Best attractions and places to see around Souastre, a commune in the Pas-de-Calais department of France, provide access to a region rich in historical and cultural attractions. The area is particularly significant for its World War I sites, offering a poignant look into the past. Beyond historical landmarks, visitors can explore a variety of cultural sites, natural features, and points of interest. Souastre serves as a convenient base for discovering the diverse offerings of the wider Pas-de-Calais and Somme regions.
…Last updated: June 29, 2026
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The monument to the 8th Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders is a Celtic cross symbolically erected on the embankment of a sunken road, at the spot where the men of this regiment rushed to capture the village of Beaumont-Hamel on November 13, 1916, at the end of the Battle of the Somme. First, on July 1, when it was located in no man's land, exactly equidistant from the British and German trenches, and served as a refuge for so many soldiers wounded during the fighting; then, five days before the end of that same battle, when the village of Beaumont-Hamel was finally captured on November 13, by the men of the 8th Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, who had rushed from that position. The 8th Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders was a Scottish regiment that fought on several fronts. A reading of the inscriptions engraved on the different sides of the base of this monument tells us this. Thus, this cross is dedicated to the glory of the battalion's glorious dead and to the memory of those who will never return. Its combat losses, throughout the war, amounted to 51 officers and 831 men and non-commissioned officers, including 105 wounded officers and 2,527 men and non-commissioned officers. Finally, a Celtic inscription reveals "it is good to have friends on the day of battle." Mobilized from August 4, 1914, to November 12, 1919, a period of five years and 100 days, the regiment fought from May 1, 1915, to November 11, 1918, in Belgium and France. Until 1918, the 8th Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders belonged to the 51st Division; In 1915, it fought at Richebourg, Festubert and on Thiepval Ridge, which was to leave a sad memory for the British on 1 July 1916 (this is where the memorial to the missing now stands); in 1916, it fought at the Labyrinth, Vimy Ridge, Fourcaux Wood (High Wood), Beaumont-Hamel (there, therefore) and Courcelette; in 1917, it was Roclincourt, Arras, Roeux, Ypres and Cambrai. In 1918, the 8th Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders fought as part of the 61st Division at Saint-Quentin, Holnon Wood, Villéveque, Nesle, Villers-Bretonneux and on the Lys; but also within the 15th division which distinguished itself at Soissons, at Buzancy and in the final advance which would lead to the armistice
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The largest Newfoundland memorial in Europe. 30 hectare site with preserved trenches
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The documentation at this location allows a precise picture of the events: the traces of the trenches, the craters and the course of the battle up to the German position.
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This park honors the brave soldiers of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment who fought and died in the Battle of the Somme during the First World War. You can explore the preserved trenches, cemeteries and memorials that tell the story of their sacrifice and courage. You can also admire the caribou statue, emblem of the regiment, which stands on a mound overlooking the battlefield. The park is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and entry is free. You can also take a guided tour or watch a film at the visitor center to learn more about the history of the site.
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Hawthorn Ridge Crater is a mine crater that was exploded during the First World War. This crater, located at the entrance to Beaumont-Hamel in Picardy, France, bears witness to the tragic events that unfolded on July 1, 1916, when British soldiers attacked German fortifications on the ridge. The mine exploded eight minutes too early, allowing the Germans to regain the upper hand and inflict heavy losses on the attackers. You can access the crater via a muddy path between two pastures, and admire the vegetation that has reclaimed the site. You can also learn about the history of the battle and the second explosion which took place on November 13, 1916. The crater is part of a wider network of memorials and cemeteries which commemorate the soldiers who fell on the Somme.
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The Newfoundland Memorial Park in France. This memorial park is dedicated to the Newfoundland soldiers who fought and died in the First World War, particularly during the Battle of the Somme in 1916. You can walk along the preserved trenches, see the bronze caribou statue which symbolizes the Newfoundland Regiment, and learn more about the war and its impact on the people of Newfoundland. The park also offers free guided tours in French and English by student guides. You will be moved by the stories of courage and sacrifice that this park commemorates.
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Château de Bavincourt is a castle located in the commune of Bavincourt, in the Pas-de-Calais department of France. An old manor house used to stand on the site of the present castle and its motte was still there during the construction of the latter; however, not much is known about it. The current castle was built by François Deslions, nephew of Jean-Louis Deslions, canon and dean of Saint-Omer, who had inherited the lands of Bavincourt.
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Certainly one of the most beautiful memorials.
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The region around Souastre is rich in WWI history. You can visit the poignant Newfoundland Memorial, which honors the Royal Newfoundland Regiment and features preserved trenches and memorials. Another significant site is the Scottish Divisions Memorial at the Sunken Lane, commemorating the 8th Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. Don't miss the Hawthorn Ridge Crater, a massive mine crater from the Battle of the Somme. Further afield, you'll find the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing of the Somme, the Somme 1916 Museum, and the Lochnagar Crater WW1.
Yes, you can explore the historic Château de Bavincourt, which stands on the site of an old manor house and showcases significant architectural heritage. Additionally, the region boasts several UNESCO-listed belfries in nearby towns like Lucheux, Doullens, and Arras. The impressive Arras Citadelle, part of the Vauban fortifications, and the magnificent Amiens Cathedral are also within a reasonable distance.
For those seeking natural beauty, the area offers several options. You can visit the remarkable Parc du château de Sericourt or the Jardin du château de Maizicourt, both notable gardens. The Réserve naturelle de l'Étang Saint-Ladre provides an opportunity to experience local natural beauty, and the Forêt d'Hesdin is ideal for walks and outdoor activities.
Souastre is a great base for outdoor enthusiasts. You can find numerous running, hiking, and cycling routes nearby. For running, explore trails like the Foncquevillers loop. Hikers can enjoy routes such as the Newfoundland Memorial – Beaumont-Hamel trails loop. Cyclists have options like the Veloroute – A.S.L. Park loop. You can find more details and routes in the dedicated guides for Running Trails around Souastre, Hiking around Souastre, and Cycling around Souastre.
Many of the historical sites, such as the Newfoundland Memorial, offer educational experiences for families, allowing children to learn about history in an engaging outdoor setting with preserved trenches. Exploring the natural features like the Parc du château de Sericourt or the Forêt d'Hesdin can also be enjoyable for families. Additionally, local markets in nearby towns like Doullens or Arras provide a vibrant cultural experience.
Visitors particularly appreciate the profound historical significance of the WWI sites, noting the well-preserved trenches and the detailed documentation available at places like the Newfoundland Memorial. The emotional impact and the opportunity to learn about the sacrifices made are frequently highlighted. The architectural heritage of sites like Château de Bavincourt also receives positive feedback.
You can experience local life by visiting markets in nearby towns. Doullens (16km), Albert (17km), Bapaume (21km), and Arras (21km) all host various market days throughout the week, offering local produce and goods.
The spring and autumn months generally offer pleasant weather for exploring the outdoor historical sites and natural features around Souastre. Temperatures are milder, making it comfortable for walking and cycling. Summer can also be a good time, though it can be warmer, while winter might be chilly but offers a different, often quieter, atmosphere for reflection at the memorials.
While Souastre itself is a small village, the surrounding rural landscape offers scenic views, particularly along the hiking and cycling routes. The elevated positions of some WWI memorials, such as the caribou statue at the Newfoundland Memorial, provide expansive views over the former battlefields and the surrounding countryside.
Souastre is a small commune, so amenities within the village itself might be limited. However, you can typically find cafes, pubs, and restaurants in the larger nearby towns such as Doullens, Albert, Bapaume, and Arras, which are all within a short driving distance.
Yes, a popular hiking route is the Newfoundland Memorial – Beaumont-Hamel trails loop, which allows you to explore the WWI memorial park and its surroundings on foot. This moderate trail is about 9.5 km long and offers a direct way to experience the historical landscape.


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