Portsmouth Attractions --- Spinnaker Tower and D-Day Story and Overlord Embroidery

I don't know what they would be to you.

I have eaten dinner at the foot of the Spinnaker Tower and taken ferries from nearby. I find it pleasant to use as a landmark when returning. I've never had any interest in going up.

This new Overlord knitting-bomb-like was interesting when I saw it on the news a week or two ago, and if I were there I might go around the block to go and look but no further. I did go many miles to see the Oundle (Northants) Jubilee knitting bomb but that was outside in a beautiful town.

I went up the Spinnaker Tower. It had a nice view and a location where you could walk across a glass floor which is probably not for those afraid of heights. It really depends if you want to spend the extra money for a nice view or not. I enjoyed it, but once was definitely enough.

In contrast, I'm headed to the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard for the third time in June.

I have been to Portsmouth twice now, had to go back because I just could not see most everything in two days (That barely covers the Dockyards). The second time, I did go to the WW2 Museum, (and the included tapestry), mainly because that is an area of interest, but agree, it is down on the list, with many Dockyard attractions being above it.

The museum itself is very nice, not overly large, heavy focus on D-Day, good if you are a WW2 buff, or will be going on into France and Normandy. Would I make a trip from London to see it? Probably not, but then I would to see the HMS Victory or Mary Rose Museum.

The Spinnaker tower is your typical view point. If you are into those, sure, if a view on high has no interest, skip it. In the two trips, I passed both times. But then, been to London maybe 8 times, never have been tempted to take a spin on the London Eye.

If you are in the area and have an interest in WWII history, I think the D-Day Museum fall into the “must see”. We had done several tours in France surrounding D-Day, so we’re fascinated to see it from the embarkation perspective. It was also sobering the see the damage to Portsmouth from photos taken during the war. The guards we spoke to shared stories they had heard from family members and that was interesting as well. I think your own personal interests and time available will probably dictate what you decide.

The museum itself is very nice, not overly large, heavy focus on D-Day

That's because it's the D-Day museum rather than a WW2 museum, the entire museum is dedicated to recounting the D-Day story.

Personally I think it's a worthy addition for anyone interested in the D-Day landings or WW2 history in general.

I've been to the top of the Spinnaker Tower when it was first opened but only because I got free admission as a Portsmouth resident (and because my taxes went towards its construction), I wouldn't pay to go up it even though it does provide a good view of the surrounding area.

My husband and I went to the D-Day Museum when we were on a cruise a few years ago. He is a WWII history buff and even though I am not, we both enjoyed it.