See History In The Making
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HMS Victory is entering one of the most important chapters in her conservation story.
As part of the £42m The Big Repair, Victory’s remaining masts and bowsprit have been carefully removed by our specialist team using a 750-tonne crane. It is the first time since the early 1890s that Nelson’s flagship has stood without all her masts.
This is conservation on a scale few people will ever witness. And you can see it for yourself.
HMS Victory remains open throughout the work, giving you the chance to step aboard, walk her decks and discover the story of Nelson, Trafalgar and the Royal Navy while her future is being secured around you.
From summer 2026, new viewing points at the stern will open up fresh perspectives on the conservation work, bringing you closer to areas of the ship most visitors have never seen before.
This is not just a visit to HMS Victory. It is a chance to see history in the making.
A ticket to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard includes access to HMS Victory, alongside multiple attractions across the site. Make a day of it: visit the Victory Gallery to explore the ship’s full story and discover the Nelson’s Letters exhibition for a glimpse into his extraordinary life and see Britain’s most famous ship at a defining moment in her conservation.