Talbot House

When you walk through te house, it's as if Tubby still wanders around. The peace and calm is overwhelming; I'm happy to know that we're coming back with our family : children and grand children. This is a place we should cherish, in memory of all those soldiers, human beings that got some rest during a very small time before going back to the trenches... Who knows if they would ever come back ....

Excellent in every way possible!!! My brother and I stayed 5 years ago. We enjoyed our previous stay that much we promised ourselves that we would return every 5 years! So we did… Honestly the complete experience from start to finish staying at Talbot House is beyond words (in a very positive way). The lovely Ken welcomed my brother and I and helped us settle in (sad to hear his wife Libby couldn't co host this year but I got the pleasure of seeing her smiley face on video during my stay) Ken kindly showed us round to ensure we knew where everything was and couldn't be more helpful. Martin, is incredible! So knowledgeable, so helpful and just one of life's "good eggs"! Robert, omg I just had to have a sing song the moment he sat at the piano and played a multitude of truly lovely memorable war time songs! In a world whereby good service has been forgotten! The Talbot House experience is just simply top draw! Thank you! We will definitely be back.

To stay at Talbot House is a wonderful way to connect with the soldiers of the Great War. The house is hosted by volunteers, and has a relaxed atmosphere. It is a perfect way to mix with like minded people who are visiting the cemeteries, museums and memorials to understand where their ancestors fought & died. This is living history. You don’t get an en-suite bathroom and the floorboards creak a bit, but the house feels like home from home. There are beers in the fridge and an honesty box. If you are very lucky someone will play the piano and you sing ‘It’s a long way to Tipperary’. We found our second visit very moving, like visiting old friends.

Such an atmospheric place to stay, wonderfully decorated and furnished with so many interesting artefacts. Continental breakfast with lovely and plentiful - our garden rooms were 'old fashioned' in a very positive way (you wouldn't want or expect ultra modern) rooms very comfortable and warm and quieter than the main house. I'd recommend going through the entire house, especially the chapel (stairs not for those with mobility issues) well worth the climb into the roof space Whether my grandfather ever stayed their I will never know but it would be nice to think he could have done A truly beautiful place to stay and Poperinge is a lovely town

The most amazing and immersive WW1 experience. We were fortunate enough to stay in the main house overnight. You just have to let your imagination take over. WW1 is right in this house, in every nook and cranny. The chapel at the top of the house is very moving as you imagine the soldiers crowded shoulder to shoulder worshiping and praying that ‚their number‘ isn’t up when they go down the line from the safety of the house. The museum is very well presented. Recommended!

A very special place with an exceptional vibe. The volunteers were extremely welcoming (we were welcomed with a cup of tea :-)) and breakfast was excellent. My son was delighted to play the piano while we were having breakfast... Being able to wander through the house/history at all times is a once in a lifetime experience. Everything is very well taken care of, the room was clean and well charming. A little noise from neighbouring rooms is to be expected in an old house like this. I think the bathrooms in the main building are nicer than the bathroom in the garden house.

Living history at its very best. A must see experience. Talbot House is a unique place. A living museum curated to the highest standards offering accommodation to an exceptional standard. The ambience of is one of generosity and warmth of welcome. Don't expect en suite facilities but do expect comfortable beds and excellent breakfasts in addition to an fascinating museum and peaceful gardens. A gem of a place.

Only spent one night to revel in the moment of what this historical landmark represents. To know that you're sharing the same space that so many Great War soldiers did 100+ years earlier is right up this historian's alley. As a guest, you get free range of the house, garden and museum. We were even afforded a coupon booklet that offered discounts and free admissions to area attractions. Sadly, the weather was beyond bearable at 39 degrees but that's no one's fault - just a sign of the times. Without air conditioning, while having an upper floor room, the heat made sleep difficult. However, we did take advantage of having a Belgian pint in the garden as so many soldiers would have. The wardens in charge during our stay were warm and welcoming. Checking in was simple and we were directed to a nearby free public parking lot (there is no automatic free parking assigned to TH). Breakfast was your typical continental fare and a solid offering for the small price of 5 EUR. Our room was a fair size overlooking the street out front. You pick up the noise of street traffic below so if you're a light sleeper, consider one of the bunkhouses out back in the garden. Although modernized, it still has that century old charm with rough wooden floor boards and simple décor. While you're afforded a sink in your room, know that toilets and showers are shared facilities though they were clean during our stay. Being that it's a museum, you'll often hear foot traffic outside your doors during the day but things quieten down into the evening where it's just you, the wardens and other guests. Glad we stayed and soaked up a piece of history.

If you don’t know about Talbot House then a quick internet search will reveal how special it is. For us it felt like a home from home; an oasis from the strains of the world during this pandemic. It’s one of those places that other guesthouse owners should visit for it is a lesson in how it should be done properly. Simon is a wonderful host and the caretakers Steve and Tracy could not have helped us more. Bravo!