If there’s one thing you can be certain of its the unpredictability of British weather. From blazing sunshine to torrential rain all before lunchtime, summertime can be stressful when trying to account for everything mother nature can throw at you. Luckily, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is packed full of activities and locations you can enjoy rain or shine.
Below are our top 7 things to do on a rainy day at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. You can also read our guide to the top things to do on a sunny day as well, so you’re ready to take on a summer of adventure.
[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 the year that you can see on our ‘What’s On’ page]
*Free with a valid ticket to the hosting attraction
1. The Mary Rose Museum
This world-class museum is home to The Mary Rose, which notoriously sunk off the Portsmouth coast in 1545. Found and returned to the surface centuries later, the Mary Rose Museum houses the largest collection of Tudor artefacts in the world.
It’s also enclosed and temperature controlled, so when you’re inside you can lose yourself to the experience. Plus, you can enjoy the award-winning ‘Dive the Mary Rose 4D’ and be swept to the bottom of the seabed in this immersive cinematic experience.
We recommend at least two hours to fully explore everything but you could easily spend the whole day here and still discover something new on your next visit.
1. The Mary Rose Museum
This world-class museum is home to The Mary Rose, which notoriously sunk off the Portsmouth coast in 1545. Found and returned to the surface centuries later, the Mary Rose Museum houses the largest collection of Tudor artefacts in the world.
It’s also enclosed and temperature controlled, so when you’re inside you can lose yourself to the experience. Plus, you can enjoy the award-winning ‘Dive the Mary Rose 4D’ and be swept to the bottom of the seabed in this immersive cinematic experience.
We recommend at least two hours to fully explore everything but you could easily spend the whole day here and still discover something new on your next visit.
2. HMS Victory: The Nation’s Flagship gallery
This gallery is a must-do for any HMS Victory enthusiast. Here you’ll find the full history of HMS Victory, from acorn to icon.
Star of the show is W L Wyllie’s enormous painting ‘“The Panorama of the Battle of Trafalgar”, measuring a whopping 13 metres by 4 metres. You can still see this one-of-a-kind masterpiece in its original glory.
For younger visitors the gallery has a dedicated soft play areas, where you can also see the ‘Southsea Yarnscape’: a wool and fabric celebration of Portsmouth’s maritime history. It’s the perfect place to take a break from the rain with the little ones.
3. Victory Live: The Big Repair
Just opposite the Victory Gallery, you can see conservation in action with Victory Live: The Big Repair. One of the largest restoration projects in the world, nearly all 3600 tonnes of HMS Victory has been tented to protect her, and you, from the elements.
Grab a hard hat and see the work taking place clearly from the safety of three viewing platforms. You might even see one of the many craftsmen, conservators, engineers, or shipwrights at work during your visit.
This great survivor is still open throughout this project, so you can see cutting-edge conservation before stepping aboard and travelling back in time to her most iconic era – the 18th Century.
3. Victory Live: The Big Repair
Just opposite the Victory Gallery, you can see conservation in action with Victory Live: The Big Repair. One of the largest restoration projects in the world, nearly all 3600 tonnes of HMS Victory has been tented to protect her, and you, from the elements.
Grab a hard hat and see the work taking place clearly from the safety of three viewing platforms. You might even see one of the many craftsmen, conservators, engineers, or shipwrights at work during your visit.
This great survivor is still open throughout this project, so you can see cutting-edge conservation before stepping aboard and travelling back in time to her most iconic era – the 18th Century.
4. Action Stations: Commando Experience
Drizzly skies making everybody bounce off the walls? Burn off some energy with Action Stations: Commando Experience! Open every day during school holidays, Action Stations provides plenty of space for the whole family to get active.
Containing two agility courses, ‘Sky Tykes’ (ages 2 to 7) and ‘Ocean Warrior’ (ages 7+), your little commandos can test their agility in a safe environment. Or perhaps the whole family can try to tackle our enormous 27ft tall climbing wall?
What’s more, as an Ultimate Explorer ticket is valid for 12 months, your family can come back every school holiday for the next year.
5. Night Hunters: The Royal Navy’s Coastal Forces at War
Have you visited the Night Hunters exhibition at Explosion Museum of Naval Firepower yet? Just a quick waterbus ride away from Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, you can discover the little-known but incredibly courageous story of the Royal Navy’s coastal force.
The ‘Night Hunters’ were a small band of young men who defended British coastlines during both World Wars. Renowned for their high-risk, high-reward tactics, the Night Hunters were awarded over 3,000 decorations (including four Victoria Crosses) during active service.
Use your ticket to our Gosport attractions to take the water bus (or there is free car parking on-site if you prefer to drive).
5. Night Hunters: The Royal Navy’s Coastal Forces at War
Have you visited the Night Hunters exhibition at Explosion Museum of Naval Firepower yet? Just a quick waterbus ride away from Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, you can discover the little-known but incredibly courageous story of the Royal Navy’s coastal force.
The ‘Night Hunters’ were a small band of young men who defended British coastlines during both World Wars. Renowned for their high-risk, high-reward tactics, the Night Hunters were awarded over 3,000 decorations (including four Victoria Crosses) during active service.
Use your ticket to our Gosport attractions to take the water bus (or there is free car parking on-site if you prefer to drive).
6. The Royal Navy Submarine Museum
Home to the first ever submarine commissioned by the Royal Navy – HMS Holland 1. This naval pioneer was originally built in 1901 but has been preserved as part of its proud legacy.
Housed within the museum, HMS Holland 1 can be seen alongside later craft such as X24, the last complete X-Class submarine in existence. You can see the entire history of the Submarine Service under one roof and not have to worry about the elements while you’re there.
During school holidays the on-site coffee shop sells hot snacks and pastries, making this a great location to stop and refuel should you need to.
7. The National Museum of the Royal Navy
Travel through the history of the Royal Navy. Uncover the life of Vice-Admiral Lord Nelson, see how the Royal Navy began, and hear the stories of modern serving personnel all in one building.
While you’re there, dive deep into the limited-run exhibition, World Beneath the Waves. Based off the daring exploits of HMS Challenger, learn about what lives below and the importance of our ocean in preserving life.
Worlds Beneath the Waves is a fun and educational experience that uses AI and AR technology. You can create your own dynamic sea creatures or reshape the ocean floor – the limit is your imagination.
7. The National Museum of the Royal Navy
Travel through the history of the Royal Navy. Uncover the life of Vice-Admiral Lord Nelson, see how the Royal Navy began, and hear the stories of modern serving personnel all in one building.
While you’re there, dive deep into the limited-run exhibition, World Beneath the Waves. Based off the daring exploits of HMS Challenger, learn about what lives below and the importance of our ocean in preserving life.
Worlds Beneath the Waves is a fun and educational experience that uses AI and AR technology. You can create your own dynamic sea creatures or reshape the ocean floor – the limit is your imagination.
Anything else? Don’t forget to bring…
We recommend bringing a coat (with a hood if possible), jumper or waterproof when visiting Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. Being by the water often means it can feel a little cooler and windier compared to where you might have travelled from, even if you’re local!
We also recommend bringing a water bottle and wearing comfy shoes, as you’ll be surprised how many steps you’ll get in around the attractions and museums.
What if the weather perks up?
Don’t worry if the sun decides to make an appearance. We have both indoor and outdoor attractions and museums that can be enjoyed whatever the weather.
If the weather is a little drier than you expected, you might find this blog post useful with plenty of suggestions for sunny days.
Ultimate Explorer Tickets
Take on a year of adventure with an Ultimate Explorer ticket. Our best value tickets have the flexibility of unlimited visits for an entire year, perfect for coming back to see all the museums, attractions, and more. With 9 attractions, plus our handy waterbus to get you to our Gosport locations, a single ticket gives a lifetime of memories.