Castletown D-Day Centre
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Closed until 2 Mar 2024
Castletown D-Day Centre
Castletown D-Day Centre
5
Temporarily closedClosed until Mar 2, 2024
About
Castletown D-Day Centre is a family friendly, interactive World War 2 museum that tells the story of the thousands of US military personnel who in June 1944 sailed from Dorset to the beaches of Normandy. It 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!
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1-2 hours
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5.0
522 reviews
Excellent
473
Very good
41
Average
5
Poor
2
Terrible
1
David M
1 contribution
Oct 2023 • Couples
The museum staff were amazing and helpful , also got to meet the owner and got the back ground of his collection ..
Not only is the museum accessible but also you have hands on the exhibits and also allowed entrance to all the vehicles , including the Sherman tank and others .
Not only for adults but a must for children , as they can experience and explore the vehicles and receive knowledge of the sacrifices made by others !!
Not only is the museum accessible but also you have hands on the exhibits and also allowed entrance to all the vehicles , including the Sherman tank and others .
Not only for adults but a must for children , as they can experience and explore the vehicles and receive knowledge of the sacrifices made by others !!
Written 26 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for such a fantastic review. We are delighted you enjoyed the museum and the hands on nature of the exhibits.
Written 1 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
BristolBelle
Bristol84 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
What a wonderful place. See and feel history come to life at this little marvel of a place!! Climb into trucks. Let off an air raid siren. Hold a gun. Very interactive with great staff who love talking to you and helping. A must!!
Written 15 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review! It's great to hear that you enjoyed our museum, particularly the hands on nature of our displays and exhibits.
Written 19 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Marc W
Bracknell, UK122 contributions
May 2023 • Solo
This is quite a small museum but it's absolutely packed with exhibits from many WW" military vehicles, various military equipment, models and even a life-sized replica Spitfire hanging from the Ceiling.
The museum is extremely hands on, you can climb into most of the vehicles, you can sit on and rotate an anti aircraft gun and you can pick up period weapons.
On top of this there are lots of displays and information about D-Day, both overall and from a Portland perspective.
I was pleasantly surprised and I would recommend it to anyone with an interest in WW2 or who wants to learn more about D-Day.
The museum is extremely hands on, you can climb into most of the vehicles, you can sit on and rotate an anti aircraft gun and you can pick up period weapons.
On top of this there are lots of displays and information about D-Day, both overall and from a Portland perspective.
I was pleasantly surprised and I would recommend it to anyone with an interest in WW2 or who wants to learn more about D-Day.
Written 8 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review. It's great to hear that you enjoyed the museum, particularly our "hands on with history" approach.
Written 9 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
trish m
5 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
What a great little D Day Museum. All about the part the locals played in the D Day landings.Lots of military vehicles and Guns. that you can interact with and the staff more than happy to explain every thing .
Written 6 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review. We are delighted you enjoyed your visit to the museum!
Written 9 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ScampinIzzy
Whangarei, New Zealand401 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Now this place isn’t large, but by god does it pack a punch; a truly fabulous experience, one not to miss. The staff are on hand to answer questions, and walk around with you. Most of the equipment, weapons and military vehicles can be sat on, picked up, or played with (figuratively). Being able to pick up weapons from WW2, and operate an anti-aircraft gun, turning the weapon in all directions is something you can’t do anywhere else that I am aware of. The museum tells the story of the American soldiers and those locals who participated both on home soil, and in Europe. Only three of the vehicles are not in running order which is testament to the staff no local community. If there was a 5* attraction for ,military buffs, this is it.
Written 5 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for such a detailed and wonderful review. We are delighted you enjoyed visiting the museum, particularly our hands on approach.
Written 6 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nigel R
Burnley, UK6 contributions
Oct 2023 • Solo
I found out about this experience by pure chance some weeks ago and being a historyolic I just added it to my list for my Dorset Holliday.
I did not really know what I was letting myself in for but as soon as I saw the tank outside I knew it was going to be something different and I was proved right.
On arrival the moment I went through the gate it sprung to life the first thing that hit me was the smell of oil from the motor pool which immediately brought back memories. I was welcomed at the desk and pointed in the right direction after which it was a voyage of discovery. The great thing was the amount of information much of which was personalised to individuals. I would recommend reading every board.
The other plus was the invites to explore the exhibits and to handle them or climb aboard the vehicles and guns nor only that but to fire them as well I did not get that till I presses a button on a gun and a realistic sound of shells flying came out.
I found out things I never knew like how heavy a simple rifle weighed same for a back pack and other items the soldiers had to carry.
I did avoid climbing on the Jeep as I did not wish to risk Jeep Disease !
The Ambulance basic as it was conveyed casualties to aid posts and no doubt helped save many lives.
I came away in awe of the effort that must have taken place getting ready for and planning D Day and what followed and I take my hat off to all who were involved.
Finally the one thing I nearly missed was the German Bunker as the sign was a little tucked away - it needs to be moved so you see it coming out and nip up the stairs to see it.
My last words are to thank every member of the team whose enthusiasm has made this experience possible by creation an event that brings history to life and is something other museums can learn from.
I will be back and would urge anyone who has read this to do the same.
I did not really know what I was letting myself in for but as soon as I saw the tank outside I knew it was going to be something different and I was proved right.
On arrival the moment I went through the gate it sprung to life the first thing that hit me was the smell of oil from the motor pool which immediately brought back memories. I was welcomed at the desk and pointed in the right direction after which it was a voyage of discovery. The great thing was the amount of information much of which was personalised to individuals. I would recommend reading every board.
The other plus was the invites to explore the exhibits and to handle them or climb aboard the vehicles and guns nor only that but to fire them as well I did not get that till I presses a button on a gun and a realistic sound of shells flying came out.
I found out things I never knew like how heavy a simple rifle weighed same for a back pack and other items the soldiers had to carry.
I did avoid climbing on the Jeep as I did not wish to risk Jeep Disease !
The Ambulance basic as it was conveyed casualties to aid posts and no doubt helped save many lives.
I came away in awe of the effort that must have taken place getting ready for and planning D Day and what followed and I take my hat off to all who were involved.
Finally the one thing I nearly missed was the German Bunker as the sign was a little tucked away - it needs to be moved so you see it coming out and nip up the stairs to see it.
My last words are to thank every member of the team whose enthusiasm has made this experience possible by creation an event that brings history to life and is something other museums can learn from.
I will be back and would urge anyone who has read this to do the same.
Written 4 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your excellent review. We are delighted that you enjoyed your visit and appreciate your recommendation to others. Thanks again!
Written 6 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
5WTravelers
Cottonwood, AZ37 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
Wasn't entirely sure what to expect, but based on the reviews, proximity to Portland Castle, and low cost (about $12 USD) as Americans we figured we should stop in and check it out. What an awesome place to visit! Super interactive. 10/10 would recommend!
Written 28 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review. We are so glad that you enjoyed your time at the museum!
Written 3 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Wayne C
70 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
We visited this museum and from the minute we arrived felt immersed in the sights of WWII and walking in the shoes of the D Day participants and residents of the local area. This was an interactive museum where the dedicated volunteers encouraged hands on experience with the WWII equipment, guns, vehicles, and a German Bunker. There were stories told on the walls of the locals, British, and US army military men and women involved in the D Day events and the days after. Medical equipment and ambulance which was quite interesting.
A must see if you are ever in Portland. Up the hill and around the corner from the castle. My family loved the experience.
Thank you to the volunteers who maintain the museum and answer questions.
A must see if you are ever in Portland. Up the hill and around the corner from the castle. My family loved the experience.
Thank you to the volunteers who maintain the museum and answer questions.
Written 23 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for the great review! We are so glad you enjoyed your time at the museum, particularly the hands on element. It is great to hear that our volunteers were helpful and added to your experience!
Written 3 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Richard W
1 contribution
Sep 2023 • Family
The best D Day war experience I have ever had. The staff were not just knowledgeable but enthusiastic. Personal accounts and stories of individuals during this time of war reignited my interest of this moment in time.
I can't speak highly enough of this world war experience.
I can't speak highly enough of this world war experience.
Written 6 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review! We are delighted that you had a great time visiting the museum and it is great to hear that our team of volunteers enhanced your experience.
Written 7 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Albany W
10 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
This is the best interactive WW2 museum that you'll ever find! A brilliant collection of weaponry and machinery that you can pick up and climb into, uniforms that you can wear, and a wealth of knowledge from its staff, willing to answer any question you have. There is truely nothing quite like it; it's definitely worth a visit.
Written 6 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your great review! We are so pleased that you enjoyed your time, particularly the hands of nature of the museum. It is also great to hear that our team of volunteers were very helpful and added to your experience!
Written 7 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
sle595
Fairfax, VA
Should we see the Castletown D-Day Centre or the Portsmouth D-Day Museum? Unfortunately, we only have time to see one. We will also be seeing the Imperial War Museum in London.
D-Day Dorset
Dorchester, UK2 contributions
Both the D-Day Centre and the D-Day Museum are excellent visitor attractions, however the D-Day Centre focuses primarily on the embarkation of the US servicemen who were bound for Omaha Beach, Normandy.
deborahcarter90
Wellingborough, UK30 contributions
Are well behaved dog's on a lead allowed ?
D-Day Dorset
Dorchester, UK2 contributions
Yes, well behaved dogs are welcome at the D-Day Centre.
Joyce H
Mass151 contributions
How far is the museum from the port where the cruise ships dock
D-Day Dorset
Dorchester, UK2 contributions
The D-Day Centre is approx. 250 metres from the entrance to Portland Port.
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Claim your listingCASTLETOWN D-DAY CENTRE: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Castletown D-Day Centre
- Castletown D-Day Centre is open:
- Thu - Sun 10:30 - 15:30
- Hotels near Castletown D-Day Centre:
- (0.04 mi) Hotel Aqua
- (0.06 mi) Crabbers' Wharf
- (0.04 mi) The Royal Breakwater Hotel
- (0.08 mi) The Green Shutters
- (0.05 mi) The Portland Roads Hotel
- Restaurants near Castletown D-Day Centre:
- (0.02 mi) Dorset Adventure Cafe
- (0.58 mi) The Cove House Inn
- (0.41 mi) Chesil Chippie
- (0.74 mi) Quiddles Cafe
- (0.32 mi) The Kitchen at Portland Marina