Eyewitness Tours

Guided tours of the battlefields and beyond

It is with the most profound sorrow that we have to announce the sudden death of founder of, and guide, Andy Thompson which has come as a great shock. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife and two children, of whom he was immensely proud.

For many years Andy was a teacher and Headteacher who led tours for his students. On his retirement, he founded Eyewitness Tours and continued to travel to the battlefields of Europe, leading tours for groups large and small over many years. He was with a group on the battlefields of Normandy shortly before his death. His tours with the Western Front Association and the War Poets Association were a highlight of each year.

Andy was a member of the Guild of Battlefield Guides and had been awarded the inaugural ‘Old Bill Award’ for his enthusiasm and cheerfulness in times of difficulty, a thoroughly deserved accolade for the many hours of selfless time he had given to the Guild. He organised the yearly Christmas Dinner, helped overseas members travel to the AGM and gave selflessly to anyone who asked. 

Andy is greatly missed and I am sure he will enjoy leading groups across new battlefields.

Immerse yourself in history

Experience personal stories of war

All Inclusive Tours

Top Quality Hotels

Private bespoke and tailor made tours to meet your requirements

Follow the journey of your family to the battlefield

Food, Drink & Culture

Experienced Tour Guides

Ask about prices for our private tours with driver, guide and flexibility to meet your requirements

Bespoke and tailor made tours at agreed all in prices

Contact us at

info@eyewitnesstours.com

Testimonials

Mr A June 2012 – Normandy D-Day Tour

Thanks Mike for all your efforts it was much appreciated and enjoyed.
Eyewitness Tours
2016-06-16T11:09:44+01:00
Thanks Mike for all your efforts it was much appreciated and enjoyed.

Mrs M. August 2012 – Family Pilgrimage, Western Front

We had a great time- made so special by all the hard work [Mike] had put in to the “story” and by your excellent friendly company. I have already sung your praises to all who have asked about my holiday.
Eyewitness Tours
2016-06-16T11:06:27+01:00
We had a great time- made so special by all the hard work [Mike] had put in to the “story” and by your excellent friendly company. I have already sung your praises to all who have asked about my holiday.

Mr & Mrs B Oct 2012 – Western Front

Well, where do I start to thank you!!! We had a great time and I'm sure we are boring everyone as we've not stopped talking about the trip. It was beyond our expectations. …. Thank you is really not enough to say how much we really enjoyed the tour and of course your company
Eyewitness Tours
2016-06-16T11:04:52+01:00
Well, where do I start to thank you!!! We had a great time and I'm sure we are boring everyone as we've not stopped talking about the trip. It was beyond our expectations. …. Thank you is really not enough to say how much we really enjoyed the tour and of course your company

Mr & Mrs W and Family May 2013 – Family Pilgrimage, Western Front

The whole tour was expertly put together and meticulously researched, we have the folder put together by [Mike] with all the details, a wonderful legacy for our family. Although sad at times because of the tremendous loss of life it was a wonderful experience. ... The trip has had a profound effect on us.
Eyewitness Tours
2016-06-16T11:02:38+01:00
The whole tour was expertly put together and meticulously researched, we have the folder put together by [Mike] with all the details, a wonderful legacy for our family. Although sad at times because of the tremendous loss of life it was a wonderful experience. ... The trip has had a profound effect on us.

Mr P and Ms S July 2013 – NZ on Western Front

Marilyn and I would like to thank Mike Scott for the most interesting tour of NZ related WW1 sites on the Somme and Flanders. Mike knew the entire area like the back of his hand and his knowledge of each site was like an encyclopaedia. We will always be in debt for his exceptional 3 day tour, starting at Ashford, England.
Eyewitness Tours
2016-06-16T11:01:38+01:00
Marilyn and I would like to thank Mike Scott for the most interesting tour of NZ related WW1 sites on the Somme and Flanders. Mike knew the entire area like the back of his hand and his knowledge of each site was like an encyclopaedia. We will always be in debt for his exceptional 3 day tour, starting at Ashford, England.

Mrs N. Feb 2014 – Western Front

Thank you for arranging this. It was everything I hoped for and I think about it often. Your knowledge is incredible and you set exactly the right tone and pace for … a life learning experience.
Eyewitness Tours
2016-06-16T10:59:20+01:00
Thank you for arranging this. It was everything I hoped for and I think about it often. Your knowledge is incredible and you set exactly the right tone and pace for … a life learning experience.

Mrs W May 14 – UK Tour

You gave us an exceptional trip and spending time with you was a big part of that.
Eyewitness Tours
2016-06-16T10:58:04+01:00
You gave us an exceptional trip and spending time with you was a big part of that.

Mrs S May 14 – UK Tour

We had a lovely time thanks to your brilliant planning and good spirits. Thanks again for a wonderful tour,
Eyewitness Tours
2016-06-16T10:56:27+01:00
We had a lovely time thanks to your brilliant planning and good spirits. Thanks again for a wonderful tour,

Mrs W May 14 – UK Tour

The trip was Great! We would not have had such a full and rich experience if not for your guidance, wit and enthusiasm. Thank you.
Eyewitness Tours
2016-06-16T10:35:16+01:00
The trip was Great! We would not have had such a full and rich experience if not for your guidance, wit and enthusiasm. Thank you.

Mr G (Swale Borough Council) Nov 14 – Armistice Day

Personally, I would really like to extend my thanks …. to Mike Scott for making my job a lot easier on the day and providing a good and professional service.
Eyewitness Tours
2016-06-16T10:34:11+01:00
Personally, I would really like to extend my thanks …. to Mike Scott for making my job a lot easier on the day and providing a good and professional service.

Mrs S – Family Pilgrimage WW1 & WW2, Sept 2016

Just wanted to thank you very much for the extensive tour. and for all your hard work in putting such an interesting and varied programme together .   I thoroughly enjoyed it and know that Howard did too.
Eyewitness Tours
2016-10-08T20:18:38+01:00
Just wanted to thank you very much for the extensive tour. and for all your hard work in putting such an interesting and varied programme together .   I thoroughly enjoyed it and know that Howard did too.

Mr T, September 2016 – Normandy Family History Tour

A wonderful weekend Mike, the memories of which will stay with me for many years to come. Thank you
Eyewitness Tours
2016-10-04T08:17:05+01:00
A wonderful weekend Mike, the memories of which will stay with me for many years to come. Thank you

Miss F, September 2016 – Normandy Family History Tour

You have obviously put a huge amount of work in. It really means a lot to him to be able to do this. Thank you doesn't really cover it but Thank You anyway, what you have put together is unbelievable.
Eyewitness Tours
2016-09-19T11:42:38+01:00
You have obviously put a huge amount of work in. It really means a lot to him to be able to do this. Thank you doesn't really cover it but Thank You anyway, what you have put together is unbelievable.

Mr M and Ms N – October 2016, Australian battlefields and Private Family Pilgrimage

Many, many thanks for your tour and the preparation of the document around my grandfather's exploits. We thoroughly enjoyed the tour and your company in particular and will have no hesitation in recommending your tours. Your depth of knowledge is equalled only by your passion!
Eyewitness Tours
2016-10-13T10:05:22+01:00
Many, many thanks for your tour and the preparation of the document around my grandfather's exploits. We thoroughly enjoyed the tour and your company in particular and will have no hesitation in recommending your tours. Your depth of knowledge is equalled only by your passion!

Ms S – ANZAC Day Tour April 2017

I just wanted to say thank you very much for the recent tour. Some of us travelled from London were a little worried initially with the type of tour we had selected, but once we met Andy our minds were at ease! 

I felt as though I got a lot out of the tour. I am inspired to learn a lot more about World War One now. Your side of organisation was excellent. The food stops (pizza and breakfast) were great choices as it was an efficient use of time for a big group. It was great having such passionate guides who were excellent at telling the various stories and history of the area.  I also really appreciated the interest and assistance from Andy to locate the names of some of my ancestors at the various memorials.
Eyewitness Tours
2017-10-16T09:49:22+01:00
I just wanted to say thank you very much for the recent tour. Some of us travelled from London were a little worried initially with the type of tour we had selected, but once we met Andy our minds were at ease!  I felt as though I got a lot out of the tour. I am inspired to learn a lot more about World War One now. Your side of organisation was excellent. The food stops (pizza and breakfast) were great choices as it was an efficient use of time for a big group. It was great having such passionate guides who were excellent at telling the various stories and history of the area.  I also really appreciated the interest and assistance from Andy to locate the names of some of my ancestors at the various memorials.

Mr K – ANZAC Day Tour April 2017

Many thanks Andy. Your tour gave us so much insight into our history
Eyewitness Tours
2017-10-16T09:47:20+01:00
Many thanks Andy. Your tour gave us so much insight into our history

Mr M – May 2017

You delivered and completed our tour and exceeded our expectations. For that Andy we are very grateful.

And have wonderful memories of our time with you. I don't have the words to completely describe the pleasure that you gave us in those couple of days. the descriptions, the stories and your company ... truly marvellous.
Eyewitness Tours
2018-02-23T14:49:05+00:00
You delivered and completed our tour and exceeded our expectations. For that Andy we are very grateful. And have wonderful memories of our time with you. I don't have the words to completely describe the pleasure that you gave us in those couple of days. the descriptions, the stories and your company ... truly marvellous.

Mr L – Group Tour Surrey WFA Sept 2017

One can always have high expectations for an Eyewitness Tour and I haven’t been disappointed yet.  The tours are always well organised and I felt very informed and looked after!

It is always moving to visit the memorials and cemeteries but it was a very thoughtful touch for each of us to be given a soldier to research and lay a poppy cross beneath each name at the Ring of Remembrance Notre Dame de Lorette.
Eyewitness Tours
2017-10-16T09:42:55+01:00
One can always have high expectations for an Eyewitness Tour and I haven’t been disappointed yet.  The tours are always well organised and I felt very informed and looked after! It is always moving to visit the memorials and cemeteries but it was a very thoughtful touch for each of us to be given a soldier to research and lay a poppy cross beneath each name at the Ring of Remembrance Notre Dame de Lorette.

Mr & Mrs G – Australian Family History Tour Oct 2017

'It was great to meet you too and we both thoroughly enjoyed your tour. We had a great time and learned a lot. Thanks for being so helpful and accommodating. We will certainly recommend you to anyone interested it these kind of tours
Eyewitness Tours
2017-10-16T09:41:10+01:00
'It was great to meet you too and we both thoroughly enjoyed your tour. We had a great time and learned a lot. Thanks for being so helpful and accommodating. We will certainly recommend you to anyone interested it these kind of tours

Mrs B – October 2017

We are glowing with memories of our best, by far the best War Graves Trip we have ever been on, and it is all thanks to you. Where shall I begin?

You bound our group together so effortlessly, from 5 year olds to 80; from easy characters to others so precise; you found us convenient and comfortable hotels where we had no bills nor extras for us to pay, that gave us wholesome breakfasts; you kept the young engaged, made them feel special especially laying a wreath, placing a cross, answering your questions and never too busy to answer any of theirs - and for me a delight to watch - thank you so much for entering into the spirit and mores of the whole family. The children were delighted with the shrapnel and chocolate which was so thoughtful of you.
Eyewitness Tours
2018-02-23T14:50:36+00:00
We are glowing with memories of our best, by far the best War Graves Trip we have ever been on, and it is all thanks to you. Where shall I begin? You bound our group together so effortlessly, from 5 year olds to 80; from easy characters to others so precise; you found us convenient and comfortable hotels where we had no bills nor extras for us to pay, that gave us wholesome breakfasts; you kept the young engaged, made them feel special especially laying a wreath, placing a cross, answering your questions and never too busy to answer any of theirs - and for me a delight to watch - thank you so much for entering into the spirit and mores of the whole family. The children were delighted with the shrapnel and chocolate which was so thoughtful of you.

Mrs H – April 2018

It was so wonderful to meet you, and to learn of the WWI history through you. I mean what I say - it is so evident how passionate you are about this ....... Your insight and knowledge is a gift. I need to thank you for making the trip such a truly special and memorable one for me. I had a wonderful time and your leadership was fabulous.
Eyewitness Tours
2019-09-11T15:01:57+01:00
It was so wonderful to meet you, and to learn of the WWI history through you. I mean what I say - it is so evident how passionate you are about this ....... Your insight and knowledge is a gift. I need to thank you for making the trip such a truly special and memorable one for me. I had a wonderful time and your leadership was fabulous.

Mrs H – July 2018

Many, many thanks for all your tireless work. It is always a pleasure spending time with you and I always learn so much.
Eyewitness Tours
2019-09-11T15:02:44+01:00
Many, many thanks for all your tireless work. It is always a pleasure spending time with you and I always learn so much.

Ms A and Ms D – Family Pilgrimage to Cambrai, December 2017

We really appreciate all your work in organising such a brilliant tour for us.
Eyewitness Tours
2017-12-11T17:10:35+00:00
We really appreciate all your work in organising such a brilliant tour for us.

Mrs C – Oct 2018

Beautifully organised, meticulously planned with great consideration for all
Eyewitness Tours
2019-09-11T14:57:19+01:00
Beautifully organised, meticulously planned with great consideration for all

Mrs C – Oct 2018

Brilliant organisation. Stimulating company. poignant and moving tour
Eyewitness Tours
2019-09-11T14:58:42+01:00
Brilliant organisation. Stimulating company. poignant and moving tour

Mr U – Oct 2018

My expectations were met and it was obvious that a great deal of planning and preparation went into the agenda for the trip.
Eyewitness Tours
2019-09-11T14:58:09+01:00
My expectations were met and it was obvious that a great deal of planning and preparation went into the agenda for the trip.

Miss D, Oct 2018

Thanks once again for all your hard work on this trip for us, it was much appreciated
Eyewitness Tours
2019-09-11T14:54:16+01:00
Thanks once again for all your hard work on this trip for us, it was much appreciated

Mr R – May 2019

Everyone enjoyed the trip and got from it what they were looking for.  Most seemed to be shocked at the scale of things and the visual effect of so many deaths.  Thank you for tailoring the trip to suit our rather vague specification, it was just what we wanted. I will have no hesitation in recommending you to anyone with similar plans
Eyewitness Tours
2019-05-19T12:29:59+01:00
Everyone enjoyed the trip and got from it what they were looking for.  Most seemed to be shocked at the scale of things and the visual effect of so many deaths.  Thank you for tailoring the trip to suit our rather vague specification, it was just what we wanted. I will have no hesitation in recommending you to anyone with similar plans

Mr & Mrs S-H – May 2019

We both awoke this morning and shared some retained images of the weekend, which will remain with in our thoughts. You conjured up some powerful emotions, with your knowledge and enthusiasm. Thank you so much.
Eyewitness Tours
2019-05-19T12:32:03+01:00
We both awoke this morning and shared some retained images of the weekend, which will remain with in our thoughts. You conjured up some powerful emotions, with your knowledge and enthusiasm. Thank you so much.

Mrs W-S – July 2019

Thank you so much for an excellent tour. Your research into our involvement in WW1, the care during the tour, your knowledge and the way you presented the information made our tour perfect.
Eyewitness Tours
2019-09-11T15:06:28+01:00
Thank you so much for an excellent tour. Your research into our involvement in WW1, the care during the tour, your knowledge and the way you presented the information made our tour perfect.
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Eyewitness Tours

Associations

ETOA
Last Post Association