Welcome
The focus of The D-Day Story is the liberation of Europe from Nazi Germany occupation. It is told using the personal possessions and words of the people who took part.
Stunning imagery, audio-visual presentations and hands-on interactives help to bring the story to life.
Level access
There is level access from the main entrance to:
Main exhibitionFront deskThe D-Day Story cafeThe D-Day Story shopLanding Craft Tank 7074Hearing
Visual
General
Getting here
Travel by public transport
For visitors travelling from the Isle of Wight, Southsea Hoverport is 0.6 miles away.
Travel by taxi
We have a Tourist Information point on site, please ask at reception if you need help with travel or transport in the area.
Parking
The path from the car park is wider than 2000mm at all points along the route. There is a slight gradient leading up to the front of the museum. The car park is owned by Portsmouth City Council. Disabled parking is free.
Arrival
Path to main entrance
Main entrance
There are granite blocks in route that leads from the car park and along the front of the main entrance to the building, they are 430mm high and there is a 1700mm wide gap between them. The blocks do not contrast clearly with the pavement so may not be seen by partially sighted visitors. There is a slight gradient from the bollards to the front door of the museum.
Getting around inside
Ticket/ information desk
Front desk
The desk is situated in a large atrium area, there are no barriers or corridors between the front door and the desk. The low section is situated on the left hand side of the desk and the clearance between the desk and the floor is 700mm. There are perspex screens on the desk which may make visibility or hearing difficult for visitors.
Things to See and Do
Main exhibition
The light level drops as you enter display areas. Most areas have low light levels, apart from the 'Making it' gallery. The displays can be crowded when the museum is busy.
The displays areas 'Preparation', 'Ready to Go' and 'D-Day and the Battle of Normandy' have loud video and audio.
'Legacy' and 'Overlord Embroidery' have touchscreens devices that play audio tracks, but generally this the quietest area of the museum.
The majority of floors are completely level and all ramps are designed for wheelchair users.
The majority of paths through the museum displays are 1,500mm or wider. There are some narrower areas but there are alternative paths through the displays.
The majority of turning circles in the exhibition are at least 1,500mm.
There are no low level barriers or trip hazards in any of the displays.
There are no internal doors in the museum displays. If there is a doorway between one gallery and another, it will be at least 1,300mm wide.
All activities and text in the displays have been designed to be viewed from a wheelchair.
All corners and joints in the displays have smooth edges.
Every exhibition gallery apart from one (‘Battle of Normandy’) has seating with arm rests. The seating is 620mm high with low arm rests.
We have four touchable models and two maps that have descriptions written in Braille.
The fonts used in the exhibition are at least 20pt or above. On most of the display panels there is a clear contrast between the writing and the background colour.
There is a clear contrast between the colour of display plinths and the floor, although light levels are low in the museum displays.
There are no low level barriers or trip hazards in any of the displays.
Each month we hold a ‘Chilled out museum’ for visitors who would like a more relaxed experience. We turn the lights up and sound down in the museum. See our website for more details.
Shop
The D-Day Story shop
The shop is in the main atrium area opposite the front desk. Stands are placed so that there is room to turn a wheelchair between them.
Place to eat and drink
The D-Day Story cafe
Sugar and lactose free drinks are available. Dietary needs can be catered for with advance notice.
Staff are happy to help with carrying trays and bringing food out to customers if required.
Getting around outside
Landing Craft Tank 7074 is outside the museum. Leave the museum and turn left to reach it. The ship is outside. It is under a cover but it may be cold and wet when the weather is bad.
The ground floor is accessible by most wheelchairs. The floor is bumpy and uneven. There is a slope up to the entrance to the ship and a steep slope just inside. Access to the upper deck is by steps only, and there are narrow doorways. Access to the bridge deck, the highest point of the ship, is by ladder only.
There are touchable models on board the ship.
In the 'engine room' there are display screens with BSL interpretation.
Staff will be happy to help you if needed.
Customer care support
Magnifying glasses with an LED light.
An audio guide of the Overlord Embroidery designed specifically for blind and partially sighted visitors. Please ask at reception.
Emergency evacuation procedures
Customer care support