Linked with Hythe through Lord Wakefield’s gift of Talbot House (a WWI rest hostel for soldiers), Poperinge today is a lively, friendly town about the same size as Hythe. Our main personal links are the members of the St. Cecilia band who visit Hythe regularly, especially for Hythe Festival.

Poperinge is in the heartland of hop-growing and beer-making, with “Hommel” being the local beer. The hop is celebrated every three years with a weekend-long hop festival. Music, parades and a fantastic welcome attract beer fans from across the globe. Book a hotel early! For those interested in modern history,

Poperinge is a convenient base from which to explore the battlefields and memorials of the first world war. The town of Ypres with its iconic Menin Gate is only 20 minutes drive away.