Founded in 1915 in Poperinge, this charming house served as a refuge for British soldiers during the First World War. Two army chaplains established it as a place of peace and equality amidst the chaos of war. It soon became known as “an oasis of serenity in a world gone mad.” During the war, quiet Poperinge grew into a bustling British garrison town, just behind the front lines. Every day, thousands of soldiers passed through the town on their way to and from the trenches. Amidst the pubs, cinemas, and busy streets, Talbot House offered a unique place of calm and companionship. Founder ‘Tubby’ Clayton created the house as an Every Man’s Club, open to all soldiers, regardless of rank — a rare haven where everyone was welcome. Today, just like the thousands of soldiers and pilgrims before you, you are warmly invited to stay the night and experience for yourself what this special place meant to so many.

Welcome to Talbot House – an authentic soldiers’ club from the First World War. Our dedicated volunteers, the Wardens, look forward to greeting you with a warm welcome and a cup of tea! All rooms are equipped with a washbasin, towels and toiletries. Our housekeeping is happy to make your beds on request. Adjacent to every room, you will find toilets and showers, with an average of one bathroom per two bedrooms. Did you know your very own bedroom has a stunning story linked to it? Discover all about it in your ‘room book’, a souvenir you are welcome to take home with you. After check-in, feel free to explore the House, the exhibitions, Happy Hoppers Concert Party and the compelling documentary in Revd. Tubby’s Dining Room. All of this is included in your stay. Don’t forget to browse through our museum shop. You are very welcome to enjoy the peaceful large walled garden, a real oasis just like during the war years. A bicycle storage can be found at the back of the garden. Garden games are freely available along with a large guest library, board games and honesty bar. A continental breakfast is included in your overnight stay. If you wish to start your day with an English breakfast, please send us a message so we can add this to your reservation.

We are located just a 3-minute walk from Poperinge’s Market Square — a charming small town near the Belgian-French border. Surrounded by endless hop fields, Poperinge is famous for its rich brewing heritage, with renowned breweries like St. Sixtus, St. Bernardus, and Plukker, as well as its lively Hop & Beer Festival. The area is steeped in history, with numerous Great War cemeteries scattered across the landscape, standing as quiet reminders of the hospitals that once filled the surrounding fields. Located about an hour from the Channel and just 15 minutes from Ypres, Poperinge is the perfect base for exploring the rich history of the Great War.