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Published: March 7, 2025

Oh Ship Easter Has Arrived

This Easter, we’re making ship happen with the Sounds of the Sea—a hands-on, fun-filled adventure for the whole family! Step aboard history and dive into a variety of experiences and live demos at the Victory Gallery Innovation Centre. Learn a new language with friends to try out yourself by discovering how sailors used signals, sound, and navigation to rule the high seas! 

Got little shipmates under 5? They’ll love setting sail on the Play Deck, packed with specially designed activities just for them. Meanwhile, the Mary Rose Museum will be hitting all the right notes with Tudor themed arts and crafts and a glimpse into Tudor fashion —because history sounds spectacular when you experience it first-hand.

Join us for an Easter packed with loads of fun, creativity, and adventure. 

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Ready to jump in to the Sounds of the Sea?

Here are our top 5 highlights:

1. Old Time Sailors

Set sail for the 19th century and immerse yourself in the rich traditions of seafaring music like never before. The Motley Crew, armed with an eclectic array of instruments, will transport you to an era of clashing tankards and rowdy revelry. Sing and dance along as they bring centuries-old folk tunes and rousing sea shanties to life!

Family arriving from waterbus at the Royal Navy Submarine Museum in Gosport
Family arriving from waterbus at the Royal Navy Submarine Museum in Gosport

1. Old Time Sailors

Set sail for the 19th century and immerse yourself in the rich traditions of seafaring music like never before. The Motley Crew, armed with an eclectic array of instruments, will transport you to an era of clashing tankards and rowdy revelry. Sing and dance along as they bring centuries-old folk tunes and rousing sea shanties to life!

Meet the Tudors at the Mary Rose: Wicked weapons and the Tudors at war

2. Hatch’s History Detectives Trail – updated for Spring 2025!

Discover our spring update to our popular Hatch’s History Detectives trail, designed by local artists at Seekers Create for Spring 2025, follow our ship’s dog’s paw prints through the museum galleries and find out the crew’s top tips for staying in style – well, at least for a Tudor!

 

Meet the Tudors at the Mary Rose: Wicked weapons and the Tudors at war

2. Hatch’s History Detectives Trail – updated for Spring 2025!

Discover our spring update to our popular Hatch’s History Detectives trail, designed by local artists at Seekers Create for Spring 2025, follow our ship’s dog’s paw prints through the museum galleries and find out the crew’s top tips for staying in style – well, at least for a Tudor!

 

3. Exploring the Science of Sound

We start with a mystery surprise bag to spark curiosity, followed by a captivating story that brings sound to life. Next, we energize with a movement-filled warm-up before diving into three hands-on STEAM activities to explore how sounds are made. We wrap up with our beloved Little STEAMers Song, sending everyone off humming and buzzing with excitement!

Young visitor interacting with World Beneath the Waves exhibition
Young visitor interacting with World Beneath the Waves exhibition

3. Exploring the Science of Sound

We start with a mystery surprise bag to spark curiosity, followed by a captivating story that brings sound to life. Next, we energize with a movement-filled warm-up before diving into three hands-on STEAM activities to explore how sounds are made. We wrap up with our beloved Little STEAMers Song, sending everyone off humming and buzzing with excitement!

Take on a Doodle! Anchored in the Community

4. Express Yourself this Easter

Join the fun every weekday over the Easter holidays (Monday 7th to Friday 11th and Monday 14th to Friday 18th April)! Unleash your imagination with our giant doodle, make some noise with musical instruments, and take on the challenge of our Braille wordsearch. There’s something for everyone—come play, create, and explore!

 

Take on a Doodle! Anchored in the Community

4. Express Yourself this Easter

Join the fun every weekday over the Easter holidays (Monday 7th to Friday 11th and Monday 14th to Friday 18th April)! Unleash your imagination with our giant doodle, make some noise with musical instruments, and take on the challenge of our Braille wordsearch. There’s something for everyone—come play, create, and explore!

 

 

5. The Sounds of the Sea

Discover the Sounds of the Sea through drama, exploring natural and human-made noises, marine mammal echolocation, and mysterious underwater sounds—then create a collaborative soundscape poem!
A young girl leaps across an obstacle course in Action Stations as her father watches.
A young girl leaps across an obstacle course in Action Stations as her father watches.

5. The Sounds of the Sea

Discover the Sounds of the Sea through drama, exploring natural and human-made noises, marine mammal echolocation, and mysterious underwater sounds—then create a collaborative soundscape poem!

Looking for exciting activities this Easter? Our blogs have all the tips for making the most of your visit in the school holidays. Check out ‘Spring at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard’ and find out what will keep everyone in the family entertained here on your visit.

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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...

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.

Family enjoy the sunshine next to HMS Victory

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?

Give yourself a break with a sweet or savoury treat and refuel for more epic ship! 

Exploring the Dockyard is hungry work—but don’t worry, we’ve got the perfect spots to drop anchor and refuel. Whether you’re after a hearty meal, a quick coffee, or a sweet treat, our cafés have you covered. If you’re after the perfect keepsake from your adventure, stop by one of our gift shops and find a unique treasure 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.

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