Visitors FAQ

1. How much are tickets?

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, Flagship Portsmouth trust 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?

During off-peak periods guided tours of HMS Victory are available.  These cannot be pre-booked and must be booked on your arrival at the Visitor Centre. During times when guided tours are operating, if you wish to visit the ship you will be allocated a slot to be taken round in groups of around 30 by experienced guides. The tour takes approximately 50 minutes.

Please note that demand is very high for these and they cannot be guaranteed so please do try to arrive as early as possible. There is no 'free-flow' alternative available during guided tours.

During our peak period visiting HMS Victory is on a 'free-flow' basis, when visits are unguided but our experienced guides are stationed around the ship to answer any questions you may have.

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)?

HMS Victory & the Royal Naval Museum is FREE for the pass holder and their immediate family (spouses, live-in partners & children). When guided tours are running, timed tickets need to be collected from the Visitor Centre and are only available on a first come, first served basis. Please be aware guided tours can get booked up very quickly and all visitors are advised to arrive early and book their timed slot in the Visitor Centre to avoid disappointment. Personnel wishing to take advantage of this offer will be asked to produce Military ID at the Visitor Centre where they will be issued with a complimentary ticket. It is essential that personnel go to the Visitor Centre on arrival rather than boarding the ship directly. Please note this offer is not valid for special events (e.g. A Victorian Festival of Christmas).

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 can be used as part or full payment for an all-inclusive ticket to all attractions OR a single ticket for Action Stations only.

11. I am looking for historical information, can you help?

Yes we can. The best thing to do is contact the Royal Naval Museum 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?

Click here to find out about facilities for disabled visitors.

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. (Providing you have purchased an all-inclusive ticket. 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? What other forms of public transport are nearby?

The nearest train station is ‘Portsmouth Harbour’ which is situated within walking distance of Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.
There is also a bus & coach depot just outside the train station and ferry services operate from France, Spain, the Isle of Wight and Gosport on a regular basis.

For more information click here.

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:

  • Royal Naval Museum
  • Boathouse 7
  • Georgian Tearooms
  • Action Stations
  • Mary Rose Museum (disabled only)

19. Can you go on the ships?

Yes, an all-inclusive ticket includes entrance to HMS Victory, 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. If you have 4 or more children in your group, additional child tickets will have to be purchased.

24. 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.

25. 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.