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HMS Victory stern

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard Schools Programme

Arrange a visit

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is delighted to offer its programme of interactive learning opportunities and resources to enthuse and inspire learners of all ages and abilities. Using our world-class ships, collections, expertise and facilities, our programmes provide unique and unforgettable learning experiences. Our site-based activities combine inspiring hands-on experiences with innovative digital resources to bring subjects to life. 

 

 

 

Discovery Visits

A teacher led self -guided visit to HMS Victory, HMS Warrior, the Mary Rose or HMS M33.  We are excited to be able to offer you a choice of Discovery Visit combined with new Discovery Challenge pack for pupils and included teacher trail to support your visit. 

You can tailor your school visit to suit your curriculum, visiting multiple attractions under the same ticket. And in addition, a visit to the National Museum of the Royal Navy galleries is included with any UK school visit booked. 

Discover More

Teachers can book this enhanced visit which includes a choice of Discovery Visit plus the choice of themed Discover More activity chest. Inside each Discovery Chest are suggested activities and resources designed to encourage pupil led enquiry to answer key topic questions; linking hands on learning with the gallery space.

Themes to choose from include:

  • Lord Nelson
  • HMS Victory
  • Second World War 

 

Planning and booking your school visit

To make your school booking, please complete the booking request form here: https://www.nmrn.org.uk/learn/booking-request-form  

UK school visits are required to be booked at least 7 days in advance. 

To qualify for a UK school rate, a group must consist of a minimum of 12 paying persons 

All school tickets are valid for one day only 

Attractions to choose from are: HMS Victory, HMS Warrior, Mary Rose and HMS M33. The National Museum of the Royal Navy galleries are included for all UK school visits. The Harbour Tour is only available as part of the Ultimate Explorer ticket which gives access to all our attractions. 

Visit TypePrice

Discovery Visit - KS1 - 5 

One Attraction £5 per pupil
Two Attractions£8 per pupil
Ultimate Explorer£12 per pupil

Discover More Visit - KS1 - 3

One Attraction£6 per pupil
Two Attractions£9 per pupil
Ultimate Explorer£13 per pupil

Free adults are given at a ratio of 1 to every 5 pupils 

Required minimum ratios: 

  • KS1 1 free adult per 5 pupils  
  • KS2 – KS4 1 free adult per 12 pupils 
  • KS5 1 free adult per 15 pupils 

All school tickets are valid for one day only.  

An indoor area is available in Boathouse 7 for groups with packed lunches. As space is limited booking is required.   

Food and drink is not allowed anywhere in the museum other than in the dedicated lunch room. 

There are no facilities on site to store lunch boxes.

For full details about accessibility, please visit our dedicated page here: https://www.nmrn.org.uk/visit-us/portsmouth-historic-dockyard  

The site and all activities are fully risk assessed and subject to safeguarding and health and safety policies. For further guidance around facilities at our site can be found in the below document: 

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard offers a range of options for schools and pupils with special educational requirements. Please email phd.learning@nmrn.org.uk for further information. 

We strongly advise a preliminary visit in order to familiarise yourself with the site and complete risk assessment paperwork. For groups already booked you will need to bring the booking reference as proof. On arrival you will issued with up to 3 adult tickets or at weekends and holidays 1 family ticket. For groups that haven’t yet booked only 1 ticket will be available for the school. 

Our maximum number for a Discovery Visit is 300 students. Our maximum number for a Discover More visit is approx. 90 students.  

The recommended visit length for each of our attractions is between 60 and 90 minutes. For a Discover More visit, you have access to your chosen Discovery activity chest for the day so you can tailor the length of the visit to suit your requirements. 

We offer free access to supervising staff members during your visit, with ratios relevant to the age of your group (found within the ‘prices’ section). We do ask that large groups divide into smaller groups to move around our attractions and gallery spaces to avoid overcrowding.  

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is located within Portsmouth Naval Base, Portsmouth, PO1 3LJ with entry through Victory Gate at the corner of Queen Street. 

A Drop off/pick up point on Queen Street and off-site coach parking facilities provided by Portsmouth City Council can be arranged at time of booking. Price is £7.50 per coach or minibus 

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, Visitor’s Centre, Victory Gate, HM Naval Base, PO1 3LJ 

Victory Live 6

Book Your Visit

Plan your unforgettable group or school visit! Our dedicated Groups & Schools office is ready to assist you. They can help and answer any questions. 

Contact them Monday-Friday, 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM to secure your spot.  

Keep up to date

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