FAQs

We recognise that certain guests require additional assistance in order to be able to fully enjoy their visit to the Park.

If you feel you or a member of your group requires additional assistance please email us with your name, visit date and requirements and the Customer Engagement Team will be able to assist further.

We aim to ensure that all of our attractions are as accessible as possible however, in terms of providing for those with visual impairments some are more appropriate than others. Many of our attractions are historic ships/vessels and therefore subject to trip hazards and low ceilings. For this reason we feel that the attraction that would be of most benefit would be the Mary Rose Museum.

Mary Rose Museum

On entrance to the Mary Rose Museum there is an audio/visual experience taking visitors through the history of the ship and volunteers are available throughout the museum to answer any questions you may have. The Mary Rose Museum is not subject to trip hazards or low ceilings. The Mary Rose Museum offer guided tours which can be booked in addition to a museum ticket via the link: https://maryrose.digitickets.co.uk/category/12383?navItem=181170

Sensory boxes can be picked up from the Mary Rose Museum free of charge to enhance your visit enabling visitors to physically interact with artefacts. Should you be interested in booking a sensory box just get in touch via email or by calling the Mary Rose Museum directly on 02392 812 931 to let them know the date/rough time you plan to visit 

HMS Warrior 

HMS Warrior is subject to trip hazards/steep ladders however those with visual impairments may benefit from interacting with our customed interpreters onboard who can share their knowledge of the ship and its history. 

HMS Victory

All visitors to HMS Victory can take advantage of a complimentary audio handset. However, please note that each section of the audio guide is activated by scanning QR codes that are dotted around the ship. Therefore, assistance may be required to locate the codes. Please note that HMS Victory is subject to trip hazards, steep ladders and very low ceilings. 

Carer Tickets 

Should a visitor require a carer, the carer can visit free of charge. Carer tickets can either be pre-booked ahead of your visit via our website or picked up in person on the day. The ‘proof of requirement’ is just a polite request and any paperwork/documentation you may have will suffice

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 all our accessibility information on the link below, which should help you understand a bit more about the site and to decide if you think that your visit will be impaired at all. If you believe that you will be limited in your visit or need extra support, then please contact our enquiries team who will be happy to assist you. 

Please note that mobility scooters can be pre-booked through Shop Mobility Portsmouth shopmobility@portsmouthcc.gov.uk or by calling 07493132948. Please note, Shopmobility Portsmouth politely request at least 3 days’ notice is given for bookings to ensure availability for your planned visit

Mary Rose Museum

Fully wheelchair/mobility scooter accessible with lifts to all floors. For more information including an ‘Accessibility Map’ for this museum please visit https://maryrose.org/accessibility/

National Museum of the Royal Navy

All on one level and accessible for wheelchairs and mobility scooters 

HMS M.33

Wheelchair access to the lower deck is available via a lift (please note that this lift is currently out of order) and upper deck stairs are more generously spaced. There are some steep stairs in place and our Audio Visual Experience does not have subtitles and can be dark and upsetting for some.

HMS Warrior

Accessible by ramp for wheelchair and small/narrow mobility scooters. Since she is in water we recommend visiting at low tide as the gradient of the ramp does vary. For tide times please visit – https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/qhm/portsmouth/port-information/tide-tables. HMS Warrior does have steep stairs with rope bannisters, trip hazards, low ceilings, poor lighting and can be slippy on a wet day. There is however and an accessible route marked on the deck plan and includes a fixed banister 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 and mobility scooters 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.

HMS Victory

HMS Victory contains step stairs, rope bannisters, low ceilings, narrow and low doorways, low light levels and uneven floors. It can also be slippy 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. At some times during low season guided tours will be operated on HMS Victory. Details of these can be obtained at the Visitor Centre upon arrival. Whilst we are running guided tours on the HMS Victory, there is no wheelchair/mobility scooter access onboard the ship. Though, the DVD tour of the ship can be viewed in the Victory Gallery located opposite the Victory itself. Pushchairs should be left at the ‘buggy park’ at owners risk and cannot be taken onboard.  Please note that conservation work is currently underway onboard HMS Victory so some areas may be closed off to the public / wheelchair accessibility prohibited on certain dates. We would recommend contacting us via our General Enquiries number for more information on the day of your visit.  

Victory Gallery

Lift to upper floor accessible by wheelchair or small mobility scooter 

Boathouse 4

Lift to upper floor accessible by wheelchair or small mobility scooter 

Boathouse 7/Dockyard Apprentice

All on one level accessible by wheelchair or mobility scooter

Submarine Museum

HMS Alliance, based at the Submarine Museum in Gosport, is accessible by steps or lift. Unfortunately, it 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. Visitors using a wheelchair will be able to look through the Submarine from the aft end (via the lift) which will give a partial view of the inside. A lift is a available inside the museum to the upper floor. Pushchairs cannot be taken onboard the Submarine so please ask staff where to store them. 

Explosion Museum

Located in Gosport this museum is accessible by wheelchair or mobility scooter

Harbour Tour

There are manual wheelchair spaces available on the bottom deck of the Harbour Tour. The tour cannot be pre-booked and operates on a first come first served basis. For further questions such as daily running times they can be contacted via 01983 564 602. 

Disabled toilets are located throughout the site

The waterbus is a complimentary water taxi service for those with a valid ticket to visit our Gosport attractions. The waterbus operates during the Gosport attractions opening hours. Unfortunately, it does not have space to accommodate wheelchairs or mobility scooters but manual wheelchairs can be pre-booked to meet the waterbus over at Gosport by emailing enquiries@nmrn.org.uk. Only umbrella fold pushchairs can be accommodated on the waterbus. Please note that there are large steps on and off the waterbus. Assistance dogs are permitted. 

We look forward to welcoming you and should you have any questions don’t hesitate to get in touch

Wheelchair users can visit the upper deck of the HMS Warrior by navigating the ramp that leads you onboard. Please note, the ship is in a wet dock and the ramp can be steep depending on the tide. We also have a stairlift from the upper deck to the gundeck below, to use this please speak with a member of staff.

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. There is lift access to the aft ends of the vessel, though please note this gives access to one area of the Submarine only and not a full walkthrough.

Lift access to this attraction is unfortunately currently out of order. Access to the ship is currently via the staircase only. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Unfortunately, due to the sheer number of requests we receive we are unable to offer raffle prizes or donations at this time. We truly appreciate being considered, though for us to continue our vital works of the museum, we are unable to take forward all the requests we receive. 

We are a large destination spread over multiple attractions this means we will be able to accommodate our visitors, please note some attractions times do vary and maybe closed due to unforeseen circumstances but we have no capacity concerns.

You cannot book a ticket online or in advance with your Clubcard Partner code. You have to bring it with you to the Visitor Centre.

You cannot redeem Clubcard Partner codes through the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard website, you will need to bring it with you on the day of your visit to redeem it at the visitor centre.

These tickets will arrive in your inbox in 1-2 working days. If you wish to visit before these have been received digitally, please bring your order confirmation to the Visitor Centre on arrival, who will exchange this for a 1 day complimentary whilst you wait for your tickets to arrive.

No need to pre-book, simply bring along your voucher on the day of your visit, and our team will assist in redeeming your vouchers for entry.

It is within our terms and conditions that promotional offers and vouchers cannot be combined or used in conjunction with any other offers, therefore only 1 discount can be applied.

All discounted tickets require verification upon arrival and can only be redeemed on the day at our Visitor Centre or Gosport Museums and tickets cannot be purchased online (unless stated otherwise). We are a large destination spread over multiple attractions this means we will be able to accommodate our visitors, please note some attractions times do vary and maybe closed due to unforeseen circumstances. See our current opening times and attractions. Any discount entitled to has to be claimed at point of purchase, we are unable to retrospectively offer the discount on your ticket. The only discount exempt from this is the renewal/newsletter discount which can only be obtained online.

Unfortunately, due to the sheer number of requests we receive we are unable to offer raffle prizes or donations at this time. We truly appreciate being considered, though for us to continue our vital works of the museum, we are unable to take forward all the requests we receive. 

Yes you can collect a free Historic Quarter Pass from our Visitor Centre upon arrival. This allows you to walk around the site and enter our shops/cafes without paying to go on the attractions themselves.

We’re sorry to hear this. Please contact our customer engagement team via our Contact Us form linked here, and our team will be happy to help.

Please follow the link here to our Contact Us page.

Our attractions have varying opening times, please see our opening times page here for more information and a full break down.

Yes, the work is ongoing, but the ship remains open throughout, so visitors can continue to see her transformation as the project progresses. HMS Victory is currently undergoing the most extensive conservation project in her 260-year history. The works that started in 2022 require scaffolding to be assembled around and onboard the ship as rotting frames and planking from the hull are replaced and repaired to ensure the ship is structurally sound.

By the end of the project planned to last at least 10 years, she will be fully re-rigged. Particular sections across some decks are temporarily closed with restricted view while the work is carried out and visitors can also expect to hear the sounds and acoustics of the works whilst visiting as our team uses traditional tools and techniques as part of the live conservation works. To learn more about the project and follow the stages of the work, please see a link to HMS Victory’s Information Hub here.

Yes!

The National Museum of the Royal Navy gift shop can be found at the entrance to the museum and also online. All profits from sales go towards conserving naval history. For more shopping options during your visit, please see our Plan Your Visit page here.

The Mary Rose Museum gift shop can also be found within the museum. All purchases made help contribute to the preservation and conservation of the Mary Rose and the 19,000 objects that were recovered from the seabed.

We regret that with the exception of assistance and guide pets, animals are not permitted on site to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard or Submarine Museum. Explosion Museum allow pets to their café though they will not be permitted inside the museum itself.

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is part of a working naval base, meaning we are unable to provide any luggage storage facilities. This means visitors cannot leave luggage anywhere on site and unattended items may be confiscated or destroyed by the MOD police.

We understand that visitors may be attending Portsmouth Historic Dockyard with travel bags and luggage, and so we recommend the following: The Premier Inn Portsmouth Dockyard Hotel is located just outside of the entrance to our site, Victory Gate, and can provide luggage storage facilities through Stasher.com.

This service costs £5.90 per bag for a day (£6.85 inc. service fee) with up to 10 spaces available, and is also located at two alternative Portsmouth Premier Inn locations. Please note that this is not a site facility: for any enquiries please see the Stasher FAQs or contact Premier Inn directly at 0330 128 1342. 

We welcome guests of all ages for more information on family friendly experiences whilst you are with us please visit our dedicated family page.

Please note the HMS M33 film onboard can be better suited to our adult visitors. If you wish to skip the film onboard, please continue through the ship to carry on your visit. Please speak to a member of our team at the entry if you have any concerns.

Our waterbus service is included with a valid paid ticket to our Portsmouth and Gosport attractions. For the full timetable, please see our Plan Your Visit page here. Please note, the waterbus will run at different times depending on the time of year. Please check operating times before your visit.

Yes!

At Explosion, visitors can enjoy our Camber Lights cafe offering a range of drinks and snacks overlooking the views of Portsmouth Harbour. We are dog-friendly and welcome both museum and non-museum guests. Camber Lights cafe is open 11am – 3pm Wednesday – Sunday, extending to 7 days a week opening during Hampshire School holidays.

We have multiple options for those wanting food and drink when they exploring our site. You can find our Boathouse 7 restaurant/cafe, Boathouse 4 restaurant and a further cafe at the Mary Rose Museum.

To find out more see our onsite facilities page. 

Harbour Tours operate seasonally and are subject to weather conditions. Tours may be cancelled during poor weather.

To avoid disappointment, we recommend checking the latest schedule at the on-site office before your tour.

We are happy to confirm that Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and all the attractions are open. For the most up to date opening times we recommend checking our opening times page.

We offer free access to supervising staff members during your visit, with ratios relevant to the age of your group (found within the ‘prices’ section). We do ask that large groups divide into smaller groups to move around our attractions and gallery spaces to avoid overcrowding.

Our maximum number for a Discovery Visit is 300 students. Our maximum number for a Discover More visit is approx. 90 students.

We strongly advise a preliminary visit in order to familiarise yourself with the site and complete risk assessment paperwork. For groups already booked you will need to bring the booking reference as proof. On arrival you will issued with up to 3 adult tickets or at weekends and holidays 1 family ticket. For groups that haven’t yet booked only 1 ticket will be available for the school.

The site and all activities are fully risk assessed and subject to safeguarding and health and safety policies. For further guidance around facilities at our site can be found in the below document:

See Hazard Information

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard offers a range of options for schools and pupils with special educational requirements. Please email phd.learning@nmrn.org.uk for further information. Please email education@maryrose.org for specific enquiries about visits to the Mary Rose.

For full details about accessibility, please visit our dedicated page here: Accessibility – Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

An indoor area is available in Boathouse 7 for groups with packed lunches. As space is limited booking is required. 

Food and drink is not allowed anywhere in the museum other than in the dedicated lunch room.

There are no facilities on site to store lunch boxes.

• 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.

Yes, the work is ongoing, but the ship remains open throughout, so visitors can continue to see her transformation as the project progresses. HMS Victory is currently undergoing the most extensive conservation project in her 260-year history. The works that started in 2022 require scaffolding to be assembled around and onboard the ship as rotting frames and planking from the hull are replaced and repaired to ensure the ship is structurally sound.

By the end of the project planned to last at least 10 years, she will be fully re-rigged. Particular sections across some decks are temporarily closed with restricted view while the work is carried out and visitors can also expect to hear the sounds and acoustics of the works whilst visiting as our team uses traditional tools and techniques as part of the live conservation works. To learn more about the project and follow the stages of the work, please see a link to HMS Victory’s Information Hub here.

Yes, the memorial garden is based outside, around the museum building, and can be visited free of charge. Entry to the museum itself and all the submarines onsite, including HMS Alliance, requires a valid paid ticket.

In summer Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is open 10.00 – 5.30 daily, in winter the site is open 10.00 – 5 daily.

For individual attraction opening times please visit our opening hours page.

Explosion museum offers free car parking. If you’re using a satnav device, please use the address: Heritage Way, Priddy’s Hard, Gosport PO12 4LE.

The Royal Navy Submarine Museum also offers free parking. The car park closes at 4.45pm – please be aware that cars left in the car park after this time risk being locked in. If using a satnav device, please use this address: Haslar Road, Gosport, PO12 2AS.

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard official car park is just 400 yards from the entrance at Victory Gate. Please note, there is a height restriction of 2.1m for the car park. If this car park is full, additional parking is available nearby at Gunwharf Quays and Havant Street. Please do not attempt to enter the dockyard via Trafalgar Gate. Disabled parking spaces are also available within the car park.

A visit to the museum can take up to 2 hours.

The Mary Rose Museum offers self-guided visits with general admission tickets, though guided tours can be booked in addition to your ticket entry paid. For more information on guided tours, please follow the link here.

Our figureheads are all located on the first floor of the building.

You are welcome to take non-commercial photographs (without the use of flash). For commercial enquiries, please contact our team in advance of your visit via email at: filming@nmrn.org.uk. Please note, the use of tripods is prohibited on-site.

Yes. If you hold a valid ticket for HMS Victory, you can also visit Victory Gallery and Victory Live, all included within the ticket entry price.

Harbour Tours are included with Ultimate Explorer and Portsmouth Historic Dockyard Tickets. However, if you don’t hold either of these tickets, you can purchase individual Harbour Tour tickets directly from the Harbour Tours Office on the day.

The Harbour Tour office is located between HMS Warrior and Boathouse 4. Simply queue at the jetty here, and a member of our team will guide you when it’s time to board.

Please note tours are on a first come first serve basis. 

Visits to HMS Warrior are self-guided and we have a dedicated team of costumed interpreters and volunteers onboard to answer any questions, and bring the ship to life as she was in 1860!

Pushchairs cannot be taken onboard the ship, though there is a buggy park outside the entrance to the ship. Please ensure no bags are left on the buggies when visiting the ship.

You are welcome to take non-commercial photographs (without the use of flash) onboard. For commercial enquiries, please contact our team in advance of your visit via email at: filming@nmrn.org.uk. Please note, the use of tripods is prohibited on-site.

During our summer season, visitors have the option of an audio guide (available in French, Spanish, German and Polish) that can accompany you as you navigate the ship. The audio guides are at no extra cost and are included in your admission ticket. During our winter season, we do guided tours only on the ship, which run for approximately 45 minutes.

We recommend 90 minutes to explore the museum in full.

We have the Nelson Gallery, Sailing Navy Gallery, Hear My Story Gallery and a special exhibition. The special exhibition currently is Worlds Beneath the Waves.

For health and safety reasons, we ask that guests do not bring pushchairs or buggies onto the Harbour Tour boat.
However, we provide free buggy parks on-site, conveniently located by Boathouse 4. Please ask a member of our team if you need assistance.

Unfortunately, due to the sheer number of requests we receive we are unable to offer raffle prizes or donations at this time. We truly appreciate being considered, though for us to continue our vital works of the museum, we are unable to take forward all the requests we receive. 

We are a large destination spread over multiple attractions this means we will be able to accommodate our visitors, please note some attractions times do vary and maybe closed due to unforeseen circumstances but we have no capacity concerns.

We offer adult and child Ultimate Explorer & Portsmouth Historic Dockyard Tickets as part of Tesco Clubcard. There are no plans to offer any family tickets through the scheme.

Absolutely yes! The purchaser will have to fill in their order details and then you will need to add guest names for the lucky person you are buying them for. You may be interested in our gift cards too which can be bought for others.

If you have lost your tickets, please reach out to the Customer Engagement Team via phone or email and the team will look to locate your order on the system. If you are able to provide any details on your order the team will endeavour to trace your tickets.

The ages are 3-15 years old. Under 3’s go free and these tickets can be found under “additional tickets” or collected on arrival at our Visitor Centre.