Visitors FAQ
1. How much are tickets and can a single attraction ticket be purchased?
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is a unified site with each of the attractions working together to interpret a full history of the Royal Navy. In doing so, we offer the visitor a unique opportunity to “travel” from the King’s Fleet of Henry VIII to the modern day navy. Therefore a single attraction ticket is not available.
A site ticket gives great value and includes entry to: HMS Victory, HMS Warrior 1860, the Mary Rose Museum, the National Museum of the Royal Navy, Action Stations and a Harbour Tour. The terms and conditions of the ticket do allow visitors to return during the year to see the attractions they have missed with unlimited entry for a year to some of the attractions.
Regular visitors might wish to consider becoming a Loyalty Club member where a ticket gives 2 years free entry to the site, up to 25% of additional tickets for up to 4 friends and family, a newsletter, discounts at retailers and caterers on site, exclusive invitations and more. Further details are available at www.historicdockyard.co.uk/loyaltyclub
Click here to view our ticket prices.
2. What is Gift Aid?
Gift Aid allows the charity-owned attractions to reclaim the tax. It’s simple to opt for this method; you need to be a UK tax-payer and simply fill in a form at the Visitor Centre on arrival.
3. Are we a registered charity?
Yes, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard Ltd is a registered charity (no. 1019005).
All monies raised on site go back into the conservation of the ships
4. What are the opening hours?
Click here for our opening hours.
5. What guided tours are on offer and when are they?
Further information can be found here.
6. Where can I find out more about the special events you have coming up?
More information about the events we have coming up can be found on our events pages here
7. Are there any Armed Forces discounts (including Territorial Army)?
Further information can be found here.
8. I would like to book or enquire about a group or school visit, how would I do this?
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard offers a unique range of historic and modern venues for group visitors seeking to make their visit even more special.
Pre-booked groups of a minimum of 15 people are eligible for group rates. Groups who have not pre-booked will be charged full rate on the day of the visit. There is no maximum, but large groups will be divided into parties of 30 for Mary Rose and HMS Victory.
Click here for more information or call 02392 839 766 for more information
9. Do you offer any birthday party packages?
Yes, Action Stations offer birthday party packages. Click here for more information. We can also cater for all types of corporate hospitality click here for more information.
10. Can I use my Tesco Clubcard vouchers / what discounts are available?
Yes, your Tesco Clubcard Vouchers can be used as part or full payment for a site ticket. It must have a S code, preferably S3010 to be valid and they cannot be used against event tickets or our loyalty club Admiral's or Captain's tickets. These vouchers will no longer be accepted after 30th September 2011 as we are moving over to the Tesco Token scheme. This means that you apply for Tesco Tokens via tesco.com and one token can be exhanged for one Adult, Senior or Child ticket to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. They are not valid against family tickets. These again cannot be used against any other offers, our event tickets or our Loyalty Club Admiral's and Captain's tickets.
11. I am looking for historical information, can you help?
Yes we can. The best thing to do is contact the National Museum of the Royal Navy who will try and help, click here to visit their website.
12. Is there any car parking nearby?
Yes, there are 295 car parking spaces at the Historic Dockyard Car Park, which is situated approximately 400 yards from the main entrance. Click here for more information.
13. What disabled access is there?
Further information can be found here.
14. How much time should I allow to visit all attractions?
There are lots of attractions on site so we would recommend at least 4 hours to be able to enjoy everything on site. If you do not get to see everything in one day, you will be able to re-visit the attractions you haven’t already visited within a year from the date of purchase. Event tickets do not give the same rights.
15. Can I bring my dog?
No, dogs are not permitted into the Historic Dockyard, with the exception of guide and registered assistance dogs.
16. What’s the nearest train station to PHD?
Portsmouth Harbour train station is only 200 yards from the entrance to Portsmouh Historic Dockyard.
17. What is there for children?
There is lots to do for all ages at each attraction including family trails, storytelling, creative activities, especially during school holidays. Action Stations has over 30 interactive hands-on exhibits and there are pushchair parks on site.
18. Where are the toilets?
Toilets are situated in the following areas:
- National Museum of the Royal Navy
- Boathouse 7
- Georgian Tearooms
- Action Stations
- Mary Rose Museum (disabled only)
19. Can you go on the ships?
Yes, a site ticket includes entrance to HMS Victory and HMS Warrior 1860.
20. Is there a picnic area?
There are a number of benches situated throughout the site with two main picnic areas. One is situated alongside HMS Victory and the other is by the Porter’s Garden.
21. Where are the shops?
There are a number of retailers on site including Nauticalia, Mary Rose Shop, Antiques Storehouse and Royal Naval Museum shop. Click here to view our Dockyard Map.
22. Where do I get the harbour tour?
Just opposite the Visitor Centre within Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.
23. Can a senior go on a family ticket?
A family ticket is for a maximum of 2 adults OR 2 seniors plus a maximum of 3 children between the ages of 5 and 15. If you have 4 or more children in your group, additional child tickets will have to be purchased. Students are also not permitted on the family ticket.
24. Can I take photographs during my visit on HMS Victory?
During guided tours it is not possible to accommodate requests for photography during the tour because of time constraints. However when visiting during free flow i.e peak periods, photography is permissible except in certain areas which are highlighted on board.
25. I'm making a model of HMS Victory and want to take pictures and find out more information. How can I do this?
HMS Victory is pleased to offer Special Evening tours between 1730 & 1900 daily. These tours last up to 1½ hours and are tailored to group's individual needs; your personal guide will recreate life onboard an 18th Century 'Man of War' and includes visits to areas of the ship not normally accessible to the public. For ease of movement around the ship large, groups are split into 20 persons per tour.
These tours are subject to availability and must be booked ten working days in advance. Minimum charge £150
To book or for more information please contact Portsmouth Historic Dockyard Advanced Bookings on (023) 92839766.
26. Can I bring my car club to Portmouth Historic Dockyard?
We can arrange for car clubs to come to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. For further details, view general information here and view the zone map here.
27. Is my ticket valid for entry to the new Mary Rose Museum?
No, your ticket must be used by the 31st August 2012 for entrance to the existing museum. A new ticket will be required to visit the new museum.
