"Twice a day, on his way to and from school, little Charlie Bucket had to walk right past the gates of the Dockyard. And every time he went by he would begin to walk very, very slowly, and he would listen to the gasps of delight and the chatter of excitement. Oh, how he loved to hear the anticipation of other children ready to set out on an adventure! And oh, how he wished he could go through the gates and see what it was like for himself…” (apologies to Roald Dahl!)
Now young ‘Charlie Bucket’ can once again receive his ‘golden ticket’ and what’s more, so can all residents with a PO postcode! To celebrate British Tourism week, for one exclusive weekend only, Friday 19th – Monday 22nd March 2010, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is offering a one-day £5 ticket to ‘discover the Dockyard on their doorstep’, saving up to 70% on standard prices!
To take advantage of this fantastic offer, residents just need to bring a utility bill and photo ID with them, any day between the 19th-22nd March, and their £5 ticket will be valid for one day to visit all the attractions.
For those who want even more, they can keep their ticket and redeem it before 30th April 2010 to receive £5 off an Adult, Child or Senior all-inclusive ticket to the Historic Dockyard.
This promotion has been arranged to celebrate the fourth annual British Tourism Week (15th – 21st March 2010). HRH the Prince of Wales is once again Patron for this series of inter-related events, which aims to raise local, regional, national and international awareness to tourism’s critical importance, it will encourage organisations and individuals to take pride in being part of the £114 billion visitor economy. Visit www.britishtourismweek.com for more information.
So just like young explorer Charlie, what can visitors expect to find laying beyond the mysterious Victory Gates…?
Well, HMS Victory never fails to impress. Her victory at the Battle of Trafalgar, led by the greatest ever naval figure, Admiral Lord Nelson, is a key date in history. But Victory is much more than just Nelson, she’s a living museum of Georgian naval life with all the gory details!
Expertly retrieved from the seabed by hand, where it lay for 437 years, visitors are challenged not to be moved – or astounded – by the sheer perfection of Mary Rose collection of artefacts, which capture daily life on board a Tudor warship. It is no wonder the collection has been described as “this country’s Pompeii”. Plus, a new introductory film narrated by TV historian Dan Snow and a remarkable up-close-and-personal interpretation of the hull with stunning photography, it remains a top-class attraction in its own right whilst the ship’s hull is undergoing conservation and preparing for the building of the brand new museum to open in 2012.
Visible beyond the gates is HMS Warrior 1860. Visitors are often staggered by her size and enthralled to learn that despite being so powerful and imposing, she never fired a shot. But, there is more to her – her technology captures the spirit of Victorian invention brilliantly and the story of her restoration is fascinating.
The National Museum of the Royal Navy boasts a proud collection celebrating naval endeavour and bravery over the centuries. The stories of those who have served in the Royal Navy are told through the personal possessions and memories of the men and women who have dedicated their lives to safeguarding our nation’s freedom.
Action Stations is a high octane, simulator-led experience. It’s action-packed and the perfect opportunity to learn more about the physical and mental challenges behind the Royal Navy and perfect for the young-at-heart to let off steam!
For many, the best way to see Portsmouth is from the water. Harbour Tours take visitors behind the fences of the heritage area to see the Navy ships, historic landmarks and seascape that has made Portsmouth so distinctive.
Add to this the captivating gems of the Trafalgar Sail, Trafalgar Experience and the Dockyard Apprentice and in the words of a recent visitor it becomes “one of the best days out I''ve had in a very well travelled 46 years!”
Visit www.historicdockyard.co.uk/welcome or call 023 9283 9766 for further details on the promotion
Photos courtesy of Matt Sills
