Wellington Quarries: an underground journey steeped in history
The Wellington Quarries are not just a historical site: they are a poignant testament to courage, ingenuity, and collective memory. A must-see for anyone wishing to understand history differently, by walking in the footsteps of those who experienced the unspeakable.
Twenty meters beneath the peaceful streets of Arras lies a silent world, carved in chalk and steeped in memory: the Wellington Quarries. This network of underground galleries, a relic of the First World War, offers a striking insight into the history of the Battle of Arras and the daily lives of the soldiers who lived there.
In the autumn of 1916, British forces were preparing a major offensive against the German lines. To surprise the enemy, an ingenious idea was born: connecting former medieval chalk quarries with a network of tunnels. 500 New Zealand tunnelers, including a Maori battalion, achieved this technical feat between November 1916 and March 1917. In just a few months, they dug nearly 8 kilometers of tunnels, or about 80 meters per day.
This underground network, named "Wellington" in homage to the capital of New Zealand, became a veritable underground city. Electrified, equipped with railways, dormitories, kitchens, showers, and command posts, it could accommodate up to 24,000 soldiers. On April 9, 1917, at 5:30 a.m., these men emerged from the tunnels to launch a surprise assault against the German lines, marking the beginning of the Battle of Arras.
Today, the Wellington Quarries are an immersive memorial. With a guided tour lasting approximately 1.5 hours, visitors can relive the preparations for the offensive, discover the soldiers' living conditions, and experience the emotion of this unique place.
Projections, period objects, and personal accounts make the experience deeply human and poignant.
📍 Address: Rue Arthur Delétoille, 62000 Arras
🕒 Hours: Every day from 9:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 1:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
🎟️ Tour duration: approximately 1.5 hours, guided and audio tours available
❄️ Temperature: 11°C year-round, bring warm clothing
Le Pavillon du Golf welcomes you to a typical Artois building in the heart of a rural setting, facing the Arras Golf Course.
Sleep in one of our 5 spacious and modern rooms, offering every comfort for your stay.
Relax at the Spa Les Cinq Mondes at the Hôtel Le Fairway, located 200 meters away, at a preferential rate, and treat yourself to a moment of well-being with a heated indoor pool, jacuzzi, sauna, hammam, salt cave, and sensory shower.
🌟 If you're traveling with a large group, you also have the option of privatizing the entire lodge.
Don't wait any longer and book your stay at the Pavillon du Golf!
Discover the Wellington Quarries
Twenty meters beneath the peaceful streets of Arras lies a silent world, carved in chalk and steeped in memory: the Wellington Quarries. This network of underground galleries, a relic of the First World War, offers a striking insight into the history of the Battle of Arras and the daily lives of the soldiers who lived there.
A Daring Military Project
In the autumn of 1916, British forces were preparing a major offensive against the German lines. To surprise the enemy, an ingenious idea was born: connecting former medieval chalk quarries with a network of tunnels. 500 New Zealand tunnelers, including a Maori battalion, achieved this technical feat between November 1916 and March 1917. In just a few months, they dug nearly 8 kilometers of tunnels, or about 80 meters per day.
An underground city for 24,000 soldiers
This underground network, named "Wellington" in homage to the capital of New Zealand, became a veritable underground city. Electrified, equipped with railways, dormitories, kitchens, showers, and command posts, it could accommodate up to 24,000 soldiers. On April 9, 1917, at 5:30 a.m., these men emerged from the tunnels to launch a surprise assault against the German lines, marking the beginning of the Battle of Arras.
A living memorial
Today, the Wellington Quarries are an immersive memorial. With a guided tour lasting approximately 1.5 hours, visitors can relive the preparations for the offensive, discover the soldiers' living conditions, and experience the emotion of this unique place.
Projections, period objects, and personal accounts make the experience deeply human and poignant.
Practical Information
📍 Address: Rue Arthur Delétoille, 62000 Arras
🕒 Hours: Every day from 9:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 1:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
🎟️ Tour duration: approximately 1.5 hours, guided and audio tours available
❄️ Temperature: 11°C year-round, bring warm clothing
Stay at our 4-star hotel in Arras
Le Pavillon du Golf welcomes you to a typical Artois building in the heart of a rural setting, facing the Arras Golf Course.
Sleep in one of our 5 spacious and modern rooms, offering every comfort for your stay.
Relax at the Spa Les Cinq Mondes at the Hôtel Le Fairway, located 200 meters away, at a preferential rate, and treat yourself to a moment of well-being with a heated indoor pool, jacuzzi, sauna, hammam, salt cave, and sensory shower.
🌟 If you're traveling with a large group, you also have the option of privatizing the entire lodge.
Don't wait any longer and book your stay at the Pavillon du Golf!
