Pegasus Bridge Memorial Normandy
Stand on the actual bridge captured on D-Day, a powerful symbol of Operation Deadstick and the start of the liberation of France.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer tour groups
Pegasus Bridge Memorial Normandy
Best Time
Fewer tour groups
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Stand on the actual bridge captured on D-Day, a powerful symbol of Operation Deadstick and the start of the liberation of France.
"One of the best memorials I visited on my Normandy trip."
🎟️ Value Ticket
One ticket often covers 3 museums! Great value for history buffs.
🅿️ Free Parking
Ample free parking is available right near the museum and bridge.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Original Pegasus Bridge
Museum Park
Stand on the actual bridge captured on D-Day, a powerful symbol of the airborne assault.
Reconstructed Glider
Museum Park
See a replica of the Horsa glider used by troops in Operation Deadstick, offering a glimpse into their transport.
WWII Vehicles and Exhibits
Museum Park and Interior
Explore a collection of authentic tanks, vehicles, and informative displays detailing the capture of the bridge.
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Value Ticket
One ticket often covers 3 museums! Great value for history buffs.
🅿️ Free Parking
Ample free parking is available right near the museum and bridge.
📚 Grab a Pamphlet
Don't miss the free pamphlets for extra historical context.
☕ Cafe Break
Enjoy a coffee or beer at the cafe across the bridge.
Going to Normandy next week
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Value Ticket
One ticket often covers 3 museums! Great value for history buffs.
🅿️ Free Parking
Ample free parking is available right near the museum and bridge.
📚 Grab a Pamphlet
Don't miss the free pamphlets for extra historical context.
☕ Cafe Break
Enjoy a coffee or beer at the cafe across the bridge.
🚶♂️ Explore Nearby
Visit Ranville church cemetery, a short walk away.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Pegasus Bridge Memorial for its historical significance and well-preserved exhibits, particularly the original bridge and reconstructed glider. The value of the combined ticket for multiple museums and the availability of free parking are frequently highlighted as major positives. While some find the museum itself compact, the overall experience is considered a must-visit for anyone interested in D-Day history.
"A great memorial with plenty of informative displays with vehicles parked atound the grounds.
They also have the original bridge and have also managed to rebuild a glider that was used to get troops into the area.
There is plenty of parking close by and some of the memorials are a very short walk away.
This was one of the best memorials I visited on my Normandy trip."
Jason
"A very good museum solely focusing on the taking of the bridge. The museum is not massive, but packed with memorabilia and information. The outside holds the actual bridge, planes, vehicles and information related to the bridge. The entrance fee was cheap. Highly recommend a visit."
Björn Johansson
"Excellent museum, the cost of €9.50 per adult covers you for the 3 museums. Very informative and the tanks and exhibitions are top class. Put side there is an original WW2 glider and the original bridge that stood when D-day started."
Andrew Twinam
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Pegasus Bridge Memorial Normandy is accessible by car, with ample free parking available on site. It's located near Caen and is a common stop on Normandy D-Day tours. Public transport options are limited, so driving or joining a guided tour is recommended.
Yes, the memorial is well-signposted and a prominent landmark. It's situated on the Caen Canal, making it relatively easy to locate.
Absolutely! Pegasus Bridge Memorial Normandy is a perfect addition to a D-Day history day trip in Normandy. It's often combined with visits to other nearby sites.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is around €9.50 per adult, which often includes access to three different museums in the area, offering excellent value.
Booking in advance is generally not required, but it's always a good idea to check the official website for any updates, especially during peak tourist seasons.
While specific discounts aren't always advertised, the combined ticket for multiple museums offers significant savings. Check for family or group rates if applicable.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Pegasus Bridge Memorial Museum website for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
The museum and grounds are generally accessible, but it's advisable to contact the museum directly for specific accessibility details regarding ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see the original Pegasus Bridge, a reconstructed glider, various WWII vehicles, and extensive indoor exhibits detailing the capture of the bridge during Operation Deadstick. +1
Most visitors spend 1-2 hours exploring the museum and the outdoor exhibits, including the bridge and vehicles.
Yes, guided tours are available and highly recommended. Guides like Michel can bring the history to life with engaging stories.
Photography is generally permitted in outdoor areas and for most exhibits. However, always check for any specific restrictions inside the museum buildings.
Pegasus Bridge was a crucial objective for British airborne forces on D-Day. Its capture prevented German reinforcements from reaching the beaches and was one of the first actions of the invasion.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There is a cafe located across the bridge where you can enjoy a coffee or a beer. It's a nice spot to relax after your visit.
The cafe across the bridge is a convenient option. For more extensive dining, you'll find restaurants and cafes in the nearby towns of Bénouville and Ranville.
📸 📸 Photography
The original bridge itself, the reconstructed glider, and the vintage military vehicles offer excellent photo opportunities. The surrounding landscape also provides a scenic backdrop.
Yes, you can get great shots of the bridge from various angles. Consider capturing it with the museum exhibits or the canal in the background.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider making it part of a larger D-Day tour to keep younger attention spans engaged. The cafe across the bridge offers a good spot for a break and a snack. While the historical context is serious, the tangible elements of the memorial make it accessible and educational for all ages.
💰 Budget Travelers
Packing your own snacks or enjoying a simple coffee at the cafe across the bridge can help keep food costs down. The historical significance and the impressive outdoor exhibits, including the actual bridge and glider, provide a rich experience without requiring expensive add-ons.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Story of Operation Deadstick
The swift and precise execution of Operation Deadstick was crucial. The glider-borne troops landed almost directly on their objectives, overwhelming the surprised German garrisons. This early success secured a vital gateway for the Allied invasion and is commemorated at the Pegasus Bridge Memorial. The museum vividly recounts this pivotal moment in WWII history, showcasing the bravery and strategic importance of the operation.
Visitors can explore the actual bridge, a powerful tangible link to the past. The reconstructed glider offers a visual representation of how the troops arrived, and the surrounding exhibits provide detailed accounts and artifacts from the battle. It’s a deeply moving experience that brings the sacrifices of those involved to life.
Exploring the Museum Exhibits
Outside the museum, the open-air exhibition is equally compelling. Here, visitors can see the actual Pegasus Bridge, which was moved from its original location to be preserved. Adjacent to it stands a meticulously reconstructed Horsa glider, identical to those used by the airborne troops. The grounds also feature a collection of WWII vehicles and tanks, adding a significant visual dimension to the historical narrative.
Many visitors highlight the value of the ticket, which often grants access to other nearby museums, making it an excellent way to explore more of Normandy's D-Day history. The presence of the original bridge and glider makes the experience particularly impactful, offering a direct connection to the events of June 6, 1944.
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