Portsmouth: D-Day History and Coastal Views

The D-Day landings in Normandy on 6 June 1944 are the focus of The D-Day Story museum: it is the only museum in the UK devoted exclusively to every aspect of this event. The visitor experience also includes the landing craft LCT 7074; check visitor access before you arrive. The Overlord Embroidery tells the story in another way: 34 hand-embroidered panels, measuring 83 metres in total, depict D-Day and the Battle of Normandy.

Maritime and literary history

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard looks back on more than 500 years of history, giving visitors a unique insight into Britain’s maritime past. Those interested in literature will find a different historical perspective at the Charles Dickens' Birthplace Museum, located in the terraced house where Dickens was born in 1812. The museum has three furnished rooms: the parlour, dining room and bedroom where he was born. Maritime history and a personal life story sit side by side, each offering a different perspective on the past.

The coast and views across the Solent

Portsmouth’s waterfront stretches for four miles and includes beaches, historic defences, open green spaces and a long promenade with views across the Solent. Portsmouth is flat and compact; many key sights are close together and can be reached on foot. For a wide-ranging view, you can visit the keep at Southsea Castle. Access details vary seasonally. From there, the panorama stretches across the Solent to the Isle of Wight. Spinnaker Tower also offers panoramic views across Portsmouth and the Solent to the Isle of Wight.

Museums, studios and activities

The Butterfly House at Portsmouth Natural History Museum is home to neotropical species from Central and South America; butterfly activity varies seasonally. At Blue Reef Aquarium, discover an underwater world of clownfish, stingrays and turtles. Exhibitions may change over time. At Hotwalls Studios, visitors can see designers and craftspeople at work; the creatives involved may change. These experiences complement the historical themes with nature and contemporary crafts.

There are also plenty of active experiences: kayaking, sailing, windsurfing and wakeboarding are available in Portsmouth. Specific providers and availability may change. A 100-metre abseil is also offered at Spinnaker Tower; operation and booking availability may vary. The Military History Trail runs along the Hilsea Lines. Availability of the accompanying leaflet may change.

Plan your trip and hotel stay

Every August, Victorious Festival welcomes major acts to Southsea Common. Dates and programme vary from year to year; if the festival is the reason for your trip, check the details for the relevant year. Ferries from Portsmouth International Port run to France, Spain and the Channel Islands. Confirm current services before departure. This will help you plan your search around the days you want to spend in Portsmouth.

Discover more destinations: Portsmouth, Southsea, Oxfordshire, Windsor And Maidenhead, Slough, Buckinghamshire, Kent and Berkshire.

For the broader travel overview: South East England.