The D-Day Story

The D-Day Story is a must-see for every family. The story of this momentous moment in World War Two is told in three distinct parts and ensures there is something for all ages. The visit starts on-board the enormous LCT 7074, the last surviving Landing Craft Tank that took part in the D-Day Landings, large enough to have carried up to 10 tanks and their crew members at a time.

The vessel arrived off Gold Beach in Normandy late on D-Day, and put its tanks ashore the following morning. It then spent months carrying more tanks, men and supplies across the Channel to help liberate Europe. LCT 7074, is now home to the The D-Day Story's Sherman Grizzly and Churchill Crocodile tanks.

On-board visitors can learn about the landing craft’s history and the tanks it carried, thanks to interactive touch-screens, video and sound. Moving to the upper deck, you are taken back in time, moving through the wheelhouse, officers’ quarters and galley, then it’s up to the bridge and gun deck for stunning seafront views. The second part of the visit is inside The D-Day Story museum itself where you will experience Preparations’, as you find out about the planning of D-Day and how those in charge made the crucial decisions around when and where to cross the channel.

Next is ‘D-Day Landings and the Battle of Normandy’. Here, compelling audio-visual displays show what it was like to be on a landing craft and give an insight into the thoughts of those before the big day and how the day unfolded on each of the beaches. The third part of the visit is the spectacular Overlord Embroidery and Legacy Gallery.

The impressive 83-metre-long embroidery, longer than the Bayeux Tapestry, was created to commemorate people who took part in D-Day and the Battle of Normandy. Hear the Veterans personal stories, giving their reflections on their wartime service. A central gallery, giving the impression of an artist’s studio and explains the techniques used to create the embroidery and an opportunity to learn more about those involved in its creation.

Check out The D-Day Story's website for events as we plan lots of things to do during the school holidays.