Portsmouth Historic Dockyard Tours

Photo provided by The D-Day Story
Find heroic ships, triumphant naval vessels and World War I frigates at this dockyard, a tribute to the city’s maritime might.

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is a symbol of the city’s naval importance, housing some of the most famous vessels in the country. Since its days as a medieval trading port, Portsmouth has been inextricably tied to the ocean. Explore the ships of kings and admirals and learn about them in this complex where authentic vessels and museums illuminate the city's and the nation's rich maritime history.

One of the most historic craft in the dockyard is HMS Warrior, a fearsome iron-hulled vessel that was built in around 1859. Upon launch, this magnificent 40-gun frigate struck fear into the hearts of rival navies around the world. It was restored during the 1980s and has been transformed into an impressive maritime museum which is now part of The National Museum of the Royal Navy.

Follow in the footsteps of Lord Nelson and his men on HMS Victory, a beautifully preserved flagship that shows what life was like as a crew member or officer during the Napoleonic wars. Also docked here is HMS M.33, the only surviving craft from the British Gallipoli campaign in World War I.

Find out what it’s like to be in the Royal Navy at Action Stations, an exhilarating adventure experience that features a climbing wall, laser tag (additional charge) and motion simulators. Learn more about the boats, the people who worked on them and how they were built in the historic Boathouse 4 and The Museum of the Royal Navy. You can also see the fascinating history of the area from the Harbour Tour.

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is a very short walk north of Portsmouth Harbour train and bus stations. Drive here and use nearby parking for a fee. Purchase individual tickets for the attractions of your choice or save money by buying a Full Navy Ticket online at a discount price. Then try to fit in every fascinating sight in a day of fact-filled exploring.

The Full Navy Ticket also includes the Royal Navy Submarine Museum, Gosport, and Explosion Museum of Naval Firepower, Gosport – both accessible by a water bus from Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.

Plan a trip to see Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

1 Hotel Mayfair
Three Falcons Hotel
Hotel Riu Plaza London Victoria
Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Reviews of Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

4.6
Top Destination
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5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
May 27, 2019

Get the FirstBus all-day pass if you are travelling with a group. Two people save a pound! Five people save thirteen pounds! The max number who can travel on the pass is five, which is just right for most families.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
May 21, 2019

Went to see HMS Victory which was stunning and well very much worth it! Take an audio tour key with you- it’s free and very helpful! Also visit the Warrior! Not amazing ships

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jan 5, 2019

Be sure to visit The Mary Rose Museum.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Oct 12, 2018

great place too much to see in one day give yourself more time. better for adults than children. though I think they would like going on the ships.

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