Visit National Museum of the Royal Navy at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

By car:

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is less than 5 miles from Junction 12 of the M27. Follow the brown and white signs to 'Historic Dockyard' which will lead you to our official 295 space car park which is located only 400 yards from the entrance at Victory Gate.

If you are using a Sat Nav device, our car park postcode is PO1 3GW (Admiralty Road)

By rail:

South Western Railway run frequent trains from London Waterloo to Portsmouth Harbour, with a journey time of only 90 minutes. There are also regular services to and from Southampton Central with links to the South West and the West country. Portsmouth Harbour train station is only 200 yards from the entrance to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.

By bus/coach:

Many local and regional bus services stop at the Hard Interchange (adjacent to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard entrance). Please visit First Bus, Stagecoach or Bluestar Bus services for the most up to date routes and timetables.

To arrange coach parking please contact our Advanced Sales Department on 02392 839766 (opt 3) or email us at enquiries@historicdockyard.co.uk. The majority of national coach services to Portsmouth stop at the Hard Interchange (adjacent to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard entrance).

By ferry:

Ferry services operate from France, Spain, the Isle of Wight and Gosport on a regular basis by the companies:

Wightlink Ferries

Gosport Ferry

Brittany Ferries

Hovertravel

We welcome all visitors to the Dockyard and we have tried to make it as safe as possible. However, some of our attractions are historic buildings and ships, and we know that there can be challenges for some visitors. We have included information below to help you understand a bit more about the site, to help you plan in advance and to decide if you think that your visit will be impaired at all. For those who believe they will be limited in their visit or need extra support we do offer access restriction discounts, free carer tickets and on-site additional support.

Moving around our ships:

Our ships may have been seaworthy for sailors, but they can be tricky to navigate for some. HMS Victory contains steep stairs, rope bannisters, low ceilings, narrow and low doorways, low light levels and uneven floors. It can also be slippery on the upper decks when wet.

There is wheelchair access to Lower Gun Deck where a DVD tour runs, subject to availability and audio guides are available.

HMS Warrior is accessed via a ramp. As she is still afloat the gradient can change with the tides and we would recommend entering at low tide if that is a concern, tide times can be accessed here.

HMS Warrior also has steep stairs with rope bannisters, trip hazards, low ceilings, poor lighting and can be slippery on a wet day. There is however and an accessible route marked on the deck plan and includes a fixed bannister staircase at the rear of the ship and a stairlift between the upper deck and the main gun deck (suitable for visitors who are able to transfer themselves to the stairlift). Wheelchairs must be left on the upper deck and a manual wheelchair is available for visitors to use on the main gun deck. Staff are on hand to help throughout the ship.

Wheelchair access to the lower deck of HMS M.33 is currently is unavailable. However her upper deck stairs are more generously spaced, with guardrails throughout. There are some steep stairs in place and our Audio Visual Experience does not have subtitles and can be upsetting for some.

HMS Alliance, based at the Submarine Museum in Gosport, is not accessible for wheelchairs and like the submariners who served on her, visitors will experience dark, cramped spaces, with low ceiling heights and trip hazards.

We welcome families but the nature of our ship does mean that pushchairs are not permitted on board any of our ships.

Accessing our museums and attractions:

We have tried to make our museums and buildings as easy to move around as possible. However, there is always more we can do and they do still have some limitations as they are often based in historic buildings. This means floors can be uneven but are negotiable for wheelchairs and buggies.

Galleries have a mixture of handling exhibits, film and audio displays and most have hearing loops. Audio transcripts or large print text is also available, just ask our staff.

Harbour tours:

You can combine your visit on land, with a trip out to sea on one of our Harbour Tours or taking a Waterbus to our Gosport sites.

Two manual wheelchairs are available to borrow on the Harbour Tours service (depending on the vessel). Electric wheelchair users can switch to a manual wheelchair, which can be collected at our Visitor Centre. Pre-booking of those spaces can be arranged by calling 023 9283 9766 or Solent and Wightline Cruises on 01983 564602.

Unfortunately, the Waterbus service to Explosion Museum of Naval Firepower and the Submarine Museum is not accessible for wheelchairs. Depending on the demand for spaces on board the vessel, it may be possible to take a folded manual wheelchair onto the vessel. There are a couple of large steps onto and off of the Waterbus. However, you can access those sites by car.

Accessible toilets and facilities:

Accessible toilets are available in the National Museum of the Royal Navy.

We have manual wheelchairs available from our visitor centre, available on a first come first served basis. If you wish to book a manual wheelchair in advance of your visit, please email: portsmouthVEM@nmrn.org.uk or phone 02392 839 766. For mobility scooter hire, we recommend contacting Portsmouth Shopmobility direct. Please note, Portsmouth Shopmobility politely request at least 3 days’ notice is given for bookings to ensure availability for your planned visit. 

We have manual wheelchairs available from our visitor centre subject to availability, booking is recommended and this can be done via email portsmouthVEM@nmrn.org.uk or phone 02392 839 766 Ext:2083. for mobility scooter hire we recommend contacting Portsmouth Shopmobility at least 48 hours in advance of your visit.

There are fifteen disabled spaces available in the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard car park, located in Admiralty Road approximately 400 metres from the dockyard entrance.

We have a number of shops and cafes available on site offering hot and cold food and drink. The National Museum of the Royal Navy Shop, is accessible to wheelchair and pushchair users.

Supporting you on site:

Our staff are there to help make sure that every one of our visitors has a great day out so please do ask them if you require additional support. Whilst the military base does not allow animals on site, an exception is made for assistance animals and guide-dogs who are permitted in all areas.

We also offer carer tickets free of charge if you would feel more comfortable bringing someone to support you and particularly recommend this for visually impaired visitors to help them negotiate some of the uneven flooring and difficult spaces.

Legal statement:

We do ask all of our visitors to take care when on site and to pay attention to the safety notices around our site. Whilst we do take every precaution, visitors do access the site at their own risk and we will not be responsible for any direct, indirect or consequential loss, whether in contract, tort (including negligence), for breach of statutory duty, or otherwise, arising under or in connection with your visit to our site, including for loss or damage to property.

We do not limit or exclude our liability for death or personal injury caused by our negligence or any other liability which cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law.

If you have any questions ahead of your visit or would like to find out more about any of the services offered on this page, please contact our Visitor Engagement Team at enquiries@historicdockyard.co.uk.

Bag Search:

• You may take a reasonably sized bag/rucksack into Portsmouth Historic Dockyard but a welcome host will need to search your bag at the point of entry. This process will also occur if you decide to leave the dockyard and re-enter on the same day.
• If an item is removed from your bag, it will be put into secure storage at the visitor centre. You will then be given a ticket which states your name, address and contact number and you can collect it from the visitor centre at the end of your visit or within 10 days.
• If you do not allow an item to be confiscated you will not be allowed to enter the dockyard

Prohibited Items:

This list of restricted items is provided by the Royal Navy and the MOD Police.

• Bicycles (without a base pass)
• E-scooters and push scooters (mobility scooters are exempt and permitted on site)
• Drones
• Animals (except service dogs, guide dogs and assistance animals)
• Darts
• Explosives or ammunition
• Fireworks
• Knives
• Blades
• Other weapons considered dangerous (including pepper or noxious sprays)
• Firearms
• Smoke canisters
• Illegal substances
• Signs or items with inappropriate text or branding
• Unauthorized fliers
• Spray paint
• Large suitcases or Luggage
• Illegal charity collection utensils or any article that may be used as a weapon and/or compromise public safety or which may pose a hazard or nuisance to any other person, or any article to be used for a commercial or a charitable purpose
• Clothing with offensive signage or logos
• Gang patches
• Any clothing or item worn deliberately to obscure the face for what might be considered illicit purposes (e.g. bandanas, masks etc.), but with the exception of cultural observance such as a Niqab or Burkha.
• Laser pointers (except when being used for educational purposes)
• Tripods - Tripods are not allowed on site but we do allow for large lenses as long as the photos are not being used for commercial purposes. Please email filming@nmrn.org.uk for further details.

Buggy Park:

• Portsmouth Historic Dockyard has two buggy parks available to visitors. One is located outside HMS Victory and another by the harbour tours. Please note that your buggy and any items left in the buggy are left at your own discretion and we take no responsibility for anything lost or stolen.

Accessible Toilets:

• Accessible toilets with baby changing facilities are located in Boathouse 4, Boathouse 7 and the Mary Rose Museum. These are all open to the public visiting the dockyard.

WiFi:

• Free WiFi is available to our visitors. You will need to sign in and agree to terms and conditions.

Pets:

• Pets are not allowed on site in accordance with Royal Navy bylaws. However, assistance animals are allowed on the dockyard. If you have further enquiries you will need to email enquiries@nmrn.org.uk

A wide selection of food and drink is available to purchase at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. We have multiple cafes across the site including; Boathouse 4, Boathouse 7 and the Visitor Centre.

You are also welcome to bring your own food and have a picnic on site. There are numerous benches around the Port Arena attractions and Boathouse 7 or you can visit the Porters Garden.

Find out more information on our dedicated school visits page.

Groups of 15 or more are welcome at the National Museum of the Royal Navy.

Contact us to book your group visit today. Call at 023 9283 9766 (opt. 3) or Email phd.groups@nmrn.org.uk

Want to come back and experience the thrills of the National Museum of the Royal Navy at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard again?

There is now no need to book a return booking slot, just arrive at the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard with your tickets from your previous visit.

The pupil premium scheme is an initiative started by Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and supported by Portsmouth City Council to make the Dockyard more accessible for local families. 

If you are eligible but did not receive an email or letter, please contact your local school or Portsmouth City Council to find out why.

You will receive 1 Family Ultimate Explorer ticket valid for 2 adults and 3 children, which is valid for 1 year
(from date of issue), and includes unlimited entry to all Portsmouth Historic Dockyard attractions.

PHD offers a range of discounts to certain groups.  Please see below for who is eligible for any discounts and T&C’s applicable. Please note that none of these offers can be used in conjunction with another. All of the offers below are available when purchasing tickets on the gate on arrival and cannot be booked online in advance.

MOD 90 Cardholders

MOD 90 cardholders qualify for free entry, and up to 5 guests receive 30% off our Ultimate Explorer tickets.  This offer can be redeemed in our Visitor Centre, by showing a valid MOD 90 card.  Cannot be purchased online or used in conjunction with any other offer.

Defence Discount Service

Defence Discount Service cardholders can receive a 30% discount on an Ultimate Explorer Family ticket, or for up to 4 individual Ultimate Explorer tickets (plus card holder). This offer is a walk up offer and can be redeemed in the Visitor Centre by showing your Defence Discount card.

Veterans

We have two options available for veterans: 

OPTION 1: Veterans can pay a reduced price of £20 for a single Ultimate Explorer ticket (for their use only).

OPTION 2: Veterans can receive a 30% discount on up to five (including themselves) Ultimate Explorer tickets.   

Either option can be redeemed at the Visitor Centre.  There are many different ways you can show your veteran status and purchase this ticket.  We will accept the following: Veterans card, Veterans rail card, discharge papers.  If you are wearing a veterans pin badge we will also accept this. 

International Service Personnel

International serving personnel receive a 30% discount on an Ultimate Explorer ticket purchased for themselves. This discount does not extend to guests of the ID holder. This offer can be redeemed in our Visitor Centre, by showing a valid ID.  Cannot be purchased online or used in conjunction with any other offer.

Portsmouth Naval Base Pass

Base pass holders (including BAE) receive a 50% on up to 5 (including base pass holder) Ultimate Explorer Tickets or 1 Family ticket. Offer can be redeemed at the Visitor Centre.  

Naval Associations

Naval Association cardholders can receive a 30% discount on an Ultimate Explorer Family ticket, or for up to 5 individual Ultimate Explorer tickets (including cardholder). This offer is a walk up offer and can be redeemed in the Visitor Centre by showing an in-date Naval Association card.

Blue Light Cardholders

Blue Light cardholders can receive a 30% discount on an Ultimate Explorer Family ticket, or for up to 4 individual Ultimate Explorer tickets (e.g: 1 adult, 1 senior, 2 children) or 1 family ticket.  This offer is a walk up offer and can be redeemed in the Visitor Centre by showing your Blue Light card.

Blue Peter

Children with a Blue Peter badge are entitled to free entry, alongside purchase of a walk up rate (full price)  Ultimate Explorer ticket.  The ticket does not need to be purchased at the same time, but you must be able to show that you have previously bought a full price Ultimate Explorer Ticket.  If you have purchased your ticket online, the £5 upgrade must be paid on the day of your visit.  A child can visit with different parents/carers as long as they have a valid full price Ultimate Explorer ticket.  We simply issue a free child day ticket from our Visitor Centre in any of these scenarios.

Art Fund/National Art Pass

Members/cardholders are entitled to free entry to our Portsmouth Historic Dockyard attractions, including the Mary Rose Museum. This offer will apply to the corresponding number of memberships holders:

• Single membership = 1 free Ultimate Explorer ticket
• Joint membership = 2 free Ultimate Explorer tickets
• Family membership = 1 Family Explorer ticket (valid for 2 adults and up to 3 children

This offer is only redeemable in our Visitor Centre and free tickets are only able to be used on your chosen visit date. To redeem show your Art Pass to our team.

Portsmouth Leisure Card

Leisure card holders are entitled to 50% off a family Ultimate Explorer ticket, or 50% off 5 individual Ultimate Explorer tickets (including cardholder).  This offer is available as a walk up offer only.  Please show your purchase Leisure card at the Visitor Centre when you buy your tickets. 

Fareham Borough Council Leisure Card

Leisure card holders are entitled to 50% off a family Ultimate Explorer ticket, or 50% off 5 individual Ultimate Explorer tickets (including cardholder).  This offer is available as a walk up offer only.  Please show your purchase Leisure card at the Visitor Centre when you buy your tickets. 

Hampshire Police Sport & Leisure Club

Card holders are entitled to 30% off a family Ultimate Explorer ticket, or 30% off 5 individual Ultimate Explorer tickets (including cardholder).  This offer is available as a walk up offer only.  Please show your purchase Leisure card at the Visitor Centre when you buy your tickets. 

Museums Associations

Valid for 1 free day entry on an Ultimate Explorer ticket for the cardholder. This offer is available as a walk up offer only.  Please show your card at the Visitor Centre on arrival.

National Museum of the Royal Navy Lifetime Members

Members can get 25% off up to 4 guest Ultimate Explorer tickets or "3 Attraction Tickets". This offer is available as walk up offer only. Please show your in-date membership card at purchase.

Queens Hotel

Visitors with the correct flyer can receive 20% off on up to 5 (including flyer holder) individual Ultimate Explorer tickets. Please show flyer when purchasing ticket on walk up. 

Society for Nautical Research

Valid for 1 free day entry on an Ultimate Explorer ticket for the cardholder. Cardholder can have 1 additional guest gain access to HMS Victory and Victory Gallery for free. Cardholder will also receive 10% of National Museum of the Royal Navy shop prices. This offer is available as a walk up offer only. Please show your card at the Visitor Centre on arrival.

Tesco Clubcard 

Vouchers can be redeemed on single Ultimate Explorer tickets (adult/senior/child). Not redeemable against Family tickets. Vouchers can only be redeemed on walk up and cannot be used online or in conjunction with any other offer.

Guidelines for visitors (2024)

To ensure all visitors to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard have a safe and rewarding experience we have compiled these brief safety notes.

All buildings, historic ships, and exhibits are assessed regularly and maintained to a high standard, as are equipment and procedures (e.g. fire evacuation). Due to the nature of our attractions, some hazards cannot be avoided but they can be mitigated. They all may have raised artefacts, sharp edges, electrical hazards, fire hazards, trip/fall/slip hazards and rusty/dusty artefacts. First aid trained staff are available at all sites. Please approach the nearest members of staff if any assistance is required or an emergency occurs.

All Front of house staff are trained in evacuation procedures; in the event of an emergency evacuation, please follow the instructions given by NMRN staff who are trained to ensure people evacuate safely and quickly. Do not stop to collect your belongings.

The General Environment

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard forms part of the wider HM Naval Base Portsmouth that has undergone many changes over the years. Visitors will encounter uneven surfaces across the site made up of a variety of materials including cobbles, paving, and concrete.

The Historic Dockyard is separated from the Naval Base by a security fence which is closed to visitors during opening hours.

While efforts have been made to make Portsmouth Historic Dockyard as accessible as possible to all visitors, some areas may present difficulties to visitors who use wheelchairs, have restricted mobility or have visual or hearing impairments. Please contact a members of staff if you need any assistance. Please see ‘Accessibility section’ for more details

We recommend you wear sturdy shoes and dress for the outdoors i.e. layers and warm coats.

Security

The site is an active Royal Navy dockyard and is protected by 24-hour CCTV and patrolled by armed police. Visitors are responsible for their health and safety while visiting our museum and are expected to take reasonable precautions to prevent accidents or injuries.

In the event of an emergency evacuation please follow the staff instructions who are trained to ensure people get off our historic ships or out of the museum galleries safely and quickly

Conservation and Maintenance Work

There is always work happening across all our sites to keep our historic ships and buildings safe and well maintained. You may come across areas barriered off during your visit. Please do not enter any of these areas.

Site Safety Information

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

• Historic site with uneven surfaces. This includes cobbles, concrete, metal / rails, paving slabs, and uneven concrete steps.
• Uneven flooring in galleries that include areas made up of historic timbers.
• Very cold temperatures during winter months and hot during summer months.
• Site is exposed to the elements in sunny weather with limited shelter.
• Low light levels in galleries to protect collections.
• Proximity to deep water on Warrior Jetty and the Mast Pond to the south of Action Stations.

HMS Victory, HMS Warrior and HMS M33

HMS Victory is undergoing major conservation work from July 2022 onwards. There will be scaffolding in place externally around the ship and she will look significantly different from the outside. Access via shallow steps or a metal ramp (to access the Lower Gun Deck for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility). The ship will remain open to visitors but access may be restricted in small areas for limited periods.

You will find on all our Historic ships very cold temperatures during winter months and hot during summer months. In addition there will be:

• Low light levels on lower decks.
• Low ceiling height
• Uneven flooring and very low ceilings and doorways-mind your head!
• Trip hazards on the decks (various deck fittings).
• Steep ladders / stairs on board and in the Victory Dry Dock.
• Top decks and dock bottom exposed to the elements – slippery when wet.
• Proximity to deep water (walkway behind HMS Victory).
• Currently, the only access to HMS M33 is via the external metal staircase.