Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, Victory Gate HM Naval Base, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 3LJ, England
1-90 Years
Paid

Description

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is a world-class heritage attraction where over 500 years of naval history comes to life. It’s home to legendary warships, museums, and exhibitions that tell the story of Britain’s maritime past. From Tudor times to modern-day naval power, it offers a fascinating journey for visitors of all ages.

Highlights include the Mary Rose Museum, HMS Victory, HMS Warrior, and HMS M.33, as well as the Royal Navy Submarine Museum and Explosion Museum of Naval Firepower. Families can enjoy harbour tours, interactive galleries, and hands-on experiences like the Dockyard Apprentice and Nelson Gallery. With immersive exhibits and real ships to explore, it’s an unforgettable day out.

Ticket options start at £36 for 12 months’ access to one attraction, £46 for three attractions, or from £46 for the Ultimate Explorer pass giving unlimited access to all attractions for a year. 

A visit to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard offers a unique mix of history, adventure, and discovery. It’s the best place to learn about the Royal Navy’s incredible legacy, see iconic ships up close, and enjoy interactive activities. Perfect for families, history lovers, and anyone who wants to explore Britain’s proud maritime heritage.

Features

  • Paid
  • Host birthday parties: No

Features

  • The Mary Rose Museum: Dive deeper into the extraordinary story of Henry VIII’s favourite ship. From her fateful last battle to her miraculous rediscovery at the bottom of the Solent over 400 years later, the story of the Mary Rose is quite the marvel. This ship has long been shrouded in mystery. Experience modern storytelling and the cutting-edge engineering of the Mary Rose Museum. This one-of-a-kind attraction will bring you closer to Tudor life than you ever thought possible.
  • HMS Victory: Experience the legacy of Britain’s greatest naval icon, HMS Victory, the flagship of the Royal Navy. Known for serving as Vice-Admiral Lord Nelson’s flagship during the Battle of Trafalgar, this extraordinary vessel is currently undergoing a mammoth conservation project, preserving its legacy for generations to come.
  • Victory Live-The Big Repair: Get a once-in-a-generation look at one of the biggest conservation projects the National Museum of the Royal Navy has ever undertaken. See the challenges the conservation team will need to overcome and get a fascinating insight into the work of specialist shipwrights.
  • Victory Gallery: Step inside the remarkable HMS Victory: The Nation’s Flagship gallery and uncover the awe-inspiring journey of Britain’s oldest naval ship still in commission. From humble beginnings to an iconic symbol, this exhibition reveals the untold stories behind HMS Victory. Explore rare, previously unseen objects, including a section of the ship’s original mainmast, alongside an immersive film experience and a stunning panoramic painting of the legendary Battle of Trafalgar.
  • HMS Warrior: Step back in time to the golden age of steam aboard HMS Warrior, the crown jewel of the Victorian Navy. Experience the Royal Navy during the reign of Queen Victoria, as you explore this authentic icon, reimagined to reflect her 1863 appearance and still afloat more than 150 years later. Take a leisurely stroll along the top deck, engage with a lively crew as they tell you tales of life at sea. 
  • HMS M.33: Discover the extraordinary history of one of the last surviving British First World War ships, HMS M.33. From the shores of Gallipoli to the frigid waters of Russia, this remarkable vessel has seen it all. Built in 1915 under the direct orders of Winston Churchill, then First Lord of the Admiralty, HMS M.33 is the only British ship still standing from the Gallipoli Campaign (1915-1916).
  • Harbour Tours: Set sail on an unforgettable Harbour Tour and experience the modern Royal Navy like never before. Cruise around the harbour for unparalleled views of the mighty frigates, destroyers, and aircraft carriers that call Portsmouth home. As you pass marvels of Britain’s naval power, the experienced Captain will guide you through each ship currently in dock and share fascinating stories from Portsmouth Historic Dockyard’s past and present.
  • Explosion Museum of Naval Firepower: Feel the rush of naval history as you step into the explosive world of warfare at Explosion Museum of Naval Firepower. Marvel at powerful missiles, inspect deadly torpedoes, and explore a fascinating collection of small arms, all housed within an authentic 18th-century armaments depot. 
  • Royal Navy Submarine Museum: Dive into adventure and explore the deep secrets of the Royal Navy Submarine Museum. Step aboard legendary vessels, including HMS Alliance, a real Second World War submarine, or witness history with HMS Holland 1, the Royal Navy’s first-ever submarine. Get up close and personal with the mighty yet compact X24, a 15-meter marvel.
  • National Museum of the Royal Navy: Uncover the real story of the Royal Navy’s incredible journey over the last 350 years. Discover the evolution of Britain’s naval power, from the age of England’s ‘Wooden Walls’ to the cutting-edge modern fleet that sails today. The Royal Navy’s influence on the world is undeniable, from its dominant sea power, protecting Britain from invasion, to safeguarding vital trade routes and delivering humanitarian aid, the Royal Navy has touched the lives of millions globally.
  • Nelson Gallery: Dive headfirst into the captivating life of one of Britain’s greatest heroes, Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson. The Nelson Gallery provides visitors with a look behind the curtain of one of the most complex and celebrated figures in history. With an in-depth look at his military career, alongside his complicated personal relationships and his lasting memory in our country, this gallery is the perfect place to learn all about the man, the myth and the legend.
  • Boathouse 4: A Historic Maritime Gem. Built in 1938, Boathouse 4 is not just a building; it’s a living testament to the rich history of maritime craftsmanship. This iconic structure has withstood the test of time and now houses a remarkable collection of small military craft. Step inside and embark on an unforgettable journey through the evolution of boatbuilding history.
  • Dockyard Apprentice: Experience the Dockyard as it was 200 years ago through interactive displays and cutting-edge touch-screen technology. Get hands-on with traditional shipbuilding tools and test your skills with practical knot-tying displays. Can you tell your bends from your bowlines? Experience the Dockyard as it was 200 years ago through interactive displays and cutting-edge touch-screen technology. 

Facilities

  • Parking: Parking available. 
  • Food & Drinks: Portsmouth Historic Dockyard has a selection of shopping outlets, as well as a variety of eating and drinking establishments. We also have outdoor picnic areas so that you can enjoy the sun and the sea.

Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

One attraction (12 month access to ONE ATTRACTION)

  • Adults: £36
  • Children: £26

Three attractions (12 month access to the SAME THREE ATTRACTIONS)

  • Adults: £46
  • Children: £31

Ultimate Explorer (UNLIMITED ACCESS to all attractions for 12 months)

  • Adults from £46
  • Children from £31
  • 1 Adult & Up To 3 Children from £94
  • 2 Adults & Up To 3 Children from £115

Pricing URL: https://historicdockyard.co.uk/buy-your-tickets/

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

  • Victory Live: The Big Repair: 10:00 am – 5:30 pm
  • The Mary Rose Museum: 10:00 am – 4:45 pm
  • Boathouse 4: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
  • Victory Gallery: 10:00 am – 5:15 pm
  • Harbour Tours: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
  • Dockyard Apprentice: 10:00 am – 5:30 pm
  • Nelson Gallery: 10:00 am – 5:15 pm
  • National Museum of the Royal Navy: 10:00 am – 5:15 pm
  • HMS M.33: 11:30 am – 3:00 pm
  • HMS Victory: 10:00 am – 4:45 pm
  • HMS Warrior: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Address: Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, Victory Gate HM Naval Base, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 3LJ, England

Post Code: PO1 3LJ

Council: Portsmouth

County: Hampshire

  • By Car: Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is located less than 5 miles from Junction 12 of the M27. Follow the brown and white signs to ‘Historic Dockyard,’ which will guide you to our official 295-space car park, just 400 yards from the entrance at Victory Gate. Please note, there is a height restriction of 2.1m for the car park. If this car park is full, additional parking is available nearby at Gunwharf Quays and Havant Street. Please do not attempt to enter the dockyard via Trafalgar Gate.
  • By Bus: Portsmouth Harbour Station and The Hard Interchange coach and bus station are conveniently located just a few minutes’ walk from Victory Gate. Several local and regional bus services stop at The Hard Interchange, just beside our Victory Gate entrance.
  • By Train: South Western Railway operates regular trains from London Waterloo to Portsmouth Harbour, with a journey time of only 90 minutes. Southern Railway run regular services through from Brighton and Victoria. There are also frequent services from Southampton Central, offering links to the South West and the West Country. Portsmouth Harbour station is just 200 yards from the entrance to the dockyard.

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