National Museum of the Royal Navy at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

The National Museum of the Royal Navy, in Portsmouth's Historic Dockyard, is one of Britain’s oldest maritime museums. The Museum’s mission is to preserve and present the history of the 'Fleet' - the ships and the men and women who manned them. The National Museum of the Royal Navy is one of the world’s leading maritime museums. Dates, images and artefacts tell us about events. The real drama is in the experiences of the men and women who were there. The funeral barge that brought Nelson’s body up the Thames after Trafalgar reminds visitors that he was human. So were the men who served under him in the harsh days of sail – and the slaves in the trade the Royal Navy helped to abolish. Explorers can hear their stories and enter their world where the past is closer than they think.

Additional info

ACCESSIBILITY:
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 the Historic Dockyard Coach and Car Park, Boathouse No.7, Victory Arena and the National Museum of the Royal Navy.

Wheelchairs are available free of charge from the Visitor Centre, Mary Rose, HMS Warrior 1860 and National Museum of the Royal Navy. Please call 02392 839766 for further information.

EDUCATION: A visit to HMS VICTORY and the NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE ROYAL NAVY includes a 40 minute guided tour of the ship conducted by professional guides, followed by a visit to the Tafalgar Experience and the extensive galleries of the museum. For planning purposes allow at least two hours for your tour and museum visit (Self-guided tours will operate in peak periods. Please contact 02392 839766 for further details). During the guided tour your group will be able to find out about Admiral Lord Nelson, the Battle of Trafalgar, gun drills, life on board the ship, food and discipline and the social conditions of the Georgian Navy.

There are regular lecture events, activity days and a special programme for Key Stage 1 children, titled 'Sailor's Home'. This programme encourages children to interact with HMS VICTORY, and through the handling of replica objects, find out about some of the people who lived and worked onboard the ship and of Nelson as a significant individual.

Conference facilities are available.

Collection details

Archaeology, Archives, Coins and Medals, Costume and Textiles, Decorative and Applied Art, Fine Art, Land Transport, Maritime, Personalities, Photography, Social History, Weapons and War