Portsmouth Historic Dockyard offers a host of ‘things to do’ for all the family over the half term holidays

News release issued: 12th February 2008

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard offers visitors a host of things to do with a maritime twist.

 

Having had a successful and commemorative year, the temporary special exhibition at the Royal Naval Museum marking the 25 years since the Falklands Conflict is coming to an end. Task Force South: The Royal Navy and the Falklands War’ describes the Navy’s involvement through the stories of some of the 18,000 individuals, from all the naval services, who sailed 8,000 miles to deliver and supply the land forces who recovered the Falklands Islands.  Visitors are urged to visit this exhibition during half term as it will be concluding on 29th February.

On 23rd February at 11.00am in The Royal Naval Museum Shop, the author of a new novel, "HMS Resolute and How She Prevented a War", Elizabeth Matthews will be hosting a book signing, as well as reading extracts and performing sea shanties.

Visitors will also be able to discover a link between HMS Resolute, the Royal Naval Museum and a new Hollywood action adventure film, National Treasures Book of Secrets, which stars Nicholas Cage. A piece of furniture made of HMS Resolute timber – a writing table which Queen Victoria used herself on the Royal Yacht will be going on display in the Royal Naval Museum. During half term the Royal Naval Museum is running a special children’s trail to celebrate the link to the film with prizes donated by Disney. 

Following the £21m award received by the Mary Rose Museum from the Heritage Lottery Fund, visitors can find out more about the exciting plans for the future of the ship and thousands of artefacts, They can also find out what the new museum will look like and why it is so important to Portsmouth.

Family activity highlights during half term include:

 

Daily:

·        Tudor Dressing Up 11am – 12noon & 2 – 4pm at the Mary Rose Museum. Visitors can discover what they would look like as a Tudor and are encouraged to bring their camera. Free with a valid attraction ticket.

• Follow the Flag Trail on board HMS Warrior 1860, 10am – 4.30pm. Find out about the men who lived and worked on board Warrior. Free with a valid attraction ticket.

 

Weekly:

• Tuesday 19 & Wednesday 20 February 11am – 1pm & 1.30 - 4pm. Crack the Code on board HMS Warrior 1860. Become a secret agent and write and send coded messages to family and friends. Free with a valid attraction ticket.

 

• Wednesday 20 February 11am – 1pm & 2 – 4pm. Into Antarctica at the Royal Naval Museum. Follow the explorers and discover the South Pole with variety of arts and crafts. Free drop in workshop, all ages welcome.

 

• Thursday 21 February 11am – 1pm & 2 - 4pm. Scrimshaw and Starfish on HMS Victory. Use special modelling material to create a stunning piece of Scrimshaw (traditional sailor craft) or a super starfish to take home. Free with valid admission ticket.