Families can enjoy a really royal day out at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard this half-term, with an action packed itinerary of fun, events and activities!
A special microsite www.historicdockyard.co.uk/family will guide families to an unforgettable day out with details of a money-saving offer and everything needed from planning a journey to planning a visit. Plus visitors can download or pick up a ‘Treasures Trail’ and celebrate the Diamond Jubilee by inspecting Portsmouth’s very own historic flotilla!
With the opportunity to explore centuries of history from the Mary Rose Story to learn how she once reigned supreme with a crew of costumed re-enactors and real Tudor treasures, to a visit to HMS Victory, the pride of Nelson’s fleet, where intrepid explorers can discover what life was like on board when maggot-riddled biscuits were served for tea.
The Trafalgar Experience at the National Museum of the Royal Navy is a chance to feel the heat of battle in a walk-through exhibition and there is a chance to try out a hammock or sit at the mess tables aboard Victorian battleship, HMS Warrior 1860. Those wishing to survey the estate can get on a boat tour around Portsmouth Harbour to see the modern naval ships in port and then let off steam at Action Stations where the modern navy is brought to life with simulators, interactive games and exhibits and there is even the highest indoor climbing tower in the UK!
A special event for this year to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee is Victorious Vintage on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd June. A free event from 10am-10pm (standard ticketing to attractions still applies) that will include an array of beautiful vintage stalls throughout the Historic Dockyard, a Children’s Area with rides (until 6pm), face painting, dancing, plus live bands on the main stage in Victory Arena and a second stage with acoustic acts throughout the day. On both evenings there will be a main headline act – including Dodgy, The Lightning Seeds, The Bog Rolling Stones, The Silver Beatles and Mark Morris from the Bluetones, plus other well-known bands from the region.
HMS Warrior 1860 will provide the perfect respite for little sailors with a family activity area running everyday throughout half-term with pirate art and craft, costumed role play, colouring and quizzes! Plus Victorian storytelling with a timber-shivering adventure on the 5th and 6th June and paddleboat races (including making the boat!) from the 5th to 7th June.
If Victorian costume doesn’t suit then there is also a colourful selection of Tudor costumes to try on at the Mary Rose Story – a perfect photo opportunity!
Ship, Ship Hooray! The National Museum of the Royal Navy are getting in the Jubilee party spirit on the 6th June with the opportunity to create nautical decorations, bunting and party hats and the chance to ice your own biscuits!
For those who just thought HMS Victory was at the Battle of Trafalgar, they can discover ‘Nelson’s Nile’ on board the ship as they make their own Egyptian treasure inspired by tales of pharaohs and pyramids!
For full details of ‘What’s On’ over the holiday period, please look at the listings at the end of this release and for further information about the extensive year-round events programme please visit www.historicdockyard.co.uk/events or for tickets and an online discount visit www.historicdockyard.co.uk/tickets
Listings
June Half Term
Saturday 2 June – Sunday 10 June 2012
All school holiday activities are included with a valid attraction ticket unless otherwise stated. All under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.
Saturday 2 & Sunday 3 June
10am – 10pm
Victorious Vintage
In association with Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, Love Southsea, Southsea Boutique Market and Little Johnny Russells - Victorious Vintage will include an array of beautiful vintage stalls throughout the Historic Dockyard, a Children’s Area with rides (until 6pm), face painting, dancing, plus live bands on the main stage in Victory Arena and a second stage with acoustic acts throughout the day.
On both evenings there will be a main headline act – including Dodgy, The Lightning Seeds, The Bog Rolling Stones, The Silver Beatles and Mark Morris from the Bluetones, plus other well-known bands from the region.
Entry onto the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard site will be free from 10am-10pm (standard ticketing to attractions will still apply).
If you would like to find out more please email sales@boutiquemarket.co.uk W: www.victoriousvintage.co.uk T: 023 9283 9766
Please note we are expecting the site to be busy during this event.
Saturday 2 June – Sunday 10 June
10am – 4.30pm
Family Activity Area on board HMS Warrior 1860 at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Once the lower deck mess and schoolroom for young officers, Warrior’s Gun Room is now somewhere you can bring your young “sailors” for R&R. This half term, enjoy pirate art and craft, costumed role play as sailors swabbing the decks and colouring and quiz sheets.
FREE with a valid ticket
Saturday 2 June – Sunday 10 June
11am - 12noon & 2pm - 4pm
How to look good Tudor style! Mary Rose Story at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Try on one of our costumes and step back in time. Bring your camera to capture the moment!
FREE with a valid ticket
Tuesday 5 June
11am - 4.30pm
Macramé Workshop on board HMS Warrior 1860 at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
FREE with a valid ticket, all ages welcome
Tuesday 5 & Wednesday 6 June
11am, 12noon, 2pm & 3pm
Victorian Storytelling
HMS Warrior 1860 at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Interactive and spooky storytelling of the story of “Dan & the Ship of Bones”: a timber shivering adventure.
FREE with a valid ticket
Tuesday 5 June – Thursday 7 June
Workshop times are -
11am – 11.30am
11.45am – 12.15pm
12.30pm – 1pm
2pm – 2.30pm
2.45pm – 3.15pm
3.30pm – 4pm
Paddle-Power! on board HMS Warrior 1860 at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Make and test your own paddlewheel boat and race from England to America. The fastest crossing of the Atlantic wins a prize!
This is a 30 minute workshop.
FREE with a valid ticket.
Maximum of 12 child places on each workshop for children aged 7-11 years (All children must be accompanied by an adult)
Wednesday 6 June
11am - 1pm & 2pm - 4pm
Ship, Ship Hooray! at the National Museum of the Royal Navy at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Create your own nautical decorations to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee. From bunting to party hats and the chance to ice your own biscuits, there is fun to be had for all the family!
FREE drop-in workshop, all ages welcome
Thursday 7 June
11am - 1pm & 2pm - 4pm
Nelson’s Nile on board HMS Victory at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Discover all about Nelson’s victory at the Battle of the Nile and make your own Egyptian treasure inspired by tales of pharaohs and pyramids!
FREE with a valid ticket. Drop-in, all ages welcome
Saturday 9 June
10.30am to 1pm
Naval service certificates demystified at the National Museum of the Royal Navy at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Are you researching your naval ancestors? Join our library staff for a practical half-day workshop aimed at family historians who would like to understand more about the information contained within ratings service certificates. Enjoy exclusive use of the library facilities and advice from library staff to help you progress your research.
Cost £16 including light refreshments and an information pack. Places limited, booking essential. Please call 023 9272 3795 or email: library@nmrn.org.uk
