We are the perfect destination for families with adventurous children! Packed with interactive experiences, fascinating history, and opportunities to explore real-life ships, submarines and more. There’s no shortage of excitement to keep young adventurers busy this half term.
What’s on this February Half Term
We have a thrilling calendar of events to stir the hearts of any little sailor this half term. We’re hosting a variety of exciting challenges in Action Stations which are sure to set hearts racing! Enjoy our action-packed challenges and keep active over the break. At the Mary Rose Museum, we have a range of wonderful activities that will keep everyone entertained throughout the entire break.
Go on a 150-year voyage of scientific discovery in our newest exhibition, Worlds Beneath the Waves. Make learning about our changing planet fascinating and fun with our hands-on exhibition family...
Anchored in the Community Create your own eye using the template from Portsmouth artist My Dog Sighs. What does the Mary Rose, and her home city of Portsmouth mean to you? Make your own mark and...
Anchored in the Community Have a rummage in our mystery bags and try to guess the mysterious objects within! Use senses other than your eyes to work out what you think it might be – and what it...
Anchored in the Community Play along with our new song about the Mary Rose using our collection of instruments. Can you make up a new song? Or play some old favourites? Activities will run daily...
Anchored in the Community Create your own Mary Rose doodle – use things you’ve seen round the museum or things that are important to you. Activities will run daily from Sunday, 16th February to...
Anchored in the Community Create your own memory page recording your visit to the Mary Rose – include drawings, tickets, your favourite artefacts. Can you interview your family about their memories...
A great opportunity to meet members of the conservation team who are working on Victory Live: The Big Repair project. Â During these informal hourly sessions, you will be able to learn more about...
Join our expert shipwrights for a fun and informative caulking workshop! Â Learn about this traditional technique used for centuries to seal wooden seams on ships. Â What to Expect: Discover how...
Join our expert shipwrights for a fun and informative caulking workshop! Â Learn about this traditional technique used for centuries to seal wooden seams on ships. Â What to Expect: Discover how...
Ready to Take on a Challenge?
Here are 5 challenges for your family to take on this February half term at the Dockyard. Are you ready to take on the challenge together?
1. Life beneath the waves
Step aboard HMS Alliance, a World War 2 submarine and explore life beneath the waves. Visit the Royal Navy Submarine Museum to see historic vessels like Holland 1 and X24, and learn about the Jolly Roger flags. Don’t miss the Science of Submarines to discover the engineering behind these incredible machines.
1. Dive into History
Step aboard HMS Alliance, a World War 2 submarine and explore life beneath the waves. Visit the Royal Navy Submarine Museum to see historic vessels like Holland 1 and X24, and learn about the Jolly Roger flags. Don’t miss the Science of Submarines to discover the engineering behind these incredible machines.
2. Dive Deep
For young adventurers, the Mary Rose Museum is a must-see! Experience the Mary Rose’s story with Dive 4D, a thrilling cinema adventure full of sounds, smells, and bubbles. Then, join Hatch the dog on a fun, multi-sensory journey with hands-on activities like exploring Tudor chests, dressing up, and testing your Tudor skills!
2. Dive Deep
For young adventurers, the Mary Rose Museum is a must-see! Experience the Mary Rose’s story with Dive 4D, a thrilling cinema adventure full of sounds, smells, and bubbles. Then, join Hatch the dog on a fun, multi-sensory journey with hands-on activities like exploring Tudor chests, dressing up, and testing your Tudor skills!
2. Archery Adventures
At the Mary Rose Museum, explore the Tudor warship’s artefacts and try your hand at archery, just like soldiers from centuries ago. Dive into the immersive Dive 4D experience, complete with sights, sounds, and even scents from the Mary Rose’s underwater world.
3. Gross and Gory
Explore HMS Victory, Admiral Nelson’s flagship, to uncover the brutal realities of life at sea. Learn about gruesome injuries and the surgeon’s grim tasks, like amputations, during naval battles—perfect for kids with a taste for the gross parts of history!
3. Gross and Gory
Explore HMS Victory, Admiral Nelson’s flagship, to uncover the brutal realities of life at sea. Learn about gruesome injuries and the surgeon’s grim tasks, like amputations, during naval battles—perfect for kids with a taste for the gross parts of history!
4. Step Into the Past
 Meet costumed interpreters aboard HMS Warrior, who share tales of life on this 19th-century warship. Try on sailor hats and participate in interactive activities that bring naval history to life.
5. Create a Sea Creature
 At the National Museum of the Royal Navy, discover 150 years of undersea exploration and design your own AI-powered marine creature in a hands-on, tech-filled experience. Don’t miss captivating exhibits like ‘Hear my Story.’
5. Create a Sea Creature
At the National Museum of the Royal Navy, discover 150 years of undersea exploration and design your own AI-powered marine creature in a hands-on, tech-filled experience. Don’t miss captivating exhibits like ‘Hear my Story.’
Looking for exciting activities this February Half Term? Our blogs have all the tips for making the most of your visit in the school holidays. Check out our Take on A Challange: Family Guide and 7 Things to do at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard for Kids and find out what will keep everyone in the family entertained this half term here at the Dockyard.
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is a treasure trove of adventure for all ages, not forgetting our younger visitors! Offering the perfect blend of history, hands-on play areas and...
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is a treasure trove of adventure for children who love to explore, learn, and get hands-on and have fun together. Whether you're battling boredom...
Explore iconic ships: HMS Warrior, The Mary Rose, and HMS Victory
HMS Warrior – The first iron-hulled warship
Explore HMS Warrior, the jewel in the crown of Queen Victoria’s navy, built in 1860. Discover how this ground breaking vessel changed naval warfare and hear tales from our talented costumed interpreters about life aboard this mighty ship.
The Mary Rose – A Tudor treasure
Step back to the 16th century with The Mary Rose, Henry VIII’s treasured Tudor warship that sank into the depths of the Solent in 1545. Discover thousands of artefacts that reveal what life was like on board, try your hand at Tudor archery in the interactive zone, or explore Hatch the ship dog’s trail.
HMS Victory – Vice-Admiral Nelson’s Flagship
Visit HMS Victory, the flagship of Vice-Admiral Lord Nelson at the Battle of Trafalgar. Walk the decks, explore the ship’s quarters, and learn the dramatic story of the battle and that of the sailors who served aboard this iconic vessel.
Ready to step back in time and embark on a rip-roaring journey through history?
Time to Chill Out after your Challenges!
After all the exploring, it’s time to take a break. There are plenty of cafes where you can grab a yummy snack or drink. Plus, if you’re looking for a special souvenir to remember your adventure, pop into one of our shops and pick out something cool to take home.
Ultimate Explorer Tickets
Take on a year of adventure with an Ultimate Explorer ticket.
Our best value ticket have the flexibility of unlimited visits for an entire year, perfect for coming back to see all the museums, attractions, and more. With attractions, plus our handy waterbus to get you to our Gosport locations, a single ticket gives a lifetime of memories.