Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard has 6 must-see attractions for 1 great price! There’s plenty on offer for all ages with a vast array of FREE year-round activities with a valid attraction ticket!

Explorers can learn history in fun ways with costumed interpreters, games, dressing-up, crafts, trails and talks. There’s also lots of space for children to explore in their own way, including indoor attractions to cater for that ever-changing British weather!

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is home to three world-famous ships, HMS Victory, HMS Warrior 1860 and the fantastic Mary Rose collection, plus the Royal Naval Museum, interactive Action Stations (where the facilities and games can be enjoyed all year, purchasing an all-inclusive ticket*) and Harbour Tours.*conditions apply

In addition is the Antique Storehouse and a variety of retail and catering outlets for family friendly refreshments . 

Undoubtedly one of the most famous warships, HMS Victory gives real insight into what it would have been like to sail on Nelson’s Flagship. Guides are positioned throughout with fun facts, where phrases originated, as well as stories of how beds became coffins.

The Royal Naval Museum is one of the world’s leading maritime museums, complete with hundreds of artefacts and original finds from naval warships. Highlights are a breathtaking multi-media ‘Trafalgar Experience’, a gallery dedicated to Nelson and the chance to see how naval life has developed from King Alfred's first battle at sea in 882 to the present day.

There are over 27 interactive exhibits in Action Stations. Visitors can climb to the top of the 28ft tower, escape from pirates in the simulator ride and try their hand at flying a replica Merlin helicopter equipped with realistic controls and buttons.

The Mary Rose Museum  is an amazing Tudor time capsule!  Discover thousands of personal, military and domestic Tudor objects. Meet our team of authentic costumed interpreters and handle genuine Tudor artefacts.  Marvel at the new enhanced displays, chat to experienced guides for a unique interpretation and images of the Mary Rose Hull and conservation  and watch the exciting new film narrated by TV historian Dan Snow. See in a different perspective the only surviving 16th century warship, a favourite of Henry VIII. It’s the closest you can get to actually being onboard!  

HMS Warrior 1860 is a star attraction. Britain’s first iron hulled warship, powered by steam and sail, was the ultimate deterrent, never firing a shot in anger. She was, quite simply, bigger, faster and more heavily armed than any other warship afloat.

Harbour Tours take visitors on a 45 minute journey viewing some of the great naval warships including HMS Ark Royal, HMS Illustrious and HMS Invincible, as well as a fleet of destroyers, frigates, mine warfare ships and offshore patrol vessels. Offering fascinating views across the water, whatever the weather, it offers the chance to see the dockyard from a different perspective and the lively commentary will warm even the coldest of days!

The hull of the Mary Rose is currently temporarily closed from public view as part of a £35 million heritage project to build an internationally-renowned museum.  The ship will next be open to the public in 2012.

Find out more about Portsmouth Historic Dockyard here

Find out more about family days out in England's south east here