Family Day Out at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

We're always on the lookout for fun, educational, and engaging days out, luckily for us we have the beautiful Portsmouth Historic Dockyard on our doorstep.

I have been coming to the Dockyard since I was a little girl with my Grandad and one of my favourite memories is searching for Admiral Lord Nelsons eye on the HMS Victory where he was fatally wounded during the Battle of Trafalgar.

First Impressions

From the moment you arrived, you are welcomed with the grandeur of the Dockyard. The setting is packed with maritime history, and the sight of the impressive HMS Victory and HMS Warrior immediately capture imaginations.

The staff at the entrance were welcoming, and we quickly grabbed our tickets (we opted for the Ultimate Explorer Ticket, which gives access to all the attractions for an entire year).

Highlights of Our Visit

HMS Victory – We started with this iconic ship, you'll wander the deck and down the narrow staircases. Take a peek at the Great Cabin – Admiral Nelson’s quarters, complete with a replica of his desk and personal belongings. Children will love the Gun Deck with rows of cannons and the Lower Decks where sailors ate, slept and worked.

HMS Warrior – This was a big hit with the boys. Being able to run around the decks, see the cannons up close, whilst pretending to be sailors. Below deck you can see the Engine Room – A look at the innovative steam-powered technology that made Warrior one of the most advanced ships of her time.

The Mary Rose Museum – This was more suited to older children and adults, but the interactive displays kept the kids well engaged. The lighting and atmosphere were quite dark, which spooked our youngest a little bit the lighting is designed to protect the wreckage of the Mary Rose which is incredibly impressive.

Harbour Tour – We didn't get round to taking advantage of this but you can jump aboard a boat trip around the harbour, offering great views of modern Royal Navy ships.

Pros

• Lots to see and do – A great mix of history, hands-on activities, and outdoor space.

• Friendly staff – Knowledgeable and happy to engage with kids.

• Good facilities – Plenty of toilets, baby-changing areas, and cafes for snack breaks.

• Great value – The Ultimate Explorer Ticket offers unlimited visits for a year, which is fantastic if you live nearby.

Cons

• Some areas not easily accessible  – With the steep steps and low ceilings, the ships are not easy to get around.

• Large area to cover – I mean, there are worst problems to have but the day is jam packed! Lots of walking and so much to get involved in that it is a struggle to complete it all in one day.

  
  

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is a fantastic family day out, especially for kids who love adventure. While some areas were challenging with younger children, there were plenty of hands-on activities to keep them engaged.