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| Visitor Centre 2017 |
I consider the Historic Dockyard at Portsmouth to be an outstanding experience and good value. You will need a few days to enjoy the many attractions.
Because there are so many attractions, I recommend viewing the website and planning a visit. I also suggest the harbour tour early on to get an overview with commentary. Sit on the starboard side for most of the commentary.
Here's a brief videoclip of the harbour tour.
Because there are so many things to see, I will review them separately. A few highlights in 2017 included HMS Warrior, HMS Victory, Mary Rose, and HMS Alliance.
Other museums and experiences are worth a visit so plan on a few days.
Video of boating in front of Action Stations, which is Boathouse 6.
Tips and Suggestions
The multiple attractions ticket purchased online is the best value. I got mine on the morning of the first day. Show the confirmation email to collect the ticket and keep it handy to show at each attraction. There is a shorter line for returning visitors.
Toilets are in building 7 and elsewhere but not in the Visitors Centre.
There are several restaurants or cafes in the different attractions as well as places for a picnic.
The gift shops offer both educational and other souvenirs-- some made outside the UK.
The dockyards are family friendly with many activities for children. I saw a number of care providers/ parents and children interacting. Some locations even had board games.
A few activities might scare young children e.g. blood, amputations, explosions.
Photos are permitted in most places but flash is often not permitted.
Some attractions require bending over to enter or negotiate small spaces e.g., in Submarines.
See the Historic Dockyard website for details.
