Sun, sea, and ships – a perfect combination for a memorable day out! Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is home to so many unique attractions, beautiful vistas, and delightful surprises it can be difficult to know where to start.
To help cut the hassle out of planning we’ve created a handy list of all the best locations to make the most of the sunshine. However, if the British weather decides to take a turn for rainy days we’ve also got a blog for that as well.
From action-packed Mondays to serene Sundays with the family, there’s plenty to explore but these highlights offer a great starting point for any visit.
[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. HMS Warrior
Ever wanted to travel back in time? While we haven’t quite perfected time travel we can make history come alive onboard HMS Warrior.
Experience HMS Warrior in the heyday of her 1860 Round Britain Tour. Take a gentle Victorian perambulation (or as we say nowadays ‘walk and talk’) with the crew as you enjoy the sunshine. Each crew member represents a real person from the ship’s history, plus you can seesee Victorian tourists and maybe even Queen Victoria herself!
Walking the deck of HMS Warrior in the sunshine offers beautiful views of the ship itself, the Spinnaker Tower and Portsmouth Harbour. Whilst the Spinnaker Tower may be a new addition, HMS Warrior has been a landmark of Portsmouth since 1987.
2. Harbour Tour
A close second, when visiting Portsmouth Historic Dockyard on a sunny day be sure to go on our Harbour Tour. Don’t believe us? Well TripAdvisor has our Harbour Tour ranked number one for ‘Boat Tours & Water Sports in Portsmouth’.
One of the perks of having an Ultimate Explorer ticket is that you can have unlimited harbour tours (weather permitting). You’ll get to see the dockyard, Spinnaker Tower, ferries and current naval ships as you cruise around the harbour. Plus, the tour captain is on-hand to point out interesting sights and naval facts – so you’re learning about Portsmouth’s storied history as well.
With an on-ship shop selling drinks and snacks, and with tours lasting up to an hour, enjoy the open-air seating and relax.
3. The Mary Rose Museum
One of the great British pastimes is complaining about the weather. And whilst is may seem odd that we’re including the famously enclosed Mary Rose Museum as a location to go on a sunny day, trust us – it’ll make sense!
As wonderful as it is to be able to enjoy a sunny day there are times when you need a break, especially during the hottest part of the day. it’s also home to the awards winning Dive the Mary Rose 4D, giving you the chance to cool down without getting your feet wet.
There’s also a café with an outdoor seating area overlooking parts of the harbour – so if you prefer your rest breaks to involve ice-cream, handmade pastries, and cold drinks, they’ve got you covered.
4. See the entire history of HMS Victory
Did you know that HMS Victory had a long and storied life before and after the Battle of Trafalgar? As the world’s oldest commissioned naval ship there is so much to learn about her history.
You can see that history through Vice-Admiral Lord Nelson’s eyes as you explore HMS Victory. From his light and airy Great Cabin to the cool darkness of the hold – travel through history one step at a time.
Next is Victory Live: The Big Repair. This awe-inspiring, once-in-a-generation conservation effort is a must-see in person. Finally, the HMS Victory Gallery is a treasure trove of hands-on activities, cinematics, and previously unseen artefacts.
5. Hop across the water to the Royal Navy Submarine Museum
Discover what life is like in the Submarine Service. Our ‘Silent and Secret’ exhibition tells the story of those who serve underwater and in confined spaces for months.
Want more action over the water? Explosion Museum of Naval Firepower shows the evolution of naval missiles, torpedoes, cannons, and guns throughout the last 200 years.
Our on-site Water Bus service gets you to Gosport sites in style during sunny weather. But just in case the weather takes a turn for the worse, both of our Gosport museums offer free car parking as well.
6. HMS M.33
It can be difficult to spot HMS M.33 when walking around, even with her distinctive dazzle paint (those black and white shapes were thought to confuse other ships at sea). However, if you take the time she’s a real treat in the sunshine.
Located between HMS Victory Live: The Big Rebuild and the HMS Victory Gallery, HMS M.33 is nestled in drydock. This means the top of this First World War survivor just about peaks out, but don’t let that fool you – she’s a surprising sun-trap on good weather!
Walking on the upper decks you can enjoy the sunshine while exploring original cabins and fixtures. It’s also a great photo location, as often visiting aircraft carriers or international ships are docked in the main harbour behind her. Meaning you can capture over 100 years of shipbuilding ingenuity in one picture.
7. Porter’s Garden
Did you know Portsmouth Historic Dockyard has a small secret garden? Not many people do! This little slice of greenery against the cobbles and shore of the Dockyard is a welcome respite.
After entering through the gate go to your right and you’ll see a statue of Scott of the Antarctic. Pass right again at the statue, go through the hedge, and you’ll find yourself in Porter’s Lodge Garden. As it’s off the main track, this is a great place to stop and smell the flowers.
Maintained by a dedicated group of volunteers, the Friends of Porter’s Garden, this lovely little oasis is full of plants and shrubs that you could of expected to see in the 18th Century (even our plants are historic!)
With stone benches and plenty of blooming greenery, it’s an idyllic spot to sit and take in the scenery (or a picnic). You can also treat yourself to an ice-cream or cold drink from one of our on-site options.
Anything else? Don’t forget to bring…
We recommend wearing light, layered clothing when visiting Portsmouth Historic Dockyard during the summer. Also, don’t forget to reapply sunscreen regularly and seek shade during the hottest part of the day.
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 takes a turn for the worse?
Don’t worry if rainclouds suddenly appear. We have both indoor and outdoor attractions that can be enjoyed whatever the weather.
If the weather is a little wetter than you hoped, you might find this blog useful with plenty of suggestions for rainy days.
The Ultimate Adventure Awaits
From submarines to shipwrecks, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is the perfect day out for families who love to explore, get their hands dirty, and step back in time. Pack your curiosity and get ready for a day of fun-filled discovery. Take on a challenge with your little ones!