Hougoumont Farm

Battle of Waterloo Hougoumont Farm is one of the most remarkable and historically significant sites of the Battle of Waterloo. Located about a 20-minute walk from the Lion’s Mound, it’s highly recommended to go on foot — the walk itself takes you right across the former battlefield, offering a powerful sense of connection to the events of 1815. The farm was the scene of some of the fiercest fighting of the entire battle. British and Allied troops defended it against repeated French attacks throughout the day, and its successful defense proved crucial in determining the outcome of the battle and Napoleon’s ultimate defeat. Today, the beautifully restored buildings house an engaging multimedia exhibition that vividly tells the story of those who fought and died there. You can still see the original walls, courtyards, and gates that witnessed the brutal combat, making the experience both educational and deeply moving. A visit to Hougoumont Farm is an unforgettable step back in time and an essential part of understanding the history of Waterloo.

Visited in June 1815 as part of a group trip from England. Travel arrangements were smooth with a lively march through Belgium and a warm welcome at Hougoumont. The locals were extremely enthusiastic and put on a grand display of fireworks musket fire and even a few cannon. The grounds were excellent with high walls shady gardens and a sturdy farmhouse that offered plenty of opportunities for climbing running and defending narrow gateways. Activities included constant musket volleys hand to hand wrestling with very determined French guests and an especially memorable session when they tried to burn down the North Gate. Our hosts from the Coldstream Guards did a marvellous job keeping spirits high and ensuring none of the guests overstayed their welcome. Highlights included the orchard skirmishes the brave stand at the walls and the sheer number of cannonballs that arrived free of charge. Catering was somewhat limited to bread cheese and powder smoke but the atmosphere was unbeatable. Would recommend to anyone looking for an energetic Belgian getaway with plenty of action and a guaranteed story to tell the grandchildren. Five stars.

What a cool place! The place are silent and a little cold, the rooms were a little small and there's not water, and some guys with grey skin and worn clothes tried to eat me, but, afortunely, i had my musket! don't go if there are no good players!

There's a real atmosphere here. Around 6000 were killed here, both sides. Don't forget to come here after the Waterloo museum. You can walk about 1k.

Excellent movie and exhibition room. A bit small but well preserved site.

Went here on June 18th 1815 there was alot of British but it was fun to explore where Waterloo happened and not just that but gray skinned people started to eat other people and there were french people using muskets to kill the gray people

Lowkey a great place but some cannibals tried to eat me but it’s fine I had my Sabre. Had a great time there though!

During our recent trip to the Waterloo battlefield from Dublin, Ireland, one of the absolute highlights for my wife, my son and me was our visit to Hougoumont Farm. As a key location in the Battle of Waterloo and a place rich with historical significance, it completely exceeded our expectations. The moment we stepped inside the gates, we were struck by the atmosphere of the place. It has been beautifully restored while preserving its authenticity, and you can truly feel the weight of history in the air. Knowing that this small, fortified farm was the scene of some of the fiercest fighting during the battle made our visit all the more powerful. The multimedia presentation in the barn was incredibly well done—immersive, emotional and informative. It helped us imagine what the soldiers endured here, especially the heroic defense by British and Allied troops against overwhelming French attacks. My son, who is passionate about the Napoleonic era, was completely captivated. He had read about Hougoumont before, but seeing it in person gave him a whole new appreciation for its importance. Walking through the courtyards, the chapel and the orchard gave us a clear sense of how the battle unfolded. We were particularly moved by the restored chapel and the story of the closing of the North Gate, which was a turning point in the fight. The original gate is still there, battered but standing, and it's one of those details that really connects you to the past. The staff at Hougoumont were friendly and welcoming, and the signage was informative without being overwhelming. Everything was clean, well-maintained and thoughtfully laid out. The farm also offers a quiet, reflective space amid the larger battlefield site—a perfect balance between education and emotion. In short, visiting Hougoumont Farm was a deeply memorable experience for our whole family. It is a must-see if you are exploring Waterloo or have even a passing interest in European history. For us, it was more than a site—it was a story, a symbol of resilience and a deeply human chapter of the battle. Absolutely worth it.