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Published: January 6, 2025

Take On A Challenge

There is already plenty to explore at the Dockyard with 9 attractions to enjoy, including HMS Victory, Mary Rose Museum, the Royal Navy Submarine Museum and more. It doesn’t stop there! We have an action-packed programme of events to stir the hearts of any little sailor. Check out our Royal Navy challenges in Action Stations including games, inspiring athletes and live cooking demos. At the Mary Rose Museum, we have a range of creative Tudor challenges including music, art, dance and some very exciting artists. 

Ready to Take on a Challenge?

Here are our top 5 highlights: 

1. Basketball Challenge with Jason Dawes

This half term, Jordan Dawes will bring his dynamic energy to Action Stations with an interactive experience for children and families. With a live basketball demonstration, Jordan will inspire young audiences to dream big and believe in their abilities.

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. Basketball Challenge with Jason Dawes

This half term, Jordan Dawes will bring his dynamic energy to Action Stations with an interactive experience for children and families. With a live basketball demonstration, Jordan will inspire young audiences to dream big and believe in their abilities.

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

2. Anchored in the Community Exhibition

Find out more about some amazing community projects The Mary Rose have been involved with over the last year, showcased in the “Anchored in the Community” exhibition.

 

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

2. Anchored in the Community Exhibition

Find out more about some amazing community projects The Mary Rose have been involved with over the last year, showcased in the “Anchored in the Community” exhibition.

 

3. Action, Adventure, and Expertise in the Royal Marines Talk & Demo

Join Sgt ‘Bonners’ Bonwick ML1 for an adrenaline-packed session packed with jaw-dropping stories and a look at life in the elite fighting force. Witness live rope and ladder demos, and discover the skills and nerve required for high-risk missions.

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.

3. Action, Adventure, and Expertise in the Royal Marines Talk & Demo

Join Sgt ‘Bonners’ Bonwick ML1 for an adrenaline-packed session packed with jaw-dropping stories and a look at life in the elite fighting force. Witness live rope and ladder demos, and discover the skills and nerve required for high-risk missions.

Take on Your Memories! Anchored in the Community

4. Take on Mark Making

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 display it in our graffiti gallery. 

 

Take on Your Memories! Anchored in the Community

4. Take on Mark Making

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 display it in our graffiti gallery. 

 

5. Cook up a storm with the Royal Navy 

Get ready for an unforgettable experience as the Royal Navy Catering Services team sails into Action Stations!. Find out how meals are made on ships and submarines, with live demonstrations.

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

5. Cook up a storm with the Royal Navy 

Get ready for an unforgettable experience as the Royal Navy Catering Services team sails into Action Stations!. Find out how meals are made on ships and submarines, with live demonstrations.

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.

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.

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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?

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.

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