D-Day Centre - World War 2 Museum
DORSET'S NEW WW2 VISITOR ATTRACTION...
Castletown D-Day Centre is an authentic recreation of the busy wartime dockyard on the Isle of Portland, from which in 1944, thousands of American troops of the 5th US Corps and the US 1st infantry, embarked, bound for the heavily defended beaches of Nazi occupied France.
HISTORY YOU CAN HANDLE...
The centre features an impressive array of original WW2 artifacts, weapons and wartime vehicles, including a full size replica Spitfire, a Bofors 40mm gun and even a restored Sherman tank.
To enhance your D-Day experience, we actively encourage our visitors to handle the weapons, climb on our vehicles and even dress up in authentic WW2 uniforms and get 'In The Mood'.
TIME TO DISCOVER...
Donning full military costume, our friendly and highly knowledgable staff will help you discover a truly immersive WW2 experience; A wartime harbour scene where men and equipment are being loaded onto a landing ship that is moored alongside the dock, making ready for its imminent departure, bound for the bloody beaches of Normandy.
A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE
Castletown D-Day Centre offers a unique chance for young and old to remember, or indeed learn for the first time, the important role played by the port of Portland during the allied invasion of northern France and the great bravery of the thousands of American, British and allied troops that departed that day, so many of whom would lose their lives protecting our freedom.
COME GET SOME...
The D-Day Centre is situated in Castletown's impressive Admiralty buildings, a stone's throw from the historic Portland Castle. Staffed by true enthusiasts, it offers you the unrivalled opportunity to relive the days of the great wartime sacrifice made by the greatest generation.
- FULL SIZE REPLICA SPITFIRE
- ORIGINAL SHERMAN TANK
- BOFORS 40MM GUN
- GUNS & EQUIPMENT
- WEAR REAL WW2 UNIFORMS AND HOLD WEAPONS
- WARTIME VEHICLES
- INTERACTIVE DISPLAYS
- GUIDED TANK TOURS
- AUDIO/VISUAL SYSTEM
- EXPERIENCE THE D-DAY BUNKER
Special events coming soon...
For more info on our events and other news check out our Facebook page
| Castletown at War 2023 | 15 APR AT 10:00 – 16 APR AT 16:00| Find out more here |
CHECK OUT OUR RAVE REVIEWS
Click on the websites below and read our fantastic reviews...
"Great little museum...kids will love it"
"Amazing time for the whole family"
"Brilliant place...Fantastic value"
Castletown D-Day Centre is a Travellers' Choice in 2021
We are delighted to have been awarded a Travellers' Choice Award by Tripadvisor. These are given to attractions that consistently earn great reviews and are ranked in the top 10% on Tripadvisor
ADMISSION PRICES & OPENING TIMES
Our community run museum is open (10:30am - 3:30pm - last entry 2:30pm) between April and October, and Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays throughout November” removing the long list of dates with open/closed
You don't need to pre-book your visit. However, to help us maintain this flexibility whilst limiting numbers at busy times, we kindly ask that everyone is a little patient on entry at busy times.
You are welcome to call us before visiting for the latest information on 01305 443 444 during opening hours.
| ADULT | 18 and over | £9.00 |
| YOUNG ADULT | Ages 12 - 17 | £7.00 |
| CHILD | Children under 12 | £6.00 |
| FAMILY | 2 adults plus 2 children or young adults | £26.00 |
Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult - with a maximum of 3 children per adult.
Dogs on leads are most welcome.
All adults are required to sign a disclaimer on entry to acknowledge acceptance of our terms of entry.
Volunteers Wanted!
If you would like to get more involved with the Castletown D-Day Centre and can spare some of your free time, we would love to welcome you on board our friendly and fun team of volunteers.
For more information please contact us on
01305 443 444
Or drop in to see us for a chat!
FINDING US
Whether you're approaching by land or sea, it's easy to find us, we have a Sherman tank parked outside!
- Castletown D-Day Centre
- Admiralty Buildings
Castletown
Portland
Dorset, UK
DT5 1BD - Free parking is available near Portland Castle (both on-street and off-street - near the Rigger's building).
CONTACT US
If you have any questions, please contact us.