Why Portsmouth Historic Dockyard Should Be Your Next Day Out in Hampshire

Friends have been recommending Portsmouth Historic Dockyard for years, but somehow, it just never made it to the top of our list. You know how it goes - life gets busy, and all those grand plans of exploring historical sites fall by the wayside. But finally, we took the plunge and spent a day there. Spoiler alert: I found myself thinking, "Why on earth haven't we done this sooner?"

The dockyard is like a treasure chest of naval history, just bursting with fascinating exhibits and activities. Seriously, there’s so much to do that we couldn’t fit it all into one day. If you’re like me and had no idea how much there was to see and do, prepare to be pleasantly overwhelmed.

A Day at the Dockyard: The Highlights

The dockyard is vast, and with so much to see and do, we quickly realised that prioritising was key. Let me share my personal highlights that made our visit unforgettable.

The Mary Rose

Seeing the Mary Rose was absolutely incredible. Imagine standing in front of Henry VIII’s favourite ship, from her fateful last battle to her miraculous rediscovery at the bottom of the Solent over 400 years later. The Mary Rose Museum is a treasure trove of history, and it’s mind-blowing to see the ship so well-preserved.

And if that’s not enough, there’s a 4D theatre experience that takes you through the dramatic history of the Mary Rose, from her tragic sinking to her resurrection. It’s like being in a time machine, only without the risk of getting seasick.

HMS Victory

HMS Victory is another must-see, even though she's currently undergoing restoration. Walking through this iconic warship, which served as Nelson's flagship at the Battle of Trafalgar, you can almost hear the cannons roaring and the crew shouting orders. The restoration work itself is fascinating to see, a testament to the dedication to preserving naval history.

Action Stations

Now, if you think history is all serious business, Action Stations will prove you wrong. This place is fun for the whole family, no matter the weather. My husband and daughter had a blast on the climbing wall and small assault courses. And let’s not forget Laser Quest – I’m definitely doing this next time. I’m a sucker for a game and a bit of competition, and it's well worth the extra cost on top of your ticket.

Note: this is due to close in February 2025 and a Royal Marines museum will open later in the year.

HMS Warrior

HMS Warrior is the first iron-hulled warship and a marvel of Victorian engineering. Stepping aboard, you can see the blend of sail and steam power that marked the transition from traditional to modern naval warfare. It’s hard not to be impressed by the scale and ingenuity of this ship.

Submarine Museum

For a change of pace, we hopped on the water bus to the Submarine Museum. The journey itself was delightful, passing the Spinnaker Tower on a beautiful day. You can also park at Gosport and visit directly or take the waterbus there and back.

At the museum, we explored HMS Alliance, a submarine you can walk through. The best part? A retired submariner who used to serve on HMS Alliance gave us a tour and shared firsthand stories about life underwater. I can’t imagine working on a submarine, but you really get a sense of what it was like - cramped quarters, the constant hum of machinery, and the camaraderie among the crew.

Whenever this is shared on Facebook, it’s a favourite place for so many people to visit!

There’s lots more to do!

As I mentioned, we didn’t get to do everything, so we're already planning our next trip. I’m particularly excited about taking a boat over to the Explosion Museum of Naval Firepower and enjoying a Harbour Tour. There’s just so much more to explore!

Fortunately, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard offers an option that’s perfect for repeat visits – the Ultimate Explorer ticket. This ticket gives you unlimited access to all attractions for an entire year, making it incredible value for money. Here’s what’s included:

• The Mary Rose Museum

• HMS Victory

• HMS Warrior

• HMS M.33

• NMRN Galleries

• Explosion Museum of Naval Firepower

• Royal Navy Submarine Museum

• Action Stations

• Harbour Tours

• Boathouse 4

• Dockyard Apprentice

Plus, the waterbus rides are included, making it super convenient to get around and see everything the dockyard offers.

A standard annual pass for two adults usually costs £102 (£92 if booked in advance), but Virgin Experiences is currently offering some great deals, bringing the price down to just £75.20 for two passes—that’s only £37.60 per person, which is almost the same price for a ticket for seeing one the attractions just for one day. Use the code XMAS20 to grab the discount while it’s available (I’m not sure how long it will last).

With an annual pass, you’ll get:

• Unlimited visits for 12 months to attractions like:

  • The Mary Rose Museum, HMS Victory, HMS Warrior, and many more.

  • Harbour Tours, the Submarine Museum, and fun family activities.

  • And a waterbus between sites.

There’s so much to see and do, and this deal makes it far more affordable to explore everything. If you’d like to read about my visit, you can check it out here.

👉 You can get your pass here and add code XMAS20 at the checkout.

Hampshire Explorer Verdict

After spending a day immersed in the rich maritime history at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, I can confidently say this is a destination that truly has something for everyone. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a family looking for an engaging day out, or someone who enjoys exploring unique attractions, the dockyard delivers on all fronts.