CWGC Tours 2026 - Selby Cemetery

Join the Commonwealth War Graves Commission for a free tour of Selby Cemetery, led by one of our experienced volunteer tour guides.

Our tours are free to the public, but if you would like to support us then please consider donating to our charity The Commonwealth War Graves Foundation (CWGF).

https://foundation.cwgc.org/donate/

MEETING POINT is just inside the main gates on Long Mann Hills Road.

There are over 80 Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) casualties buried at Selby Cemetery. Our knowledgeable guide will lead you through this cemetery, sharing tales of courage and resilience as well as the history and work of the CWGC.

The First World War burials are mainly local men who were buried in family plots throughout the site. These include Private Belton John Otley who served in the Coldstream Guards alongside his brother in the Battle of the Mons, the first major action of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) in the First World War. On the tour you’ll hear about Belton’s experience in his own words.

During the Second World War, a portion of land was set aside by the local authorities for service war burials and this plot contains mainly air crew from nearby RAF stations. The casualties include airmen from Canada, Australia and New Zealand as well as the UK. The stories shared include a tragic incident at RAF Snaith which resulted in one of the highest number of ground crew killed in one incident in the UK.

The tour lasts approx. 60 mins and covers about 400 metres on paths and grass with uneven ground.

Parking is available on the surrounding streets, please be mindful of the neighbours. There are no facilities or toilets on site. Please bring water if required.

Please come dressed for the weather and wear suitable footwear.

Only assistance dogs are allowed in the cemetery

Please note there can be last minute cancellations. This can be due to various reasons including illness, site issues and weather. We will email you as soon as we can, but this could include the morning of the tour, so please check your emails prior to leaving for the tour.

The Commonwealth War Graves Foundation (CWGF) aims to actively engage all communities with the work of the CWGC by telling the inspiring stories through education and outreach projects.

The CWGF is an independent charity registered with the Charity Commission of England and Wales (1171947) and Scotland (SC051982).