7‑Day Road Trip: Glasgow → D‑Day Beaches (Base in Caen) – June 1‑7 2026

Day 1: Glasgow → Folkestone (Euro Tunnel)

Morning: Depart Glasgow early and head south on the M74/A74, enjoying the scenic Scottish Lowlands. Stop for coffee in Carlisle before continuing.

Afternoon: Arrive at the Euro Tunnel terminal in Folkestone, complete vehicle checks, and purchase a crossing ticket. Lunch at a nearby pub.

Evening: Take the Euro Tunnel crossing (≈35 min) to Calais, then drive to a comfortable B&B in Folkestone for an overnight rest.

Day 2: Folkestone → Caen (Base)

Morning: After breakfast, cross the English Channel via the Euro Tunnel to Calais and head east on the A16/A28 towards the French coast.

Afternoon: Arrive in Caen, check into your hotel, and enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local brasserie.

Evening: Stroll the historic centre, admire the Caen Castle illuminated at night, and dine on Normandy cider‑cooked specialties.

Day 3: Omaha & Utah Beaches

Morning: Drive to Omaha Beach (≈45 min) and explore the visitor centre, memorials, and the iconic Normandy American Cemetery.

Afternoon: Continue to Utah Beach, visit the museum and the U.S. Army Ranger Monument, then enjoy a seaside lunch.

Evening: Return to Caen, relax at the hotel, and sample fresh seafood at a local restaurant.

Day 4: Juno & Sword Beaches + Arromanches

Morning: Head to Juno Beach to tour the Canadian museum and the striking Juno Beach Centre.

Afternoon: Visit Sword Beach and the Gold Beach Museum, then drive to Arromanches‑les‑Bains to see the famous Mulberry Harbour remnants.

Evening: Return to Caen for a relaxed dinner and optional evening walk along the River Orne.

Day 5: Gold Beach & Pegasus Bridge

Morning: Explore Gold Beach and the Gold Beach Museum, learning about the British 50th Division’s landing.

Afternoon: Drive to the historic Pegasus Bridge (≈30 min) for a guided tour of the site where British forces secured the bridge on D‑Day.

Evening: Return to Caen, visit the Memorial de Caen for a brief evening viewing (open late on certain days), then enjoy a quiet night.

Day 6: Caen & Bayeux

Morning: Tour the impressive Caen Castle and the adjoining Abbaye aux Hommes.

Afternoon: Short drive to Bayeux (≈30 min) to admire the world‑famous Bayeux Tapestry and the charming medieval centre.

Evening: Return to Caen, enjoy a farewell dinner featuring Camembert and Calvados, and reflect on the week’s history.

Day 7: Caen → Leeds (Return Journey)

Morning: Depart Caen, head to the Euro Tunnel terminal at Calais and complete the crossing back to Folkestone.

Afternoon: Drive north through England, stopping for a quick coffee in Nottingham before reaching Leeds.

Evening: Check into a Leeds hotel, enjoy a relaxed dinner in the city centre, and prepare for the final leg home.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Euro Tunnel crossing (both ways) – 1 hour total – £240 (vehicle + driver)
• Fuel (≈1,800 km round‑trip, 7 L/100 km, £1.70/L) – 126 L – £215
• Accommodation (7 nights, mid‑range) – 7 × £120 – £840
• Omaha Beach visitor centre – 2 hrs – £12
• Utah Beach museum – 1.5 hrs – £8
• Juno Beach Centre – 2 hrs – £10
• Sword Beach & Gold Beach museums – 2 hrs – £15
• Arromanches Mulberry Harbour – 1.5 hrs – £9
• Pegasus Bridge tour – 2 hrs – £12
• Memorial de Caen – 2 hrs – £13
• Caen Castle & Abbaye aux Hommes – 2 hrs – £10
• Bayeux Tapestry – 1.5 hrs – £11
• Meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner for 7 days) – approx. £35 per person / day – £490
• Parking & tolls (UK & France) – £60
Total Estimated Cost: £2,845

Tips

If you have extra time, add a day to explore the beautiful coastal town of Honfleur or the historic Mont Saint‑Michel, both within a 2‑hour drive from Caen. To shorten the trip, combine Omaha and Utah beaches into a single half‑day and skip Bayeux; you’ll still experience the core D‑Day sites while reducing driving mileage.