Historic dockyard

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is home to three world famous ships, HMS Victory, HMS Warrior 1860 and the Henry VIII's warship The Mary Rose. Each one has a special heritage and links with Portsmouth. They are set against a stunning backdrop of historic buildings and landmarks.

HMS Victory is the world’s oldest commissioned warship, testament to Portsmouth’s longstanding status as the heart of the Navy.  Admiral Nelson led the fleet, on board Victory, at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805 – a momentous moment in naval history, . She has been at her home, No.2 dock, since 1922. The Trafalgar Sail, pockmarked by some 90 shot holes, is now on display and pays testimony to the battle’s intensity.

HMS Warrior 1860, pride of Queen Victoria’s Navy, has been part of the Historic Dockyard since 1987. When she was built, she was famed as the best warship on the world seas, demonstrating Britain’s naval prowess. She provides visitors and eager schoolchildren with an insight into life on a Victorian ship.

The Mary Rose is the only surviving 16th century warship in the world. Always a favourite of King Henry VIII, she sank off Portsmouth in 1545 before being raised in 1982, to an audience of over 60 million. With the 25th anniversary of her raising occurring this year, Gosport based Oakleaf Brewery has created a new beer in commemoration! It will also help to raise money for the continued conservation of the Mary Rose and there are plans to build a new museum to house the rich collection of Tudor artefacts alongside the hull.

Alongside the historic ships is the Royal Naval Museum, one of the country’s leading maritime museums.  Its Nelson Gallery features one of the best collections of Nelson material in the world and the galleries devoted to the 20th century Navy focus on the changing face of the senior service from the launch of the Dreadnought to the Falklands War.

The most recent attraction to open is Action Stations, an interactive visitor attraction featuring simulators that test visitors’ bravery, skill, strength and brain power plus the tallest indoor climbing tower in the UK.

In the decade to come, Portsmouth will see some of the world’s most advanced warships make their home beside these three great historic ships and museums, taking their place amongst a rich national and global heritage.