The Story of D-Day
Step aboard the last surviving landing craft from Normandy and explore the incredible personal accounts, innovative technology, and emotional legacy of the 1944 Allied invasion at this award-winning museum.
Board a Real Warship
The highlight of any visit is stepping aboard LCT 7074, the last surviving Landing Craft Tank from D-Day. Youngsters can explore the massive deck and imagine the noise and scale of the invasion, bringing the reality of wartime transport and the sea to life in a way no book can.
Discover the personal stories and massive machinery of the Normandy landingsEducation Destination
The D-Day Story provides a deeply moving and educational focal point for any school residential stay in Portsmouth. As the only UK museum dedicated to the Allied landings in Normandy, it offers youngsters a unique opportunity to connect with World War II on a personal level. The centrepiece of the visit is LCT 7074, the last surviving Landing Craft Tank from the invasion, which sits majestically outside the museum. Stepping onto this massive vessel allows pupils to visualise the scale of the operation and the challenges of Transport and navigating The Sea during such a pivotal moment in history.
Inside, the museum is home to the stunning Overlord Embroidery, a 83-metre long masterpiece that serves as a brilliant stimulus for Literature & Creative Writing. Through its intricate panels, students can trace the entire story of the campaign, from the secret planning stages to the eventual liberation of Europe. The galleries are filled with authentic artefacts and personal testimonies, bringing Local History to life by highlighting Portsmouth's vital role as a primary embarkation point. These displays encourage youngsters to consider the human experience of war and the impact of Changes Within Living Memory.
The visit also highlights the incredible Inventions & Technology developed for the invasion, such as the Mulberry Harbours and specialised tanks. Pupils can explore how science and engineering were harnessed to overcome the natural obstacles of the French coastline, linking their historical study to modern geography and mechanics. With its mix of immersive high-tech displays and quiet spaces for reflection, the museum ensures that every student leaves with a profound understanding of the teamwork and bravery that defined the D-Day landings. It is an essential and unforgettable experience for any visiting group.
The Overlord Embroidery
Students can marvel at the stunning 83-metre Overlord Embroidery, which tells the epic story of the landings through intricate textile art. This visual masterpiece provides a unique sensory stimulus for literature and creative writing, capturing the drama and emotion of the campaign.
Personal Stories
The museum focuses on the human side of history, featuring personal items and moving testimonies from those who were there. By engaging with these authentic accounts, pupils develop a deeper understanding of changes within living memory and the incredible bravery of the Allied forces.
Innovative Technology
From the secret planning of Mulberry Harbours to the engineering of the PLUTO pipeline, the exhibits showcase world-changing inventions and technology. Pupils can discover how scientific breakthroughs and clever design were essential to the success of the Normandy landings.
Portsmouth’s Local Role
As the primary embarkation point for the fleet, the museum offers a direct link to local history. Youngsters will learn how their surroundings transformed during the war, seeing first-hand how the city of Portsmouth played a pivotal role in one of the most famous events in history.
"Had to shorten visit. So historic, staff were great."