June 1‑9, 2026 – D‑Day Beaches Road‑Trip Adventure

Day 1: Glasgow → Stoke‑on‑Trent (Overnight)

Morning: Depart Glasgow early and enjoy a scenic drive through the Scottish Lowlands, stopping for coffee in Stirling.

Afternoon: Continue south via the M6, arriving in Stoke‑on‑Trent where you can explore the historic Pottery Museum and have a late lunch.

Evening: Check into a comfortable B&B, unwind with a walk along the Trent River, and get a good night’s rest for the journey ahead.

Day 2: Stoke‑on‑Trent → Poole → Cherbourg → Caen

Morning: Drive to the Port of Poole, arriving in time for the scheduled ferry to Cherbourg.

Afternoon: After a pleasant crossing, disembark at Cherbourg and head east to the historic city of Caen, where you’ll settle into your accommodation.

Evening: Stroll through Caen’s medieval streets, dine on local Normandy cuisine, and prepare for the beach tours starting tomorrow.

Day 3: Caen – Omaha Beach & Pointe du Hoc

Morning: Visit the moving Memorial Museum of the Battle of Normandy in Caen for context before heading out.

Afternoon: Drive to Omaha Beach, walk the shoreline, and explore the nearby Cemetery at Saint‑Côme.

Evening: Return to Caen, enjoy dinner at a seaside restaurant, and reflect on the day’s history.

Day 4: Utah Beach & Sainte‑Mère‑Église

Morning: Travel west to Utah Beach, stopping at the Utah Beach Museum for a guided tour.

Afternoon: Continue to the charming town of Sainte‑Mère‑Église, famous for the daring parachute incident.

Evening: Return to Caen, relax at your hotel, and perhaps sample local cider.

Day 5: Juno Beach & Arromanches

Morning: Head north to the Canadian‑focused Juno Beach Centre for insightful exhibits.

Afternoon: Explore the remnants of the artificial harbor at Arromanches‑les‑Bains, including the Arromanches Museum.

Evening: Enjoy a quiet dinner in Caen and take a sunset walk along the River Orne.

Day 6: Sword Beach & Bayeux

Morning: Visit Sword Beach near Ouistreham, strolling the stretch where British forces landed.

Afternoon: Drive to the picturesque town of Bayeux to see the famous Bayeux Tapestry and its medieval cathedral.

Evening: Return to Caen, perhaps enjoy a nightcap at a local brasserie.

Day 7: Mont Saint‑Michel Day‑Trip

Morning: Set out early for a scenic drive to the iconic Mont Saint‑Michel, crossing the tidal flats.

Afternoon: Tour the abbey, wander the winding streets, and enjoy the panoramic views over the bay.

Evening: Head back to Caen for a final night in Normandy, savoring a farewell dinner.

Day 8: Caen → Cherbourg → Poole → Half‑Way Stop (Overnight)

Morning: Depart Caen and drive back to Cherbourg for the return ferry.

Afternoon: Sail to the Port of Poole, then begin the north‑bound drive, stopping near York for the night.

Evening: Check into a cozy inn, explore the historic Shambles, and rest before the final leg.

Day 9: York → Glasgow (Return)

Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in York before heading north on the M6.

Afternoon: Stop for a quick lunch in the Lake District, taking in the stunning scenery.

Evening: Arrive back in Glasgow, unload the vehicle, and reminisce about the unforgettable journey.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Stoke‑on‑Trent (Pottery Museum) – 2 hrs – £15 per person
• Poole Ferry (Round‑trip) – 8 hrs total crossing time – £120 per vehicle + £30 per person
• Cherbourg Port – 1 hr – £10 per person (parking & fees)
• Caen (Memorial Museum) – 2 hrs – £12 per person
• Omaha Beach & Cemetery – 3 hrs – Free (parking £5)
• Utah Beach Museum – 2 hrs – £10 per person
• Sainte‑Mère‑Église – 2 hrs – Free
• Juno Beach Centre – 2 hrs – £12 per person
• Arromanches Museum – 2 hrs – £8 per person
• Sword Beach – 1.5 hrs – Free
• Bayeux Tapestry – 2 hrs – £9 per person
• Mont Saint‑Michel (Abbey) – 4 hrs – £13 per person + £7 parking
• York (Shambles) – 2 hrs – Free (parking £6)
• Lake District Stop – 1.5 hrs – Free (fuel cost included)
• Accommodation (8 nights) – – £150 per night total
• Meals (average £30 per person per day) – – £540 total
• Fuel (approx. 1,800 km @ £1.80/l) – – £130
• Parking & Miscellaneous Fees – – £50
• Total Estimated Cost: £1,500

Tips

If you wish to extend the trip, consider adding a full day in the Normandy countryside to visit the charming towns of Honfleur and Deauville, or spend an extra night in Mont Saint‑Michel to experience the tides at sunrise. To shorten the itinerary, you can combine Day 6 and Day 7 by visiting Sword Beach and Bayeux on the same day and skipping Mont Saint‑Michel, which reduces the trip by one day while still covering the main D‑Day sites.