’s most striking memorials, holding the remains of more than 130,000 unidentified soldiers. Visitors can also explore Fort Douaumont and Fort Vaux, which still bear scars from artillery bombardments. The Verdun Memorial Museum provides educational resources, including artifacts, films, and interactive displays, making this location an essential stop for students.

4. Gallipoli Peninsula - Turkey

Respect to Mehmetçik Memorial, a sculpture of a Turkish soldier carrying an Australian officer.

The Gallipoli campaign was a defining moment for nations such as Australia, New Zealand, and Turkey. Allied forces attempted to secure the Dardanelles in 1915 but faced fierce resistance from the Ottoman Empire. The campaign resulted in heavy casualties and shaped the national identities of the countries involved.

Visitors can tour ANZAC Cove, Lone Pine Cemetery, and Chunuk Bair Memorial, where the stories of soldiers’ bravery and suffering are commemorated. Gallipoli offers a unique opportunity for students to study the war outside of the Western Front, gaining a global perspective on the conflict.

5. Isonzo Front & Kobarid Museum - Slovenia

Remains of Kluže, an Austro-Hungarian fortification between Bovec and Log pod Mangrtom.

The Isonzo Front saw twelve major battles between Italy and Austria-Hungary, fought in the rugged mountains of present-day Slovenia. The Kobarid Museum is widely regarded as one of the best World War I museums in the world, offering detailed exhibits, photographs, and multimedia presentations that capture the harsh realities of mountain warfare.

Hiking trails lead visitors to preserved trenches, fortifications, and artillery positions, allowing students to see firsthand how geography shaped military strategy. The museum’s educational programs make this destination especially valuable for school groups and history tours.

6. Tyne Cot Cemetery - Belgium

Tyne Cot Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery.

Tyne Cot Cemetery, near Ypres, is the largest Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemetery in the world, with nearly 12,000 graves. Many of the soldiers buried here remain unidentified. Walking among the uniform headstones and reading the inscription "Known Unto God" is a sobering experience that leaves a lasting impression on visitors.

The cemetery’s visitor center provides context about the battles fought in the Ypres Salient and the Commonwealth’s role in the war. Tyne Cot is not just a cemetery; it’s a lesson in the scale of sacrifice and the importance of remembrance.

7. Vimy Ridge - France

The Canadian National Vimy Memorial.

The Battle of Vimy Ridge in 1917 was a key victory for Canadian forces and is often regarded as a defining moment in Canadian history. The Vimy Ridge Memorial stands as one of the most impressive monuments of the war, surrounded by preserved trenches and tunnels.

Guided tours, often led by Canadian students, help visitors understand the significance of this battle. The site also emphasizes international cooperation, as Canadian and French efforts combined to create a lasting tribute to those who fought and died there.

8. Imperial War Museum - London, UK

The Imperial War Museum. London, England.

The Imperial War Museum in London is one of the world’s leading museums on conflict. Its World War I galleries feature weapons, personal letters, uniforms, and interactive exhibits that help students grasp the realities of war. The museum also explores the cultural and social impact of the conflict, making it a well-rounded educational stop.

For groups unable to travel to battlefields, this museum offers an accessible way to study the war in depth.

9. Historial de la Grande Guerre - Péronne, France

Historial de la Grande Guerre. Château de Péronne, France.

Located in a medieval castle, the Historial de la Grande Guerre is a museum dedicated to telling the story of World War I from multiple perspectives, including soldiers, civilians, and prisoners of war. Its innovative displays compare uniforms, weapons, and propaganda from different nations, emphasizing the war’s global nature.

The museum’s educational approach makes it particularly engaging for school groups, as it encourages critical thinking and discussion.

10. National WWI Museum and Memorial - Kansas City, USA

National World War I Museum and Memorial. Kansas City, USA.

For travelers based in North America, the National WWI Museum and Memorial in Kansas City offers a comprehensive overview of the war. Visitors can walk through recreated trenches, see an extensive collection of artifacts, and enjoy panoramic views from the Liberty Memorial Tower.

This museum is ideal for students and teachers looking to connect with World War I history without traveling overseas, providing context for America’s role in the war.

Why Visiting WWI Sites Matters

These are the Top 10 Best World War I Sites for Students and Travelers. Visiting these World War I sites helps students and travelers connect emotionally with history. Standing in preserved trenches, walking among rows of graves, or exploring museums filled with personal stories creates a deeper understanding of the human cost of war. These sites also encourage critical conversations about nationalism, technology, and the importance of peace.

Whether you’re a student, teacher, or history enthusiast, these destinations provide powerful lessons about sacrifice and resilience that are impossible to replicate in a classroom alone.

Plan Your Educational Travel Experience

At Storied Sojourns, we believe history is meant to be experienced. We design immersive travel experiences for schools, homeschool groups, and families, helping students learn through firsthand exploration so they can tell their own stories. These World War I sites are not just memorials, they are vital tools for teaching future generations.

Which of these sites would you like to visit first? Share your thoughts below and let’s bring history to life together.