The Duke of Wellington famously stated that the success of the Battle of Waterloo turned upon the closing of the gates at Hougoumont.
The farm was defended primarily by British Coldstream Guards and Hanoverian infantry against waves of French attacks.
During the battle, the farmhouse was set on fire by French howitzer shells, leaving only the chapel relatively intact.
The site was restored and inaugurated as a memorial in 2015 to mark the bicentenary of the Battle of Waterloo.
The courtyard layout remains largely consistent with its historical 1815 configuration.
A commemorative 'Wounded Eagle' monument stands on the grounds to honor the French soldiers who fought here.
The farm was a private property for many years before being acquired and preserved by the Walloon Heritage Agency.
Hougoumont Farm is the site of a pivotal defensive battle during the 1815 Battle of Waterloo, where Wellington's troops held the farmhouse against repeated French assaults. The location currently serves as a memorial museum featuring a permanent exhibition dedicated to the soldiers who fought there. Visitors can explore the preserved courtyard, the barn, and the restored chapel, which survived the fire that engulfed much of the farm during the battle. An immersive multimedia show titled 'The Final Act' is projected within the restored barn. The site functions as a site of remembrance and a key component of the Waterloo 1815 battlefield complex. The surrounding walls and gates serve as the physical boundaries where the intense fighting occurred throughout June 18, 1815.
The view from the main entrance gate looking toward the courtyard and the bullet-scarred walls.
Wear sturdy walking shoes as the terrain includes gravel paths and cobblestones.
Combine your visit with the Lion's Mound and the Mémorial 1815 to understand the broader context of the battlefield.
Allow time to watch the full multimedia presentation in the barn, as it provides crucial narrative context for the ruins.
Do not attempt to walk across the active agricultural fields surrounding the site, as paths are clearly marked for preservation purposes.
Closed on certain Mondays during the winter off-season.
Maintain a respectful demeanor as the site serves as a memorial for soldiers who died in combat.
