Portsmouth Historic Dockyard – A Full Guide
What is Portsmouth Historic Dockyard?
*We were gifted our visit to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, however all opinions are our own.
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is a must see for anyone visiting the South of England. It is home to some of the most famous historic ships ever built. There is something for the whole family from Nelson’s flagship HMS Victory, to Queen Victoria’s HMS Warrior and the extraordinary ambitious project of the Mary Rose.
Where is it?
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, Visitor Centre, Victory Gate, HM Naval Base, Portsmouth, Hampshire, United Kingdom, PO1 3LJ
It is located within a few minutes walk of Portsmouth Harbour Train Station which has good links to the rest of the South East. You’ll also find Gunwharf Quays a short walk away which is home to some fantastic designer discount stores, loads of restaurants, a Cinema, Bowling complex and the fantastic Spinnaker Tower.
For more information on how to get to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, click here.
Tickets and Prices
ONE ATTRACTION TICKET (one day, one attraction)
Adults from £24
Senior £23
Children from £19
WHAT IS INCLUDED?
- Access the Historic Dockyard site
- Access to any One attraction
- Valid for one day only
- Cafes, restaurants and shops
- Boathouse 4 boatbuilding exhibition
- Dockyard apprentice exhibition
THREE ATTRACTION TICKET (12 months, three attractions)
Adults from £34
Senior £33
Children from £24
WHAT IS INCLUDED?
- Access the Historic Dockyard site
- Access to any Three attractions (including the Gosport attractions)
- Unlimited visits to your chosen 3 for 12 months
- Cafes, restaurants, and shops
- Boathouse 4 boatbuilding exhibition
- Dockyard apprentice exhibitions
ULTIMATE EXPLORER TICKET (Valid for 12 months, all attractions)
Adults from £39
Senior £38
Children from £29
1 Adult & up to 3 Children £95
2 Adults & up to 3 Children £120
WHAT IS INCLUDED?
- Access the Historic Dockyard site
- Access to All attractions (including the Gosport attractions)
- Unlimited visits to all attractions for 12 months
- Cafes, restaurants and shops
- Boathouse 4 boatbuilding exhibition
- Dockyard apprentice exhibition
- Access to Harbour Tour (subject to weather).
Pre Booking is highly recommended so that they can keep track of number of visitors.
The best way to get the full experience of the Dockyard is to buy the Ultimate Explorer Ticket, it is also the only ticket that includes the Harbour tour. Another perk of the Ultimate explorer ticket is that you can return for the whole year , be it for special events or just a return visit to take in even more of what is on offer. Considering all the above I would say this is the best value ticket on offer.
Click here to book tickets.
Included in all tickets is the complimentary Waterbus. Due to Covid-19 safety measures this is still running below capacity. Click here to see its timetable.
Opening Hours
The Dockyard opens daily from 10.00 – 17.00 (last entry 16.30).
What is there to do at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard?
There are SO many things to go at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, both inside and outside so it’s a great attraction whatever the weather.
HMS Warrior
The HMS Warrior 1860 is the first Ship that you see as you enter Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. Its a huge, iconic ship and was the pride of Queen Victoria’s fleet. The ship has been recreated to show how it was 156 years ago and the minute you step on board you are transported back in time. When we were there, there were actors on board which only served to further envelop us in history.
HMS Victory
HMS Victory is the Royal Navy’s most famous warship. Best known as Nelson’s flagship and for her role in the Battle of Trafalgar, and subsequently the ship Lord Nelson died on, is a fascinating piece of Naval history. There is a brilliant audio guide that is very easy to use and extremely informative.
The ship is huge and the steep stairs guide you around the boat following in the footsteps of Nelson himself, including his final moments. You can even walk outside into the dry dock UNDER the ship!
The Mary Rose Museum
The Mary Rose was the flagship of King Henry VIII that served in his fleet for 34 years before sinking during the Battle of the Solent in 1545, with the king watching from nearby Southsea Castle. The Mary Rose was raised from the Solent in 1982 and is now on display with a dizzying array of items rescued with her. There are interactive displays and often a trail for children to follow.
Harbour Tours
On the 45 minute Harbour Tour you will see many of the fortifications that were built to protect Portsmouth over the centuries, in particular the Round Tower at the harbour entrance and the Solent forts which formed the centre of a string of fortifications along the coast during the Napoleonic Wars.
Harbour tours are included in Ultimate Explorer tickets only, however, tickets can be purchased through the Harbour Tours Office on the Dockyard on the day.
The National Museum of the Royal Navy
The National Museum of the Royal Navy Portsmouth brings history to life. It showcases treasures from the past 350 years and examines the common threads which link the sailor of England’s Naval past to the professional crews of today.
What else is there?
Action Stations (currently closed due to refurbishment but is due to open in 2022).
HMS M.33
Boathouse 4
Laser Quest Portsmouth
Dockyard Apprentice
Victory Gallery
You can also see the Warships of the Modern Royal Navy which are enormous, imposing Ships.
What about in Gosport?
There are more museums in the Gosport side of Portsmouth Harbour, that are part of the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. These are:
Explosion Museum of Naval Firepower
Royal Navy Submarine Museum
Night Hunters Coastal Forces
Click here for more information on these attractions.
Food and Drink
There are a number of places to eat and drink in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, including the large Boathouse Number 7 which provides hot and cold food and plenty of places to sit. There is also a small cafe in the Mary Rose Museum and lots of picnic areas.
Summary
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is a great family attraction swamped with fascinating history of the British Royal Navy. We had a fantastic time, I highly recommend a visit.
For more inspiration for days out in South East England how about having a read of one of the following posts?
Chessington World of Adventures with Kids
