A Visitor's Introduction to The D-Day Story

Why Visit The D-Day Story?

Opened in 1984 (originally known as the D-Day Museum), it was extensively refurbished and rebranded as The D-Day Story in 2018, offering a comprehensive narrative of Operation Overlord, the codename for the Normandy landings on June 6, 1944. The museum uniquely blends personal stories, military artifacts, and multimedia exhibits to provide visitors with a deep understanding of one of the most significant military operations in history. Its location in Portsmouth is fitting, as the city played a critical role as a launch point for the D-Day assault.

D-Day Story Highlights

1. Operation Overlord Gallery
   The heart of The D-Day Story is the Operation Overlord Gallery, which provides a chronological and immersive experience of the Normandy landings. The gallery uses a combination of original objects, interactive displays, and personal testimonies to tell the story of D-Day, from its planning to the eventual liberation of France. Visitors can view authentic military equipment, such as uniforms, weapons, and personal items belonging to soldiers, as well as maps and documents that reveal the immense planning required for the operation. Touchscreens and multimedia stations enhance the experience, allowing visitors to dive deeper into the stories behind the objects on display.

2. Landing Craft Tank (LCT) 7074
   One of the museum’s standout attractions is LCT 7074, the last surviving landing craft used to transport tanks and heavy equipment onto the Normandy beaches. After being fully restored, it now sits outside the museum and can be explored by visitors. Originally designed to carry ten tanks or other large vehicles, LCT 7074 played a crucial role in the success of the landings. The craft’s restoration allows visitors to step aboard and imagine what it was like to be part of this enormous seaborne invasion. Exhibits inside the craft further explain its significance and the soldiers and sailors who operated it.

3. The Overlord Embroidery
   A unique and iconic part of The D-Day Story is the Overlord Embroidery, a massive work of art that spans 83 metres and consists of 34 panels. Inspired by the Bayeux Tapestry, this modern embroidery was commissioned to commemorate the Allied victory in Normandy and tells the story of D-Day and the wider battle for Normandy through intricate stitching. The embroidery is a striking visual representation of key moments in the campaign, including the landings, battles, and eventual victory. Each panel is accompanied by detailed explanations, allowing visitors to follow the timeline of events. The craftsmanship of the embroidery, combined with its historical narrative, makes it one of the museum's most memorable features.

4. Personal Stories
   One of the museum’s strengths lies in its focus on the human experience of D-Day. Through a series of personal stories, the museum offers insight into the lives of those who took part in the operation, from soldiers and sailors to civilians in both Britain and France. These stories are brought to life through letters, diaries, photographs, and interviews, giving visitors a personal connection to the events. The museum presents the accounts of people like Bill Allen, a British soldier who landed on Gold Beach, and Madeleine Riffaud, a member of the French Resistance, showing how the war impacted individuals from all walks of life.

5. Vehicles and Military Equipment
   Throughout the museum, visitors can view an impressive collection of World War II vehicles and equipment, many of which were used during the D-Day landings. These include a Sherman tank, an iconic Allied armoured vehicle, and a Willys Jeep, both of which were crucial to the success of the operation. The museum also features amphibious vehicles, artillery, and other military hardware. The scale and range of these vehicles give a powerful sense of the logistical challenges involved in transporting men and machines across the English Channel under fire.

6. Interactive Exhibits and Multimedia
   The D-Day Story uses modern technology to create a highly interactive experience for visitors. Interactive displays, touchscreens, and short films help explain the complex strategy behind the landings and convey the chaos and intensity of the battles. A 15-minute film, complete with original footage from the landings, provides an atmospheric and informative introduction to the museum, while touchscreens allow visitors to explore specific themes, such as the role of intelligence, the logistics of the invasion, and the experiences of those on the home front.

7. The Legacy Gallery
   The museum’s Legacy Gallery explores the aftermath of D-Day and its enduring impact. It examines the liberation of Europe, the end of the war, and how D-Day shaped the world in the post-war era. This section of the museum also addresses the legacy of remembrance, including how veterans and their families have commemorated D-Day over the decades. The gallery encourages visitors to reflect on the sacrifices made and the importance of preserving the memory of the event.

D-Day Story Visitor Facilities

The D-Day Story is designed to be accessible and welcoming to visitors of all ages. The museum offers step-free access throughout, making it suitable for wheelchair users and visitors with limited mobility. Accessible toilets and baby-changing facilities are available, and seating is provided at various points within the galleries.

The museum has a café on-site, serving a selection of refreshments, including hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, and cakes. The café is an ideal spot to relax after exploring the exhibits and offers a quiet environment for reflecting on the powerful stories told within the museum.

A well-stocked gift shop offers a range of souvenirs, including books, DVDs, models, and D-Day-themed items. Many of the products are inspired by the museum’s exhibits and provide visitors with a chance to take home a piece of history.

Nearby Attractions

The D-Day Story is situated in Southsea, a coastal suburb of Portsmouth that is home to several other significant attractions. Visitors can easily combine a trip to the museum with visits to nearby sites, including:

Southsea Castle: Built by Henry VIII in 1544, this historic fortress played a defensive role along England’s southern coast. Today, it features a museum and offers stunning views over the Solent.
Clarence Pier: One of the UK’s largest amusement piers, Clarence Pier offers traditional seaside fun with rides, arcades, and places to eat.
Southsea Common: A large, open park located adjacent to the seafront, Southsea Common is perfect for a leisurely walk or picnic, with views across the Solent to the Isle of Wight.
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard: Just a short drive away, this world-famous site includes attractions such as HMS Victory, HMS Warrior, and the Mary Rose Museum.

Practical Information for Visitors

Opening Times: The D-Day Story is open year-round, though specific opening hours may vary seasonally. Typically, the museum opens at 10:00 am and closes between 5:00 pm and 6:00 pm. It is advisable to check the museum’s website for up-to-date information before visiting.

Tickets: Tickets can be purchased at the museum or online in advance. Family, group, and concession tickets are available, and combination tickets with other Portsmouth attractions may be offered. Children under five typically receive free entry. 

Parking and Public Transport: The museum has a large car park nearby, and parking is paid by the hour. For those using public transport, Southsea is well-served by local buses, and Portsmouth Harbour train station is about a 10-minute taxi ride from the museum.

Visitor Tips: 
- Plan to spend at least two hours at the museum to fully engage with the exhibits and stories.
- The museum can be emotional for some visitors, so it may be helpful to allow time for reflection after the visit.
- Consider visiting in the morning to avoid crowds, especially during weekends and school holidays.
- The museum is family-friendly, with specific activities and exhibits designed to engage younger visitors, making it suitable for all ages.