Primary School Trip to Normandy

This long embroidered scroll is the most important relic to have survived from the 11th century. Students can see the epic story of William of Normandy’s conquest of England in 1066, and consider the French and British interpretation of events. Tip: A workbook is available in French for MFL students. A workspace with a tapestry image replica can be pre-booked for one hour for school groups.

Please note: The Bayeux Tapestry Museum will be closing on 1^st September 2025 for a complete renovation and is due to re-open in Autumn 2027.

This Memorial helps students study our shared past and introduces emotion and memory, using dynamic and diverse educational activities. It is possible to book a guide (at a supplement) to accompany the group on their coach to see the battlefield. A 360 degree 17 minute film to promote an understanding of our common European History opens on the 6th June 2019 to mark the 75th anniversary of the D Day Landings and the Battle of Normandy.

This is the largest of the 18 Commonwealth military cemeteries in Normandy. It contains 4,868 graves of soldiers from the UK and 10 other countries – including Germany. Many of the soldiers buried here were never identified, and the headstones are simply marked ‘A Soldier Known Unto God’. Students can reflect on the sadness, sacrifice and honour of war.

This museum and cultural centre shows the war effort made by Canadians, civilian and military, both at home and on the various fronts during World War II. Students can engage with the exhibits, which draw on documents, photographs, maps, artefacts, audio-visual and audio accounts. The many faces of contemporary Canadian society are also explored.

Pegasus Bridge was captured by British forces on the night of 5-6 June 1944 in order to protect the eastern flank of the landing operations at Sword Beach. At the Pegasus Bridge Museum, students can learn about the events of its capture and the forces that carried it out via displays of historic items such as weapons and gliders, documents and photographs.

Mont Saint-Michel, a gothic Benedictine abbey, is perched on a rocky islet amid vast sandbanks exposed to powerful tides. Over the years the island’s abbey has served as a prison, a fortress against the English and a monastery. As well as the abbey, your group can explore the medieval buildings of the village that grew up beneath its walls, along with stunning views.

The Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial covers 172.5 acres and contains the graves of 9,387 military dead, most of whom lost their lives in the D-Day landings and ensuing operations. The memorial, set around a bronze statue, shows maps and narratives of the military operations. Visitors’ centre staff are available to answer students’ questions.

The 19 minute film ‘100 days of the Battle of Normandy’ is projected in High Definition on 9 screens. The film tells the story of the military planning, preparation and execution of the Battle of Normandy thanks to archive images gathered from English, Canadian, German, American and French archives. The Battle started with the landing of the paratroopers the night of the 5th to the 6th of June 1944, followed by the landings of troops on the Normandy beaches and lasted for three months. The end came with the liberation of Paris and the bombing of Le Havre.

The theme of this amusement park is based around the historical events of 1066 and proves to be hugely popular with visitors. Students can let off steam on the roller coaster, waterborne dodgem cars and water flumes. There are also cinemas, daily live shows and gardens with snail-shaped vehicles on fixed tracks that take visitors on tours. Seasonal opening and excellent for younger students.

Students visit a local French market, bursting with delicious produce. Teams complete an Assignment to buy a variety of food items using their French language skills. The items will be used for a food-based activity on their return to the Chateau.

This must-see sight in Normandy in the former transatlantic liner art deco terminal is devoted to the adventure of man and the sea. Come aboard the nuclear ballistic missile submarine ‘Le Redoutable’, jewel of the French navy, re-live the only crossing of the Titanic and follow the route of 50 million emigrants to the New World, and explore three floors of spectacular multimedia displays and stunning aquariums full of life and colour.

This is a working goat farm that allows students to see how dairy products such as milk and cheese are produced. Students can play with the goats and learn about the cheese making process. It’s a great way to find out more about the traditional produce of the area and also presents a good chance to practice language skills and develop vocabulary. The visit includes a short educational film, a talk and a cheese tasting. Visit can be conducted in French or English.

You can choose from a range of fun and educational activities, and experienced chateau staff are on hand to ensure that the students are having fun all day and night. Available activities include: a blind trail walk, survival skills, initiative exercises, using various sports facilities for sporting games (such as the seasonal outdoor swimming pool), planting a tree and circus frenzy to name a few.

The British Normandy Memorial officially opened on the 6^th of June 2021 as a place for remembrance and reflection.

Overlooking Gold Beach, just outside  Ver- sur- Mer, the Memorial records the names of 22,442 servicemen and women, under British command, who fell on D- Day and during the Battle of Normandy.

A series of stone carved columns bear the names with the ‘D-Day Sculpture’ a set of bronze figures by British sculptor David Williams-Ellis, occupying a prominent position.

The site also includes a French Memorial, dedicated to the memory of French civilians who died during this time.

In the heart of the D-Day beaches, Arromanches is renowned for its ‘Mulberry’ artificial harbour. Its remains speak of the remarkable technical feat of taking 600,000 tonnes of concrete and equipment across the Channel in wartime to serve as a base for Allied troops. The museum uses models, videos and a diorama that movingly bring life to the displays.

William the Conqueror was born at this castle in about 1028 and grew up here. Students can visit the ruins and follow the prosperous times and disasters the castle has seen – intermittent fighting in the Hundred Years War from 1337-1453, and again in 1944 bombing raids.

Tip: There are educational tools available to complement the visit.

The German artillery battery at Longues-sur-Mer was destroyed by Allied forces on 6th June 1944. Made up of 4 block houses and an observation post looking out to the sea, this is the only battery with its guns still intact. Longues-sur-Mer is one of the most important parts of the Historical Route of the Battle of Normandy at the heart of the allied assault sector between Omaha and Gold Landing Beaches.

This outdoor adventure park, located in Cussy, close to Bayeux offers a wide range of activities for students. The Activity Pass includes high ropes courses, mini-golf, tubing, permanent wooden maze and maize maze (seasonal), fixed track zorbing (over 12’s), peddle karting, bubble football and more! There is an on-site café and picnic area. Open April to Sep/October (on request for school groups outside of public opening times).