About National Museum of the Royal Navy
The National Museum of the Royal Navy Portsmouth is a collection of maritime history and artefacts located in Portsmouth, England. The museum tells the story of the Royal Navy, from its early beginnings to its modern-day operations, through interactive exhibits, films, and collections of artefacts and art. Visitors can explore the history of the Navy through exhibits on famous ships such as HMS Victory and HMS Warrior, as well as learn about the lives of sailors and the impact of the Navy on British society. The museum also offers a variety of activities and events for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re a history buff or just curious about the Royal Navy, the National Museum of the Royal Navy Portsmouth offers an engaging and informative experience.
Notable exhibits
The National Museum of the Royal Navy Portsmouth features a variety of notable exhibits that showcase the history and artefacts of the Royal Navy. Some of the most popular exhibits include:
- "HMS Victory": This exhibit features the famous ship that was commanded by Lord Nelson during the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. Visitors can explore the decks and cabins of the ship and learn about the crew's daily life aboard the ship.
- "HMS Warrior": This exhibit features the first iron-hulled warship, launched in 1860 and considered a technological marvel of her time.
- "The Mary Rose": This exhibit features the remains of the ship that sank in 1545 and was raised from the seabed in 1982. Visitors can see the ship's timbers and artefacts recovered from the wreck, including weapons, tools, and personal items of the crew.
- "Portsmouth Harbour": This exhibit provides an interactive experience that simulates the naval base and its history, where visitors can discover the different areas of the base and learn about the different ships and submarines that have been based there throughout history.
- "People's Navy": This exhibit explores the impact of the Royal Navy on British society, including the role of women and minorities in the Navy and the impact of the Navy on British culture.
These are some of the notable exhibits at the National Museum of the Royal Navy Portsmouth, which also features a variety of other exhibits and artefacts that tell the story of the Navy and its impact on history.
Food & drink
The National Museum of the Royal Navy Portsmouth offers a range of food and drink options for visitors.
- The "Victualling Yard Café" is the main café in the museum, which serves a variety of hot and cold meals, snacks, and drinks. The café also offers outdoor seating and views of the historic Portsmouth Harbour.
- The "Gunwharf Quays" is a food court that offers a variety of options for visitors, including fast food, sandwiches, and ice cream.
- The "The Victory Bar" is a pub that serves a variety of beers, wines, and spirits, as well as traditional pub food such as fish and chips.
- You can also find vending machines with snacks and drinks throughout the museum.
Length of visit
The length of a visit to the National Museum of the Royal Navy Portsmouth can vary depending on personal interests and the amount of time available. On average, visitors typically spend between 2-3 hours exploring the museum's exhibits and artefacts, but it's not uncommon for some to spend even longer.
The museum features a variety of exhibits and activities that can take some time to explore, such as the interactive exhibits on HMS Victory and HMS Warrior, the Mary Rose and the Portsmouth Harbour exhibits. Some visitors may also want to take their time viewing the art collection and reading the information panels throughout the museum.
Additionally, the museum offers a variety of events, talks, and guided tours that can add to the length of a visit. Visitors who are interested in specific aspects of the museum or want to learn more about a particular topic may want to consider joining a guided tour or attending a talk or event.
If you're pressed for time, you can still get a good overview of the museum in 1 hour, but I would recommend allowing at least 2-3 hours to fully enjoy and appreciate the museum's offerings.
Hints & tips
Here are some tips for visitors to the National Museum of the Royal Navy Portsmouth:
- Plan ahead: Before visiting the museum, it's a good idea to check the website for information on current exhibitions, special events, and any temporary closures or changes to the regular opening hours.
- Wear comfortable shoes: The museum is quite large and has several levels, so comfortable shoes are recommended.
- Allow enough time: As I mentioned before, the museum features a variety of exhibits and activities that can take some time to explore, so it's best to allow at least 2-3 hours for a visit.
- Guided tours: Guided tours are a great way to learn more about the museum and its exhibits. They are offered at specific times, and the schedule can be found on the official website.
- Audio guides: audio guides are also available in several languages, they can provide additional information and context for the exhibits.
- Take a break: The museum has several places to sit and rest, such as the café, where you can enjoy a drink or a snack.
- Photography: Some areas of the museum allows photography, but please check the rules and regulations before taking photos, as some areas may be restricted.
- Accessibility: The museum is fully accessible for visitors with disabilities, with ramps, lifts and accessible toilets.
- Safety measures: The museum may have some safety measures in place to protect visitors and staff, such as social distancing guidelines, face covering requirements, and capacity limits. Please check the official website or contact the museum directly for the most up-to-date information on these measures.
By following these tips, you can make the most of your visit to the National Museum of the Royal Navy Portsmouth and have a fun and informative experience.
Travel Directions
The National Museum of the Royal Navy Portsmouth is located at:
HM Naval Base (PP66), Portsmouth PO1 3LJ, United Kingdom
It is located in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, which is a working naval base and home to several historic ships and other attractions. The dockyard is easily accessible by car, public transportation, and on foot.
By Car: There are several parking options available at the dockyard, including a car park located near the museum.
By Public Transportation: The dockyard is accessible by train, bus, and ferry. The nearest train station is Portsmouth Harbour, which is a short walk from the dockyard. Bus routes also serve the dockyard, and the ferry service connects Portsmouth with the Isle of Wight.
By Foot: The dockyard is also accessible on foot, with several pedestrian routes leading to the museum from the city center.
It's recommended to check the official website or contact the museum directly for the most up-to-date information on how to get there.
