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Exterior of Action Stations

Action Stations

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Action Stations: Discover two fantastic events spaces in the centre of Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

Housed in an enormous Victorian boathouse overlooking the jetty, Action Stations provides the ideal venue space for people looking for something that little bit different. Having undergone a £14 million pound refurbishment to restore the building, Action Stations is now a modern and versatile space offering a wide range of facilities.

Whether you're looking for a cinematic experience with our auditorium or want a versatile event space suitable for conferences, corporate dinners, meetings, networking events, and showcases, Action Stations is the perfect venue for you. With its large open spaces and enclosed Horizon suite, perfect for breakout areas, Action Stations is an ideal space ready to be transformed to suit all your event needs.

Our events team will guide you through every step of the process, so planning doesn't have to be overwhelming. From the initial enquiry to the last guest's departure, we will provide seamless support to make your experience as stress-free and enjoyable as we can.

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We recommend this venue for:

  • Conferences and meetings
  • Corporate dinners and receptions
  • Private dinners and receptions

Explore our unique spaces

Horizon Suite conference seating

Horizon Suite

Want to host an event where you can make the most of the space? The Horizon Suite is our 1st floor open plan area and a perfect blank canvas ready to be transformed to suit your needs.

With an enclosed dome as a central feature, it is a great choice for corporate dinners, exhibitions, open mic events, product launches, parties, and awards ceremonies.

Capacity: 100 seated 

Auditorium seating with large cinema screen

Auditorium

What makes Action Stations truly unique is our 275-tiered seated auditorium. Perfect for talks, presentations, awards ceremonies, cinema screenings, and more.

Our newly refurbished lighting and audio equipment, installed in 2023, offers you the ultimate wide screen, state-of-the-art experience.

Capacity: 275 seated

Laser Quest 2

Team building

Make the most of your corporate event and check out our team building extras. Race colleagues to the top of our 27ft climbing tower. With a built-in LCD timer and differing degrees of difficulty available, the climbing wall is a great option for any ability. 

Afraid of heights? Go against colleagues in our Laser Quest experience instead. Set in a pirate stronghold and hijacked container ship within Action Stations, each session lasts 20 minutes and creates the perfect extra for your team away day experience.

Digital Walkthrough of Action Stations

See how Action Stations could look for your next event with our interactive 360° walkthrough.

Capacity

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

     Action Stations

 
standing

Standing

 
seated

Seated


     Auditorium
            

- 275


     Horizon Suite
 

100 100

FAQs

For both spaces - From £2,400

Auditorium only - From £1,800 

Horizon suite only - From £1,500

Laser quest and climbing wall add ons - POA (Each game play lasts 20 mins, and max 22 players per game)

The hire fee includes exclusive use of the agreed spaces, a dedicated Event Manager, security, cleaning, tables and chairs, some venues have additional equipment such as lighting and sound that your Event Manager will outline in your proposal. 

Our historic venues are very delicate due to their age and structure, requiring continuous conservation, therefore we ask that you work with our approved event suppliers who are experts in their field and know our venues as well as we do.

You will find details of our recommended decor specialists and florists in our Preferred Supplier List. For low key small decorative items, please discuss this with your Event Manager who will be able to advise further. Please note that helium balloons, confetti, dry ice, sparklers and candles are not permitted in our heritage buildings. We do however welcome alternative battery powered candles.

By car: 

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is just off junction 12 of the M27, follow the brown and white signs to ‘Historic Dockyard’ which will lead you to our official car park which is located only 400 yards from the entrance at Victory Gate. If this car park is full there are others within close proximity at Gunwharf Quays and Havant Street. 

If using a satnav device, please use the postcode PO1 3 LJ.  

Public transport: 

The nearest train station is Portsmouth Harbour, and then it is a 5 minute walk to Victory Gate 

We are able to offer discounted group tickets to one or all of our attractions at Portsmouth and Gosport to be part of your hire. If you'd like to add this option to your booking, then please discuss this with your Event Manager who will be able to help build you a bespoke offer.

We welcome all guests to our venue spaces and we have tried to make it as safe as possible. However, some of our spaces are historic buildings and ships, and we know that there can be challenges for some guests.

For those who believe they will be limited, please discuss any accessibility requirements with your Event Manager who will be able to advise and we can provide on-site additional support if needed.

 

Discover our hand-picked suppliers

Each of our venues works with a select range of trusted, high-quality suppliers who understand how to protect our heritage venues and historic vessels, leaving you to relax and enjoy your bespoke occasion.

From caterers and cake makers, to musicians and décor specialists,  work directly with our suppliers to build a unique package for you and your event.

Recommended Supplier List

Thank you

By choosing to host your event with us, you are doing more than just booking a uniquely memorable venue. You are actively contributing to the conservation of Britain’s naval heritage.  

The National Museum of the Royal Navy is a charitable organisation, and all profit generated via venue hire is reinvested so that we can continue to preserve and improve our iconic ships, aircraft and submarines as well as our treasured collections and historic buildings for the general public to enjoy.

Exterior shot of Action Stations entrance

Contact us to start planning your event

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