Portsmouth Historic Dockyard welcomes all visitors. The site is, however, a working Naval Base and certain areas may present difficulties to visitors who use wheelchairs, with a restricted mobility or who are visually impaired. As a safety precaution, we ask that all these visitors are accompanied by a carer.
Toilets for disabled visitors can be found in:
Wheelchairs are available free of charge from the Visitor Centre, Mary Rose, HMS Warrior 1860 and Royal Naval Museum. Please call 023 9272 8060 for further information.
Car Parking
There are 15 disabled spaces available in the Historic Dockyard car park approximately 400 yards from the main entrance.
Shop Mobility
Shop Mobility is available during certain events.
Special Access to Attractions
Our Special Access Route gives ramped access around the Heritage Area. Please also consider the specific suitability of each attraction, details of which follow. On leaving the Visitor Centre, follow Main Road to the ramp at the end of Storehouse No.9 (in front of the Victory Shop) and continue beneath the colonnades of the Royal Naval Museum. At the end of the colonnades, rejoin the main pedestrian walkway to the Victory Arena.
“I would like to thank the staff that supported a group of 3 adults with learning and physical disabilities who visited the dockyard. The supporting staff and service users had an excellent day and feel that this was aided by the support that the staff offered.” Ms Nichols (19th Sep 2008)
“Very attentive staff, loads of help with pushchair – brilliant.” Mr S Wyeth (18th August 2008)
The Mary Rose Museum
The Mary Rose Museum is fully accessible to visitors who use wheelchairs or with mobility difficulties. The Museum is easily accessed from the Main Road and there are no ramps. Staff will be happy to provide entry to the audio visual theatre avoiding the stairs.
HMS Victory
The HMS Victory tour involves climbing several flights of fairly steep steps. A video tour is provided on the Lower Gundeck for visitors who use wheelchairs or those who are unable to walk around the ship. Please ask at the Visitor Centre for the video tour. To reach the ship, follow the Special Access Route to the Victory Arena then proceed around the FRONT of the ship (keeping the ship on your left). Please ask a member of staff at the bottom of the gangway who will be able to provide assistance up the ramp if required.
HMS Warrior 1860
The ship has four decks, connected by steep steps. There is, however, alternative access to two decks. The ship is reached from the back of the Visitor Centre. Ramps provide access to the Upper Deck although at certain times the tides may make the gradient steep. Our staff will be able to advise if problems are likely. There is a stairlift (seat) from the Upper Deck to the Main Gun Deck. Visitors will need to transfer from their wheelchair to the lift with assistance from staff.
Royal Naval Museum
The Royal Naval Museum is entirely accessible throughout, with a visitor lift in the Victory Gallery. Tactile objects can be found in each gallery and there are a number of audio and audio-visual displays.
Action Stations
Action Stations is fully accessible to visitors who use wheelchairs. There is a lift between the ground and first floor. To access Action Stations please use the walkway to the left of the mast pond.
The Dockyard Apprentice
Accessible to wheelchairs
