Attractions
HMS Victory
Plan
Visit
HMS Victory is currently undergoing a period of restoration and visitors have the unique opportunity to witness the process taking place on the oldest commissioned warship in the world and a proud memorial to Vice Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson, Britain's greatest Naval hero and his stunning victory at the Battle of Trafalgar.
Her topmasts and rigging have been struck, or taken down, and her planking is under investigation. This is nothing unusual as wooden ships like Victory needed constant care and attention from the day they were launched. These repairs are simply the latest in a long tradition of regular upkeep.
The last time HMS Victory was seen without her top masts was back in 1944, so this really is a once in a life time opportunity to see HMS Victory under-going such extreme maintenance. Interestingly, with her topmasts down, Victory will look much as she did after the Battle of Trafalgar when she had to be towed to Gibraltar for repairs.”
To find out more about the background to the restoration visit our news page
We will update this section regularly, so you are aware if there are any areas affected by work.
HMS Victory is the Royal Navy's most famous warship. Come and experience:-
• The Great Cabin, where the Battle of Trafalgar was planned
• The spot where Nelson died
• The once crowded decks where over 800 men lived, worked and fought.
For more information on HMS Victory, visit the official website
Visitor Information
HMS Victory is either on a guided tour system or on a free-flow system. A guided tour system is in operation throughout quieter periods of the year and when tickets are purchased in the Visitor Centre, a time will be allocated for you to be guided round the ship in groups. Spaces are sold on a first come first served basis, so arrive early to avoid disappointment. Also be aware that even if you arrive early, some tours are not available until later in the afternoon giving you ample time to visit the other attractions.
During busier periods, a free-flow system enables you to view the ship in your own time and at your own pace to avoid any disappointment during peak times. Guides will be available on board to answer any queries during this time. To see free-flow dates this year, please click here. Please note, you cannot book guided tour times in advance of your arrival at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard unless you are a pre-paying group of 15 or more.
