British D-Day Tour

  • Pegasus Bridge

On this full day tour of the British sectors on D-Day, you will visit the most important landing sites: Pegasus Bridge, Hillman strongpoint, Sword Beach, Gold Beach, Arromanches/Mulberry Harbour, Longues-sur-Mer Gun Battery, British War Cemetery at Bayeux.

On route, as well as on location, throughout the day you will learn about the planning and preparations involved to get the largest military operation in history organised, which units were involved, what their objectives were, and how victory was achieved.

I will share with you many stories of the men and women who fought to free Europe of Nazi occupation.

At each of these site there will be some free time for you to take photos, use restrooms or grab a coffee.


LOCATIONS WE WILL VISIT ON THIS DAY:

1) Pegasus Bridge

The bridges across the Caen Canal and Orne river were vital objectives for the British forces on D-Day. Learn how daring and successful the glider assault by Major Howard and men from the 2nd Battalion the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, British 6th Airborne Division, was. Listen to the stories about the bravery of the men who defended the bridges from the German counter attacks until British Commandos from Sword beach arrived.

At a small extra cost visit the world renowned Pegasus Bridge Museum.

2) Hillman strongpoint

This inland fortification was part of the German costal defences in Western Europe, known as the Atlantic Wall, positioned directly behind the Sword beach landing area on commanding high ground. Learn about the ingenious bunker complex design and how elements of the British 3rd Infantry Division overcame this obstacle.

3) Sword Beach

The Eastern most landing beach of the invasion was to be assaulted by the British 3rd Infantry Division. Their task was not a small one. They were to break through 3 belts of German defences and push approximately 8 miles in land, take the city of Caen and link up with the 6th British Airborne Division to the East. Hear about the incredible German defence systems and the more incredible British plan of attack that would smash into them.

4) Lunch

Lunch is normally stopping for a sandwich or other quick snack (not included in the price of the tour) and we will have a break for about 45 minutes.

5) Juno Beach

Passing through the Canadian sector on our way to Gold Beach, you will hear some stories about their involvement on D-Day.

6) Gold Beach

We visit the second British landing sector and see how the men of the 50th Infantry Division were able to break through. It was here that Company Sergeant Major, Stanley Hollis of the 6th Battalion, the Green Howards, landed. We will follow his actions on D-Day which resulted in him receiving the only Victoria Cross, the highest award for bravery in the British Commonwealth.

7) Arromanches/Mulberry Harbour

Here we will see the remains of the artificial harbour, known as Mulberry. This amazing invention became the most important port for the Allied in North-West Europe until December 1944.

8) Longues Sur Mer Gun Battery

This large German gun battery still has its original artillery pieces in place. These guns were a major threat to the invasion armada on the 6th of June and had to be dealt with quickly by combined British and French navy.

9) British War Cemetery at Bayeux

Time for reflection at the British War Cemetery, final resting place and memorial for 6452 soldiers of various nationalities, including German.

IN A NUT SHELL

Tour title: British D-Day tour

Tour price (not per person) from July 2023: €620.

Start: 8.30am

Finish: 5.30pm

Duration: 9 hours

Pick-up/drop-off location: your accommodation in or near Bayeux; other pick-up locations can be arranged

Capacity: this private tour accommodates 1 to 8 people

Lunch: includes 1 hour lunch break, price not included

Request a tour here

Please see the Info page for further details