Behind The Scenes at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

Saturday 1st to Wednesday 5th September

Free Events BUT Must Be Booked In Advance

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard will once again be opening its doors to reveal the many treasures and stories that can be found behind the scenes of its museums and historic buildings in the popular exclusive FREE tours, as part of ‘Behind the Scenes at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard’, from Saturday 1st to Wednesday 5th September.

Visitors will be able to explore behind the scenes at some of the world-famous attractions, take guided walks into areas not normally accessible to the public and learn all about the fascinating 800 year history of the dockyard.

This popular event is in place of the annual Heritage Open Days event which will take place elsewhere in the city later in the month.

Highlights include the chance to go beneath all 3500 tonnes of HMS Victory and view the keel at close range, learn the fascinating history contained within the modern day Action Stations attraction, it’s older than people may think… and the historic boats hidden within Boathouse 4 – and what secrets did the building keep during WW2? Plus, see what’s contained within the Georgian attics of the National Museum of the Royal Navy, discover the world’s first steam-powered factory, trace the footsteps of Nelson around the dockyard and Naval Base and find out all about the 1st Captain of HMS Warrior and the Porter who looked after the dockyard gates.

Please note that numbers are limited & all tours must be booked in advance. Please contact 023 9283 9766 and press option 3 or email groups@historicdockyard.co.uk to reserve a place.

1 person cannot book more than 4 places per tour due to limited spaces.

Also ALL individuals name, address and phone number will be required at the time of booking for Naval Base security reasons as you will be visiting restricted areas.

Tours marked with a * are described as having disabled access.

Listings

Saturday 1 - Wednesday 5 September 10.30am, 11.45am, 1.30pm & 3pm

Below HMS Victory’s Water Line at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

Join one of HMS Victory’s tour guides for a unique chance to go below the water line. Walk under 3500 tonnes of ship and view Victory’s keel at close range for a completely different perspective of the ship. . Please note – this does not include a tour of the interior of HMS Victory.

All tours are FREE but must be booked in advance. Only 15 places per tour.

NO UNDER 14’s ARE PERMITTED ON THIS TOUR DUE TO HEALTH AND SAFETY REASONS.

Saturday 1 – Wednesday 5 September

10.30am

Enjoy a detailed and informative tour looking at the fascinating history of Boathouse No. 6 from the construction of the building up to the present day.

All tours are FREE but must be booked in advance. Only 25 spaces per tour. Some areas within the tour are not accessible by a lift.

Saturday 1 & Sunday 2 September 10.30am, 11.45am, 1.30pm & 3pm

*Behind the scenes of the National Museum of the Royal Navy at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard Enjoy a tour of artefact and archive stores with one of our curators and discover their highlights among the thousands of items kept behind the scenes.

All tours are FREE but must be booked in advance. Only 15 places per tour.

Saturday 1 & Sunday 2 September

10.30am, 1pm & 3pm

Take this rare opportunity to have a guided tour around the world’s first complete steam powered factory with blockmaking machinery invented by Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s father, Marc Brunel.

All tours are FREE but must be booked in advance. Only 25 spaces per tour. All tours must be booked by 12noon on Wednesday 29 August for security purposes.

Saturday 1 & Sunday 2 September

10.30am, 1pm & 3pm

A fascinating walking tour around areas of Portsmouth Naval Base, following in the footsteps of Admiral Lord Nelson. Learn about the hidden architectural gems of a Georgian dockyard.

All tours are FREE but must be booked in advance. Only 25 spaces per tour. All tours must be booked by 12noon on Wednesday 29 August for security purposes.

Saturday 1 & Sunday 2 September

1pm

Take a guided tour of the Porter’s Lodge (1708), the Historic Dockyard’s oldest building, and the adjoining Garden. Learn about the life and times of the Porter who unlocked the gate, rang the Muster Bell - and kept a very good cellar! 

All tours are FREE but must be booked in advance. Only 12 spaces per tour.

Monday 3 – Wednesday 5 September

11am, 1pm (& 3pm if demand is high)

on board HMS Warrior 1860 at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

Find out more about the man who was the first to command HMS Warrior (1861-1864).

All tours are FREE but must be booked in advance. Only 12 spaces per tour.

Tuesday 4th September

11am, 2pm

Learn about the fascinating history of the Boathouse from secret World War II preparations to its present day use as site for restoration of our historic boat collection. Learn about our boats and watch our volunteers working on their conservation.

FREE - Only 10 spaces per tour, maximum of 1 child per adult, adults must supervise children at all time. Sensible footwear must be worn due to the tour location & tours must be booked in advance.