Name: D-Day Museum and Overlord Embroidery
Rating: 5.0

D-Day Museum and Overlord Embroidery

The D-Day Story, Clarence Esplanade, Southsea, Portsmouth, UK

1-99 Years

Paid

Description

The D-Day Story is a premier military museum located on the Southsea seafront in Portsmouth, dedicated to telling the personal stories of the Allied Invasion in June 1944. It is widely considered one of the best things to do with kids in Southsea because it transforms a massive historical event into a relatable, human experience through film, sound, and incredible vehicles. Families can explore three distinct sections, including the awe-inspiring Overlord Embroidery and a genuine 59-metre landing craft.

Planning your visit is straightforward with a range of ticketing options to suit different budgets. Prices start from £8.30 for children (aged 5–17) when booking online, with families of five able to secure a combined ticket for just over £41. Those under five years old can explore for free, making it an accessible choice for young families looking for a meaningful outing.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that balances history with interactive thrills, this museum is the top choice. It offers an educational day out where children can climb aboard the LCT 7074, the last surviving landing craft of its kind, to see real tanks and visit the command bridge. The museum’s modern galleries are specifically designed to be engaging, moving away from dry facts to focus on the real people who took part.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Key Features

LCT 7074 Landing Craft: This massive 59-metre ship offers interactive exhibits where kids can explore the deck and see how tanks were transported to France.
Overlord Embroidery: A spectacular educational day out highlight consisting of 34 hand-stitched panels that stretch longer than the Bayeux Tapestry.
Discovery Hub: A dedicated space for sensory play and family activities where younger visitors can handle objects and learn through doing.
Personal Stories: Moving interactive exhibits that use audio-visual displays to tell D-Day through the words of the soldiers and civilians who were there.

Top 5 Highlights

Landing Craft Tank (LCT) 7074: This is a "Helpful Peer" favourite because you don't just look at it—you walk on it. Kids love seeing the sheer size of the Sherman and Churchill tanks on the deck and imagining the journey across the Channel.
The Overlord Embroidery: This highlight is amazing because of its scale; it is 83 metres long. It’s a great way to tell the story of the war to children through pictures rather than long blocks of text.
Monty’s Plan for D-Day: Seeing the actual handwritten notes from General Montgomery is a highlight because it makes the strategy feel real. It’s a fantastic way to talk about the importance of planning and leadership.
US Ranger Thomas Ruggiero’s Boots: These are a highlight because they tell a personal story of preparation and disappointment. It helps children understand that history is made of individual people with their own feelings.
Union Jack Flag (The Whittle Family): This small, battered flag was given to a tank crew by a four-year-old girl. It’s a highlight because it shows the connection between the military and the civilians they were protecting.

Facilities

Café: On-site café serving snacks, light lunches, and refreshments.
Shop: A well-stocked gift shop with books, models, and unique D-Day souvenirs.
Toilets: Full accessible toilet facilities and baby-changing stations are available.
Buggy Parking: The museum is accessible for prams, and staff can assist with storage if needed during busy periods.

Pro-Tips for Parents

Book Online: You can save about 10% on your tickets by booking in advance through the official website.
Annual Pass Upgrade: If you are a local or visiting again, you can upgrade your ticket to an annual pass for a small fee at the end of your visit.
Quiet Mornings: Visit on a weekday morning to have the landing craft almost to yourself before the school groups or afternoon crowds arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth it for toddlers? While the museum is best for school-aged children, toddlers will enjoy the sheer size of the landing craft and the interactive discovery hub.
How long does a visit take? A thorough visit usually takes between 2 and 3 hours, especially if you spend time on the LCT 7074 and watch the films.
Where is the best place to park? The most convenient place to park is the on-site Seafront car park located right next to the museum building.
Are there cheap indoor activities in Southsea? The D-Day Story is one of the best-value indoor activities in Southsea, especially with the 2026 family ticket and the free entry for under-5s.

The Visitor Verdict: What Parents Really Think
What Visitors Love

The landing craft is the clear star of the show; parents love how much space there is for kids to explore.
The personal audio guides and film clips make the history feel very moving and easy for older children to follow.
The staff are frequently praised for being knowledgeable and brilliant with children's questions.

What Visitors Don't Like

Some parents find the embroidery section a bit quiet and dark for very small, high-energy toddlers.
Wait times for the café can be a little long during peak school holiday hours.

What to see

Detailed Inventory

LCT 7074: The last surviving intact Landing Craft, Tank from the Normandy Landings.
Sherman Tank: A legendary armoured vehicle positioned on the deck of the LCT.
Churchill Tank: A heavy British infantry tank also found on board the landing craft.
The Overlord Embroidery: 34 extraordinay hand-stitched panels telling the D-Day story.
Montgomery's D-Day Maps: The actual strategic maps used by the Allied leadership.
"This is the Year!" Poster: A famous piece of British propaganda used to boost morale before the invasion.
Gold Beach Map: A detailed tactical map showing the landing zones in Normandy.
Hawker Typhoon: Exhibits related to the aircraft that provided vital support from the air.
Button Compass: A tiny, clever object used by soldiers as a secret escape tool.
LCVP Landing Craft: A smaller vehicle used for transporting troops directly to the shore.

Beyond the Main Attraction

Southsea Seafront: Directly outside the museum, perfect for a walk, an ice cream, or a run around the common.
The Spinnaker Tower: A short drive away, offering joint tickets for those wanting a full day of Portsmouth sightseeing.
Blue Reef Aquarium: Located nearby on the seafront, ideal for continuing a family day out.
Southsea Castle: Just a few minutes' walk away, where you can explore more of Portsmouth's coastal defences.

New for 2026

'Fun, Fear and Familiarity' Exhibition: Running into early 2026, this exhibit features the memories of children living in wartime Portsmouth with unique objects and archive photos.
2026 Family Detective Trail: A brand-new family trail for 2026 where kids can become "D-Day Detectives" to solve puzzles and win a prize.

Events: For more upcoming events please visit here.

Website

Contact

Video

Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

General Admission

Adult: £18.25 on the door / £16.60 online
Senior (60+): £14.55 on the door / £13.20 online
Students and Children (5–17): £9.15 on the door / £8.30 online
Family (up to 2 adults and up to 3 children): £45.50 on the door / £41.35 online
Under 5s: Free

Concessions

Disabled Adult Visitor: £14.55 on the door / £13.20 online
Disabled Senior Visitor: £11.65 on the door / £10.60 online
Disabled Child Visitor: £7.35 on the door / £6.65 online
Personal Assistant/Carer: Free
Portsmouth Leisure Card: 40% discount on full price
Veterans of the Second World War: Free
Serving members and veterans of the Armed Forces: £14.55

Group discounts

Adult Group Rate (15+ people): £16.20
Senior Group Rate (15+ people): £12.80
Child Group Rate (15+ people): £8.05
School and Formal Education Group Rate: £5.23

Pricing URL: https://theddaystory.com/plan-your-visit/tickets/

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

The museum does not list standard "catered" birthday packages on the official website. However, they are an event venue and welcome group inquiries for private events. Contact Email: ddaystory@portsmouthcc.gov.uk

Open 10:00 to 17:30 (17:00 from October to March) daily, except 24, 25, and 26 December.

Address: The D-Day Story, Clarence Esplanade, Southsea, Portsmouth, UK

Post Code: PO5 3NT

Council: Portsmouth

County: Hampshire

By Car: Follow signs for Southsea Seafront. Use postcode PO5 3NT.
By Train: Portsmouth & Southsea station is 1.5 miles away; a short taxi or bus ride (Route 3) will bring you to the museum.
Parking: On-site "Pay and Display" parking is available directly at the museum.