The D-Day Story
The D-Day Story
4.5
Speciality MuseumsHistory Museums
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
The D-Day Story tells of the people behind the events of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy. It holds over 10,000 items – preserving, researching and acquiring objects to share with the public through exhibitions, workshops and other activities. The museum is fully accredited, meeting nationally agreed standards for UK museums. Following a £5 million transformation project, it has moved from being an military-focused museum to one that tells the personal stories behind the epic day. The museum is also home to the Overlord Embroidery, which tells the story of the operation across 34 hand-stitched panels stretching for a total of 83 metres. The D-Day Story is one of six museums run by Portsmouth Museums, part of Portsmouth City Council. Responsibility for the museums service falls under the remit of the council’s cabinet member for Culture, Leisure and Sport.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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  • Annie
    Tidworth, United Kingdom1,113 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Memorable experience
    We are both interested in WWII history so decided to visit. You can walk around the DDay landing craft, watch the videos, see two of the tanks and in the museum I recommend taking the audio device, it really explains the exhibits and what happened on the DDay landings. You must also go & look at the embroidery the other side of the shop. There are stories from veterans there as well. Interesting, thought provoking and sad all at the same time. There is a cafe and a shop. The shop has lots of items and books. Well worth a visit.
    Thank you for your review and rating annie20061. We are glad you enjoyed all we have to offer here at the D-Day Story. Kind Regards The D-Day Story Team.
    Written 20 April 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited April 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 3 April 2023
  • Shipahoyahoy
    Portsmouth, United Kingdom566 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Yum. Wish I'd written down the recipe!
    A return visit to the museum. Fascinating story to tell around D-Day. Some very poignant use of visual displays. The Overlord Embroidery of 34 hand-stitched panels is outstanding. Our tickets included the landing craft outside, not to be missed. Nice little café (though the till point for payment by card clearly displays to those nearby your pin number, on the large touch screen. Not security friendly). As we were enjoying our coffee and cake an announcement was made of a forty-five minute talk by 2 commandoes. Excellent. Engaged all ages, informative and questions invited. Good to see children actively involved. Included a great cookery demonstration with the opportunity to taste the result at the end. Wish I could rustle up such a tasty chicken meal, in a few minutes, by just throwing ingredients into a pan. Ample (paid) parking outside. Clean toilets. Friendly staff. Recommended.
    Thank you for your review and rating Shipahoyahoy. We are glad you enjoyed your visit with us and were able to experience one of our many events. We look forward to welcoming you back again soon. Kind Regards The D-Day Story Team.
    Written 20 April 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited April 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 11 April 2023
  • Andy
    27 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing Museum - A Must See
    What an amazing museum. It is full of items not only of a purely military nature but also some of the people affected by D Day but not directly involved. There are dozens of video and interactive presentations and you can have a free audio guide. The highlights for me were the Tank Landing Craft and the Overlord Embroidery (I am not a chap normally interested in needlework but even I could see the artistry and skill that went in to it's making) well worth a visit along with the adjacent Southsea Castle
    Thankyou for your review and rating andytemple99. We are glad you enjoyed your visit with us and I agree the Overlord Embroidery is definitely a highlight of the museum! Kind regards, The D-day Story Team.
    Written 8 July 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited June 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 28 June 2023
  • tregarth01
    Maidstone, United Kingdom58 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Not just for military historians
    I had noted this Museum on a visit to Portsmouth last year, but having already had a full day decided to come bac this year in order to give this excellent attraction the attention it deserves. I am quite well informed regarding military history and have visited a large number of museums devoted to various regiments, or campaigns, so i can be quite hard to impress, as often museums ca suffer from trying to reach both the general visitor and those with deeper knowledge and fall .unerringly between the two stalls The D Day experience avoids that trap and i both accessible and informative on a sufficient number of levels to interest almost every type of visitor. It also avoids the trap of falling into jingoism or triumphalism, which some museums covering such themes around the world fail to do. The highlight for me was unquestionably the LCT "moored" outside, a plucky little ship which has survived many years and experienced many careers. My friend also particularly enjoyed the campaign simulation tool, where one pretends to command a small scale tactical action simulation. Definitely worth 2 to 3 hours of anyone's time.
    Wow! Thank you for your rating and kind words tregath01. We are thrilled you enjoyed your visit and managed to see all we have on offer here at the D-day Story. Kind Regards, The D-day Story Team.
    Written 8 July 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited June 2023
    Written 30 June 2023
  • Ian B
    11 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A very moving experience. Lovely museum with friendly staff.
    Visited here to coincide with a visit to Boathouse 4. What a great place. Staff were friendly and welcoming. The museum was well laid out the TLC was awesome. We spent a good 3 hours there but had to go as we had a boat trip booked. Came out feeling very moved and I found the personal items quiet poignant. I recommend the free audio guide as well.
    Thank you for your review and rating Ian. We are glad you enjoyed your visit with us and your trip to Portsmouth in general. Kind regards The D-day Story Team.
    Written 25 August 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited July 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 8 July 2023
  • Flantheman2334
    Gosport, United Kingdom668 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Should be a must for schools
    There are 3 aspects to this museum. The D-Day exhibition, the Landing craft and The Overlord Tapestry. The museum has many exhibits, some very moving in their content and history. A minor complaint is that some are not in chronological order and if you follow the provided audio guide, you may have already studied the item it was describing. Minor niggle only. It was good to see a group of school children on the day we were there. Hopefully every school is given the opportunity to let our children learn in detail about the war. The Overlord Tapestry is an absolute work of art. The fine needlework and depth of detail is stunning and not to be missed. The LFC on the exterior of the museum lets you see just how big they were and what troops had to endure crossing the channel. Moving. Well worth a visit. Use the car park at the rear of the museum as it is cheaper than the roads nearby and is much closer.
    Thank you for your review and rating Flantheman2334. I am glad you enjoyed your visit with us and were able to experience everything we have here on offer. Kind regards The D-day Story team.
    Written 25 August 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited July 2023
    Written 14 July 2023
  • Collins F
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Insightful and enjoyable visit
    My 14 year old son and I had an amazing morning looking around the LCT ship and museum. Staff were more than helpful and informative/knowledgable. The trail given to my son was brilliant! Ordinarily trails are not really appropriate for him, but this was designed to crack codes and "think outside the box" along with great interactive resources. Thank you so much for an excursion both interesting and didn't break the bank!
    Thank you for your review and rating collinsf360. I'm thrilled to hear you and your son had such a great experience when visiting us. I hope you will return in the future. Kind Regards The D-Day Story Team.
    Written 27 September 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 4 September 2023
  • Erika L
    Tiverton, United Kingdom46 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Well worth the entrance charge
    Such an interesting museum that offered many personal aspects to D-Day that meant it wasn't a dry history lesson. Lots of well presented artefacts along with interesting film footage or reenactment. Great to be able to explore the LTC too. Staff were very welcoming.
    Thank you for your review and rating Erika L. I'm glad to hear you enjoyed your time spent at the The D-Day Story. We hope to welcome you back again. Kind regards The D-Day Story Team.
    Written 27 September 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 22 September 2023
  • nkharding
    Horsham, United Kingdom103 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great history
    If you are in Portsmouth this is a must do history lesson. Everything you need to know about the DDay landings. Use the audio guide as it adds so much more. Just the story of the landing craft is amazing, spend two hours of your day here.
    Thank you for your review nkharding. I am glad you enjoyed your visit with us and look forward to welcoming you back soon. Kind regards The D-Day story Team.
    Written 24 October 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 22 October 2023
  • Stu151
    Wickford, United Kingdom1,607 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Excellent
    Very well put together, allowing you to leave with a much better understanding of events. Free audio guide (nice to see , as many places charge extra now). Friendly, helpful staff. (But "out of the way" we thought).
    Thank you for taking the time to review us Stu151. I'm glad you enjoyed your visit with us and managed to take advantage of our audio guide. Kind regards, The D-day story team.
    Written 8 December 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 28 November 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles1,088 reviews
Excellent
692
Very good
298
Average
71
Poor
17
Terrible
10

machinmad
Yaxley, UK2,508 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Solo
Situated on the seafront, this museum tells you all about the town’s important role in the D Day landings. There are many videos which bring the artefacts to life and give you a sense of what people’s lives were like during the dark days of war.

It’s worth the £15 entrance fee, which includes a visit to the outside (covered) landing vehicle.
Written 7 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Helen5605
Hertfordshire, UK26 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Couples
We visited this wonderful museum on a terrible wet day. We were so impressed with the presentation of facts and artifacts, from the restored tank landing craft outside to the poignant and powerful exhibits and well portrayed individual stories of service men, women and people from the local Community. The Overlord D Day story tapestry was wonderful to see. Good cafe and shop rounded off our visit. I came away with a much better understanding and appreciation of the huge alied effort and terrible loss of life . So proud and humbled by the brave service men and women who gave so much for our freedom today. Don’t by pass this museum.
Written 6 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

jdavies41
Portsmouth, UK17 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Couples
As a local, and of a certain age, we felt we had a fairly good knowledge of the events surrounding D Day, but wanted to visit The D-Day Story to get an up to date look at changes made since we visited it a long time ago. We thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience, and found the tour of the Landing Craft particularly interesting, with the guide providing an excellent commentary, and giving little snippets of detail you would never have thought of.

Well worth a visit and allow a reasonable amount of time to do The D-Day Story justice.
Written 20 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review and rating jdavies41. I'm so pleased you were able to experience one of our volunteer led tours of the LCT. Our staff work had to ensure our visitors have a pleasant and enjoyable experience. Kind Regards The D-day Story Team.
Written 28 February 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

TAG78Nuneaton
Nuneaton, UK37 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Family
Really interesting and good value visit. Audio tour was comprehensive and lots of interactive bits for kids and adults alike. Staff were also very friendly.
Written 14 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your rating and review TAG78Nuneaton. I'm glad you enjoyed our visit with us. We look forward to welcoming you back again soon. Kind Regards The D-day Story Team.
Written 28 February 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Pamela
5 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2023 • Family
Good day trip ! My family traveled to Portsmouth and saw this museum and decided to visit . The prices was reasonable and the staff was very friendly ! Lots to see , do and learn . The exhibits were great and really showed how it was . The atmosphere was good too as while as the cleanliness. It was very a very pleasant experience would definitely recommend going if you have the time.
Written 14 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review and rating Fellow-Brit234. I'm glad you enjoyed your visit with us. Our museum staff and volunteers work hard to create a pleasant and enjoyable experience for our visitors. Kind Regards The D-day Story Team.
Written 28 February 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Nathan
Portsmouth442 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2024 • Family
It is a great museum but I don't see much reason to keep going back with an annual ticket. There was nothing new there today, compared to when we first got the ticket nearly 12 months ago. What is there is very very good, the landing craft is brilliant and the way the exhibits are presented is so well done, entertaining and informative.

When we came in early 2023 there was a new activity on offer called Resistance, a sort of treasure hunt that takes you around the museum looking for clues, it was really good. But 12 months on I asked if it had been updated and was told it is the same hunt, same clues and therefore no point doing again.

If I worked there I would have come up with some new narratives and clues by now. I was told that the original was put together by an outside firm, but surely it is not that hard to make another in house by now.

We will be back, but will not renew the annual pass for now. Maybe the 80th anniversary in June 2024 might offer some good reasons to come back and visit again.
Written 29 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review and rating thegrinch28. Our annual pass makes it convenient and easy for visitors to come back and revisit the museum to see things they'd perhaps missed the first time, to participate for free in our year-round events programme or to join one of our LCT Volunteer led tours! I'm glad you enjoy what we have on offer but sorry you felt you didn’t benefit from using the pass on this occasion. While the RESIST family trail is one of our fixed activities within the museum, there are still plenty of other benefits from having the annual pass, and with D-Day 80 soon approaching, there will be a host of activities and events to enjoy. Keep checking our website for recent updates. Kind regards, The D-Day Story Team.
Written 3 February 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Shipahoyahoy
Portsmouth, UK566 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2024 • Friends
Excellent museum telling the D-Day Story. The Operation Overlord Tapestry is stunning.

It's amazing how many artefacts are on display in what appears to be a small building. The range of interactive displays not only engages adults but we saw family groups where the children were also engaged by the interactive and static displays. We found the personal items on show especially poignant and moving.

The landing craft outside was fascinating and a special mention must be give to Steve (volunteer or staff?) who chatted to us in various places round the craft and spoke with enthusiasm and passion, bringing the story of the craft to life.

It was good that some exhibits were subtitled and in the landing craft a screen also described the presentation in British Sign Language (though a little too fast for my level of BSL).

All staff friendly. Lovely welcome when we arrived. Nice little café and gift shop. Clean toilets. We expected to stay an hour and stayed three and a half hours. Engaging views of The Solent from outside the museum or from the landing craft. Ample parking.
Written 27 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review and rating Shipahoyahoy. I'm glad you enjoyed your visit with us here. Our Curator, museum staff and volunteers make every effort to ensure our visitors have an engaging and enjoyable time. We look forward to welcoming you back again soon. Kind regards, The D-day Story team.
Written 7 February 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Lord Parker
Taunton, UK299 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2024 • Couples
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 artefacts; 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 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 honour 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.
Written 20 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wow! Thank you so much for taking the time to write us such a glowing review Honlordparker. I am delighted that you took so much away with you from your visit with us, and that we have made quite an impact. The curator, museum staff and volunteers work had to provide an experience that people will remember and take away with them and I am glad to see we have achieved that. Kind Regards, The D-Day Story Team.
Written 7 February 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Fido48
29 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2024 • Friends
If you are interested in the history of WW2 this is a brilliant place to visit. In a relatively small building the curators have managed to cram in a surprisingly wide range of exhibits ranging from D-Day artefacts to video displays with actors providing background information. Outside there’s even an actual landing craft which has been lovingly restored. It’s a great concept as the exhibits cater for a wide age range while allowing you to decide how much detail you want to take in. There’s also some very clever interactive screens to play with and the D-Day tapestry is stunning.
Another strength of this museum is the friendly volunteers and staff who are more than willing to share their extensive - and in some cases - personal knowledge. Finally I must mention the cafeteria which provides excellent, well presented food and drink. Throughly recommended.
Written 5 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review and rating Fido48. I'm pleased you were able to explore and enjoy all we have to offer here at the museum. Kind Regards. The D-Day story team.
Written 17 January 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

N L
Bath, UK198 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2023 • Couples
There’s something for everyone, whatever the age. So brilliantly curated. Fantastic, interactive activities and the stories are very well told. The staff are really helpful and friendly. Great value for money.
Written 30 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for such a wonderful review NatLane! I'm pleased you enjoyed your visit with us, We are always happy to help and look forward to you visiting us again in the future. Kind regards, The D-Day Story Team.
Written 8 December 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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The D-Day Story, Portsmouth

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