The award-winning Castletown D-Day Centre is ready to transport visitors back in time with its hands-on, immersive living history experience this Easter.

Step into a faithful recreation of a bustling wartime Portland dockyard, where thousands of American troops from the US 1st and 29th Infantry Divisions embarked for the beaches of Normandy.

The museum will be open daily from Saturday, April 5 to Sunday, April 20, 10am-4pm (last entry at 3pm).

Explore the museum’s impressive collection, including a full-size replica Spitfire, a Bofors 40mm gun, interactive audio-visual displays, and even a German D-Day bunker.

Visitors feeling adventurous can climb aboard the museum’s flagship Sherman tank for a memorable photo.

Family tickets (two adults and two children), are £30.

Manager Steve Cleaver said: “Unlike most museums, we pride ourselves on offering a hands-on, interactive experience, where visitors can climb aboard authentic WW2 vehicles, handle real wartime artifacts, and step inside a reconstructed German D-Day bunker.

“Our passionate volunteers go above and beyond to ensure every visitor has a memorable experience.”

The centre, a not-for-profit Community Interest Company (CIC), plays a vital role in revitalising Castletown as part of The Castletown Regeneration Project.

Led by Derek Luckhurst, founder and chairman of Agincare, the project has already introduced key infrastructure, including Crabbers’ Wharf, a Tourist Information Centre, a local convenience shop, and the recently launched Black Barge Development.

By celebrating history while fostering economic growth, the Castletown D-Day Centre stands as both a historical landmark and a driving force for the area’s future.

For the latest news and updates, follow @CastletownDDayCentre on Facebook and Instagram. Tickets can be booked online at ddaycentre.com