Pegasus Bridge - Suspension Bridge from Ohio to Kentucky
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Pegasus Bridge

4.6
·491k reviews·Ranville, France

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Pegasus Bridge - Suspension Bridge from Ohio to Kentucky

Pegasus Bridge

Best Time

Early mornings

Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.6
(491k reviews)

"The bridge that was here was one of the major targets of British airborne landings on D Day."

Vertical photo
TIP

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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Pegasus Bridge Itself

Pegasus Bridge Itself

Bénouville, Normandy

The iconic bridge, a crucial objective captured by British airborne forces on D-Day.

Pegasus Bridge Museum

Pegasus Bridge Museum

Bénouville

Discover the daring glider assault and the stories of the heroes who fought here.

Ranville Church Cemetery

Ranville Church Cemetery

Ranville

Pay respects at the resting place of Lt. Den Brotheridge, a key figure in the bridge's capture.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything for D-Day History

Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak crowds and truly absorb the historical significance. Consider visiting during D-Day anniversary commemorations for a deeply moving experience, but be prepared for larger crowds.

Embrace the Storytelling

Pegasus Bridge is more than just a bridge; it's a pivotal D-Day site. Engage with the museum and memorials to understand the bravery of the airborne troops. Many visitors find collecting free pamphlets a fun part of the experience.

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour light, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
June 6th
Why
D-Day commemorations
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

We are at the memorial Pegasus and my husband is someone that loves free pamphlets and likes to collect them can you relate to this? Does your husband do the same or do you do the same? #freestuff #pegasusbridge #pegasusbridgemuseum #ww2 #ww2history #france #normandy #dday #campervanadventures #campervan #europetravel
@dutchworld_americangirl
13.3K likes • 127.6K views

Collect Free Pamphlets! :gift:

Don't miss out on free pamphlets at the museum; they're a popular souvenir for history buffs! TikTok

Honor the Veterans :pray:

Many veterans visit to honor their comrades. Show respect and listen to their stories if you have the chance. TikTok

British Paratrooper Jim Kelly landed in a glider near Pegasus Bridge on D-Day morning. Here, he honors his brothers who made the ultimate sacrifice. #dday #NormandyTrip #WW2History #NormandyInvasion #DdayAnniversary #WW2Travel #NormandyBeaches #DdayLandings #WW2Normandy #NormandyTour #DdayMemorial #WW2Sites #NormandyHistory #Dday75 #WW2Traveler #NormandyBattlefields #DdayTour #WW2Remembrance #Nor...
@walkamongheroes
13.1K likes • 221.1K views
Pegasus Bridge #ww2 #dday #airborne #militaryhistory #military #pegasusbridge
@prestonstew
10.7K likes • 82.1K views

Then & Now Photos :camera:

Compare historical photos with the current landscape to visualize the D-Day landings. TikTok

Wear Comfortable Shoes :athletic_shoe:

You'll be doing a lot of walking around the bridge and museum area.

Jim Kelly, a British Veteran who landed at Pegasus Bridge on D-Day morning….not only is he very special, he’s very humble as well. #dday #NormandyTrip #WW2History #NormandyInvasion #DdayAnniversary #WW2Travel #NormandyBeaches #DdayLandings #WW2Normandy #NormandyTour #DdayMemorial #WW2Sites #NormandyHistory #Dday75 #WW2Traveler #NormandyBattlefields #DdayTour #WW2Remembrance #NormandyExperience #D...
@walkamongheroes
3.5K likes • 48.9K views

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! TikTok

Honor the Veterans :pray:

Many veterans visit to honor their comrades. Show respect and listen to their stories if you have the chance. TikTok

Then & Now Photos :camera:

Compare historical photos with the current landscape to visualize the D-Day landings. TikTok

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. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

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

Historical significance
Moving tributes
Informative museum

What People Dislike

Site can be small

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

Yes, there are parking facilities available near the Pegasus Bridge Museum, which is convenient for visitors arriving by car. TikTok

🎫 🎫 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. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

🎫 🧭 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. TikTokReddit

Allocate at least 2-3 hours to fully explore the bridge, museum, and surrounding historical sites. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. TikTok+1

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the bridge itself, the museum exhibits, and the 'then and now' comparisons. The surrounding landscape also offers scenic views. TikTok

Photography policies can vary. It's best to check with museum staff or look for signage regarding photography rules inside the museum. TikTok

Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing atmospheric shots of the bridge and its surroundings. TikTok

The areas around the bridge offer various angles. Consider viewpoints that capture the bridge in its context with the river and surrounding landscape. TikTok

Drone usage is often restricted in historical and memorial sites. Always check local regulations and obtain necessary permissions before flying a drone. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Pegasus Bridge offers a tangible way to bring history lessons to life for children. The Pegasus Bridge Museum has exhibits that can capture their imagination, and the story of the daring glider assault is often a hit. Encourage them to look for the 'then and now' photos to see how the area has changed. TikTok+1

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. Reddit

🎖️ History Buffs & WWII Enthusiasts

For those passionate about World War II, Pegasus Bridge is a must-visit. Dive deep into the strategic importance of the bridge and the tactics of the glider landings. The museum provides extensive details, and exploring the actual site allows for a visceral connection to the past. TikTok+1

Don't miss the opportunity to compare historical photographs with the present-day landscape, a popular activity highlighted by visitors. TikTok 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. TikTok+1

🚶 Solo Travelers

Pegasus Bridge is a contemplative and accessible site for solo travelers. The museum offers a wealth of information to absorb at your own pace, allowing for deep personal reflection on the events of D-Day. TikTok

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. Reddit 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. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Daring Glider Assault

The capture of Pegasus Bridge was one of the first Allied actions on D-Day, occurring just after midnight on June 6, 1944. British airborne troops from the 6th Airborne Division, specifically D Company of the 2nd Battalion, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, were tasked with seizing the bridge and its sister, the Horsa Bridge, intact. They achieved this through a daring assault using six Horsa gliders that landed astonishingly close to their targets. This mission was crucial to prevent German forces from reinforcing the beaches and to secure a vital crossing point for the Allied advance. TikTok+1

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. TikTok

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. TikTok The bravery displayed on this night is a cornerstone of Normandy's D-Day narrative, making Pegasus Bridge a profoundly significant historical site. TikTok

Visiting the Pegasus Bridge Museum

The Pegasus Bridge Museum is an essential stop for anyone visiting the site. It houses a remarkable collection of artifacts, photographs, and personal accounts related to the capture of the bridge and the wider actions of the 6th Airborne Division. The museum provides a comprehensive overview of the events of D-Day, focusing on the critical role this crossing played. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. Reddit The museum serves as a gateway to understanding the immense historical weight of Pegasus Bridge. TikTok

Reflecting at Ranville Church Cemetery

A short distance from Pegasus Bridge lies the Ranville Church Cemetery, a poignant site that holds the resting place of many soldiers who fought in the Normandy campaign. Among them is Lieutenant Den Brotheridge, the first British officer to be killed in action on D-Day, who was instrumental in the capture of the bridge. Reddit

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

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