British War Cemetery: Day Trips and Tours from Bayeux

Today, Bayeux may seem like just another sleepy town in Normandy, but back in 1944, it played a pivotal role in the war against Germany. And the price of this role is forever written on a plot of land where thousands lay buried — the British War Cemetery.

A day trip to the British War Cemetery from Bayeux is a fitting way to remember those who perished during the D-Day invasion.

While officially known as the Bayeux War Cemetery, it’s also called the British War Cemetery because the vast majority of graves belong to British soldiers.

The cemetery remains an integral destination for any Normandien battlefields tour — offering visitors a welcome moment of reflection while honoring the Glorious Dead.

Here's all you need to know about the British War Cemetery, one of the most exciting day trips from Bayeux.

How to get to the British War Cemetery from Bayeux?

The British War Cemetery is located just outside of Bayeux town center, making it a perfect destination to explore while visiting this Normandien village.

From Bayeux to the British War Cemetery by car

Traveling to the British War Cemetery from Bayeux’s town center is really straightforward. From Bayeux’s tourist office head south towards Château de Bayeux.

From here, head east, past the Museum of the Battle of Normandy. You’ll see the cemetery on your left-hand side just as you pass the museum.

The entire journey is just under 2 kilometers and will take and will take approximately 5 minutes to complete.

Guided tour to the British War Cemetery from Bayeux

When compared to a self-drive outing, a guided day trip to the British Cemetery is a better option for travelers in Bayeux.

This is mainly because a tour of the cemetery will be combined with other important landmarks from the Second World War during the guided trip — and you won’t have to worry about renting a car or any of the other logistics.

You’ll travel to the Normandy D-Day beaches and battlefields, including Omaha Beach, visit German fortifications and also pay tribute at the Canadian war cemetery.

Throughout the entire trip, you’ll listen to your qualified guide as they tell you more about the events of 6 June 1944.

What is the typical itinerary?

A typical tour of the British War Cemetery combines various WWII landmarks to paint a complete picture of what happened during the D-Day invasion. You’ll start from the Place de Quebec, where an air-conditioned vehicle will fetch you.

From here, your first stop will usually be the British War Cemetery or the Museum of the Battle of Normandy. You’ll have a tour of either destination, before enjoying some time to explore on your own.

Depending on the type of trip you choose, your next stop will be Omaha Beach or one of the other Normandy D-Day beaches. Here you’ll come to grips with the insurmountable odds that the Allied forces faced on 6 June 1944.

Finally, you’ll head to the Canadian War Cemetery where thousands of soldiers from the entire British Commonwealth lay buried. After paying your respect, you’ll head back to Bayeux.

What kinds of tours are available to go to the British War Cemetery?

Travelers will have the option of visiting the British War Cemetery as well as various other D-Day sites with tours from Bayeux. These tours are usually 4 hours long and you can choose from guided, small group tours and private tours.

Half-day guided tour to the British War Cemetery and D-Day sites from Bayeux

The British War cemetery is the last stop on this tour — before that, you’ll head to Pegasus Bridge, one of the most important sites during the D-Day invasion.

Learn about the heroic operation that allowed British forces to capture and control the two roads that lead inland from the landing beach.

Next, you’re off to a German bunker where you’ll probe the underground fortifications and explore the 18 artillery gun holes that still remain.

Finally, you’ll head out to the two Commonwealth cemeteries in the region, stopping first at the Canadian War Cemetery and then at the British War Cemetery in Bayeux.

Half-day British War Cemetery small group tour plus D-Day beaches from Bayeux

A small group tour to the British War Cemetery allows for a more personal experience because the tour group size will be limited to eight people.

Not only will this be advantageous when exploring solemn landmarks like the Commonwealth cemeteries, but you’ll also enjoy better access to your guide.

The tour starts at the British War cemetery and then journeys to Point du Hoc — an important German fortification on the coastline.

After exploring the bunkers you’ll head to the beaches of Omaha and Gold — the latter being the site liberated by the British 50th infantry division.

British War Cemetery and WWII jeep tour from Bayeux

It doesn’t get much more authentic than a WWII experience in this WWII Willys jeep tour. After visiting the memorials and British Cemetery in Bayeux, you’ll head to the much-overlooked Mulberry Harbor.

These two temporary and portable harbors were created to expedite the offloading of cargo onto the Normandy D-Day beaches. Today their remains are still visible from the port of Arromanches.

Next, it's back to the jeep and on to the German fortifications overlooking Gold beach, before ending your trip at the Canadian War Cemetery — and finally, heading back to Bayeux.

Private British War Cemetery plus D-Day sites tour from Bayeux

Your party will be the only people on a private tour of the British War Cemetery. This means you’ll get to set the pace of the tour, enjoy uninterrupted access to your guide and even decide where to go next.

This tour starts at Pegasus Bridge and the British War Cemetery, before visiting the beaches of Gold and Sword — where the British made up the main fighting contingent.

Throughout the tour, if a landmark piques your interest, simply ask your guide to head there and enjoy a detour of discovery.

How much does a day trip to the British War Cemetery from Bayeux cost?

Tours to the British War Cemetery from Bayeux tend to cost between €50 and €85 per person. While this may seem a bit steep, you should consider that these tours include a number of WWII sites and they usually last between 4 and 5 hours.

The half-day guided tour to the British War Cemetery and D-Day sites from Bayeux will cost €50 per person.

The small group half-day tour to the British War Cemetery plus D-Day beaches from Bayeux will cost €85 per person.

The British War Cemetery and WWII jeep tour from Bayeux costs €500 per vehicle, with each vehicle able to accommodate three people.

A private British War Cemetery plus D-Day sites tour from Bayeux costs €740 per group of eight people.

What will you see and do?

A tour of the British War Museum rarely entails only that — you’ll also visit various WWII sites like the Pegasus Bridge, the Gold and Sword landing beaches and the Canadian War Cemetery.

These tours mainly focus on the Normandy D-Day beaches and battlefields where the British forces played an integral part.

When is the best time to visit the British War Cemetery?

It’s best to visit the British War Cemetery during the summer, although the town of Bayeux gets a bit crowded around the D-Day anniversary. During this time you’ll enjoy pleasant weather, perfect for exploring WWII sites.

Travel tips

• Take warm clothes during the winter months, you’ll spend most of your time outdoors.
• Take extra snacks and water.
• Always be respectful when visiting sites of great tragedy.