Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

Book your Portsmouth Historic Dockyard tickets for an incredible Hampshire day out!

Head to Portsmouth and visit one of Britain's best museums for naval and maritime history, as you take a deep dive into Portsmouth's Historic Dockyard in Hampshire!

Spend a day out in Portsmouth at your own leisure, relax onboard historic ships, explore museums or kick-back in cafés and restaurants, taking in the historic surroundings of this fascinating working dockyard.

Highlights of Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

Marvel at Henry VIII's famous warship the Mary Rose - a Tudor time capsule
Walk in the steps of Vice Admiral Lord Nelson on his famous warship HMS Victory
Feel the power and might of Queen Victoria's iron giant HMS Warrior
Enjoy the stunning waterside setting of the ships and museums
Travel by water to see HMS Alliance a 1945 submarine

Visit Portsmouth Historic Dockyard for one of the best days out in Portsmouth!

As soon as you walk towards Portsmouth Historic Dockyard you and your family will see the stunning HMS Warrior on the water!

The team would recommend taking a stroll through the dockyard to burn off some steam after your trip here. There are places to pick up a delicious snack along the way!

First up is The Mary Rose. This is a hit for all families that come along to visit this extraordinary Tudor time capsule that was buried at the bottom of the sea and then dramatically rediscovered. Enjoy thousands of fascinating objects and be immersed in the new Dive the Mary Rose 4D, a children’s favourite. Join Hatch the Dog on a trail around the museum, fire a bow and arrow, or get dressed up and try your hand at lots of interactive exhibits!

Visit the amazing HMS Victory

You can then visit HMS Victory, the UK's most famous warship and Nelson's flagship in the Battle of Trafalgar. Step on board and follow in the footsteps of Vice-Admiral Lord Nelson, witness how the crew lived and see the might of the 104 guns on the decks. Can you squeeze into a bunk? And try your hand at the ship’s wheel.

The outside of Victory is currently undercover apart from its famous stern and prow whilst it undergoes a once in a lifetime conservation project - Victory Live: The Big Repair. There are hard hats to fit every member of the family and a trail to follow too. See parts of the ship never uncovered before and watch the shipwrights and conservators at work.

Don't miss out on the magnificent Victorian engineering marvel HMS Warrior that sits proudly in the Harbour. On board you will find a stunning engine room and some of Warrior's crew who enjoy telling stories and will be keen to entertain smaller visitors about their time at sea.

Get on board the water bus

On the weekends and during the school holidays you can take one of the water buses (included in the ticket!) across to Royal Navy Submarine Museum and Explosion - Museum of Naval Firepower. Be amazed by HMS Alliance a 1945 submarine – find out who keeps tins of beans next to their bed? Can you find all the unusual day to day items hidden away inside the submarine? Don't forget to visit Holland 1, the first submarine!

These are just some of the highlights of a visit to the dockyard. You can also visit HMS M.33 a First World War ship that survived the Gallipoli campaign and the National Museum of the Royal Navy which takes you on a journey through the history of the Royal Navy from the 1700s to the present day. This gallery has lots of opportunities for play, learning code and dressing up.

The awesome Harbour Tour

Also included in your ticket is a Harbour Tour - The tour offers unrivalled views of Britain’s modern frigates, destroyers and other vessels, as well as historic buildings and the dramatic skyline of the harbour. The ultimate family trip on the water and game of eye spy.

Along the way there are plenty of opportunities to take a photo or take a break. The Mary Rose has a cafe with the best views of not only HMS Victory but also the modern aircraft carriers when they are anchored there. When you visit cafe Camber Lights over at Explosion it has great views of the harbour and of course delicious snacks!

You can enjoy as many or as few of the museums and ships at the Dockyard as you like when you visit. You are free to roam with your Ultimate Explorer ticket which is valid for a year!

Get your tickets now and have them delivered instantly via email and SMS!

Location

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

Victory Gate,
HM Naval Base,
Portsmouth,
Hampshire,
PO1 3LJ

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How to find us

By car:

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is less than 5 miles from Junction 12 of the M27, follow the brown and white signs to 'Historic Dockyard' which will lead you to our official 295 space car park which is located only 400 yards from the entrance at Victory Gate. If this car park is full there are others within close proximity at Gunwharf Quays and Havant Street.

By rail:

South Western Railway run frequent trains from London Waterloo to Portsmouth Harbour, with a journey time of only 90 minutes. There are also regular services to and from Southampton Central with links to the South West and the West country. Portsmouth Harbour train station is only 200 yards from the entrance to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.

Facilities

Toilets
Baby-changing facilities
Paid parking
Disabled parking
Shops and cafes offering food and drink

More Info

Is there support for disabled visitors at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard?

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard's staff are there to help make sure that you have a great day out, so please do ask them if you require additional support.
Whilst the military base does not allow animals on site generally, an exception is made for assistance animals and guide-dogs who are permitted in all areas.
They also offer carer tickets free of charge if you would feel more comfortable bringing someone to support you in your visit. This is particularly recommend for visually impaired visitors to help you negotiate some of the uneven flooring and difficult spaces.