Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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We arrived to the Dockyard ten minutes earlier than it actually opened. We waited untill they opened the gate which was at 10am. The staff was very helpful with telling me all the details of what were all the tickets for because there were three tickets for particular places, we bought the yearly ticket that can be used to visit all of the buildings. Sadly the HMS Victory was in restoration so we couldn't see the whole ship from the outside but we could visit the inside and see how they were fixing it. There were gift shops EVERYWHERE. Every corner we turned there was either a small gift shop or a massive one. They even put a gift shop into one of the ships that we went into... But on the other hand it was a great experience, seeing what the ships looked like from the inside and even the crew acted like they were from the victoriana era which was a plus. The crew even showed us how the canons would have worked and how loud they would've been. It took us the nearly the whole day to the look through every single building. The restaurant in building no.4 was open but didn't serve food, only drinks. They also had a whole part dedicated to the Mary Rose. They had a 4D video about how they found the ship, they showed us how they got the part of the ship out of the water and in the beginning they started spraying bubbles to make it look real that we were going underwater, they also sprayed bubbles at the end when the video had finished. The building was quite large and we spent at least an hour and a half walking around looking at how life was like in the ship. There was also a harbour tour. We didn't need to show our tickets (like in most of the places we were in). It took us to see the ships that were for the British Navy and they were telling us everything about the ships. They took us to see many of the different army ships that were stationed there and were telling us every detail about what the ship went through and where they will go next. If the weather had turned out like we hoped it would've been better but even with the weather like it was, it was a really nice and fun thing to do in Portsmouth.
Michal Valent
00
A Fascinating Journey Through Naval History at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard My visit to the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard was an unforgettable journey through Britain's rich naval history. This historic site offers a captivating experience for anyone interested in maritime heritage and naval warfare. The Dockyard's impressive collection of historic ships is the highlight of the visit. Walking the decks of HMS Victory, Admiral Nelson's flagship at the Battle of Trafalgar, was like stepping back in time. The meticulous restoration work allows visitors to truly appreciate the ship's history and significance. Another remarkable exhibit is the HMS Warrior, the first iron-hulled, armoured warship. Its blend of power and elegance is breathtaking. The Mary Rose Museum is also a must-see, showcasing the Tudor ship and an incredible array of recovered artifacts that provide a window into 16th-century life at sea. Apart from the ships, the Dockyard also offers interactive galleries and museums. The National Museum of the Royal Navy is particularly engaging, with its extensive collection and fascinating exhibits. The Action Stations exhibit, with its hands-on activities, is perfect for families and anyone interested in modern naval technology. The staff at the Dockyard deserve special praise for their knowledge and enthusiasm. They were eager to share stories and information, adding depth to the exhibits and making the history come alive. Overall, the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is more than just a collection of ships; it's a vibrant testament to the UK's naval heritage. It offers a thoroughly enjoyable and educational day out for all ages. Whether you're a history buff, a naval enthusiast, or simply looking for an interesting day out, the Dockyard is a destination that shouldn't be missed.
Joseph Sebastian
00
(UPDATE FOLLOWS) - Sadly I have to rate one star. Not because we had a bad day, we certainly did not, but the value for money (in our specific case) is absolutely appalling. At first our remarks about the price seemed to baffle, even irritate, the lady on the ticket desk, but once she took the time to listen she readily agreed that it "simply didn't add up" and actually apologised. She tried to find "workarounds" to get us better value (we appreciated that) but there was no way to do it. Are we so unusual? Let's see... We are a family of four, two parents, two kids, visiting from Spain. We had to drive into the area and park, so we arrived at about 11am. The whole place (British style! haha) shuts at 5pm, so that gave us six hours. Before we start, let's mention that the submarine part of the facility was inaccessible - why? Because there are "no water taxis on a Wednesday". Was there any discount because the some of the main attractions were now out of bounds? No. One of the largest boats (Warrior) was closed. Discount? No. Victory - always interesting - was almost completely covered in scaffolding - discount - no. The family ticket was £125 (you read that right). Any way around that price simply didn't add up if you wanted to see three things. Now the sweetner here, is that the ticket lasts for a year and you can come and go as you please - in fact I think that makes it EXCELLENT VALUE - but of course we were here FOR THE DAY. We are tourists. We are very likely never going back. So any value that return ticket has is redundant. I even cheekily asked if I could sell it (you can't). So in our little afternoon, we saw Victory (under the scaffolding), saw the Mary Rose museum, and took a harbour tour. Then it closed. £125 (plus parking) I cannot possibly recommend it at that price if you are not planning, or cannot, return. The pricing structure needs an overhaul so that tourist families like mine can visit for the DAY at a reasonable price. ------------------------------------------------ UPDATE: Following the response below, I feel I am not being listened to. I completely agree that a family paying £125 for a ticket that lasts a year, that lets them come and go during that time as they please is absolutely exceptional value for money - in fact it's unbelievably good. You could visit monthly for less than a tenner a visit for the whole family! --- UNLESS you live in Spain! If you are a visiting tourist, you are absolutely ripped off to subsidise those incredible value tickets for the locals! It seems obvious to me that as well as those amazing YEAR tickets, they should sell DAILY tickets. I can only think of one reason they don't, and that's to rip tourists off, in exactly the same way they got me, so my kids didn't cry! Tell me how, getting 1/365th of the value is good value for money?!
Thomas Mayers
00
Lot's to see and do at the Historic dockyards and recommend getting the ultimate ticket as this gets you into the other exhibitions such as HMS Warrior, HMS Victory, the Mary Rose and the Naval Museum, as well as a harbour tour. As it is located on a working Naval base there can be a bit of a wait as bags are checked before entry, but we had Henry VIII working the queue (who took a particular liking to my son's Spurs shirt. Who knew Henry VIII was a Tottenham fan? 🤣). Once inside, you go and book in, if you've already pre booked tickets this is quite quick otherwise you have to queue and pay. It's at this point I'd make a recommendation that they have a different coloured wristband for the different tickets as it is a bit of a pain having to show your ticket at every exhibit. We visited HMS Warrior first then went over to the Action Stations exhibit where kids (and adults!) can turn their hand at trying to be a Royal Marine. We followed this with the Harbour tour. I'd advise getting there 20-30 mins before the boat departs so as to get good seats on the outer decks. The tour takes roughly 45 mins and there is commentary throughout telling you about what ships are in the harbour. We were lucky as both aircraft carriers were in as were most of the new Type 45 destroyers. Once back on dry land we then went up to the Mary Rose and HMS Victory (see separate reviews) then onto the museum. This alone was a full day (museum shuts at 17:30 due to it being a navy base). The ultimate ticket also gives access to the Submarine Museum and the Museum of Naval Firepower at Gosport and is valid for a year to make return visit, which at £38 per adult is good value. Refreshments, gift shops and toilets are located throughout the site, and parking is available at the Historic Dockyards carpark nearby.
simon randell
00
If you’re a fan of naval war ships in history, you must see this. The dockyards in Portsmouth, UK, hold a storied maritime heritage and stand as a testament to the nation's naval prowess and maritime history. As one of the oldest and most significant naval bases in the world, the Portsmouth dockyards have played a vital role in shaping the British Navy and its global influence. Dating back to the Middle Ages, the dockyards have witnessed the construction, maintenance, and repair of countless naval vessels, including some of the most famous ships in British history, such as HMS Victory, Lord Nelson's flagship at the Battle of Trafalgar. Visitors to the dockyards can explore the expansive historic dockyard complex, which includes museums, historic ships, and interactive exhibitions. The Mary Rose Museum showcases the iconic Tudor warship, Mary Rose, which sank off the coast of Portsmouth in 1545 and was raised from the seabed in a remarkable feat of preservation. The dockyards are also home to HMS Warrior, a magnificent iron-hulled battleship from the Victorian era, providing visitors with a glimpse into the technological advancements that revolutionized naval warfare during that time. Beyond its rich history, Portsmouth's dockyards continue to play a crucial role in the modern Royal Navy, supporting naval operations and shipbuilding projects. With its fascinating maritime legacy, vibrant naval activity, and impressive collection of historic ships and artifacts, the dockyards in Portsmouth offer a captivating and immersive experience, inviting visitors to delve into the maritime heritage that has defined the United Kingdom's naval legacy for centuries.
Daniel Q
00
Such a great day out. Saturday 1.2.25 I got the ultimate ticket so I can go back and finish looking around. I really enjoyed the Mary Rose and chatting to two ladies that worked there. First lady was a supervisor/guide slim tallish dark hair. Very knowledgeable and the second a Filipino lady Ann? I was told both names and told if I had anymore questions i should just ask. I apologise I'm not great with remembering names but both were Very friendly and polite both answered all my questions and even offered me a stool to use. It's so nice to see proper customer service and to have detailed answers to questions. I bought the 3 IPA beers just because the cans look great this was in the Mary rose shop and the lady on the till was great too so friendly. It was interesting seeing the work being done on the Victory. The sub museum at gosport was so interesting and I found I'm not designed to go into subs 😅 the staff there were friendly and helpful too. I have an issue with my heart and felt a little unwell a few times and it was nice to hear the staff say are you OK can we do anything. My hands were shaking a lot in the sub museum shop and a lady offered to carry my hot chocolate and little bag of ring biscuits. Over all a great day if not very tiring by the time I got home. I hope the people I spoke to know how much appreciated they are. One of the pictures I put on here was of the sub one pic i took on Saturday 1.2.25 and the other I took in 1987 of the same sub
Stephen Bagshaw
00
Nearby Attractions Of Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Gunwharf Quays
Spinnaker Tower
HMS Victory
Mary Rose Museum
HMS Warrior
Round Tower
National Museum of the Royal Navy
Portsmouth Cathedral
St. John’s Cathedral
Action Stations
Gunwharf Quays
4.4
(12.2K)
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Spinnaker Tower
4.6
(3.9K)
Click for details
HMS Victory
4.8
(3.4K)
Click for details
Mary Rose Museum
4.8
(2.6K)
Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Slug & Lettuce - Portsmouth
Zizzi - Portsmouth
The Still & West, Old Portsmouth
All Bar One Portsmouth
Ship Anson
The Old Customs House, Gunwharf Quays
Las Iguanas - Portsmouth - Gunwharf Quays
Nando's Portsmouth
Bella Italia - Portsmouth Gunwharf Quays
Spice Island
Slug & Lettuce - Portsmouth
4.4
(2.5K)
Click for details
Zizzi - Portsmouth
4.7
(1.8K)
Click for details
The Still & West, Old Portsmouth
4.4
(1.4K)
Click for details
All Bar One Portsmouth
4.4
(1.4K)
$$
Click for details
Learn more insights from Wanderboat AIBasic Info
Address
Victory Gate, HM Naval Base, Portsea, Portsmouth PO1 3LJ, United Kingdom
Map
Phone
+44 23 9283 9766
Call
Website
historicdockyard.co.uk
Visit
Reviews
Overview
4.7
(6.2K reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
family friendly
accessibility
Description
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is an area of HM Naval Base Portsmouth which is open to the public; it contains several historic buildings and ships.
attractions: Gunwharf Quays, Spinnaker Tower, HMS Victory, Mary Rose Museum, HMS Warrior, Round Tower, National Museum of the Royal Navy, Portsmouth Cathedral, St. John’s Cathedral, Action Stations, restaurants: Slug & Lettuce - Portsmouth, Zizzi - Portsmouth, The Still & West, Old Portsmouth, All Bar One Portsmouth, Ship Anson, The Old Customs House, Gunwharf Quays, Las Iguanas - Portsmouth - Gunwharf Quays, Nando's Portsmouth, Bella Italia - Portsmouth Gunwharf Quays, Spice Island
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