Devonport Naval Base is to open its gates to the public this weekend – and visitors will notice a distinct D-Day theme to the occasion.

The open days, on June 5 and 6, coincide with the 60th anniversary of the Normandy landings – but those seeking a glimpse into the past will have much more to choose from than just the last century.

And members of the public will be able to see the reputedly haunted historic buildings which were studied by paranormal investigation teams last weekend.

Among the highlights of the open weekend is a maritime and transport rally on Sunday recalling vehicles that took part in Operation Neptune – the official codename of the assault on the beaches of Normandy.

Veterans from the operation will be on hand at the museum to relate their D-Day conflict experiences.

The theme extends to detailed scale model layouts of tanks and ships, and a war games group will re-enact the D-Day Landings in miniature.

A two-minute silence to commemorate the sacrifices made on D-Day will be held at 1.30pm on Sunday, and a lone piper will play a lament.

Much interest is expected to be shown in the buildings which came under scrutiny by a team of psychic experts a week ago.

The reputedly haunted Master Ropemaker’s House and the Hangman’s Cell were the focus of al-night vigils by the teams – the house has claims to be Plymouth’s most haunted building, while the cell is the site of up to 140 executions.

Evidence of what is said to be paranormal activity has been gathered, and is being interpreted.

The Hangman’s Cell itself will be open, while the Master Ropemaker’s House can be viewed from outside.

Commodore Andrew Matthews, the Naval Base Commander, will open the event on Saturday – marked by a mass release of balloons – and the Commodore will stay on hand to answer questions from members of the public.

The Naval Base Visitor Liaison Officer, Cdr Charles Crichton, said: “This will be a marvellous weekend, with a wide range of attractions for everyone, ranging from D-Day commemorations to reputedly haunted buildings.”

A fire-fighting exhibition in the old Fire Station and a real fire-fighting demonstration will be opened on Sunday by Geoff Wilkins, Assistant Chief Fire Officer of Devon Fire and Rescue Service.

Among the other attractions at the base will be the HMS Drake Volunteer Band on Saturday, the City of Plymouth Pipe Band on Sunday, and on both days actors will recreate the historical characters of Sir Francis Drake and Lady Drake.

Also on display will be the Devonport Beagle Project, the Renaissance Historical Dance Society in the Commissioner’s Garden, the Knot Tyers Guild and the Soundhouse Brass Band.

Exhibitions will include a history of how the Fleet is supported at Plymouth, and the illustrious record of the Royal Navy Field Gun teams, the old Police House and a fine collection of paintings in the former 17th century South Yard Terrace.

There will be other exhibitions and artefacts to be seen in the historic buildings scattered around South Yard, including the 18th century Ropery, Tarred and White Yarn Stores, the great Covered Slip and the King’s Hill Gazebo.

Regular bus tours will make their way round the site, and visits to the decommissioned nuclear submarine Courageous will be possible by timed tickets, to be booked on arrival.

Entry to the Naval Base is free, and access will be via Granby Gate, which will be open from 10am to 5pm on both days. Refreshments will be available all day.

For further information call 01752 552975.