The D-Day Story image

The D-Day Story

Tourist attraction Museum

D-Day story told through archive films, landing craft, weapons and the 83-metre Overlord Embroidery. People often mention museum, visit, landing, craft, -Day, staff, good, tapestry, great, history,


Address

Clarence Esplanade, Southsea, Portsmouth PO5 3NT, United Kingdom

Website

theddaystory.com

Contact

+44 23 9288 2555

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (2K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Sunday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Monday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Tuesday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Wednesday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Thursday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Friday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Saturday: 10 AM to 5 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: museum (28) visit (20) landing (17) craft (16) -Day (13) staff (12) good (10) tapestry (10) great (10) history (9)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Joanne P. 1 year ago on Google
    Very interesting and items on display are fascinating. The audio is really good but just the items and brief descriptions explain a lot too. The embroideries are brilliant, and tells a story just by looking at them. Lots of talented work has gone into creating them.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 James L. 2 years ago on Google
    A good place to visit, ticket price includes access to the tank landing craft which is situated outside the the museum. Inside the museum contains the D- Day embroidery which is a massive display that continues around the entire building, impressive display of artist skill and imagination. All in all a very impressive museum.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lord P. 2 months ago on Google • 393 reviews New
    Visiting The D-Day Story in Portsmouth was not just an educational outing; it was an immersive encounter with history that left an indelible mark on my heart and mind. This museum is not simply a collection of artifacts; it is a portal to the past, offering a multi-sensory experience that brings the harrowing and heroic tales of D-Day to life. Right from the onset, the museum curators have done a sterling job in crafting an exhibit that marries historical accuracy with engaging storytelling. Every display is meticulously arranged, taking you through the timeline of events with such clarity and detail that it’s impossible not to be absorbed by the gravity of the D-Day landings. The highlight of our visit was undeniably the ingenious use of modern technology to invoke the atmosphere of the wartime era. When we stepped into the landing craft installation, we were greeted with a video projection that encapsulated the tension and anticipation felt by the soldiers as they approached the Normandy beaches. The rumble of the craft’s engine, the whispers of the men, and the unsteady waves created a visceral experience that was both humbling and enlightening. In that moment, we were no longer mere spectators; we were part of a pivotal moment in history, sharing in the collective breath of bravery and uncertainty. The D-Day Story excels not only in its interactive exhibits but also in its ability to evoke emotions. It is one thing to read about history in books; it is another to feel it pulse around you. The museum has succeeded in creating a space where learning is active, engaging, and deeply personal. Through thoughtful interactivity, visitors of all ages are provided with a gateway to understand the sacrifices made and the strategic intricacies of the D-Day operation. Beyond the landing craft experience, the museum offers a plethora of interactive elements, including hands-on displays and personal testimonies that allow visitors to connect with the individual stories amidst the wider narrative. It's a powerful reminder that history is not made up of faceless numbers, but of real people whose courage and resolve shaped the world we live in today. For those looking to grasp the enormity of the D-Day landings and to honor the legacy of those who fought, The D-Day Story is an essential visit. The museum doesn’t just tell you a story; it draws you into history’s embrace, leaving a lasting impression of reverence and understanding. I left The D-Day Story with a deeper appreciation for our past and a grateful heart for the peace carved out by those who came before us.

  • 5/5 Thomas B. 2 years ago on Google
    A concise tale of the D-day landings and the subsequent Normandy campaign. The displays were informative and enjoyable to read. A few interactive exhibits, for all age groups. I found the tapestry exhibit, to be particularly well done. Had the Bayeux tapestry feel to it, which, considering Bayeux is in Normandy and the tapestry (technically not a tapestry) was created by English weavers.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alan M. 1 month ago on Google • 377 reviews New
    Due to stormy weather our cruise ship got stuck in Portsmouth. The ship arranged a trip to this facility. Really rather moving showing the loss of life by many brave souls. The tapestry is a work of art that should not be missed I am surprised that we were not aware of it until the time of our visit. Be careful in the landing craft it wasn't built with tourists in mind

  • 5/5 Daren W. 1 month ago on Google • 308 reviews New
    Absolute fantastic experience well worth the price of the tickets, all the family really enjoyed it. To my daughters it was a bit of an emotional shock to hear what happened and to see the equipment and hear the stories. Just a tip don't rush around it makes you think about the men risking their lives 😪😪

  • 5/5 Mos L. 4 months ago on Google • 59 reviews
    Very detailed story of the D-day. A lot of well-kept exhibits including landing crafts. Interative videos and sets shows the vibe and mindset of people in different locations and positions at that moment. Audio guide is provided for more detailed information on some specific exhibits. Obtain tickets in advance to enjoy a discount.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Joe C. 5 months ago on Google • 46 reviews
    We visit D-Day museum in Portsmouth on 10th October 2023, the museum is really good, plus free guided help. There is an entrance fee but well worth it. The staff were friendly and professional. The museum was set out well too. Easy to navigate through. Great place to appreciate our history and what our few did for so many.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Chris K. 2 years ago on Google
    Wonderful experience with a good layout. Definitely a must visit if the WW2 is your appetite
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Linda B. 2 years ago on Google
    Brilliant day at the DDay museum. We've been before but had not been on the landing craft since it arrived. It has made a great addition to the story of the DDAY Landings. Was a good insight into how my father would have travelled to Normandy with his Tank regiment at the time. A real eye-opener.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Samson L. 1 year ago on Google
    Despite being a fair walk away from most other Portsmouth attractions, I would 100% recommend visiting the D-Day story. My younger brother, a huge D-Day enthusiast, had a brilliant day with lots of informative and interactive displays, relics and artifacts from the war, activities for kids and an extensive gift shop. The highlights have to include the huge operation Overlord embroidery and the landing craft LCT 7074, including Sherman and Churchill tanks. I would recommend this to all with an interest in WW2, and if the distance puts you off; there is a free passenger bus, running from the site to various locations including Gunwharf Quays, and the Hard Interchange.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 VANESSA C. 2 years ago on Google
    An excellent memorial to those at the D Day landings. The recordings in the landing craft really conjure up the feel of what it might have been like for those preparing for the journey across the channel. I also was really impressed with the information in the main exhibition and the beautiful tapestry. Too much information to take in in one visit so I will definitely be returning.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sonja K. 8 months ago on Google
    So amazing to have this wonderful museum in my back garden so to speak. As a Portsmouth girl, I am proud of our history and the way the museum portrays this to the public. Loads to see and take in, some great exhibits, knowledgeable staff. There is a cafe, conference room, gift shop and toilets and is well positioned in Southsea, along the beautiful seafront. So worth a visit.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sadie P. 8 months ago on Google
    Excellent experience. Informative, plenty to see & learn. The tapestry is incredible. The staff very helpful & informative. Highly recommend a visit!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Clive G. 1 year ago on Google
    Excellent museum if interested in D Day things. Very nice restored LCT outside to look over. Light snacks and drinks here, also hot food and drinks in Fort next door. Will be going back again.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Garry Whitmore (. 1 year ago on Google
    Absolutely fantastic illustration of the story of the D Day landings. Good value, great staff, excellent cafe and shop. Many other attractions nearby.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Andy H. 2 years ago on Google
    What a transformation, great engaging displays including historic footage. Backed up by knowledgeable friendly staff. Well worth a visit. Addition of LCT gives a new dimension.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Graham D. 1 year ago on Google
    Excellent museum with lots to see and do for all ages. Displays are well set out and give a great understanding of what D day was like. With outdoor landing craft to explore and fascinating hand sewn tapestry there really is something for everyone. Good cafe and the cleanest restrooms we have found anywhere. Great value and informative staff to answer any questions. A superb 2-3 hour visit.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Abbil W. 1 year ago on Google
    Second time now. First was 5 years ago but it has been upgraded to a better more interesting visit. Also they have a landing craft with tanks so for 10 pound it's a good place to visit.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lee P. 1 year ago on Google
    I have visited many war museums but this one was very unique and for a few reasons. Not only is it solely a museum on the history of d-day which was fantastic and so very informative but the added extra of a free escape room was so much fun. The staff were really nice and helpful and the museum itself is well set out and plenty of information to keep you occupied. The landing craft was a must and the whole place is very interactive. Brilliant and a must visit.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jennifer M. 7 months ago on Google • 147 reviews
    Excellent museum. Very much worth a visit. Book online before going. You don't need to pick a day to go, the ticket lasts for a year and you save money. They also have free audio guides you can get when you go around inside. Cafe is lovely too and the cakes are yummy.

  • 5/5 360Tour G. 11 months ago on Google • 113 reviews
    Relaunched in 2018 as the D Day Story. This Museum experience takes the visitor through the D Day landings with some brilliant interpretation which brings the stories of the people involved to life. We particularly liked the entrance to the French Gallery via the landing craft. And found the projection of soldiers waiting in landing craft very moving. Not quite sure how they fit it all in to the building and then their is the D Day Tank landing Craft to visit outside too! Note that the last entry tothe Landing Craft is earlier than for the rest of the museum. A good gift shop and Cafe serving snacks and Hot & Cold Drinks.

  • 5/5 David H. 4 months ago on Google • 61 reviews
    Very well laid and informative. Took a guided tour of the Landing Craft Tank which I recommend. Excellent cafe and plenty of parking including an area from motorcycles.

  • 5/5 Dave S. 6 months ago on Google • 59 reviews
    We spent a good 3 hours walking around, absorbing as much information as possible. A very interactive museum and a very important reminder of what happened in June 1944.

  • 5/5 Pete 5 months ago on Google • 57 reviews
    This is an amazing museum, with a landing craft used during the IIWW. There is an interactive and audio tour which allows you to move at your own pace and take in the information. There is an enthusiastic group of staff and volunteers at hand to explore and explain what you are seeing.

  • 5/5 Liakat K. 6 months ago on Google • 57 reviews
    This museum contains a variety of personal items as well as vehicles that were used in the liberation of Europe from Germany in 1944. Along with audio and visual aids there is also Overlord embroidery which is quite impressive and a great way of remembering D-Day and the Battle of Normandy. It’s worth taking your time going through all the sections in this museum as it may be small but it has a lot to offer. It provides an insight into the bravery of the men and women who fought hard and gave their lives to make our world a safer place.

  • 5/5 Terry G. 11 months ago on Google
    Excellent museum, if you are at all interested in D-day history then you really must visit. Note, it has it's own large car park out the back, we did not realise that and ended up parking across the road.

  • 4/5 Alison R. 2 years ago on Google
    Very interesting to go around. Interaction screens around the story. Disability friendly. Friendly, helpful staff.

  • 5/5 Serena G. 6 months ago on Google • 37 reviews
    This was very close to where I stayed so made a point to visit at the start of the day. Coming from a military family background I'm glad I did. I made use of the audio guide once I came back into the main building after viewing the memorial wall and the LCT 7074 (an eye-opening experience in itself). Plenty to learn and see and the appliquéd displayed a Bayeux tapestry-inspired piece that was fascinating to see. They even have little tracing stations for the kids(and grownups) to trace scenes from the display. Finally, they had a good gift shop, cafe and toilet facilities. Hope to return with my parents soon.

  • 5/5 Will T. 2 years ago on Google
    Didn’t know what to expect with regards to size/info etc, but I was pleasantly surprised. I have been to Normandy quite a few times, so didn’t expect that, but it was better than I think you have a right to expect for the £12 or so entry. The exhibits are clear, interesting and informative and the staff that work there have a genuine interest on what’s going on. The short videos of the veterans describing death, grief and sacrifice were particularly thought inducing. I would definitely go again.

  • 5/5 Linda B. 10 months ago on Google
    Extremely interesting. Enjoyed looking at the tapestry just beautiful. Reminding us how lucky we are that people fought and served for our freedom. Lest we not forget.

  • 5/5 T H. 2 years ago on Google
    This is a well structured museum with great displays and explanations relating to the British and Allied invasion of France - the D-Day invasion. There are a few COVID-19 restrictions but nothing to detract from the story and the experience for the visitors. Attached to the Museum is a room with the incredible "Overlord Embroidery" a tapestry of stiched storytelling taking us from the start of the World War 2 through to the end of the Battle of Normandy. It is 83 metres long and took six years to complete.

  • 5/5 Richard C. 1 year ago on Google
    What a amazing place. Price was £13.50 per adult. Would we recommend Yes .Must see place if your in the area

  • 5/5 Shane B. 10 months ago on Google
    Wow, so much information is available and many things to see. My 2 hours spent there was not even close to what it deserved or I needed to soak up all the information and objects presented. Thoroughly enjoyed it and the staff.... damn.... the staff were great, friendly, helpful, and just lovely people.

  • 4/5 Khritchie L. 1 year ago on Google
    If you like war stories or anything about WW2, this place is a must see. My son had a great time. I felt like he was my tour guide. (Apologies for some silly photos.)

  • 5/5 Lee H. 1 year ago on Google
    Well worth a trip. Good value, we were there for 2 hours and could have stayed a lot longer.

  • 5/5 David H. 1 year ago on Google
    Excellent museum. £13.50 for an adult seems a lot but it's worth it. Three big sections: the landing craft (just wow), the main exhibition (well curated, fascinating), the overlord embroidery (who knew? Oh, everyone except me). Staff are friendly too, and the cafe serves a decent cuppa.

  • 5/5 Shaun W. 1 year ago on Google
    Excellent place to visit,helps you to understand how d day was planned.Also included in ticket price is LCT only survivor from D. Day.

  • 5/5 Mark 1 year ago on Google
    This was a nice place to visit. I had been waiting for them to reopen after the refit. The landing craft was amazing and worth the wait. The main museum was good, with some great displays. They have a small gift shop and cafe ( but was closed when I visited)

  • 5/5 Anna J. 1 year ago on Google
    Great detailed presentation from prepare to execution of DDay. Many documents and interactive displays. Real boat/vehicles outside and inside. Staff very helpful. Audio for more details available. Not recommended for children under 10. They will not understand and u will not enjoy.


Call +44 23 9288 2555 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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