With six leading visitor attractions and over 800 years of history, there are hundreds of reasons to visit Portsmouth Historic Dockyard in 2011, here are just 10 to get people started…
1. Anniversaries
Portsmouth’s enduring naval legacy will be highlighted in 2011 when Portsmouth Historic Dockyard celebrates 150 years of the first iron-hulled ship – HMS Warrior 1860; the 100th year of a significant Naval Museum in the Dockyard and 10 years of the family favourite interactive Action Stations. These historic dates will be commemorated throughout the year with a number of themed events and celebrations.
2. Test your own skill
Housed in the magnificent Boathouse Number 6, Action Stations brings the modern Royal Navy directly to visitors of Portsmouth Historic Dockyard with an exciting mix of physical challenges, simulators and technological experiments. Plus a number of interactive and hands-on displays in the Mary Rose Museum and National Museum of the Royal Navy.
3. Get out on the water
Harbour Tours take visitors on a 45 minute journey viewing some of the great naval warships in port as well as a fleet of destroyers, frigates, mine warfare ships and offshore patrol vessels. A Harbour Tour offers fascinating views across the water and the chance to see the dockyard from a different perspective. (Check times before visiting as can be limited during winter).
4. Compelling stories
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is a great place to discover the social history about life onboard and in the wider society; the bravery and heroism of generations of serving personnel and their families and their compelling stories plus their treasured possessions that give an insight into days gone by, as well as the progressive technology that meant Britain led the world.
5. Get creative
A jam packed events programme throughout the year and in particular school holidays, ensures that there is always plenty to keep the kids and their grown-ups entertained. Arts and crafts, hands-on interactive sessions, family trails and insightful talks make Portsmouth Historic Dockyard come to life in a different light.
6. Let the cat out the bag…
And other sayings that have originated from the Royal Navy… a visit to HMS Victory and HMS Warrior 1860 where explorers can learn about the everyday sayings and anecdotes which have fashioned our language for centuries. There will be a few surprises in some of the original meanings!
7. Have a good lunch
With a full day’s visit there is much-needed refreshment available in Costa Coffee, Boathouse No. 7 with a daily changing menu cooked using fresh, local ingredients with a focus on Great British Classics, or the Georgian Tearooms. These are also free to visit without a site ticket to soak up the fantastic surroundings. Picnic areas are also available for visitors.
8. Go for a unique shopping trip
Shops include national marine traditionalist retailer Nauticalia, museum shops and the Antiques Storehouse with stunning and quirky antiques, art and collectables.
9. Discover more at special events
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard offers large scale events each year including the 12th year of the renowned Victorian Festival of Christmas at the end of November. These events are a new way to explore the site with added attractions and activities.
10. Explore at your own leisure
Site tickets for Portsmouth Historic Dockyard are valid for a year with UNLIMITED entry to HMS Warrior 1860, National Museum of the Royal Navy and Action Stations (excludes return on special event days) and valid for ONE entry to HMS Victory, the Mary Rose Museum and Harbour Tours so there is no need to rush around the site, visitors can relax and experience all the Historic Dockyard has to offer in their own way and at their own pace.
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