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D-Day Story Museum & Southsea Castle: Portsmouth at War

Portsmouth was the launch point for the greatest seaborne invasion in history. Immerse yourself in the epic story of D-Day at the award-winning D-Day Story Museum, then explore the Tudor Southsea Castle where Henry VIII watched his flagship Mary Rose sink.

What to expect

The D-Day Story's world-class displays bring Operation Overlord to life through personal testimonies, original equipment, vehicles, and the extraordinary 34-panel Overlord Embroidery. A short walk away, Southsea Castle's ramparts offer sweeping views across the Solent — the very waters through which the D-Day armada sailed in June 1944. The seafront setting, with its broad promenade, provides a reflective and beautiful conclusion to the morning.

Book it with
The D-Day Story (Portsmouth City Council Museums)
GBP 16.50 adult (D-Day Story, pre-booked online); Southsea Castle GBP 6 adult — or combine both
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Good to know

A taxi from the cruise terminal to Southsea seafront takes approximately 10–15 minutes (GBP 8–12). Pre-book D-Day Story tickets online for a small saving and to guarantee entry. Allow 2–2.5 hours for the museum plus 45 minutes for the castle. Southsea has excellent waterfront cafés for a light lunch before returning to the ship.

Sail there

Luxury cruises that call at Portsmouth — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.

Viking Ocean · Viking Libra
7 nights · calls at Portsmouth
from $2,399
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Viking Ocean · Viking Astrea
7 nights · calls at Portsmouth
from $2,399
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Viking Ocean · Viking Vela
7 nights · calls at Portsmouth
from $2,599
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Viking Ocean · Viking Sky
7 nights · calls at Portsmouth
from $2,899
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