This summer, the Dockyard is packed with family fun. Step aboard HMS Victory, see the battle-scarred Trafalgar Sail, meet Vice Admiral Nelson’s steward on board, explore the new viewing platform and enjoy Meet the Makers demonstrations. Families can also tackle engineering, survival and Minecraft-inspired challenges, plus enjoy Set Sail for Story Time aboard HMS Warrior. At the Mary Rose Museum, get creative with Tudor-inspired crafts inspired by the Cowdray Engraving and meet Artist in Residence Laurence Wen-Yu Li, showcasing traditional Tudor weaving. All activities are included with your Portsmouth Historic Dockyard attraction ticket.
Whether you’re battling that school holiday boredom or seeking quality time with the whole family, choose an action-packed day with excitement.
Get hands-on experience in this maritime haven, which offers something for every young adventurer; step inside a real-life submarine and fire arrows like a soldier from the Tudor times. The Dockyard is the perfect place for the whole family to dive into history and make memories together that will last a lifetime.
*All under 16s must be accompanied by an adult
Command the Crew! A Minecraft Education Survival Challenge
Take on the ultimate fun-filled family survival challenge where teamwork and communication are key! Can your crew follow orders and make it through the mission, just like Royal Marines do? Get ready for a fun-filled family adventure this summer at the Dockyard, where teamwork, creativity and quick thinking are the keys to survival. Step into […]
Victory Gallery
28/08/2026 11:00 am-29/08/2026 4:00 pm
Victory Summer – the Trafalgar Sail
This summer experience HMS Victory like never before. For a limited time only come face-to-face with the battle-scarred Trafalgar sail. Between 4 July and 30 September visitors will get the chance to come face to face with the largest surviving object from the battle of Trafalgar – the battle-damaged topsail from Nelson’s flagship HMS Victory. […]
Royal Navy Museum
04/07/2026 10:00 am-30/09/2026 5:00 pm
Survive the Seas: A Minecraft Education Mission
Put your survival skills to the test in this action-packed adventure using Minecraft Education delivered by TMC Computing. Work as a team to build, adapt and survive in extreme environments. After being “shipwrecked” in extreme environments, from icy tundras to dense rainforests, children must work together to survive. Build shelter, gather resources and protect your […]
Victory Gallery
13/08/2026 10:30 am-14/08/2026 4:30 pm
Set Sail for Story Time
Join Captain Compass on an uplifting adventure inspired by Look Up! as young explorers discover that the greatest discoveries often begin with curiosity and careful observation. Through storytelling, imaginative play and hands-on participation, families will explore the wonders of the night sky while uncovering the Royal Navy’s long history of navigating by the stars. Captain […]
HMS Warrior
26/09/2026 12:15 pm-26/09/2026 3:00 pm
Create your own Cowdray
This summer, the Mary Rose Museum continues its celebration of Portsmouth’s centennial year with summer activities based around the Tudor world and the Cowdray engraving. Get creative and discover Tudor inspired crafting that focus on the Battle of the Solent in 1545. On Wednesdays and Fridays this summer, come and learn all about the Cowdray […]
The Mary Rose Museum
29/07/2026 11:00 am-28/08/2026 3:00 pm
Artist in Residence at the Mary Rose!
Artist in residence at the Mary Rose – Laurence Wen-Yu Li is a PhD candidate in History of Design at the Royal College of Art, currently studying the ribbons in the Mary Rose as a visiting researcher for a graduate placement. Over the summer, she will be doing demonstrations in the gift shop showing how […]
The Mary Rose Museum
28/07/2026 11:00 am-28/07/2026 5:00 pm
Mission: Engine Impossible!
Step into the shoes of Royal Navy engineers and discover how powerful engines keep ships moving and crews safe at sea. Take on hands-on challenges to see if you’ve got what it takes to power the fleet! Get ready to step into the fast-paced world of Royal Navy engineering this summer at the Dockyard. Discover […]
Victory Gallery
28/07/2026 10:30 am-30/07/2026 4:00 pm
Artist in Residence at the Mary Rose!
Artist in residence at the Mary Rose – Laurence Wen-Yu Li is a PhD candidate in History of Design at the Royal College of Art, currently studying the ribbons in the Mary Rose as a visiting researcher for a graduate placement. Over the summer, she will be doing demonstrations in the gift shop showing how […]
The Mary Rose Museum
25/08/2026 11:00 am-25/08/2026 3:00 pm
Shipshape Engineers
Step into the role of a Royal Marine engineer as you design, build and test your own engineering creations inspired by life at sea! Can your structure stand strong, move and adapt to survive? Get ready to design, build and experiment this summer in an interactive engineering challenge inspired by life at sea! Step into […]
Victory Gallery
03/08/2026 10:30 am-04/08/2026 4:00 pm
Victory Summer – Nelson’s Silver Dining Set
Enjoy a Victory summer this year. Come face to face with treasures that tell the story of the most iconic leader in British Naval History, Vice-Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson. Hear his Steward tell you the story of his master, the imperfect hero. Every Wednesday from 22 July to 26 August, visitors will get the chance […]
HMS Victory
22/07/2026 10:00 am-26/08/2026 5:00 pm
Set Sail for Storytime
Embark on an unforgettable voyage with Captain Compass as families discover the thrill of exploration, navigation and adventure inspired by The Boy Who Sailed the World. Through storytelling, teamwork and imaginative challenges, young explorers will learn that every great journey begins with curiosity and the courage to set sail. Captain Compass has always dreamed of […]
HMS Victory
30/01/2027 12:15 pm-30/01/2027 3:00 pm
The Totally Serious Guide to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard (For Grown-Ups)
Ahoy there. You might arrive at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard with the noble intention of “a bit of culture.” Maybe some light learning. A quiet wander. A sensible coffee. Let’s manage expectations. This is not that kind of day. Welcome to the entirely serious, absolutely responsible guide to exploring Portsmouth Historic Dockyard as a fully grown […]
The Mini Explorers Totally Serious Guide to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
A family day out in Portsmouth this Spring. Ahoy there, grown-ups. You might think you’re in charge of today’s outing, but let’s be honest. The real captains of any family day out at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard are the Mini Explorers. Welcome to the Mini Explorers guide to the Dockyard, the official handbook for the next generation of […]
7 Things To Do for Kids
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is a treasure trove of adventure for all ages, not forgetting our younger visitors!
Top 6 Things to do on a Rainy Day at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
If there’s one thing you can be certain of its the unpredictability of British weather.
Family-friendly adventures at the Dockyard: Top 5 summer picks
Turn every summer day into a family adventure at the Dockyard—rain or shine, the fun never stops [Editor’s note: All of the entries in this list are included with our Ultimate Explorer ticket, which guarantees unlimited access to all our attractions for 12 months. We also have full calendar of free* and special ticketed events throughout […]
Top 7 Things to do on a Sunny Day at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Sun, sea, and ships – a perfect combination for a memorable day out!