Normandy Trips from the UK

Normandy lies just across the Channel from the south coast of England. Ferries sail straight to its ports, so it is a classic short break from the UK.

Shortest to the beachesPortsmouth–Caen (Ouistreham)
Newhaven–DieppeAbout 4 hours
Calais–Caen by carAbout 4 hours
By trainEurostar via Paris

By ferry

  • Portsmouth – Caen (Ouistreham): the closest port to the D-Day beaches, with day and overnight sailings.
  • Portsmouth or Poole – Cherbourg: for Utah Beach, the Cotentin Peninsula and the road to Mont-Saint-Michel.
  • Portsmouth – Le Havre: for Étretat, Honfleur and the Seine Valley.
  • Newhaven – Dieppe: about 4 hours, for Rouen and the Alabaster Coast.

Overnight sailings with a cabin save a day of driving. Book early for summer, school holidays and the D-Day anniversary in June.

Via Calais

The Eurotunnel shuttle and the Dover–Calais ferries are quick crossings, followed by a drive of about 4 hours to Caen.

By train

Take the Eurostar from London to Paris (about 2 hours 20 minutes), then a train from Paris Saint-Lazare to Rouen, Caen or Bayeux. See the Normandy train map.

Coach trips and packages

UK coach operators run Normandy battlefield trips and short breaks, usually by ferry, with hotels included.

Plan Your Trip

🎖️ D-Day toursGuided tours on arrival

Affiliate links: we may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best ferry to Normandy from the UK?

Portsmouth to Caen (Ouistreham) for the D-Day beaches; Portsmouth or Poole to Cherbourg for the west; Newhaven to Dieppe for Rouen.

Can you visit Normandy for a weekend from the UK?

Yes. An overnight ferry from Portsmouth to Caen gives you two full days for the beaches and Bayeux.

Related Maps

Normandy Itinerary & Travel GuideWeekend, 3-day, 5-day and 7-day Normandy itineraries.Normandy Train MapMain rail lines from Paris to Rouen, Caen, Bayeux and the coast.CaenWilliam the Conqueror's castle and abbeys, and the Caen Memorial.