We all love a good immersive experience – especially if that immersive experience takes us all the way to the bottom of the sea. Once buried all the way down in the deepest waters, you can now visit the Mary Rose Museum after it was rediscovered and salvaged. The Mary Rose Museum’s Dive 4D experience takes you on a journey of its dramatic recovery and the thousands of fascinating objects found within.
This is just one of the many activities awaiting you – and the whole family – at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. Another must-visit is the Worlds Beneath the Waves exhibition, a 150-year voyage of scientific exploration of deep-sea wonders, as well as the HMS Victory, Britain’s most famous warship and Nelson’s flagship in the Battle of Trafalgar.
Aboard, you’ll be able to follow in the footsteps of Vice-Admiral Lord Nelson and learn more about the crew’s life at sea. You’re also invited to explore parts of the ship that have never been revealed before, witness the ship’s ongoing restoration first-hand, and get up close with a mighty collection of 104 guns on deck.
Plan your visit for a weekend or school holiday for a bonus activity: a complimentary journey on a water bus, which takes you across the gorgeous marina to the Royal Navy Submarine Museum and the Explosion Museum of Naval Firepower.
Here you’ll get to explore the 1945 submarine HMS Alliance as well as Holland 1, the Royal Navy’s first ever submarine; enjoy more exciting tales of life at sea and shipwrights at work, including stories of the Royal Navy’s daring exploits during the two world wars.
Don’t miss out on visiting the HMS M.33, a survivor of the Gallipoli campaign during World War I, and the National Museum of the Royal Navy while you’re there.
Beyond immersive experiences and interactive walk-throughs, your ticket to discover Portsmouth Historic Dockyard will also include a harbour tour – think breathtaking views of the marina and its dramatic skyline, as well as the dockyard’s lineup of modern frigates, destroyers, and other naval vessels.
Stop by the Mary Rose Cafe or Cafe Camber Lights for a bit of a rest with barista coffee and locally sourced bites as you take in the views of the marina.
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is easily reachable by car, train, and bus from London in about two hours. The dockyard opens daily from 10:00 am, but opening times for individual attractions vary. Check the website for opening hours and to get your tickets.
