D day planning portsmouth
The D-Day Story is the only UK museum dedicated to telling the events of June 1944, a significant moment in history. The Normandy landings remain the largest seaborne invasion ever seen and a turning point which marked the beginning of the end of the Second World War.
The museum includes access onboard Landing Craft Tank 7074, the last surviving LCT to take part in the Normandy campaign. Step on board and discover its remarkable history, from construction and role on D-Day carrying up to ten tanks across the channel, through to its post war role as a floating nightclub! Sherman and Churchill tanks on board alongside recreated crew quarters bring the experience to life. Climb the stairs to the gun deck for views across Portsmouth and the Solent to the Isle of Wight.
Inside the museum, discover how D-Day was planned and how the critical decisions were made to make the operation a success. Told from the perspectives of those who were there, the museum includes objects, vehicles, interactives and video to bring the story to life.
The finale of the visit is the stunning 83-metre Overlord Embroidery. Inspired by the Bayeux Tapestry, it was created to commemorate those who took part on D-Day. The museum also includes veterans' personal accounts as they reflect on their wartime service.
The museum includes a shop selling gifts, souvenirs and a wide variety of books related to D-Day. There is also a café with access to outside seating in the summer months with views across to neighbouring Southsea Castle.
Book Tickets
Facilities
Accessibility
- All Areas Accessible to Disabled Visitors - All areas inside the main museum. Some areas of LCT 7074 are not accessible.
- Disabled Parking
- Disabled persons toilet
- Facilities for Hearing Impaired Visitors
- Facilities for Visually Impaired Visitors
- Guide Dogs Permitted
- Induction Loop System
- Parking Areas for Disabled Visitors
- Ramp/Level Access
- Toilets for Disabled Visitors
- Wheelchair user accessible
Audio Commentary in Foreign Languages
- French audio guide
- German audio guide
Catering
- Cafe - Onsite café open every day (no museum ticket required)
- Catering for groups - multiple menu options available with prior booking.
- On-Site cafe/restaurant
- Picnic area - on communal parkland
- Picnic Site
Children & Infants
Establishment Features
- Audio Tours - Available in English. There is also an audio tour of the Overlord Embroidery specifically for those with visual impairments.
- Event Venue
- Groups by arrangement
- Groups welcome
- Open all year round
Group Travel
Parking & Transport
- Coach parking
- On site parking close by - Fees apply
- Parking (charge)
- Railway station within 5 miles
Payment Methods
- Approx length of visit - 1.5 - 2 hours
- Groups Accepted - Please download our Group Travel Guide for more information.
- Maestro Accepted
- MasterCard accepted
- Min group size - 15, to qualify for group rates.
- Open by appointment outside normal opening times - For groups only. Extra charge, available on application.
- Special group rates
- Visa accepted
Specialist Features
- Educational Groups
- Family Fun
- Marketed Towards Families
- Marketed Towards Senior Citizens
- Marketed towards student/youth
Tours and Demonstrations
- Educational Visits Accepted - Most suitable for Key Stages 2 and 3. Tours of Landing Craft Tank 7074 and the Overlord Embroidery are available by arrangement for pre-booked groups (fee applies).