Visitors can enjoy something different at The D-Day Story in Portsmouth this summer, with a programme of seasonal activities including World Embroidery Day tours, hands-on creative workshops and Discovery Hub sessions for the school holidays.
On Thursday 30 July, the museum will mark World Embroidery Day with introductory tours of the Overlord Embroidery. Inspired by the Bayeux Tapestry, the embroidery was commissioned by Lord Dulverton in 1968 to tell the story of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy. Designed by artist Sandra Lawrence and created by the Royal School of Needlework, it features 34 hand-stitched panels and stretches an impressive 83 metres.
The 30-minute tours will take place at 11am, 12pm, 2pm and 3pm. They are free with a museum ticket or annual pass, with places available to book on arrival.
The summer programme continues with creative and family-friendly activities linked to the museumโs collections.
On Friday 31 July, artist Kim Edith will lead Everyday Heroes, a free mixed media workshop suitable for all the family. Taking inspiration from Portsmouthโs 100th anniversary as a city, the session invites families to celebrate the often-unsung people who played a part in wartime life and local history. The sessions are drop-in no need to book. The dolls will be exhibited in the Portsmouth100 exhibition 'Your museum. Your stories. Your city' (opening in October 2026 at Portsmouth Museum and Art Gallery), which has beenย made possible withย The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with thanks to National Lottery players.
Throughout the summer holidays, visitors can also take part in The Discovery Hub, with games, activities and challenges inspired by the museumโs collections. Families can explore objects from the handling collections, archive material and uniforms, as well as toys and games for under-fives.
The craft activity is inspired by the stories of the men, women and children who lived, worked or volunteered in Portsmouth and around the country during the Second World War. ย You will be able to create a paper doll or puppet and your own puppet theatre to take home.
The Discovery Hub sessions run on selected dates during the school holidays, including 29 and 30 July, 5, 6, 12 ,13, 19 and 20 August. Sessions are free with a museum admission ticket or annual pass, or ยฃ3 per child for those not visiting the museum.
Running from until 7 September, the Everyday Heroes family trail is designed for children aged 7+ and offers the chance to win prizes including a Gustav the Pigeon soft toy, a D-Day Story goody bag, and a copy of Shrapnel Boys by Jenny Pearson. The activity is free with a museum ticket or annual pass. Visitors can collect a trail sheet from the front desk.
Councillor Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council, said:
As Portsmouth celebrates 100 years as a city, itโs fitting that this summer programme shines a light on the stories, people and heritage that have shaped who we are today. The D-Day Story brings these stories to life in a unique and engaging way, and Iโm delighted that residents and visitors alike will have the chance to discover more about our cityโs past while enjoying a fantastic programme of family-friendly activities.
Alongside the summer events, visitors can explore the museumโs galleries, the Overlord Embroidery and LCT 7074, the last surviving Landing Craft Tank from D-Day.
For full event details, opening times and ticket information, visit The D-Day Story website.
