Pegasus Bridge
A pivotal D-Day site where British airborne troops captured a vital bridge in a daring glider assault.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Pegasus Bridge
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A pivotal D-Day site where British airborne troops captured a vital bridge in a daring glider assault.
"The bridge that was here was one of the major targets of British airborne landings on D Day."
Collect Free Pamphlets! :gift:
Don't miss out on free pamphlets at the museum; they're a popular souvenir for history buffs!
Honor the Veterans :pray:
Many veterans visit to honor their comrades. Show respect and listen to their stories if you have the chance.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Pegasus Bridge Itself
Bénouville, Normandy
The iconic bridge, a crucial objective captured by British airborne forces on D-Day.

Pegasus Bridge Museum
Bénouville
Discover the daring glider assault and the stories of the heroes who fought here.

Ranville Church Cemetery
Ranville
Pay respects at the resting place of Lt. Den Brotheridge, a key figure in the bridge's capture.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for D-Day History
Embrace the Storytelling
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Collect Free Pamphlets! :gift:
Don't miss out on free pamphlets at the museum; they're a popular souvenir for history buffs!
Honor the Veterans :pray:
Many veterans visit to honor their comrades. Show respect and listen to their stories if you have the chance.
Then & Now Photos :camera:
Compare historical photos with the current landscape to visualize the D-Day landings.
Wear Comfortable Shoes :athletic_shoe:
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the bridge and museum area.
Tips
from all over the internet
Collect Free Pamphlets! :gift:
Don't miss out on free pamphlets at the museum; they're a popular souvenir for history buffs!
Honor the Veterans :pray:
Many veterans visit to honor their comrades. Show respect and listen to their stories if you have the chance.
Then & Now Photos :camera:
Compare historical photos with the current landscape to visualize the D-Day landings.
Wear Comfortable Shoes :athletic_shoe:
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the bridge and museum area.
Learn the History :books:
Understanding the glider assault makes the visit much more impactful.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Pegasus Bridge for its profound historical significance and the moving tributes to the D-Day paratroopers. The museum is well-regarded for its informative exhibits, though some find the site itself to be smaller than anticipated. It's a deeply resonant stop for anyone interested in WWII history.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Pegasus Bridge is easily accessible from Caen by car, taking approximately 20-30 minutes. Public transport options include local buses, though schedules may vary. Many visitors opt for guided tours that include transportation from major Normandy towns.
Yes, local bus routes connect Pegasus Bridge to nearby towns like Caen and Bayeux. It's advisable to check the latest schedules as they can be infrequent.
Cycling is a popular option for exploring the Normandy region. There are dedicated cycle paths, and Pegasus Bridge is a scenic stop along many routes.
Many visitors rent a car to explore the wider Normandy region at their own pace. However, the bridge and museum are compact enough to explore on foot or by bicycle.
Yes, there are parking facilities available near the Pegasus Bridge Museum, which is convenient for visitors arriving by car.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The bridge itself is a public landmark and free to visit. However, the Pegasus Bridge Museum requires an admission fee. It's recommended to check their official website for current ticket prices and opening hours.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to consult the official Pegasus Bridge Museum website for the most up-to-date information on their operating times.
Discounts may be available for students, seniors, or groups. Check the museum's website or inquire at the ticket counter for details on potential concessions.
While the bridge is accessible at all times, the museum has specific opening hours. Visiting at night offers a different, quieter perspective of the bridge itself.
Most D-Day memorials and historical markers in the vicinity of Pegasus Bridge are free to visit. The main attraction with an entry fee is the Pegasus Bridge Museum.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see the original Pegasus Bridge, visit the Pegasus Bridge Museum detailing the D-Day assault, and explore nearby memorials and the Ranville Church Cemetery.
Allocate at least 2-3 hours to fully explore the bridge, museum, and surrounding historical sites.
Yes, guided tours are often available, especially through organized D-Day tours of Normandy. These tours provide in-depth historical context and can enhance your understanding.
Yes, children can find the history engaging, especially with the museum's exhibits. It's a good opportunity to teach them about this significant historical event.
Pegasus Bridge was a critical objective for British airborne troops on D-Day, captured just after midnight to secure a vital crossing and prevent German reinforcements.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the bridge itself, the museum exhibits, and the 'then and now' comparisons. The surrounding landscape also offers scenic views.
Photography policies can vary. It's best to check with museum staff or look for signage regarding photography rules inside the museum.
Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing atmospheric shots of the bridge and its surroundings.
The areas around the bridge offer various angles. Consider viewpoints that capture the bridge in its context with the river and surrounding landscape.
Drone usage is often restricted in historical and memorial sites. Always check local regulations and obtain necessary permissions before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep the visit engaging by focusing on the bravery of the soldiers and the importance of the bridge. The Ranville Church Cemetery offers a quiet moment for reflection, teaching children about remembrance. Consider bringing a small notebook for them to sketch or write down what they see, making it an interactive learning experience.
🎖️ History Buffs & WWII Enthusiasts
Don't miss the opportunity to compare historical photographs with the present-day landscape, a popular activity highlighted by visitors. Consider visiting during the D-Day anniversary for special events and a heightened sense of historical significance. Engaging with any available veteran accounts or guided tours will offer invaluable insights.
🚶 Solo Travelers
Take your time exploring the bridge and its surroundings, perhaps bringing a journal to record your thoughts. The Ranville Church Cemetery provides a peaceful space for quiet contemplation. Engaging with local guides or fellow visitors can enrich the experience, but it's also a place where you can easily connect with history on your own terms.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Daring Glider Assault
The success of this operation, led by Major John Howard, was vital for the overall D-Day strategy. The speed and precision of the airborne troops ensured that the bridges remained under Allied control, a testament to their bravery and training. The story is vividly brought to life at the Pegasus Bridge Museum, where visitors can learn about the tactics, the equipment, and the personal stories of the soldiers involved.
Many visitors are moved by the proximity of the glider landings to the bridge itself, a fact highlighted in 'then and now' comparisons. This close proximity underscores the immense risk taken by the paratroopers. The bravery displayed on this night is a cornerstone of Normandy's D-Day narrative, making Pegasus Bridge a profoundly significant historical site.
Visiting the Pegasus Bridge Museum
Visitors often praise the museum for its informative exhibits and the opportunity to see original equipment and memorabilia. It's a place where the sacrifices of the soldiers are honored, and their stories are kept alive. Many find the free pamphlets a delightful bonus, adding a tangible element to their visit.
Beyond the museum, the surrounding area offers further points of interest, including memorials and the opportunity to reflect at the Ranville Church Cemetery, where Lt. Den Brotheridge is buried. The museum serves as a gateway to understanding the immense historical weight of Pegasus Bridge.
Reflecting at Ranville Church Cemetery
Visiting this cemetery offers a quiet and solemn opportunity for reflection. It's a place where visitors can pay their respects to the fallen heroes and contemplate the immense cost of freedom. The peaceful atmosphere contrasts sharply with the fierce battles that once took place in this region.
Many visitors find this cemetery a deeply moving part of their Normandy experience, providing a personal connection to the human stories behind the historical events. It’s a reminder of the ultimate sacrifice made by these brave individuals.
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