UK & Ireland

See them alongside modern warships of the Royal Navy. It’s a full day out that stays with all ages forever.

Ask anyone to name the most famous warships in the world and Mary Rose, HMS Victory and HMS Warrior 1860 are sure to feature. Their appeal endures because of the graphic and moving stories associated with them; being the favourite of Henry VIII; the victor at the Battle of Trafalgar and never firing a shot in anger during 10 long years of sea domination.

But it’s more than that

It’s the social history about life onboard and in the wider society; the bravery and heroism of generations of serving personnel and their families and their compelling stories; the technology that meant Britain led the world and the anecdotes which have fashioned our language for centuries.

The fun of history

Explorers can learn history in fun ways with costumed interpreters, games, dressing-up, crafts, trails and talks. There’s also lots of space for children to explore in their own way, including indoor attractions to cater for that ever-changing British weather!

For the more serious minded

Those with a more serious interest in naval matters have ample opportunities to discover more and expert guides are on hand to help.

The world’s oldest commissioned warship, HMS Victory, still has a full-time Royal Navy crew today. But as you walk between her historic decks, and see the hammocks slung between the cannons, and tables set for a meal of maggot-ridden bread, visitors will sense the men who sailed and died with Nelson. And that they’ll be back at any moment…

Surviving from the Battle of Trafalgar

The Trafalgar Sail is the only surviving sail from the Battle of Trafalgar, HMS Victory’s top foresail is smoke-stained and riddled with 90 holes from French and Spanish guns. So imagine what it was like for the men on and below decks on 21 October 1805. That Admiral Nelson was mortally wounded in his moment of triumph is a tragedy. That anyone came out alive starts to look like a miracle.

The modern Royal Navy

At Action Stations, taking off in a helicopter and flying the Royal Marines into battle is something visitors will never forget. In fact, they might find it hard to remember it’s just a full-size simulation – one of dozens of hands-on activities (including the UK’s tallest indoor climbing tower, fitted with an automatic safety delay system) providing a taste of life in today’s Royal Navy.

The Tragedy of the Mary Rose

Every man who went to the bottom of the Solent in the Mary Rose was a husband, father or son. The museum’s extraordinary collection of their personal, domestic and military equipment gives this famous maritime disaster uniquely human dimension and poignancy, brought to life by the famed costumed interpreters. The hull of the Mary Rose is currently withdrawn from public view as part of a £35 million heritage project to build an internationally-renowned museum due to open in autumn 2012.

History repeating itself

As a Victorian, visitors would have seen HMS Warrior 1860 in the same way future generations would regard the Saturn V rocket, Concorde and the internet. The world’s first iron-hulled, armoured warship powered by steam as well as sail, the ‘Black Snake’ changed the maritime world forever. Yet 10 years later, she was obsolete. Proof that history really does repeat itself.

The National Museum of the Royal Navy

This is one of the world’s leading maritime museums. Dates, images and artefacts tell us about events. The real drama is in the experiences of the men and women who were there. The funeral barge that brought Nelson’s body up the Thames after Trafalgar reminds visitors that he was human. So were the men who served under him in the harsh days of sail – and the slaves in the trade the Royal Navy helped to abolish. Explorers can hear their stories and enter their world where the past is closer than they think.

A trip round the harbour

A 45-minute Harbour Tour brings visitors up close and personal with modern Royal Navy warships and shows why Portsmouth remains one of the world’s most important harbours. And with the sea air in their nostrils and the deck rolling gently beneath their feet, passengers will feel closer to the stories and people that make the Historic Dockyard unique. (Important note: The warships in the Royal Navy dockyard can change on an hourly basis and tours are subject to weather conditions and availability).

Refreshments at hand

Much-needed refreshment is available in Costa Coffee, Boathouse 7 or the Georgian Tearooms and shops include national retailer Nauticalia, museum shops and Antiques Storehouse. Picnic areas are also available.

For Information about:

Ticket and visiting information is available on www.historicdockyard.co.uk