ACCESSIBILITY

MOVING AROUND OUR SHIPS

Our ships may have been seaworthy for sailors, but they can be tricky to navigate for some. HMS Victory contains step stairs, rope bannisters, low ceilings, narrow and low doorways, low light levels and uneven floors. It can also be slippery on the upper decks when wet.

There is wheelchair access to Lower Gun Deck where a DVD tour runs, subject to availability and audio guides are available.

HMS Warrior is accessed via a ramp. Because she is still afloat the gradient can change with the tides and we would recommend entering at low tide if that is a concern, tide times can be accessed here. These photos indicate the gradient of the ramp at high and low tide.

Like HMS Victory, HMS Warrior does have steep stairs with rope bannisters, trip hazards, low ceilings, poor lighting and can be slippery on a wet day. There is however and an accessible route marked on the deck plan and includes a fixed bannister staircase at the rear of the ship and a stairlift between the upper deck and the main gun deck (suitable for visitors who are able to transfer themselves to the stairlift). Wheelchairs must be left on the upper deck and a manual wheelchair is available for visitors to use on the main gun deck. Staff are on hand to help throughout the ship.

Unfortunately the lift to access HMS M.33 is currently unavailable for use, however she is still accessible by her main stairwell, which has handrails. The upper deck stairs are more generously spaced than her older counterparts but there are still some steep stairs in place. Also please be aware that our Audio Visual Experience does not have subtitles and can be dark and upsetting for some.

HMS Alliance, based at the Submarine Museum in Gosport, is not accessible for wheelchairs and like the submariners who served on her, visitors will experience dark, cramped spaces, with low ceiling heights and trip hazards.

We welcome families but the nature of our ship does mean that pushchairs are not permitted on board any of our ships.

We advise all visitors to wear sensible shoes and dress warmly in cold weather and keep bags to a minimum, so hands are free for climbing ladders on ships.

ACCESSING OUR MUSEUMS AND ATTRACTIONS

We have tried to make our museums and buildings as easy to move around as possible. However, there is always more we can do and they do still have some limitations as they are often based in historic buildings. This means floors can be uneven but are negotiable for wheelchairs and buggies.

Galleries have a mixture of handling exhibits, film and audio displays and most have hearing loops. Audio transcripts or large print text is also available, just ask our staff. Mary Rose Museum also offers sensory resources, including tactile plans and painting of the ship, although there are low light levels in the building which some may struggle with.

OUT AT SEA

You can combine your visit on land, with a trip at sea by hopping on one of our Harbour Tours, or taking a Waterbus to our Gosport sites. Two manual wheelchairs are available on the Harbour Tours service (depending on the vessel) and electric wheelchair users can switch to a manual wheelchair, which they can collect at our Visitor Centre. Pre-booking of those spaces can be arranged by calling 023 9283 9766 or Solent and Wightline Cruises on 01983 564602.

Unfortunately the Waterbus service to Explosion Museum of Naval Firepower and the Submarine Museum is not accessible for wheelchairs. Depending on the demand for spaces on board the vessel, it may be possible to take a folded manual wheelchair onto the vessel. There are a couple of large steps onto and off of the Waterbus. However, you can access those sites by car.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE WATERBUS IS WEATHER AND SEASONAL DEPENDENT

SUPPORTING YOU ONSITE

Our staff are there to help make sure that every one of our visitors has a great day out so please do ask them if you require additional support. Whilst the military base does not allow animals on site generally, an exception is made for assistance animals and guide-dogs who are permitted in all areas.

We have manual wheelchairs available from our visitor centre subject to availability, for mobility scooter hire we recommend contacting Portsmouth Shopmobility. Bookings contact for mobility scooter hire: you can call 07493 132 948 or email shopmobility@portsmouthcc.gov.uk

Accessible Toilets

Accessible toilets are available in the National Museum of the Royal Navy, Boathouse No.7, and The Mary Rose. Adult changing facilities are available in the Mary Rose disabled toilets.

THE LEGAL BIT

We do ask all of our visitors to take care when on site and to pay attention to the safety notices around our site. Whilst we do take every precaution, visitors do access the site at their own risk and we will not be responsible for any direct, indirect or consequential loss, whether in contract, tort (including negligence), for breach of statutory duty, or otherwise, arising under or in connection with your visit to our site, including for loss or damage to property.

We do not limit or exclude our liability for death or personal injury caused by our negligence or any other liability which cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law.

If you have any questions ahead of your visit or would like to find out more about any of the services offered on this page, please contact our Visitor Engagement Team at enquiries@historicdockyard.co.uk.

We hope to see you soon.