HMS Victory — Attraction in Portsmouth

HMS Victory – Weathered Majesty Mid-Restoration

HMS Victory is currently undergoing a major restoration project, expected to last at least a decade. The work is essential for preserving this historic vessel, now 260 years old—but it does mean much of the ship’s usual atmosphere is obscured. Canvas coverings and scaffolded areas interrupt the visual experience, and key spaces like the Captain’s and Lord Nelson’s cabins have few artifacts on display.

Despite this, the ship remains a deeply compelling visit. Handheld audio guides allow guests to explore interactively, offering insight at various points throughout. The most poignant moment comes on the sickbay deck—where Admiral Lord Nelson died—a stark, quiet reminder of the ship’s legacy and human cost.

In addition to walking her timbered decks, visitors can also pass beneath her hull in the dry dock. There, the immense grandeur of this old lady is fully felt, as she sits in splendour—elevated not just physically, but historically. The underside of Victory, exposed and monumental, adds a deeper resonance to her endurance.

Victory may not currently look her best, but her bones still speak. This restorative work is her lifeline, ensuring future generations can stand aboard and feel the weight of history...

It certainly can't be stressed enough the health&safety advice to "mind your head" especially when you stand over 6ft tall!!! Although Captain Hardy was 6ft 4 and he managed well enough. When you enter the ship theirs an option to purchase a guide of HMS Victory priced at £5 or the free audio guide which we opted for and truly brought the ship to life, from explaining in chronological order the events leading up to the battle of Trafalgar and Lord Nelson's subsequent demise incorporating the losses of men killed, wounded and missing as well as detailing the painful return of HMS Victory over 6 days to Gibralter. Along side of the battle of Trafalgar the daily living conditions, diet and punishments etc are also described in layman's terms. We did the tour in a little under an hour where I came out walking like a crab 🦀but it was thoroughly enjoyable, passing through various decks and indeed the spot where Horatio breathed his last....plus rooms with a view to spend a penny.. We also went on to visit the HMS Victory museum where the combination of artefacts from the times as well as modern computer generated information on the various conflicts and engagements that HMS Victory took part in including Trafalgar and...

I last visited HMS Victory in 1998 and the experience I had then was very different from today's amazing, informative experience. I highly recommend using the audio equipment which explains each part of the ship and recreates life on board during the 1805 Battle of Trafalgar. Admiral Nelson was shot and badly wounded on board, on the quarter deck and a brass plaque marks the spot. On the Orlop Deck below the waterline where the field hospital was sighted, a carved wreath marks the spot where Nelson died 3 hours later. The huge amount of restoration work happening at the moment doesn't detract the sight of this incredible ship. Every care is taken to ensure that visitors are able to navigate their way throughout the ship following the one way system that is clearly signposted. The steps down to the lower decks are quite steep, there are hand rails, either wooden or rope, but great care should taken when using them. Small children should not attempt them independently. The elderly and infirm may find some of the steps a challenge It is a stunning feat of engineering and is amazingly preserved. We'll definitely be...