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 ValentMichal Valent
10
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 SebastianJoseph 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 MayersThomas Mayers
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 QDaniel Q
40
A wonderful place to visit. You can skim the surface or get down into the detail. Loads to do for young and old and it would take far too long to list all the attractions. If you don't live too far away we would recommend the all "Ultimate Explorer" inclusive ticket which allows multiple entry to all the attractions and Harbour Tour, or the "Three Attraction" ticket allowing access to the same three attractions for 12 Months. Weekdays the Dockyard is very quiet and busier at weekends and School Holidays and Entry can take 5-10 mins when very busy. However the site is so big there are never queues for each attraction longer than 2mins, other than for the boat tour and Water Bus to Submarine & Explosion Museums (Also inc in Ultimate Explorer Ticket. The Victory is currently undergoing a major restoration, so most of the Hull is obscured by scaffold. However, the inside of the ship is still open to visitors and there is a fascinating mini tour to view the replacement of the cladding, which we found very interesting. To offset any disappointment there is a Major New 4D Theatre Experience for 2023, Dive the Mary Rose which we did not have time for on this visit. HMS Warrior is now open to the public since its most recent restoration work. Some work continues, but it should not interfere with your enjoyment of the Ship. There are several Cafes on site and parking nearby (2min walk, not on site)
360Tour Guide360Tour Guide
30
I recently visited Portsmouth Historical Dockyard and was thoroughly impressed by the wealth of history and culture on display. The dockyard is home to several iconic ships, including HMS Victory and HMS Warrior, which offer a fascinating glimpse into the past and the role these ships played in shaping British naval history. The exhibits were well-curated and provided a wealth of information, making it easy to immerse oneself in the history of the ships and the people who sailed on them. In addition to the ships, the dockyard also features a number of interactive exhibits and activities, such as the Mary Rose Museum and the National Museum of the Royal Navy, which provide an even more in-depth look into the history of the dockyard and the people who lived and worked there. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable, and were more than happy to answer any questions I had. The facilities were clean and well-maintained, and the dockyard is easily accessible by public transportation. Overall, I had an excellent visit to Portsmouth Historical Dockyard and would highly recommend it to anyone interested in naval history or simply looking for a fun and educational day out. It's definitely a must-see if you're visiting Portsmouth
Duncan AndrewsDuncan Andrews
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)Click for details
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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