World War II shaped the course of modern history. Nowhere is its impact more deeply felt than along the Western Front—the battleground stretching across England, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Germany. This was where Allied forces fought some of the war’s most decisive battles, from the storming of Normandy’s beaches on D-Day to the brutal winter siege of Bastogne and the final push into Nazi Germany.

In this post, we’ll guide you through some of the most significant World War II sites along the Western Front and how you can incorporate them into your travels in Europe. 

Normandy, France

Normandy, France, is inextricably linked to the D-Day landings of June 6, 1944. The beaches of Normandy—Omaha, Utah, Gold, Juno, and Sword—are now tranquil, but they remain a powerful testament to history. A visit to Normandy is more than just a trip through history; it's a pilgrimage to pay homage to the brave souls who fought for liberty. The region's meticulously preserved sites and museums stand as a testament to the lessons of World War II, beckoning to all who seek to understand this pivotal era.

Nearby, Pointe du Hoc stands as a stark reminder of the brutal battle, its cliff-top German fortifications still scarred by craters, and a monument honoring the US Rangers who scaled the cliffs under heavy fire. The Musée Mémorial d'Omaha Beach offers a powerful narrative of the landings, with artifacts, photographs, and personal accounts that reveal the immense sacrifices made by soldiers and civilians alike. 

Further along the coast, the Longues-sur-Mer Battery, with its preserved gun emplacements and bunkers, offers a striking glimpse into the formidable German defenses the Allies confronted, as well as sweeping views of the coastline.

There are a number of museums to visit in France, including the Museum of Resistance and Deportation in Pont-Audemar, the Memorial to Civilians in Wartime Museum in Falaise, and the Airborne Museum in Sainte-Mère-Église, Normandy. This museum is the largest museum in Europe dedicated to American paratroopers who participated in the D-Day landings. 

Belgium

The Ardennes has been a strategic battleground for centuries, with its dense forests, rolling hills, ridges, and steep valleys spanning Belgium, Luxembourg, Frances, and parts of Germany. In World War II, it was the site of one of the fiercest battles of World War II - the Battle of the Bulge. 

Visit the 101st Airborne Museum, located in a historic building that served as German officers’ mess during the war. Through immersive experiences, an extensive collection of original artifacts recovered from the battlefield, and a focus on personal stories, visitors are able to gain a full understanding of events that took place on these dreadful days in December 1944 and January 1945. 

Luxembourg

Luxembourg was a critical point of entry for the German invasion of France and Belgium during World War II. In 1942, the country was fully annexed into the Third Reich, and its people faced forced conscription, repression, and deportations. 

However, Luxembourg was also a site of fierce resistance. Its liberation in September 1944 played a crucial role in the Allied advance. The country became a key battleground during the Battle of the Bulge. 

In Clervaux, visitors can explore a restored castle that houses an exhibition on Luxembourg’s wartime experience. With its blend of poignant memorials, battlefield sites, and scenic landscapes, Luxembourg offers a compelling journey through history for travelers seeking to uncover the legacy of World War II.

Netherlands

Anne Frank’s story is one of the most well-known stories from the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands during World War II. The secret annex where Anne and her family lived for two years has been preserved as the Anne Frank House, a museum offering a glimpse into her life in hiding. Visitors can explore the hidden rooms, see Anne’s original diary, and spend time in the museum exhibits learning about Anne’s life, as well as the persecution and discrimination during the war. 

England

While England did not see ground combat like mainland Europe, it played a critical role in the war effort, serving as the headquarters for Allied strategy, the launching point for D-Day, and the site of the London Blitz, where civilians endured relentless German air raids. Today, visitors can explore key sites like the Churchill War Rooms, Bletchley Park, and the Imperial War Museum, which showcase the immense planning and intelligence operations that helped turn the tide of the war.

You can see the marks he made on his chair in the War Cabinet Room and the rationed sugar lumps left behind in the Map Room. You can also explore the modern Churchill Museum dedicated to Winston Churchill’s life.

The Imperial War Museum houses an extensive collection of wartime artifacts, exploring war and conflict from World War I to present day. Highlights include the World War II gallerias and the Holocaust Exhibition. There is also an extensive collection of military vehicles, aircraft, and weaponry. 

World War II Day Trips from London

Portsmouth

Visit Southwick House, located just outside Portsmouth, about a two-hour drive from London. The historic Georgian mansion served as the Allied command headquarters for the D-Day invasion. Step into the very rooms where General Eisenhower, General Bernard MOntgomery, and Admiral Bertram Ramsay made the final decisions for Operator Overlord, the largest amphibious assault in history. 

You can see the original wall-sized map and visit the room in which Eisenhower gave the fateful "Go" order for June 6th, 1944. Nearby, the D-Day Story Museum provides additional context with artifacts, personal stories, and interactive exhibits.

Duxford

Aviation buffs should head to Duxford, about one hour from London, to experience the nostalgic world of 1940 from the cockpit of a Spitfire. This once-in-a-lifetime flight takes you through a series of maneuvers, reliving life as a fighter pilot during the 1940’s. Nearby, the Duxford Air Museum is one the world’s premier aviation museums, featuring historic aircraft, working aircraft restoration hangars, and exhibits highlighting the Battle of Britain and the U.S. Air Force’s role in World WAr II. 

Exploring the Best World War 2 Tours in Europe with Ker & Downey

As with each Ker & Downey journey, each itinerary is customized for you. So whether you want to do a grand tour of the best World War 2 tours in Europe or simply explore the impact of the war in France or London, our designers can craft an itinerary just for you. Private guides, drivers, historians, and battlefield specialists help to bring each itinerary to life. Contact a designer to start planning your journey to Europe to explore its World War II sites.