This May half term, we’re making ship happen! Step aboard history and dive into a variety of experiences at the Victory Gallery Innovation Centre and the Mary Rose Museum.
Enjoy the grand finale of the National Lottery Heritage funded figurehead project at the National Museum of the Royal Navy. There will be a fashion show, a tea party and more creative fun for all ages to enjoy. Get hands on with t-shirt making with PopUp Spray Studio, paint your own 3D printed figurehead or enjoy a curator’s tour of our figurehead collection, unveiling the secrets of these fascinating objects.
Meanwhile, the Mary Rose Museum has spruced up their popular Hatch’s History Detectives Trail with a spring update. Enjoy Tudor themed arts and crafts and make your very own clay postcard to take home as a perfect, personal memento of your visit.
Join us for a half term packed with loads of fun, creativity, and adventure.
It’s time to pack your bucket and spade and start planning your holidays at the Mary Rose Museum this half-term! What do you take on holiday with you in 2025? Your clothes? A comb? Some spending...
Meet our Head of Collections and uncover the hidden stories and forgotten fables behind our ship’s figureheads. Join us for a family-friendly tour filled with fascinating stories about the...
Create your own figurehead t-shirt and get catwalk ready Drop in to the Popup Spray Studio at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and graffiti your own trend-setting ships' figurehead t-shirt worthy of the...
Meet our Head of Collections and uncover the hidden stories and forgotten fables behind our ship’s figureheads. Join us for a family-friendly tour filled with fascinating stories about the...
Come and celebrate with us at Queen Charlotte's Tea Party Extravaganza! Join us for a royal celebration with our guest of honour – the figurehead of Queen Charlotte’s ship – as we mark the...
Ready to jump in to May Half Term?
Here are our top 3 highlights:
1.QUEEN CHARLOTTE’S TEA PARTY
Friday 30 May 11 – 3 – Victory Gallery
See the stunning Queen Charlotte ship’s figurehead, brought to life with artwork by visitors and community groups. Enjoy fashion displays, cake decorating, and creative fun for all ages! This is the grand finale of our National Lottery Heritage-funded figurehead project.
1.QUEEN CHARLOTTE’S TEA PARTY
Friday 30 May 11 – 3 – Victory Gallery
See the stunning Queen Charlotte ship’s figurehead, brought to life with artwork by visitors and community groups. Enjoy fashion displays, cake decorating, and creative fun for all ages! This is the grand finale of our National Lottery Heritage-funded figurehead project.
2.SHIP SHAPE AND ANCHORS AWAY!
Monday 26 – Friday 30 May 11 – 3 – Mary Rose Museum
We’ve spruced up our popular Hatch’s History Detectives trail for May! Follow Hatch’s paw prints to our activity centre to create a clay postcard with rose petals and your own special message.
2.SHIP SHAPE AND ANCHORS AWAY!
Monday 26 – Friday 30 May 11 – 3 – Mary Rose Museum
We’ve spruced up our popular Hatch’s History Detectives trail for May! Follow Hatch’s paw prints to our activity centre to create a clay postcard with rose petals and your own special message.
3.FIGUREHEAD FASHION: T-SHIRT MAKING
Wednesday 28 May 11 – 12.30 & 2 – 3.30 – Victory Gallery
Drop in to the Popup Spray Studio and graffiti your own trend-setting ships’ figurehead t-shirt worthy of any top catwalk! Join us for the grand finale of our National Lottery Heritage-funded figurehead project.
3.FIGUREHEAD FASHION: T-SHIRT MAKING
Wednesday 28 May 11 – 12.30 & 2 – 3.30 – Victory Gallery
Drop in to the Popup Spray Studio and graffiti your own trend-setting ships’ figurehead t-shirt worthy of any top catwalk! Join us for the grand finale of our National Lottery Heritage-funded figurehead project.
The arrival of Spring marks the start of longer days, less rain and improving weather, but it can be hard to keep young ones entertained while out and about. Portsmouth Historic...
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.
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!Â
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. Â
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.
